[irrelig]In this episode we talk to John Loftus, atheist extraordinaire, author of “Why I Became an Atheist” and editor of “The Christian Delusion” and now “The End of Christianity” anthologies. We discuss Loftus’s trip from believer to atheist, his encounters with theists, and his “Outsider Test for Faith.”
With this episode, we’re going to start our Halloween hiatus early this year — but given the pace of the episodes thus far, I wonder if anyone will notice.
29 Responses to “108: John Loftus”
Awesome! John’s books are worth their weight in gold. Sadly, most religious people are not as likely to read them unless they go to one of the few seminaries that use his books. Thanks for getting him on the program.
Chris
Fuck you guys. I don’t even have a comment. Just fuck you.
Return of Robo-Chuck! =D
Really? Halloween already? Why don’t you just hand over the keys to Joemma.
Are there any other podcasts worth listening to while these guys on on their August-November Halloween break?
Listening to other podcasts? Heresy!
Yea!!! My life once again has meaning!
Good timing on this episode! I just finished a book I was reading and found I already had “The Christian Delusion” on my own kindle! Though I can’t figure out why I bought it when I was in the middle of reading another book. Was there a sale on it recently?
Next interview, Rebecca Watson?
Great timing on this guest: I am currently reading The Christian Delusion.
As Chuck has repeatedly stated, it is excellent.
Yahweh is a moral monster!
I was thinking maybe Flora Jessop, a former FLDS member. I saw her on one of Dr. Drew Pinsky’s many shows and she has both research and personal perspective to bring to the subject of Warren Jeffs-type FLDS communities. But only after they review “What is Truth” by You-Know-Who.
Also, nice interview. It was good to finally hear Loftus’ voice after reading his blog for a while. I got him confused with Leighton several times.
Yea, you’re back! Don’t really leave us until November. =(
What is with the TOP SECRET DATA voice-over the download numbers?
I wanted to keep the 12 downloads a secret. Sometimes we get as many as 14.
Loftus mentioned that he is collaborating with Randal Rauser on a debate book. You guys should get Rauser on your show and give him the gears. He is a smart dude – an analytic philosopher, a liberal Christian theologist and quite engaging. He recently wrote You’re Not as Crazy As I Think (which I have positively reviewed) – a refreshing lecture intended primmarily for Christians which suggests that liberal theology, animal rights theory and even atheism cannot be dismissed as irrational. To be frank, if you read Randal”s blog you will be left scratching your head as to why he still professes to believe the fundamental tenets of Christianity. I think you two yahoos might be able to push him over the edge – your first on-air deconversion.
Now that I have my Ph.D., I would dearly love to become an Irreligiosophy apostle. If I donate $100, can I get a Book of Mormon (preferably swiped from a Temple) autographed by you two and a pledge that you will only spend my money on beer?
Being a former Black LDS member who’s grandfather was the first Black General Authority, you should interview me next 😛
Why does that look like a smiley face, it’s meant to be a stupid face.
I like to think of it as a lobotomy face.
Good podcast. Never having been a theist, I really find your (guys) knowledge of religions quite facinating. I’m glad you have read the bible because I haven’t been able to choke it down.
Also: I like Joemma, too.
Chuck: Thanks for shutting Leighton up. Looking forward to more in the future.
Seriously? A fucking Halloween hiatus?
Goddammit, y’all would go on hiatus the same week as Bill Maher. Why do all the heathens in the world want to leave me with no entertainment?
In any case, I really enjoyed this episode and the last one too. It makes me want to go read this and Godless again, which I probably will since you fuckers are going on vacation.
So we can expect our next podcast in December when you watch Santa Clause is Coming to Town (or is that All Over Town?) and discuss Mickey Rooney’s pseudo-polygamy.
Looking for something to do until after Halloween?
Try Bob Price’s podcasts at http://www.robertmprice.mindvendor.com/biblegeek.htm,.
This guy puts out four or five podcasts a week! And they are all fascinating, funny, and incredibly erudite. You may have to hold your nose when he starts in on current politics (“Sarah Palin says some good stuff.”), but you can just fast forward past that.
All hail his Geekiness!
yes,buy to site
Some updates on the progress of your Halloween Haunt would be nice.
Never thought to meet so much asses in one place .
Which of the three books is the best and most informative? I’ll give one a try. Three books from the same author on the same topic is a bit too much for me.
Nevermind. I see it was answered later in the podcast.