Glass City Humanist

Even with all the struggles in protecting our religious liberty, we need to remind ourselves how progressive and positive Humanism is. We do have to focus on negative aspects of the world in order to highlight how Humanism is a better, bold, and joyful way.We highlight a book by Roy Speckhardt and and essay by Fred Edwards to define humanism as a philosophy grounded in reason, science, empathy, compassion, fairness, civil liberties, and human rights. We also note that humanism is open-ended, forward-looking, and focused on life in the present rather than supernatural authority.We then look at three current religious liberty issues. One is the end of the biased Trump Religious Liberty Commission and a lawsuit filed by progressive groups. We talk about Pete Hegseth removing many religions off the official Department of Defense list and Douglas points out how an agency of the Federal government shouldn't be passing judgement on what is and what isn't an approved religion.Finally, we mention a Supreme Court decision the pushed aside a lawsuit involving a Rastafarian prisoner and the violation of his religious liberty. Religious liberty seems to only apply to Christian NationalistsFull Show Notes & Links UsedSubscribe to our free newsletterCheck out our merch

We analyze the current legislative landscape in Ohio with a focus on bills that intersect with church and state issues. We start with House Bill 485, the Baby Olivia Act, which aims to mandate the annual showing of a misleading anti-abortion fetal development video in public schools. We also look at House Bill 486, the Charlie Kirk Heritage Act, its problematic nature, which promotes a narrow view of Christianity's influence on culture and history. We segue into the controversial School Chaplain Act, House Bill 531, which proposes introducing volunteer chaplains into public schools, a move that sparks concerns regarding the adequacy of mental health support currently provided in schools. I outline the differences between this legislation and similar efforts in other states and offer my critical perspective on the necessity of employing chaplains versus qualified mental health professionals.Later, Federal issues also take center stage as we look at National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 signed by President Trump in September that authorizes federal law enforcement to go after people and groups they consider anti-Christian.This episode was produced from a Zoom meeting hosted by the Secular Humanists of Western Lake ErieFull Show Notes & Links UsedSubscribe to Free NewsletterCheck out our Merch

Our host, Douglas, is a seasoned leader in the humanist movement, starting his third decade of experience navigating internal debates, schisms, and the challenges of maintaining unity.Discover the intentional strategies used to foster constructive discussions, drawing parallels with the unified messaging of the right-wing and Christian nationalists. Learn about the diverse makeup of humanist groups, including the inclusion of Unitarians, Buddhists, pagans, and liberal Christians, and the personal journey of a militant atheist who has learned to respect different beliefs.We highlight the importance of treating everyone with dignity, focusing on ideas rather than personal attacks, and the crucial humanist principle of acknowledging that one could be wrong, especially in today's polarized climate. Tune in to hear about a recent meeting that tested these principles, focusing on divestments, boycotts, and living humanist values without hypocrisy.Full show notes & links usedSubscribe to our free newsletterCheck out our merch

Recognizing the finite nature of human existence, humanists are inspired to maximize their time and consider the lasting legacies they will leave behind. This reflection was particularly meaningful due to the recent passing of our friend, Ford B Cauffiel Sr., an accomplished entrepreneur and community leader. Ford profoundly impacted those around him through his diverse contributions, including a notable classic car collection and philanthropic efforts supporting various charities and environmental causes.The discussion also touches upon the societal tendency to honor historical figures who may have had problematic aspects. The removal of the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus, Ohio, was presented as a contemporary example of a cultural reevaluation where confronting uncomfortable historical truths is necessary. We advocated for a more thoughtful approach to commemoration, emphasizing the celebration of individuals who have genuinely worked towards the betterment of humanity, moving beyond glorified historical interpretations to embrace those whose actions align with humanistic values. The launch of the Secular Vote Project was also discussed, an initiative designed to empower the growing demographic of secular individuals in America. Led by figures such as Sarah Levin and Dr. Juhem Navarro-Rivera, this project aims to provide a focused voice for the often-overlooked non-religious population in political discourse, fostering a deeper understanding of secularism through research and discourse led by those who embody this identity.Full show notes and links usedSubscribe to our free newsletterCheck out our merch

