Let’s Be Honest about Why You Are a Christian or a Muslim: Your Forebears Murdered Their Way into Your Mind (Richard Carrier blog)

Christianity, as with all religions, started in one tiny place, when the rest of the Earth was populated by a wildly marvelous diversity of religious beliefs—and yet, curiously enough, the concept of warfare over religious differences was virtually nonexistent. Most people in ancient times believed it was proper to respect the gods of other peoples. This changed on a global scale when Christianity was spread, quite literally, by the sword. Those who attempted to assert their religious differences were harassed, tortured, robbed of their land and belongings, even killed. Before it achieved political power, Christianity was a small sect, a heresy against the Jewish faith, that had to accept equality among all the other religions of the Roman Empire. Yet it was the first religion to openly attack the religions of other people as false (the Jews, at least, were a little more tactful). Needless to say, Christianity only truly flourished when it had the ability to eliminate the competition—when it had the full support of Rome’s Emperors after 313 A.D., and when, in 395 A.D., every religion other than Christianity was actually outlawed...

It is not a coincidence that the two most widespread religions in the world today are the most warlike and intolerant religions in history...

So why are convictions still so strong when it comes to the certainty of such amazing claims as God and heaven or the miracles of Jesus? Though theologians still answer this question with the claim that it is evidence of their truth and God’s grace in the world, the real answer is that many are essentially afraid not to believe, a fear whose encouragement is built into each religion itself—as we saw, for example, in the quotations from scripture above. Besides threats of hell, we face an almost insurmountable degree of peer pressure when it comes to our religious convictions. Some still say to themselves that if everyone else believes it, it must be true. After all, how could so many people be that crazy or misguided? Some might jokingly call this the “lemming” effect, but it is no small force in society. Ask yourself how often you have held a serious critical discussion about the reasons and evidence supporting your beliefs. If you think about it carefully you might realize that the support for some of your beliefs is so vague or weak that the same reasons and experiences could just as easily support any religion on earth, including voodoo and alien mind control...

In the final analysis, the only reason you or anyone today is a Christian or a Muslim is because your forebears murdered their way into your mind. Had Christianity and Islam behaved peacefully and with tolerance and acceptance, and taught rather than threatened, abused, and poisoned to crush and displace its competitors and dominate society like an abusive tyrant, no empire would ever have been Christian or Islamic. The religions you would find familiar and socially accepted and providing of all the things you want, from answers to community, kindness and honesty, would be tolerant heathen pantheons. There might still have been corruption and villainy, but it wouldn’t have been the norm, and it would more freely and easily have been called out and diminished...

Christianity and Islam cannot survive true religious freedom because they only exist today because of their core DNA of religious oppression. By violently colonizing the globe, Christianity colonized your mind. You are only a Christian or a Muslim because of mass global murder. Not because of evidence, utility, or wisdom... 

https://www.richardcarrier.info/archives/43391

Happy Easter Here’s a War Crime (Andrew Seidel; One Nation, Indivisible podcast Episode #057)

Has there been a bigger news week? 

Trump threatens to commit war crimes on Easter morning, but even before that, it was insane. 

The Supreme Court just made American healthcare worse, while a California jury may have made social media much better. 

The next Citizens United is averted, a Ten Commandments monument in Arkansas falls after a decade, and Trump stupidly goes to the Supreme Court in real life. 

Plus, Noem’s bimbofication scandal, Bondi is out, JD doesn’t know what church he attends, and Paula White thinks Trump is Jesus. And, oh yeah, we’re going back to the moon.

Interview: 

https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-43yca-2c9e8dea

Conversion Therapy (Dan Barker and Annie Laurie Gaylor, Freethought Radio podcast)

Attorney Sam Grover describes FFRF’s court victory demanding the removal of the Ten Commandments from the Arkansas capitol. Then, activist Lucas F. W. Wilson, a survivor of “conversion therapy,” discusses his book Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy.

Interview: 

https://ffrf.org/news/freethought-radio/freethought-today-april-2-2026/

History Minute (078): Anti-Catholic Klan

The Ku Klux Klan was (and is) expressly anti-Catholic.

