Kate Cohen on Belief and the Freedom to Think for Ourselves: An honest conversation about atheism, Jewish identity, authoritarianism, and making a meaningful life
Summary
Dr. Steve Hassan interviews Kate Cohen, author of *We of Little Faith*, exploring her journey from closeted atheist to outspoken advocate for secularism. They discuss the dangers of Christian nationalism, the "Cult of Trump," and the erosion of church-state separation in the U.S. military. The conversation also covers raising children without religious dogma, the value of community rituals, and the need to resist algorithmic manipulation by engaging in real-world human connection.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Culligan Purity and Wayfair Wayday
Introduction of guest Kate Cohen and her book
Defining atheism and navigating Jewish identity
The spectrum of belief and the 'true believer'
Religion, politics, and the rise of authoritarianism
Personal history: Growing up in a Christian town
The journey to outspoken atheism and marriage
Raising children with honesty and critical thinking
Reconciling faith, science, and metaphor in scripture
Reinterpreting Exodus and rejecting literalism
Parenting values and the danger of authority figures
Ethical groups vs. authoritarian mind control
Jewish identity, anti-Semitism, and cultural bonds
Separation of church and state in modern politics
The cult of tech: Transhumanism and AI dangers
The value of making things and embodied experience
Practical advice for resisting mind control and voting
Closing remarks and host's book recommendations
Sponsors: International Rescue Committee and Whoop
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