We address a recent editorial from the Toledo Blade that mischaracterizes the failed merger between Kroger and Albertsons. Contrary to the editorial’s claims, it was not the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) but a federal judge who blocked the merger due to concerns about market competition. We discuss the broader implications of allowing massive grocery chains to consolidate, particularly the potential harms to consumer choice, pricing, and local economies.Then we look at a developing legal case involving LifeWise Academy, a religious group seeking to conduct Christian education for public school kids during the school day. Their lawsuit against the Ohio Civil Rights Commission centers on the ministerial exemption, a legal doctrine that exempts religious institutions from certain employment laws. We explore how this exemption, while designed to protect religious freedom, it should only apply to groups that actually preach a religion or are incorporated as religious. Lifewise is not that at all.Our main topic concerns the Johnson Amendment, a pivotal law that prevents tax-exempt organizations—including churches—from engaging in political endorsements. A recent court filing proves what church and state advocates have been saying for decades about the non-enforcement of the Johnson Amendment. We discuss the history and intent of the Johnson Amendment, its role in preserving the neutrality of religious institutions in politics, and the risks of increased religious influence on electoral processes if this safeguard is finally officially thrown away.Rounding out the episode, we invite listeners to reflect on broader humanist themes through the lens of two influential thinkers. We discuss Robert Reich’s advocacy for economic justice, framed by his new documentary The Last Class, which will be screening soon in Toledo. His insights on inequality and education resonate with humanist values of fairness and dignity. We also share actor and Humanist Stephen Fry’s contemplations on mortality and the search for meaning—an uplifting reminder of the importance of living authentically and compassionately, even in uncertain times.01:00 The Last Class Toledo Showing invite and promo07:54 Update on Lifewise lawsuit11:13 Correcting Toledo Blade Editorial about failed merger19:36 A Bit of Stephen Fry25:17 The Johnson Amendment Is Officially DeadFull show notes & Links usedSubscribe to our free newsletterCheck out our Merch

We look into the implications of the inaugural meeting of President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission. The makeup of this commission suggests that true religious liberty may not be its primary focus, but rather an agenda of promoting Christian nationalism. The commission is chaired by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, with key figures such as Dr. Ben Carson and Paula White lending their voices to a narrative that prioritizes the rights and beliefs of Christians while sidelining the concerns of non-Christian and non-religious individuals.The commission features predominantly Christian members, alongside just one rabbi, with no representatives from other faiths or from the growing population of secular Americans. Then there is the absurdity of including controversial figures like television personality Dr. Phil, while critically assessing the narratives promoted by other commission members. Their rhetoric suggests a belief that religious ideologies must permeate all aspects of public life, framing the absence of Christianity in education as a significant societal threat. This perspective raises alarm bells about the direction in which they seek to steer the American landscape.Then we discuss the proposed Ohio state budget that has been hailed by a Christian nationalist group as pro-life and pro-family, despite its evident cuts to vital community services, including education and social support programs. Drawing on an insightful piece from columnist Marilou Johanek, we unpack how this budget undermines the very families it claims to protect, while simultaneously prioritizing religious agendas over critical humanitarian needs. This connects these issues to broader national narratives, such as the recent Supreme Court ruling on Tennessee's gender-affirming care ban, highlighting the discriminatory nature of these laws and the religious motivations behind them.Full show notes and links usedSubscribe to our free newsletterCheck out our merch

We look at the current legislative climate in Ohio, with a focus on the extreme measures being proposed and enacted. The Ohio State legislature this session is exhibiting a troubling trend towards more radical policies, including the controversial SB1, dubbed the Higher Education Destruction Act. This bill threatens to undermine academic freedom and censor educational content while limiting the rights of faculty to advocate for their rights through strikes. In response to these alarming developments, initiatives are underway to put a repeal of SB1 on the ballot, encouraging the public to participate actively in this critical issue.We also look at the bill that would ban ranked choice voting, which would prevent municipalities from adopting this more equitable electoral system while penalizing them financially for doing so. Opponents' claims regarding ranked choice voting are scrutinized, revealing misinformation by supporters of the ban. We argue that equitable representation is paramount, especially when the current two-party system often stifles genuine competition and fails to reflect the will of the electorate.Then we take a deep dive into Ohio's school voucher system, masked under the guise of educational choice but functioning essentially as a financial scheme that shifts public funding to private enterprises. The data underscores that the vast majority of voucher funds benefit families already able to choose private education, leaving many rural communities without access to private schooling options. This Ponzi scheme on public education reveals a deliberate agenda to diminish public schooling and redistribute more resources away from already underfunded districts.By articulating the devastating consequences of these legislative developments, we advocate for a thoughtful examination of the policies being proposed and the necessity for collective action among those who value public education and equitable governance.00:50 Ohio Legislative Update19:30 School Voucher Ponzi SchemeFull Show Notes and Links UsedSubscribe to our free newsletterCheck out the show merch