“The Klan asserted that it upheld ‘Protestantism and progress; not Catholicism and implicit submission to any foreign desecrating demigod’[i.e., the pope].”

Excerpt from:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21567689.2020.1809384

History Minute (075): KKK, White Supremacy, domestic terrorism

The Ku Klux Klan and other terrorist groups were organized by the southern white oligarchy, leveraging their economic power to persuade politicians to vote for business legislation that favored white supremacy. Constitutional Amendments and laws calling for equal treatment were rendered meaningless in the face of actual and threatened violence that began almost immediately after the war ended.

• May 1866 in Memphis, Tennessee: 46 Black men, mostly veterans of the Union army, and 2 White sympathizers were murdered by rampaging Whites, and 5 women were raped. 90 homes, 12 schools, and 4 churches were burned.
• Summer 1866 in New Orleans: A riot against Blacks resulted in the deaths of 35 Blacks and 3 Whites. 
• Between 1867 and 1871 in Kentucky: 116 acts of violence including:
• multiple men hung after being taken by mobs
• a disguised mob beats a 60 year-old.
• killings by Ku Klux Klan
• 1875: Mississippi Senator and former enslaved person, Charles Caldwell, was shot by a White gang.

Read more! 

A People's History of the United States 

Howard Zinn 

Get your copy — Support your local bookstores by shopping Bookshop.org — https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-people-s-history-of-the-united-states-1492-to-present-revised-and-updated-edition-howard-zinn/7e243f9bc6464a2e?ean=9780062397348&next=t 

 — or — 

find it at Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-peoples-history-of-the-united-states/id1046889377

Turning Point USA Is Basically the Klan (Drew McCoy, Genetically Modified Skeptic on YouTube)

Bryce Crawford interviewed the Klan leader -- who's also a Christian minister -- and thinks he's nice.

Be aware of the talking points of KKK / White Supremacy / Christian Nationalists. Understand their racist roots and distortion of science and history. Know how to respond.

Interview: 

https://youtu.be/idw4zQiV4ao?si=LN9pncnpwYKdB8XW

"You Can't Tell A Good Story Without Bad Guys" (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast) It's in the Code ep 175

Josh Hawley offers us a story about men, masculinity, and American society. 

But his patriarchal vision, with its appeals to Rome and medieval Christendom, is not a popular story—it's not a story that most Americans are eager to hear. 

So how does Hawley try to make that story more attractive? How does he make it feel more inviting and reasonable? 

He does it the same way other storytellers might—he creates antagonists that an audience will hate and fear. Check out this week's episode to hear more.

Interview: 

https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/episodes/its-in-the-code-ep-175-you-cant-tell-a-good-story-without-bad-guys?hsLang=en

The Gospel of Deportation: Why Christian Nationalists Love ICE (Reign of Error Pilot Episode) (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast)

In this special episode of Straight White American Jesus, Brad introduces Reign of Error, a new investigative series hosted by journalist Sarah Posner. The pilot episode, titled "The Gospel of Deportation: Why Christian Nationalists Love ICE," sets the tone for the series by examining how Christian nationalist theology is shaping immigration policy, public rhetoric, and the use of state power. Brad joins Sarah to frame the project's goals and to unpack why immigration enforcement has become such a powerful site for religious symbolism, moral certainty, and political violence in the Trump era.

The conversation explores how biblical language, evangelical identity, and nationalist mythmaking are used to justify mass deportations, expanded ICE authority, and the erosion of civil liberties. Brad and Sarah trace these narratives through current events, media spectacle, and political leadership, showing how religious certainty is weaponized against vulnerable communities while distracting from broader policy failures. The episode also offers moments of clarity and resistance, highlighting court challenges, community organizing, and the importance of sustained public engagement.
Interview: 

https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/episodes/the-gospel-of-deportation-why-christian-nationalists-love-ice-reign-of-error-pilot-episode?hsLang=en

The Growing Power and Influence of White Supremacy in America (Dave Davies: Fresh Air podcast)

American Reich author details a national surge in bigotry and white supremacy.

