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Glass City Humanist

Glass City Humanist

By Douglas Berger

Explaining Humanist values, how we can live our values to support social justice issues, and responding to science denying Christian Nationalists bent on smashing the wall between church and state. Human problems require human solutions. There will be interviews, from time to time, with Humanists and other secular people in Northwest Ohio and beyond.
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EdChoice Vouchers Are Bad For Ohio Schools

Glass City HumanistMar 03, 2020

00:00
25:56
Do We Really Need Humanist Churches?
Mar 19, 202433:31
The Humanist Take on DEI and Embryo Personhood
Feb 26, 202432:12
Religious Privilege Above The Law - Dad's Place Church Bryan Ohio
Feb 11, 202450:13
Standing Up for Trans Kids and Secular Freedom in Ohio
Jan 22, 202435:43
Voices Unheard: Examining Global Challenges to Freedom of Thought
Dec 27, 202353:52
Being Secular During Religious Holidays and the Real Origins of the Religious Right
Dec 13, 202338:05
Defending Church-State Separation: A Conversation with Andrew Seidel

Defending Church-State Separation: A Conversation with Andrew Seidel

Join us for a captivating conversation with the esteemed Andrew Seidel, vice president of strategic communications for Americans United. Andrew, a seasoned attorney and ardent defender of the First Amendment, takes us through his remarkable journey in law and his dedication towards upholding the separation of church and state. He offers intriguing insights into the legal concept of 'standing' and the pivotal role of this church-state separateness in shaping many contemporary issues.


Our discourse further unravels the NOT subtle weaponization of religious freedom, a disconcerting trend that threatens democracy by privileging a select few such as the new speaker of the US House Michael Johnson, a Christian Nationalist of the first order. As we weave through the integral threads of church-state separation within the fabric of our republic, the significance of authentic religious freedom and the strive for unexceptional equality becomes evident. Andrew concludes our engrossing dialogue on a positive note, expressing optimism in the growing awareness of people towards this significant struggle. Eye-opening and enlightening, this conversation is a must for those keen on comprehending the profound correlation between religion, state, and the fight for equality in America.


Show Notes

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01:43 Origin Story

05:10 How Are 1St Amendment Cases Litigated?

09:14 Christian Nationalists Attack On Public Schools

15:09 Weaponizing Religious Freedom Harms Democracy

19:28 1st Amendment Doesn't Just Protect The Religious

24:01 Speaker Michael Johnson Is A Christian Nationalist Of The 1st Order.

31:14 Ending with Some Optimism

Nov 21, 202336:09
Dawne Knoch Anthony's Escape from Abuse and Religion Is Paved in Song

Dawne Knoch Anthony's Escape from Abuse and Religion Is Paved in Song

Nov 05, 202335:47
Breaking Down Societal Norms: Henry Rollins and Release Time Religious Education

Breaking Down Societal Norms: Henry Rollins and Release Time Religious Education

Growing up a punk rock fan, I've always admired the raw emotion and honesty embedded in the genre. Reflecting this, we dive into the life of punk rock legend Henry Rollins and uncover the turbulent family dynamics that shaped him. You'll learn how those experiences shed light on the importance of families choosing to remain together out of love, not obligation, unearthing the implications of societal and religious pressures on family ties. Whether it’s Rollins’ strained relationship with his mother and stepfather or a family member of mine who severed ties with her own mother, we challenge the 'perfect' nuclear family narrative that pervades our society.


Building on the theme of societal pressures, we shift the conversation to a contentious issue that has stirred my passion for the longest time: religious education in public schools. In Ohio, a unique arrangement known as Release Time Religious Education allows public school students to attend Bible school classes during the school day. As a humanist and atheist, we grapple with the thorny issues this raises, not least the infiltration of LifeWise Academy, a group pushing for these Bible classes, into our school systems. While sifting through the delicate balance of religion and education, we raise critical questions about the role of school district personnel in student recruitment for these classes and the potential dangers therein. So, tune in for this eye-opening exploration of familial and societal tensions.


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01:00 Henry Rollins And The Myth Of The Nuclear Family

15:59 Dealing with 1st Amendment Violations In Release Time Religious Education Classes

Oct 20, 202334:31
All Our Solutions Are Incomplete with David Breeden

All Our Solutions Are Incomplete with David Breeden

Join us as we delve into an insightful conversation with Dr. Reverend David Breeden, senior minister at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis. Listen as he walks us through the fascinating history of congregational humanism and shares the ways in which his congregation has been a part of the humanist community since 1916. Discover how his poetic writing has shaped liturgies for a secular audience, and get a better understanding of the difference between religious and secular humanism. Listen as David shares his unique experiences and insights as a humanist minister, and learn about his work to foster a safe and inclusive environment for his congregation.


