Many religions claim a monopoly on humanist principles, including the golden rule, which many of us

were taught to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. However, actions of modern-day

religious practitioners directly go against the directions of these parables. I think of the story

of the Good Samaritan, where a man, after being rejected by someone of his own cultural circle

and religious elite

received life-saving aid from a person who, per social hierarchy, should not have even attempted to

make contact. How do religions have the confidence to assert that their morality transcends

cultural boundaries and social hierarchies when they refuse to follow the guidance of their own

holy texts.

Somehow, it wasn't too much for the Good Samaritan to go out of his way to reduce suffering,

but in 2025, it's too hard to respect people of different genders, ethnicities, social status, etc.

Religious hypocrisy undermines the attempt to monopolize morality,

and if you still believe that religion is the only

path to reduce human suffering then call us because the show is starting now welcome everybody

it is january 5th. I got to adjust, remember that it's not 2024 anymore. So if I could chirp that up in this episode, I at least got it right that first time. I'm your host, Dr. Ben, and joining me today is Christy Powell. How are you doing today, Christy? Howdy, sir? I'm doing all right. I am trying to keep up with the 2025 change. I'm being very careful on all of my checks. I'm writing checks. It's 2025. I don't know what's going on, but I'm here, and I am ready to do this show. Yeah, how are your holidays?

Very, very empty, beautifully, mercifully, empty of family, of drama, of movement, of celebration,

full of movies and food, exactly the way I like them. Yeah, that's awesome. I spent a lot of time with other atheists trying to build our community during the holiday

season when I know a lot of people are struggling outside of religion to find those

communities.

But I think it all went very well.

I'm happy to see everybody now back in 2025.

And Talk Heathen is where you are right now.

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