Journalist Eric Lichtblau says President Trump's incendiary rhetoric has stoked a "new age of hate." His book centers on a murder committed by a young neo-Nazi in Orange County, Calif.
Interview: 

https://www.npr.org/2026/01/07/nx-s1-5669386/american-reich-author-details-a-national-surge-in-bigotry-and-white-supremacy

This Racist Video Fooled Millions — Here’s the Truth (Find Out podcast on YouTube)

In this episode of Find Out, we’re joined by civil rights attorney Qasim Rashid to tear apart a right-wing propaganda video designed to inflame fear, spread disinformation, and turn an immigrant community into a political weapon. We break down how the video was engineered, why its claims about “fraud” and “crime” collapse under even basic scrutiny, and how MAGA influencers knowingly push false narratives because outrage is profitable.

This isn’t about “free speech.” It’s about clicks, clout, and cash — and the deliberate use of racism to drive all three.

If you’ve ever wondered how viral lies are built, why they spread so fast, and who benefits when the truth gets buried, this episode lays it all bare.

👇 Watch, share, and don’t let disinformation win.

Interview: 

https://youtu.be/vjclxu-CdMY?si=ubc_jWAaTFxqQdk8

John Fugelsang on weaponized religion fueling Christian nationalism | Freethought Radio: In Studio

FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker introduce highlights from actor and comedian John Fugelsang's speech at the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s annual convention. Fugelsang offers some hilarious yet important reflections on the rise of Christian nationalism in America and how many believers have misused the Bible for political power. 

• Watch John Fugelsang's full speech: John Fugelsang: Separation of Church and Hate
• Learn more about the Freedom From Religion Foundation at https://ffrf.org/

Interview: 

https://youtu.be/i9aBXGhEgo4?si=kqVdK8JFK2nxt056

How Democrats Can Win Gen Z Men Back (Find Out podcast)

‪@0liviajulianna‬ has never been afraid to speak her mind — and it’s made her one of the most influential young activists in America. She joins us to talk about how Gen Z is organizing online and off, what it takes to stand up to right-wing hate in real time, and why she still believes in the power of digital activism to drive real change.

Also discussion of the recently disclosed text messages revealing white supremacist and nazi content among Republicans, young and adults.

This is a conversation about courage, strategy, and the next generation of leadership in America.
Interview: 

https://youtu.be/tWJMz4AVRPk?si=Hzzu-orhOFgt7jeU

Inside Charlie Kirk’s Memorial: A Deep Dive into Christian Nationalism and Political Polarization (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast)

In this episode, we explore the recent memorial service for Charlie Kirk, which turned into a significant event for Christian nationalists. 

We delve into the themes of American identity fused with Christian practice, the hagiographic portrayal of Charlie Kirk, and the reaction of various political and religious figures. From the involvement of Trump and his administration to the divisive rhetoric of speakers like Stephen Miller and Tucker Carlson, this episode highlights the ongoing struggle between different visions of American Christianity and nationalism. We also touch upon the contrasting views on forgiveness vs. hatred within the MAGA movement and the broader implications for the nation. 

00:00 Introduction to Charlie Kirk’s Memorial 

00:44 Defining Christian Nationalism 

01:25 Hagiography of Charlie Kirk 

05:09 The Saint of MAGA Nation 

08:26 Forgiveness and Vengeance 

16:46 Christian Nationalism vs. Big Evangelicalism 

23:13 Stephen Miller’s Speech and Its Implications 

28:42 Tucker Carlson’s Controversial Remarks 

39:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Interview: 

https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/episodes/inside-charlie-kirks-memorial-a-deep-dive-into-christian-nationalism-and-political-polarization/

James Dobson Is Finally Dead (Hemant Mehta and Jessica Bluemke, The Friendly Atheist podast #598)

— James Dobson, an architect of evangelical Christian cruelty, is finally dead at 89. (1:50)

— The Jehovah’s Witnesses now say college is OK… after decades of saying the opposite. (31:10)

— Republican congressional candidate torches Qur’an in hate-fueled campaign ad. (49:00)

— Federal judge strikes down Minnesota’s sensible “faith statement” ban for PSEO schools. (1:00:49)

— Federal judge dismantles Ryan Walters’ frivolous lawsuit against atheist group. (1:17:35)
Interview: 

https://friendlyatheistpodcast.com/2025/08/28/james-dobson-is-finally-dead/

In Minneapolis shooting, an increasingly familiar pattern of violent extremism : NPR

But there are also numerous references to extremist movements on the right. Among the scrawls on the weaponry are mentions of Waco, a standoff in Texas between the federal government and a religious group that ended in the deaths of dozens of people, including children. Also referenced in the materials are the Weavers, the family at the center of the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff in Idaho. Both of those events have long animated far-right antigovernment and militia sentiments.