This episode isn't just about congregational humanism. We also discuss Mary Midgley's idea that all solutions are incomplete, and how this thinking can inform humanist thought and our decision-making process today. Learn how the “feminine arts” were used by the Cambridge women of the World War II generation to question virtue ethics, and explore the potential impact this could have on our current view. We’ll also touch on the possible implications of new discoveries in astronomy on our understanding of the universe. Lastly, we consider why some governments might hesitate to implement solutions that could reduce poverty, and explore the potential for a society that empowers individuals to make their own life decisions. This thought-provoking episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in humanism and its potential role in our society.


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Oct 04, 202334:04
Ignoring The Community With St. Anthony's Church Transformation
Sep 15, 202332:31
Guess What Happens When Christian Nationalists Write A Reproductive Rights Amendment?

Guess What Happens When Christian Nationalists Write A Reproductive Rights Amendment?

We talk about our recent experience at the Maumee Summer Fair. We don't have a lot of money for advertising and instead rely on setting up booths at festivals. The layout was different this year due to street construction. Despite this, we were able to meet new people and reconnect with some former group members. A new addition to the booth, a wheel with humanist values that people can spin for the chance to win a prize, helped educate people about Humanism and was a great activity for kids who visited.


Next we looked at the farce that was the Ohio Ballot Board on August 24th. Secretary of State, and US Senate candidate, Frank LaRose, who chairs the Ballot Board, is responsible for the ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment called the 'Right to reproductive freedom with protections for health and safety'. LaRose's office created a draft of the language, ignoring the draft submitted by the coalition supporting the amendment. Senator Paula Hicks Hudson attempted to substitute LaRose's draft with the coalition's, but it was voted down. LaRose also changed the language so it dismisses Trans individuals. This was an effort trying to gaslight voters by using inflammatory and manipulative language in the summary that appears on the official ballot.


State Senator Theresa Gaverone violated the rules of the committee by arguing the merits of the amendment using false and inflammatory language. Senator Gaverone's statement, which was full of lies and fabrications, leaves out the fact that the current onerous regulations imposed on abortion clinics would be removed and that late-term abortions are rare and typically occur due to health complications. It's clear that some people are using manipulative tactics to prevent the abortion rights amendment from passing, but we'll see what happens in November.

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00:55 Maumee Summer Fair Recap

15:04 Guess What Happens When Christian Nationalists Write A Reproductive Rights Amendment?

Aug 29, 202342:34
The Christian Nationalist Ideologies of a Law School Professor

The Christian Nationalist Ideologies of a Law School Professor

We're venturing into a discussion about renowned Professor Lee Strang, a symbolic figure of Christian Nationalism in Northwest Ohio. From his significant role in academia as a law professor at the University of Toledo to his controversial advocacy for so-called Intellectual Diversity centers at Ohio law schools, Strang's influence is widespread and thought-provoking. His recent participation in State Issue One showcases his role at the core of significant legal and societal debates.

Our discussion doesn't shy away from the controversial aspects of Strang's work. We dissect his interpretation of the First Amendment, where he argues it excludes atheism and secular humanism from the definition of religion, and discuss his belief that an unborn fetus should be constitutionally protected. We also touch on his founding of the Northwest Ohio Classical Academy, a religious school disguised as a public charter school with a distinct approach to education, and how his views on constitutional originalism shape his approach to these institutions.

Finally, we delve into the complexities of Strang's Christian nationalist influence and discuss the appearence of a quid pro quo with the leaders of the Ohio Republican Party and Ohio anti-abortion groups. By examining Strang's founding of the Northwest Ohio Classical Academy and his attempts to pass State Issue 1 with State Senator and former student Rob McColley, we provide an intriguing look into the dynamics of Trumpian politics. Whether you agree with his views or not, Strang's influence in Ohio and beyond cannot be ignored. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of one man's impact on law, education, and society in the state of Ohio.

Editor's note: Professor Strang was invited to be a guest on the show to talk about these topics. He initially agreed to appear then shortly before it was to be recorded he canceled the interview.

00:56 Introduction And Clarifications

11:27 Originalism And The 1St Amendment

24:27 Anti-Abortion Activist

30:05 Letter About Homosexuality Harming Families

41:30 Founding Of Religious School Disguised As Public Charter School

55:13 Media Darling

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Aug 09, 202301:00:30
The Fight for Fair Voting in Ohio: An In-Depth Look with Greer Aeschbury

The Fight for Fair Voting in Ohio: An In-Depth Look with Greer Aeschbury

Join us in our captivating dialogue with the dynamic Greer Aeschbury, Ohio's senior campaign manager with All Voting is Local Action. She provides her expert perspective on the essential work the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition is doing to ensure voting accessibility and fairness. Together, we dive deep into their battle against State Issue 1 and the repercussions of the new voter ID law.

A significant part of our discussion centers on the implications of Ohio's collaboration ban. We unravel how it adversely affects poll worker recruitment, voter registration, and voter education. Despite claims from the Secretary of State that the law is an anti-fraud measure, it's clear that it's hampering the Board of Elections' ability to cooperate effectively with community groups. We take a moment to laud the fundamental work of poll workers and encourage you, our listeners, to take an active part in this process.

