Chris Stedman: Faitheist
Nonreligious comedian tries to understand faith: An interview with Zach Anner
By Chris Stedman — February 4, 2014
Host of the popular SoulPancake web series 'Have a Little Faith' talks to RNS about his religious upbringing, what he learned about love from a gay Quaker, and trying to understand faith as a nonreligious comedian.
Can you be a Jewish atheist? Ask this Humanist Rabbi
By Chris Stedman — January 27, 2014
Can you be a Jewish atheist? It depends on who you ask.
Atheists debate: Can Christians support LGBTQ rights? Part 2
By Chris Stedman — January 16, 2014
With marriage equality efforts in Oklahoma, Utah, and elsewhere making headlines this month, the intersection of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) rights and religion has been a hot topic of discussion among atheists. Two atheists debate whether Christians can be LGBTQ allies. (Part 2)
Atheists debate: Can Christians support LGBTQ rights? Part 1
By Chris Stedman — January 16, 2014
With marriage equality efforts in Oklahoma, Utah, and elsewhere making headlines this month, the intersection of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) rights and religion has been a hot topic of discussion among atheists. Two atheists debate whether Christians can be LGBTQ allies. (Part 1)
Four atheists and Humanists travel the world to help humanity: An interview with Conor Robinson
By Chris Stedman — January 13, 2014
As we begin 2014, the four atheists and Humanists of the pioneering Pathfinders Project—perhaps the first international service trip specifically organized for atheists and Humanists—are already reaching the halfway point of a year of service to others.
In 2014, let’s stop saying “atheists are immoral” and “believers are stupid”
By Chris Stedman — January 8, 2014
Imagine what we could achieve if we moved beyond name-calling and making dismissive statements about the “other,” and instead put our heads and hearts together to heal our shared world.
Jessica Ahlquist looks back — and ahead — 2 years after Ahlquist v. Cranston
By Chris Stedman — January 5, 2014
Two years ago this week, Jessica Ahlquist’s life changed forever. On January 11, 2012, a federal judge ordered the removal of a “School Prayer” banner at Cranston High School West in Cranston, Rhode Island, saying that it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Ahlquist—then a 16-year-old student at Cranston High School West—was a plaintiff in Ahlquist […]
2013: Atheism’s 10 defining moments
By Chris Stedman — December 31, 2013
Atheism was in the headlines perhaps more than ever before in 2013. To highlight some of atheism’s defining moments and trends from the last year, I worked with a panel of ten writers, scholars, and activists to come up with ten major moments or currents in American atheism from 2013. Their contributions are below. Godless […]
Why are these comedians going to Sedona to make a film about belief?
By Chris Stedman — December 26, 2013
What’s so special about Sedona, Arizona? And what does it have to do with mysticism and belief? If you can’t make the trip yourself, two young filmmakers want to show you. In a recently launched Kickstarter for their upcoming documentary film Sedona: A Documentary Film, which they will produce with experienced multimedia producer Adam Isaak, Carrie Poppy and Brian […]
An atheist’s Christmas tree ornament tattoo
By Chris Stedman — December 24, 2013
As an atheist who grew up in a nonreligious household that celebrated Christmas with gusto—for us it was about food, family, and Santa, but not about Jesus—I’ve always loved the holiday. As a child this was partially due to the “magic” of the season—such as the year we found pieces of cotton strewn about the […]
Discussing the “War on Christmas” with Bill O’Reilly
By Chris Stedman — December 21, 2013
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to appear on to the Fox News program “The O’Reilly Factor” to discuss a new Christmas-themed billboard put up by American Atheists. I’ve expanded on my thoughts about this issue in a new piece for CNN Belief: The “War on Christmas:” what —or who—is it good for? […]
Putting a joyful face on atheism — Chris Johnson on “A Better Life”
By Chris Stedman — December 18, 2013
Among the most persistent myths about atheists: that we are joyless, that we are immoral, that we don’t experience wonder, and that we are angry and bitter. These stereotypes can be shattered when people are given an opportunity to get to know atheists. Building relationships seems to be one the best ways to challenge misconceptions about atheists—but a new […]
Does Sarah Palin know any atheists?
By Chris Stedman — December 16, 2013
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for celebrities to roll out Christmas-themed items timed to cash in on America’s obsession with eggnog and twinkling lights. Among those competing for a spot beneath the tree this year, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin—rarely one to miss an opportunity to jump into the fray—has recently released a […]
Does American Atheists agree with this offensive LGBTQ comment?
By Chris Stedman — December 13, 2013
American Atheists is perhaps the most visible atheist organization in the United States. As such, it’s not unreasonable for atheists to hold the organization accountable for accurately representing our aims and values. But earlier today, Dave Muscato, the Public Relations Director for American Atheists, made a problematic and offensive comment about LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, […]
Meet the comedians behind “Atheist Mingle”
By Chris Stedman — December 12, 2013
Christian dating website ChristianMingle.com has been the butt of many, many jokes over the years. (Just one example: the “Gay Christian Mingle“ parody video.) In spite of that—or perhaps in part because of it—the website is also extremely active. But what about atheists looking for love? It seems there are a few atheist dating websites, though after […]