The materials are filled with callbacks to neo-Nazi and violent white supremacist killers. Particularly influential, it seems, is a 2019 mass shooting in New Zealand, where a violent white supremacist and Islamophobe killed 51 people at two mosques. But also, in the notebook, the names of several 9/11 hijackers are listed along with other mass killers whom Westman apparently emulated...

https://www.npr.org/2025/08/29/nx-s1-5522038/minneapolis-shooting-motive

Alt Reich: The Network War Within (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast)

Brad interviews Dr. Nafeez Ahmed, author of Alt Reich, about the historical and contemporary roots of fascism and white supremacy in Western politics. They discuss the evolution of far-right ideologies from the 1930s to the present, the influence of eugenics and organizations like the Pioneer Fund and Heritage Foundation, and the mainstreaming of racist ideas in both the US and UK.

The conversation highlights the cyclical nature of political disillusionment, the dangers of extremist groups gaining power, and the role of key figures like Steven Miller and Curtis Yarvin in shaping current policy and rhetoric.

Alt Reich book: https://www.nafeezahmed.net/
Interview: 

https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/episodes/alt-reich-the-network-war-within/

Political Violence and Secular Government in Minnesota, with Senator John Marty (Andrew Seidel; One Nation, Indivisible podcast Episode #018)

Andrew interviews Minnesota Senator John Marty about the assassination of Speaker and state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted assassination of Democratic State Senator John Hoffman, and his wife Yvette. 

But first, Andrew and Sen. Marty discuss all the amazing work the MN Secular Government Caucus is doing in that state. 

To wrap up, Andrew looks at:

• the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care, 
• Trump’s grift with his Lee Greenwood Bible, and 
• the handcuffing of Senator Padilla and 
• ICE arresting NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander.

Interview: 

https://onenationindivisible.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/feed_items/513121

Heather McGhee on Trump’s Wars on DEI and Immigration (Al Franken podcast)

The Trump administration is waging war on DEI. But what does that mean? We ask one of our favorite guests, Heather McGhee, to break down how and why DEI has become such a focus for Trump and his allies. Heather wrote the groundbreaking book The Sum of Us and is an expert in economic and social policy. She explains that diversity is the backbone of America and that it’s unquestionably better for everyone when we embrace more diverse voices.

We also discuss the appalling ICE raids in Los Angeles and around the country and the economic and moral impact of the war on immigrants. Heather sees many parallels between this and the disgusting actions of segregationists, who chose to fill in and close public pools rather than let everybody have access to them.

Read more about Heather: https://heathermcghee.com/

Interview: 

https://www.alfranken.com/listen/heathermcghee250615

“Queers Need Not Apply” (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast, Ep #132) (It's In the Code)

Why is there no acknowledgement of queer identity or expression within the sex/gender ideology of conservative high-control Christianity? What does this tell us about how queerness is understood within this subculture? And why is queer identity simultaneously denied and perceived as an existential threat? Check out this week’s episode to hear what Dan has to say.

Interview: 

https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/episodes/its-in-the-code-ep-132-queers-need-not-apply/

Weekly Roundup: Trump’s Cabinet Picks Are Designed to Destroy America (Bradley Onishi and Daniel Miller; Straight White American Jesus podcast)

Brad and Dan critically analyze the backgrounds and motives of various Trump appointees, arguing that their nominations are part of a broader agenda to dismantle the progress of the 20th century and consolidate power. They also explore how hyperbolic threats and trans panic are used to manipulate public opinion and political outcomes, comparing this to historical geopolitical strategies.

Interview: 

https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/episodes/weekly-roundup-trumps-cabinet-picks-are-designed-to-destroy-america/