As we round up our discussion, we give a nod to the upcoming special election on August 8th. It's a chance for Ohio's citizens to protect their constitutional rights, so be sure to cast your 'no' vote. We also explore the challenges in requesting and returning ballots, and the necessity of visiting your board of elections in person. With the help of the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition, we emphasize the importance of spreading the word and getting involved. Tune in to be part of this enlightening discussion and make a difference in promoting accessible and fair voting.


Show Notes

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01:01 Introduction and Voting No on August 8th

07:57 Getting a free ID to vote isn't completely free

13:42 Collaboration ban hurts poll worker recruitment

22:58 What can average person do against these voting obstacles



Jul 26, 202330:03
Revolutionizing Democracy: An Insight into Ranked Choice Voting with Josie Schreiber
Jul 14, 202320:50
Fighting for Equality: Religious Freedom and LGBTQ Advocacy with Alison Gill

Fighting for Equality: Religious Freedom and LGBTQ Advocacy with Alison Gill

Join us for a riveting discussion with Allison Gill, Vice President of Legal and Policy for American Atheists. Listen in as we discuss the mission of American Atheists and their ongoing fight for religious equality. We also touch on the case of an incarcerated person in West Virginia being forced to undergo religious substance abuse treatment in order to qualify for parole, as well as a Fifth Circuit case in Mississippi on the state's license plate motto reading “In God We Trust”.


We also discuss American Atheists' state scorecards, which provide benchmarks across states and show how many states have or don't have certain protections in place. We explore how these scorecards differ from a voter's guide and how they are used for advocacy purposes. Additionally, we touch on the tactic of filing a First Amendment lawsuit against abortion bans and why it is not always ideal.


Finally we examine the idea of Third Party Harm and how granting religious exemptions can be destructive and favor some religions over others. We highlight the importance of seeking help from organizations such as the National Suicide Helpline and the Trevor Project in light of the coordinated attack on the trans community happening in Ohio.


Show Notes

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01:00 Episode Note

02:45 American Atheists mission to defend religious freedom

11:46 State Score Cards

17:43 Using the 1st amendment to protect abortion rights

20:30 Third party harm and religious freedom

26:12 Religious Extremism Targeting the LGBTQ Community

36:30 How to contact American Atheists if you believe your rights were violated

Jun 28, 202341:50
Fighting for Democracy: The Work of Lucas County League of Women Voters
Jun 15, 202342:36
Spend An August Weekend At BAHACON
May 31, 202324:28
What's New at the AHA with Nicole Carr
May 10, 202332:30
How Two Women Got Justice From Their Sexual Harasser with Cami Roth Szirotnyak & Rachel Richardson
Apr 19, 202341:21
Separation Of Church And State: The Foundation Of Democracy With Rachel Laser
Apr 06, 202339:03
Saving Lake Erie with Mike Ferner
Mar 17, 202339:10
Chasing Unicorns with Camp Quest
Mar 01, 202347:20
Does the Government Test Your Faith?
Jan 21, 202346:17
Just Say No To Interfaith
Dec 23, 202238:09
Critical Thinking Can Save The World
Nov 19, 202242:01
A Pseudo Conflict Between Intersectionality And Humanism With Michael Werner
Oct 18, 202201:00:24
Fake School Assemblies and Banning Guns
Sep 23, 202229:27
Evangelize For Humanism Without Evangelizing Humanism
Aug 31, 202245:14
Get Younger or Die
Aug 02, 202228:42
Banning Abortion Violates Religious Freedom
Jul 12, 202237:16
Separation of Church and State Had A Bad Week
Jul 01, 202239:02
Blumner Is Wrong: All Individuals Are Important To Humanism
Jun 03, 202230:38
Conferences, Events, and Fairs OH, MY!
May 20, 202233:26
Evangelicals Have Bible Verses To Justify Their Hate with Bruce Gerencser
May 06, 202240:50
Everyone Is Wrong About Everything with The Friendly Atheist
Apr 22, 202235:26
Release Time Religious Instruction Is Unethical
Apr 06, 202231:58
Making Amends and Having Children
Mar 13, 202236:49
When Heroes Turn Out To Be Mere Human
Feb 11, 202228:26
Can We Find Personal Responsibility Again?
Jan 21, 202235:36
Thank a Pagan for Christmas
Dec 24, 202138:44
Poems from a Heathen Mommy with Megan Rahm
Dec 02, 202124:04
Secular Student Alliance: The Cool People on Campus with Kevin Bolling
Nov 16, 202130:21
Beware Rose Colored Glasses of Forced Patriotism with Emily Newman
Nov 02, 202124:36
Spiders, Science, and Avoiding Pedestals with PZ Myers
Oct 19, 202131:13
Humanism is on the Right Side of History
Sep 24, 202129:05
Building Interfaith Bridges with Chris Highland
Sep 05, 202144:49
Diversity By Itself Is Not Enough with John Lombard
Aug 22, 202138:41
Critical Thinking Instead Of Dogma With Reggie Finley
Aug 07, 202139:28
Justice Centered Humanism
Jul 23, 202137:40