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The Preaching Humanist

The Preaching Humanist

Written by: Atheist Community of Austin
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 The Preaching Humanist show is about
  • Promoting positive atheist culture and secular humanism as healthy alternatives to outdated, supernatural beliefs
  • Normalizing atheism by putting a human face on that which is being demonized
  • Informing atheists that visibility and awareness are the keys to acceptance in a very Christian culture
  • Defending the First Amendment principle of the separation of government and religion
  • Giving answers to questioning and doubting believers

No god is required to live a life of love, joy, peace, fulfillment, meaning, and purpose! Sharing, caring, compassion, helping others to use reason, and our innate desire to be social and inquisitive are built into our nature.2025 Spirituality
Episodes
  • The Preaching Humanist 06.42 Just Do It LOST EPISODE!

    The Preaching Humanist 06.42 Just Do It LOST EPISODE!
    Oct 15 2025
    The Preaching Humanist with David Oliverio
    Episode 06.42: Just Do It
    The Golden Rule, Humanist Style Unlock the Secret to Human Goodness—It's Biological, Not Biblical! Do you think the Golden Rule belongs exclusively to religion? Think again! Join David Oliverio this week as he challenges common misconceptions and reveals the deep, ancient, and universal truth behind the simple principle of treating others as you want to be treated. This episode isn't about theological debates; it's about action: Just go out there and do it!.

    In This Compelling Episode, You Will Discover: The Universal Principle of Reciprocity: The Golden Rule is a "beautiful concept", a foundational truth found in over 14 versions and reflected in most religions and cultures worldwide. David Oliverio shows why associating this idea exclusively with Christianity (specifically the New Testament version: "do to others as you would have them do to you") is inaccurate.
    • A Scholarly Misunderstanding: Hear about David's conversation involving a well-educated, progressive liberal Methodist pastor who incorrectly stated that believers "have... the golden rule" exclusively. This incident proves that we, as humanists, need to step up and promote this wonderful worldview.
    Ancient Wisdom That Predates the Bible: Explore the origins of this ethic of reciprocity, proving that human compassion is timeless:
    • Buddhism: "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful" (500 to 700 years prior to Jesus).
    • Hinduism: "Do not under others which would cause you pain if done to you".
    • Confucianism: "Try your best to treat others as you wish to be treated yourself," which is identified as the shortest way to benevolence.
    • Ancient Elite Egyptians: Even 3,800 years ago (1800 BCE), they had a version: "Do for one who may do for you that you may cause him thus to do".
    • A Surprisingly Humanistic Worldview: Learn how even Satanism (whose followers often don't believe in the devil) adheres to a very humanistic tenet similar to the Golden Rule: "Strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason".
    The Heartwarming Science of Goodness: Why should we practice the Golden Rule? Because it’s biological! David explains that our genes reward us for this essential behavior.
    • The Social Animal: As social animals, this principle motivates us to do what benefits the entire species. We can observe this inherent drive for good in other social creatures, like ants, termites, and bees.
    • The Feel-Good Factor: When you treat others well and help them, it makes you feel good! David shares a touching moment about how listening to and making his lonely, elderly clients happy makes him feel good, demonstrating how "reciprocal altruism" works in reality ("I will scratch your back if you scratch my back").
    • The Pleasure of Survival: David draws a parallel: essential human functions like eating and procreation feel good because they are vital to species existence. In the same way, the Golden Rule is pleasurable because it is vital for our survival and advancement.
    Let the light and the compassion of secular humanism shine! Don't miss this inspiring message—it's time to share this humanistic principle, live it, and make the world better.

    The Atheist Community of Austin (ACA), is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization based in Austin, Texas. The Atheist Community of Austin is dedicated to promoting atheism, critical thinking, secular humanism, and the separation of religion and government.The ACA serves the local Austin community through outreach programs, providing informational resources and various volunteer activities. In addition, the ACA serves the community-at-large through free online portals including regular audio/video podcasts and social media. We are affiliated with a number of national and international groups devoted to atheism, freethought, or secular humanism.We define atheism as the lack of belief in gods. We see that people can be compassionate, giving, and live happy lives without a god belief. We see that we can have community with each other and work towards a common goal.
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    12 mins
  • The Preaching Humanist 06.41 Healthy Minded Humanists LOST EPISODE!

    The Preaching Humanist 06.41 Healthy Minded Humanists LOST EPISODE!
    Oct 14 2025
    The Preaching Humanist with David Oliverio
    Episode 06.41: Universal Rights: The Humanist Way

    Listen Now to Discover the Heart of Humanism and Universal Dignity! Join David Oliverio as he attempts to keep this crucial topic inspiring and motivational for all secular humanists. This week, we dive deep into the enduring beauty and power of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)—the humanist way!

    Why This Episode Will Move You: A Beacon Born from Darkness: The UDHR is more than just an international document; it is a global promise born from the ashes of World War II's atrocities. Adopted by the United Nations in 1948, the UDHR was designed to preserve the rights and freedoms of all people—a concept David Oliverio calls "pure humanism". Learn how the UN's goal of achieving world peace and world unity is inherently humanistic.

    The Compassionate Architect: We celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt. Described as a wonderful, brilliant, and compassionate woman, she was the primary force who headed up and constructed the UDHR. Though raised religious (Episcopalian, according to the host's facts), she knew that a document granting dignity, rights, and freedoms for all humans was essential, much like the U.S. Constitution.

    Equality Regardless of Difference: The UDHR consists of 30 beautiful articles covering individual basic rights and freedoms. Discover why the core principle—that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights—is revolutionary. This document explicitly calls for zero discrimination, standing firmly against division based on:
    • Race: David shares a heartwarming anecdote of seeing an interracial couple hiking, expressing hope that this "amalgamation of races" is the way we can finally end racism.
    • Gender: Including male, female, straight, gay, bi, and LGBT.
    • Religion: The UDHR is a secular document, making no mention of Bible verses, a higher power, or a god.
    • Nationality or Language.
    Rights That Guarantee a Humane Existence: David explores powerful articles that form the foundation of our ethical world, including:
    • No Slavery (Article 4).
    • No Torture (Article 5).
    • Freedom of Thought (Article 18)—the right to believe, or not believe, as you choose, and even to change your religion. This is vital, especially since discrimination exists against those who no longer believe in anything supernatural.
    • Freedom of Expression (Article 19)—the right to share your ideas with others non-coercively, because secular humanism offers something that increases happiness and societal health.
    The Humanist Call for Compassion: Motivated by empathy and human love, David spotlights Article 25: Food and Shelter for All. He argues we must live in a world where everyone—mothers, children, the elderly, the unemployed, and the disabled—has the right to be cared for. This includes the universal right to healthcare and free education (Article 26) to better the lives of all humanity. Finally, be reassured that no one can take away your human rights (Article 30). Hear David’s personal reflection on how his previous life as an evangelical preacher contrasted with his current understanding, and why the UDHR is essential for achieving world peace and unity.

    Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Remember to let the light and the compassion of secular humanism shine!

    The Atheist Community of Austin (ACA), is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization based in Austin, Texas. The Atheist Community of Austin is dedicated to promoting atheism, critical thinking, secular humanism, and the separation of religion and government.The ACA serves the local Austin community through outreach programs, providing informational resources and various volunteer activities. In addition, the ACA serves the community-at-large through free online portals including regular audio/video podcasts and social media. We are affiliated with a number of national and international groups devoted to atheism, freethought, or secular humanism.We define atheism as the lack of belief in gods. We see that people can be compassionate, giving, and live happy lives without a god belief. We see that we can have community with each other and work towards a common goal.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • The Preaching Humanist 06.40 Healthy Minded Humanists LOST EPISODE!

