I'm sure if it were a longer program, they would have had more to say. On the whole though, I like the calm, diplomatic approach they took. It makes a strong statement all its own. Some of the Bible thumpers though, were clearly rattled. Here in the US, it is not uncommon to encounter such ignorance.

Consider how long ago this was.. Back then, I know most Atheists were simply happy to be invited, targeted or not. And, if they played nice ...perhaps extra points. Madalyn Murray O’Hair had given the religious an earful! I think the FFRF folks were attempting to lower the temperature some. We benefit from both

@itsmedammit, On the whole, I prefer "The life of Brian" debate. Where Micheal Palin (the nicest man in the world) losses his rag. Then Malcolm Muggeridge and the bishop of Southwark had to admit that they came in 20 minutes late to the movie, missing the plot entirely.
1979 spelt the death knell for Christians trying to impose their rules on the UK.

@Varn One of my favorite Atheist representatives is Julia Sweeney. I saw one of her live productions of Letting Go of God in Chicago. It was quite inspiring and amazing, given that it was a one person act and at least a couple hours long!

@273kelvin The US could use a wakening of reason. Reports are that there is slow progress, but I think the current political climate has pushed it a step or two back.

@itsmedammit I don't know, maybe this virus is showing up the weakness of popularist politics. It is starting to happen in Europe. "An idiot who does my bidding is still an idiot". I hope and believe that the good hardworking people of America may turn on the evangelists when they realise how much longer it takes to get back to a true normal.

@273kelvin You may be right there. Since the disastrous handling of (or refusal to see) of the virus, things may be changing. I think his flailing about is also getting some notice for a change. Amazingly there will still be some diehards.

I think Dan, at least likes the challenge. He is like, bring 'em on!

They still do Freethought Radio weekly. I get it automatically into my podcasts every Thursday. Love it!

FFRF does good work.

Yes, compared to the audience, the panel members were very considerate.

@itsmedammit whaa? You don't think it was considerate when that loud woman poked her pointer finger at the panelist speaking of feminist concerns and claimed Satan was in her? Hmm, go figure. When I see that kind of angry barking, I like to refer to it as them just "spreadin' the love of Jesus!" Lol just "letting their light shine."

@MikeInBatonRouge You nay have misread my comment. I said the panel members were considerate.

@itsmedammit no no, I got it. Perhaps the sarcasm tone in my attempted joke about the audience didn't come through right. You said the audience was rude. I was attempting to agree by facetiously questioning that. Oh well.

@MikeInBatonRouge My bad.

And they promoted their helpline.

Yeah, the "pushing beliefs on others" tactic seemed to excite Oprah and she didn't seem to want to set that right. We also have no idea how much may have been cut out of the show before airing too, unless it was live, not taped.

@Julie808 good point.

I always find Oprah annoying. Aside from that, what was uncomfortable?

@itsmedammit That they basically lined them up for ridicule instead of conversation. Plus I can't reach through the screen and slap anybody.

@CommonHuman If that was their intent, they failed miserably! The Atheists felt no ridicule or pain, that I could see. They provided a strong front.

I agree the ignorance can be difficult to watch. I try to avoid it in my daily life.

P.S. By "gaining ground with the believers" I mean promoting more acceptance of atheists, not so much converting people to atheism. It's not always easy coming out publicly as an atheist.

Yeah, there was just a bit of anti=theism there, but I hear (don't know how true) that the audience was stacked anyway. I am sure no mind were changed that day, but maybe a seed was planted.

Never understood why simply stating that one is an Atheist can set some Christians off. Makes me think they are not so comfortable in their beliefs.

I do think it is more useful to not spend time challenging someone on their beliefs, and just stick to the facts in the limited time they have on those types of shows. The ex-Catholic didn't get much of a chance to speak.

I didn't care for the feminist angle either. It is irrelevant that the god you do not believe in is a patriarchal figure.

I just thought it was kind of funny that Dan and Annie Laurie met on a talk show.

I don't think that she was "anti-male" as much as anti-subjugation. The bible relegates half the world into virtual chattels. If I tell you to stfu? You would rightly be pissed. If I tell you to stfu because I have a book from god that says you should? Then you would rightly be pissed at me and my book.

She is entitled to an opinion, but as host she could have been less biased.

I liked the video because it shows diplomacy on the part of the Atheists. I get so tired these days of Atheists acting like they are superior and mocking the religious.

@itsmedammit She stacked the audience with imbeciles. I mock. She set those people up. The calls too. I used to like her. Now to me she's a fat bitch.

@barjoe Guess Oprah struck a nerve.

@itsmedammit I saw an interview with Dan Barker as he said he loved that she stacked the audience. Bring them on He also met his wife Anna on the show, she's the cute one, she still is. It did seem like Oprah herself was arguing so that's what pissed me off.

I had the exact same thought about Oprah never once questioning the fantastical magical thinking involved in belief in god.

@MikeInBatonRouge she aggressively pushed it

@MikeInBatonRouge She is just a typical believer.

@itsmedammit I am not so sure what a typical believer is. Certainly in this instance she sounds to our skeptical ears to be blowing smoke out the rear, but she can also be quite thoughtful, given the right choice of topic. She is a good example that otherwise potentially well reasoned people can move through life with a huge blind spot where religion is concerned.

@MikeInBatonRouge In the context of the show she appeared to agree with believers. Thoughtful? She knows how to make a buck, that's for sure.

@itsmedammit I did not mean she was particularly thoughtful during this show. She has had a very long career with moments when she made very important contributions to public awareness of various social issues. Not everything is about religion.

@MikeInBatonRouge I wasn't referring to that show either. I just don't see her as particularly thoughtful or concerned. I think she, much like a politician, knows how to make noise when it suits her popularity.

@itsmedammit

@itsmedammit : Yes, she is entitled to her opinion. But, given who she is, she should have an informed one. It wasn't in this clip, but her statement that atheists "must believe in god if they experience awe and wonder" is a slap in the face to atheists who absolutely do not need to believe in a god to have that experience. She is either denying our humanity--human emotions-- that anyone can feel, or forcing a god belief onto us. So, it this area--I have zero respect for her. Even though I can respect her on other issues.

@Joanne Who gives a shit about Oprah?

@itsmedammit I do, only in the sense that so many people put so much stock into what she says.

@Joanne I think those who put stock in what she has to say, aren't much into thinking anyway.

I didn't like Oprah then and I don't like her now. I thought the panel did a good job of speaking out and keeping it civil. Unfortunately there is a time limitation. The host is forced to keep things moving.

@itsmedammit She's a whale of a person.

Never been a fan of Oprah but she does know how to make money. I don't like that she has launched the likes of Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz.