12 MAY 2025 · Calvary Chapel San Jose has finally been held accountable after defying COVID restrictions, spreading misinformation, and racking up millions in fines. A California appellate court upheld a $1.2 million penalty against the church, rejecting claims of religious discrimination.
The panel dives into what this ruling means for religious privilege, public safety, and the growing tension between faith and law. Is this a sign that courts are beginning to take church accountability seriously?
News Source The Friendly Atheist by Hemant Mehta, April 25, 2025
https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/ca-court-upholds-12-million-fine
The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.19.1 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Eli Slack, Jason Friedman. and Jonathan Roudabush
Court Smacks Down Defiant Church Over COVID Fines 💸
Calvary Chapel Loses Appeal—$1.2M Fine Upheld ⚖️
Pastor’s Pandemic Lies Cost Church Over a Million Dollars 😷
No, Pastor—Religious Freedom Isn’t a Free Pass 🚫
COVID Denial Gets Expensive for This California Church 💰
When Faith Defies Public Safety, the Law Fights Back 🔨
California Court Tells Church: Pay Up or Shut Up 🧾
$1.2M Lesson: Religion Doesn’t Exempt You From Reality 🧠
Defying Health Orders? There’s a Price for That 💣
From Pulpit to Penalty—Calvary Chapel’s Costly Crusade 🏛️
Preaching Misinformation Has Legal Consequences 📉
The Court vs. COVID Lies: Church Loses Big 🏴☠️
Religious Liberties Don’t Override Public Health 📑
Church Pandemic Protest Ends in Million-Dollar Judgment 💥
When Faith Becomes a Grift, Fines Follow 👏