    The Preaching Humanist 06.40 Healthy Minded Humanists LOST EPISODE!
    Oct 13 2025
    Healthy Minded Humanists | The Preaching Humanist 06.40

    Host: David Oliverio Episode

    Title: Healthy Minded Humanists Summary: In this episode of The Preaching Humanist, David Oliverio discusses Healthy Minded Humanism and outlines the five key characteristics of an emotionally secure individual. Humanism is presented as a progressive philosophy of life that affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical, moral lives for personal fulfillment and the well-being of all. The conversation aims to provide a message for those who want to become better people. The good life, as promoted by humanism, is guided by reason, informed by science, and motivated by human love, compassion, and empathy. By maturing and growing, individuals become happier, enabling them to help others who are lonely or not emotionally secure. Key Concepts & Characteristics The discussion focuses on the five characteristics that define a healthy minded, emotionally secure person: 1. Trusting Person
    • A trusting person gives others the benefit of the doubt, contrasting with the perspective of those who advise, "trust no one".
    • The host notes that people who struggle with trust have often been hurt or offended.
    • An anecdote is shared about a client who, coming from a fundamentalist Christian and politically conservative worldview with two failed marriages, initially told the host, "if you ever lie to me i will never trust you again". However, the host believes this issue can be outgrown.
    2. Confident
    • This characteristic involves exemplifying confidence, not pridefulness.
    • True humility is defined as understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses, differentiating it from the false humility often associated with Christian piety (the attitude that one is worthless or can do nothing without a higher power).
    • Confidence is derived from experiential intelligence, knowledge gained from reading and studying, and living the lifestyle.
    • A healthy minded person acknowledges areas of weakness and depends on others' abilities and skill sets for help in those areas.
    3. Optimistic
    • Optimistic people look for the good in others instead of focusing on small flaws or nuances.
    • The host uses the white sheet of paper analogy: A pessimistic person (one eaten up by cynicism) will see the black dots on the white paper, while an optimistic person will see the clean white sheet of paper.
    • The host identifies as a "self-professed positive optimistic cosmopolitan secular humanist and... atheist activist" (quoting Stephen Pinker).
    4. Friendly (Amiable Diplomatic Humanism)
    • Being friendly means being outgoing and making eye contact with people.
    • However, friendliness and diplomatic nature can sometimes be misinterpreted by others as aggression, flirtation, or even a sign that the individual has "a screw loose".
    • The host recalls instances where attempts to simply say "good morning" were met with avoidance or hostility (e.g., a couple on a hike who refused to talk, fearing he was a threat, or receiving hate talk from angry evangelical Christians).
    5. Open-Minded
    • Healthy-minded people are objective thinkers who remain open-minded.
    • For many secular humanists, atheists, or agnostics, this open-mindedness involved examining both sides, doing research, and concluding there was no evidence for the supernatural.
    • Open-minded people continue to change, listen to others, and remain diplomatic, utilizing checks and balances (though listening does not necessitate agreement).
    Philosophical Takeaway Secular humanism promotes a more fully developed human being. The core difference between humanism and primitive religions is the source of goodness: Humanists affirm that goodness derives "from the human animal in nature". The goal is to mature, grow, become better, and let "the light and the compassion of secular humanism shine".

    The Atheist Community of Austin (ACA), is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization based in Austin, Texas. The Atheist Community of Austin is dedicated to promoting atheism, critical thinking, secular humanism, and the separation of religion and government.The ACA serves the local Austin community through outreach programs, providing informational resources and various volunteer activities. In addition, the ACA serves the community-at-large through free online portals including regular audio/video podcasts and social media. We are affiliated with a number of national and international groups devoted to atheism, freethought, or secular humanism.We define atheism as the lack of belief in gods. We see that people can be compassionate, giving, and live happy lives without a god belief. We see that we can have community with each other and work towards a common goal.
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
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