Hello there! So, so, so good to meet you. I’m Amy, and I’m a “none.” A what? Well, it took a lot of searching for me to find this term, but it fits perfectly. A “none” is someone who doesn’t belong to any particular religion. There are likely as many reasons for being a “none” …
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Inclusion, Normalizing, and the Backfire Effect
A more inclusive world is a better world for all, yes? But how, exactly, can we be “more inclusive”? This episode discusses normalizing and positive consequences, and what the backfire effect is and methods to counteract it. We wrap up by recommending several different social media sites that might help expand knowledge through exposure to various topics.
Mental Health: Erase the Stigma
1 in 5 American adults will experience mental health challenges, yet more than half will not seek treatment. This is partially due to stigma affecting how we collectively view mental health. This episode discusses causes of mental health challenges (it is NOT weakness or lack of faith!) and simple steps that ANY of us can take to lessen the stigma on this highly important topic.
Humanism News
The headline is slightly click-bait-y. Greg Epstein is a Humanist. So while it’s correct to say that he himself does not believe in God, and is therefore an atheist, it shouldn’t necessarily be interpreted as “anti” theism (although often atheists get way too bad of a reputation anyway). I think this is an excellent choice and if you don’t read the article you should know he was selected by his peers, who are believers.
Sexism: Episode 1 (Women in Christianity, Adam & Eve)
Sexism is wrong. It’s pervasive, but it’s wrong. Call it out with me, won’t you? Whether it’s using humor to reframe old, nonsensical stories about a made-up woman, or telling a child that the length of her shorts has nothing to do with an adult’s disrespect – there are steps that any and all of us can take to make the world safer.
How to Reply to Concerns from Others
If you’ve left a belief system, at some point you may hear from someone you know, who feels compelled to share their concerns about your life choices. This episode provides options for how to reply – or not – to these messages. You have the power and right to elect not to respond, or to give a brief acknowledgement, or to “flip the script,” and more!
Pronouns / Pride Month 2021
There is no “wrong” way to express your gender – there just isn’t. Language is arbitrary, and changes over time. Gender constructs differ around the world, and also change over time. The way in which we identify ourselves will – guess what! – change over time. There is nothing wrong with you. Whoever you are; you are valuable, and you deserve respect and love. Show off your pronouns, they are beautiful.
Bonus: Extended Interviews for the Importance of Rituals
Bonus content! Hear more from the fantastic thoughts of both Melinda Wertz and C.S. Roberts. This is the companion episode to the Importance of Rituals.
The Importance of Rituals
As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, what rituals can we create to help us honor the ones we’ve lost, bring closure to the worst of the crisis, and step into what comes next? Why are rituals important; and how are rituals, religion, and theatre intertwined? This episode explores what rituals have provided for us over the past 70,000 years.
America Lost Its Religion (article)
The Atlantic, a publication I highly respect, tries to take a broad view of a topic that is deeply personal to many of us [click for link]
The Trevor Project: 2021 LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Survey Results
We at NoneLife are supportive of our LGBTQ+ community, and know that young individuals are particularly vulnerable. Our youth deserve our love and support; their health depends on it. The Trevor Project recently released the results of their 2021 Youth Mental Health survey – [click to read more and access survey results]