Atheistville with Mike Smithgall
Hosted by Mike Smithgall, Atheistville explores atheism, deconversion, and secular life through open, respectful conversation. The channel features two signature shows:
Mike Drop – weekly commentary on religion, politics, and culture from a reasoned, secular perspective.
Breakfast with a Heathen – a relaxed Sunday Q&A that tackles listener and Reddit questions about belief, honesty, and living without faith.
Together, they create a space for candid dialogue about leaving belief behind, thinking for yourself, and building a meaningful life grounded in evidence, empathy, and ethics rather than dogma.
Podcast Creator Bio: Mike Smithgall
Mike Smithgall is the creator and host of Atheistville, a podcast and YouTube series exploring atheism, deconversion, and secular life through real conversation instead of confrontation. Drawing on his background as a financial professional and lifelong skeptic, Mike focuses on how people think, what leads them to question faith, and how they rebuild meaning without religion.
He interviews former believers, secular thinkers, and progressive voices to highlight shared values of empathy, critical thinking, and human connection. His mission is simple: belief should be personal, not political, and every story deserves to be heard.
Follow his work on YouTube (@Atheistville) or at Atheistville.com.
Atheistville with Mike Smithgall
Throwing Out “Sin”: Building Secular Ethics Beyond Religion
What does the concept of sin mean if you remove God from the picture? In this episode, atheists wrestle with the idea of sin, exploring whether it should be redefined or abandoned altogether. They discuss cultural norms, ethical responsibility, and the role of sin as a tool of control in religious communities.
The conversation also dives into institutional abuse, forgiveness at the “11th hour,” and how secular ethics provide a stronger framework for justice and compassion than theology ever did.
💬 Viewer Question
Do you think the word “sin” has any place outside religion, or should we abandon it completely?
📑 Relevant Topics / Chapter Headings
Defining “Sin” Beyond Christianity
Morality as Social Norms and Mores
Ethics vs. Religious Rules
Sin as a Weapon of Control
Institutional Abuse and Forgiveness
Secular Alternatives to “Sin”
📚 Suggested Reading List
Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon by Daniel Dennett — Examines religion from a scientific perspective, explaining how natural processes shape belief.
https://amzn.to/45JWYZf
Godless Americana: Race and Religious Rebels by Sikivu Hutchinson — Explores race, gender, and atheism, focusing on the Black atheist experience.
https://amzn.to/45iA2yD
Faith Versus Fact: Why Science and Religion Are Incompatible by Jerry A. Coyne — A sharp look at why religion and science clash, especially on origins and evidence.
https://amzn.to/3IUdXib
Visit us at www.Atheistville.com for more content from Mike Smithgall and the Atheistville team
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@atheistville
💬 Want to be a guest or submit a question? Drop us a note at CONTACT
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