E162: Studying Religion Skeptically w/ Richard Gilliver

This week on RfRx, Richard Gilliver will be joining us to talk about being a skeptic who studies religion academically and how that produces a different viewpoint when discussing the topic with other people. He will also discuss skepticism and the difficulties for supernatural claims when skepticism is applied. Richard Gilliver has been having discussions with religious people for thirty years, originally via talking to them in the street, then on internet message boards and more recently on social media. He has studied Buddhist meditation for two decades and took an academic interest in religious scriptures - specifically from Buddhism, Islam and Christianity around a decade ago. He began as a Skeptic educator around two years ago - like many others taking the opportunity during the beginning of the covid pandemic to find a new way of communicating with people. It was around the same time that he began volunteering with the ACA and undertook his degree in religion, philosophy and ethics - a move encouraged by his wife to formalize his lifelong interest. Today he has his own skeptic show on YouTube and is the co-founder and co-host of the weekly Skeptic Hangout Podcast and a Host on the ACA’s non Prophet’s show. For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at [email protected]. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate