I live in one of the most atheist countries in the world (Czech Republic). It is great... The roles here are basically reversed so being religious is something strange.
It is something that Richard Dawkins talks about. People treat religion differently from oppinions. You can bash on ones opinion however you like, but you cant do that with religion. People naturally respect religion even though they are not religious or they dont agree with religious dogmas. That is problem when science debates religion and those who represent science have to be careful to not offend religious people, but those who represent religion can bash on science however they want. Its like science does not deserve respect but everyone has to respect religion.
That is something that many religious cultures dont understand. They dont understand that someone does not care about religion. They dont understand that some people may not think about religion if not being asked about it. For these people you are ether religious or you are somehow refusing/hating religion. They grew up surrounded by religion and their whole society is supporting religion so its a big deal for them. Religious people are also interestingly ignorant to other religions. Many people have little to no knowledge about other religions or about the amount of other religions throughout the human history. It gives you some perspective if you think about how many religions are there in the world and how many religions were there in the past. When you imagine that Christianity was not around for majority of human history but only past 2000 years (which is not much) and only in some parts of the world.
My problem is atheism never approach me at a bus stop, atheism don't bang on my door on weekend mourning when I'm tired of working all week, atheism don't constantly or passive aggressively tell me I'm going to hell just because I did not join their team. I'm a good person by nature I don't need a book or a "way of life" to tell me that. If i'm going to be burn for all eternity just because I refuse to join a religious team then that is not a god I want to be friends with.
Come on ! How many times has anyone approached u at a bus stop about religion? Yes, atheists don't bang on doors but then the person sincere enough to think your soul is worth saving is pretty unlikely to lie, cheat, rob assault, vilify or defame you either. Perhaps u have a family in your street like we did, who trained their kids to pilfer a store while they distracted the staff. BTW, I never saw that family at church, funny that, eh!
Augustino All the damn time! It was also when I was in high school you Christians love to get followers when their young. You basically just said people who don't go to church are bad people...thank you for feeding the arrogant christian stereotype.
Kuma El Negro I was just at this community involvement event and this woman started rambling on about jesus and then asked me to email her so we can be friends... I didn't tell her the bad news, that I'm going to her hell, haha. It's exhausting. I almost feel bad not emailing her, but then again... My friend on the other hand was questioned by a christian while eating his hamburger, and wearing his non-offensive atheist shirt, and the guy asked him if he is afraid that he is damned for all of eternity. What an awful way to approach a person if you ask me. Then my friend went and met me at Second Harvest Food bank with other members of our group to sort food for the needy. Funny how the guy commenting to you is so smug and rude... coming from a church goer... shocking. Never been robbed by a christian, oh wait, I have because he was on meth, and addiction doesn't come in any one religion or lack thereof.
ATHEISTS INSTEAD BECOME SELF DELUDED AND IMPOSE THEIR IDEOLOGY ON OTHERS BY POLITICAL FORCE. WHEN THIS DOES NOT WORK GENOCIDE IS NEXT. ATHEISM ALWAYS LEADS TO MASS DEATH
henochparks When people say atheist they mean anyone who does not believe in god it is a label. So what ever you're talking about is redundant when they are not a hive mind. They all believe in one thing the thought of a magical being in the sky, always watching, and never doing anything unless a whole bunch of people get killed is dumb and fucked up.
I've served my country for 20 years now in the military and I've served openly as an Atheist for years. Each time someone learns of my beliefs, I get the same response..."you don't act like an Atheist". They have no idea how insulting this is, but I excuse their ignorance and keep pressing on.
Very insulting, considering their daughters are sleeping around with all the guys available, and keep a contest who reaches the 100 men sooner...poor religous husbands......they will believe them,too
The other day Jehovah's Witnesses knocked on my door (at 9am, ugh) and I told them that I was an atheist and they thought it was cool, they were very respectful and ended up having a slight conversation about religion and even had a couple laughs. Some religious people don't hate atheists. Though they started to irritate me because they kept preaching after what I just told them. I must thank you Hemant for helping me become more comfortable being an atheist. UA-cam is a wonderful thing.
***** In 2007, he told the BBC that he was "not religious in the normal sense," adding, "I believe the universe is governed by the laws of science. In 2007, he told the BBC that he was "not religious in the normal sense," adding, "I believe the universe is governed by the laws of science. The laws may have been decreed by God, but God does not intervene to break the laws."but God does not intervene to break the laws." read your article bro
You over estimate your importance if you think anyone cares what YOU believe.We care only what we believe and we do not need your opinion on that either.So go get on with your Godless life and wear it alone if it makes you so self satisfied happy and superior.
I like your friendly approach. I am subed to "the Amazing Atheist" here on UA-cam. He's a really smart guy, but he does come off as an angry drunk a lot to me and I can imagine religious people watching his videos and associating anger and alcoholism with atheism. You're seem so much more approachable and relaxed.
There is room for both approaches and they compliment each other well. I'm a hard atheist and I think "The Atheist Voice" is sometimes to nice and easy going for my views.
Julia Winkler Being angry at religion when it says your life is accountable and your behaviour has more consequences than their immediate effective is one one thing, but trying to argue against the existence of God b/c of some skewed ideas about religion is both dumb and dishonest. Ever heard of the circular fallacy?
Augustino I'm not exactly even certain by what you mean by skewed ? You have somewhat of a perception so do I, one view has more facts and reality then the other, and that is up to the individual to decide. For example in my perception this comment below noted is baseless and may I add in my view religion teaches, that we are to be held unaccountable for a damned thing, as were able to merely say I'm sorry forgive me to some non proven disembodied entity. " religion when it says your life is accountable and your behaviour has more consequences than their immediate effective" The history of cruelty based on real world ideas and religious assertions like the Catholic 1493 papal bulls making up the " Doctrine Of Discovery" Which said and gave Christians divine rights to possession of lands nations to believers was a assertion that empowered the real world destruction and genocides of various cultures through out the Americas, is just one of many examples of how religion does not teach moral accountability. It does however teach a divine entitlement mentality, like for example this as Christians call it the great commission to evangelize the world extending even to children of differing cultures and faiths whose parents do not want it in front of their children. Meanwhile you hypocrites get mad at the thought that anyone might corrupt your children by teaching them atheism or other religious assertions outside of your faith. Now you see where I'm going ? I can say things then give examples of what the hell I am talking about and why I believe those assertions. Why don't you attempt to do the same, you big honest fellow you ? I think my points are stronger then any you can muster in defense of Christianity, don't like it to bad I can defend my positions. " Ever heard of the circular fallacy? " Ever heard of having examples of and basis for your thoughts ?
***** it is widely accepted that the universe came to be from a point called a singularity in an event called the big bang. What happened before this is impossible to know. There is evidence that the universe is expanding as well as evidence of radiation left over from the event. Science explains a good deal, not everything, but enough so we can get some sort of answers to our biggest questions. It actually makes more sense that our existence is random! What is so difficult to grasp about the fact that through the laws of physics, planets and stars are created, molecules meet other molecules, planets fall in the right place for certain chemical compounds to mix, life forms and then evolves in line with the laws of nature? It may be complex for you to understand or accept, but that doesn't make it implausible. And no, science can't answer such human questions as "what is our purpose?" or "what gives life meaning?" Objective morality does not exist, and the main reason atheists are in the minority is because the majority of people experience a common emotion when left to think about the unimportance of their place in the universe: fear. Not that I'm saying that we don't matter, but really, I suggest you Google our location in the vastness of the universe and tell me that we are "important" enough to be created. Stop wasting my time.
***** I was merely trying to figure out if you were joking or not. How exactly does one "believe" in evolution? Do you believe in Newton's third law of motion? How about gravity? The laws of equilibrium? What about Newton's law of gravitational force? How can one believe in a scientific theory?
+Chloe Connell me too. I've been trying to "come out" to some people and most of them they don't really talk to me anymore. and others I think are trying to exorcize me.
It's actually kind of weird to watch this video, since I live in Finland. I only know one person who is actually religious, all the others are either ''well I believe there's some kind of a higher power''-guys, agnostics or atheists. We never have that problem
My mother was the kindest, sweetest, and most loving atheist you could meet. With her humble manner, she contributed so much to help people embrace logic and reason into their lives.
I used to be more in-your-face about it when I had just converted, because I was still unsure and was trying to convince myself as much as others. But I've gotten much nicer about it as I've become confident in my atheism, and also because I saw the results being aggressive about it had. I don't try to convert people anymore, I just explain my personal reasons. One, because I'm in such a religious town that I wouldn't have any friends if I didn't respect and leave alone others' beliefs, and also because I'm simply not that passionate anymore. I've withdrawn from the larger atheist community because my gnosticism didn't agree with their skepticism. My reasons are philosophical (naturalism) and theirs are scientific. And I've found that religious people are more open to understanding philosophical rather than scientific arguments.
Yume Niko I know right u it makes u a better person in ur own way we don’t have to relay on a higher being which doesn’t exist we all already know what’s right from wrong we just enjoy life as much as we can cause this is the only life and it’s so good helping others who are less fortunate
I Used to watch Amazing Atheist but i didnt really like his approach to it. He is the more in your face aggressive type but im glade i found this channel. I think you do so much more for the atheist community making us look less like a bunch of thugs trying to discredit there beleifs and more like a group of good people who just have a different belief. i think that a lot of people dont want to become atheist because perhaps they think by doing so the have to attack there family and friends views but if they see people like you and understad we are not all like that they will eel morre comfortable to make the switch.
Cameron Yu they don't judge you as badly if you just say you're a deist instead of saying you're an atheist, because 9/10 people I speak to doesn't even have a clue what deism is.... 7/10 people think all atheists are anti-theists. -_-
I'm a 14-year-old atheist in the Philippines who attends a Catholic school, but I'm glad that people don't really bash on me for my belief (or well, disbelief).
I "came out" as an atheist last year and have been quite open about it no matter what. All my true friends realize my position and consider themselves Christians or at least stick up for them. I have had some trouble, but no one has deserted me yet. They know I am a good person and I am open to discuss anything they want. I am trying to change the misconceptions one person at a time. I try to get as many people I can to question their beliefs.
That's great, I find so few believers do that, I do believe, but I am constantly questioning things, it's healthy for the mind. Sadly some people are just too afraid.
Well in Switzerland as a young person you don't have problem being atheist, there is a low amount of "radical Christians" from what I know. And something I like to Christians: "Well I think god is good for you, you're believe helps you through bad times but know that god is just a product of your imagination and that all the things you think god helped you with, you have actually done by yourself. So be proud of yourself and give yourself the respect that you deserv."
I agree with most everything you say here except the part about the in your face approach being good. I really think that the harder you push, the harder christians will push back. I personally had grown a very negative view of atheism in general based on so much of the attacks I would receive on youtube any time I mentioned being a christian, but seeing people like you makes me more open to wanting to hear more and have these discussions. I feel like giving respect, causes you to get respect, when you have no respect, you get none back and destroy the lines of communication. You're the first atheism based channel I've ever felt the desire to sub to btw, so kudos on that :)
Well it's a two way street. Atheists have been taking crap for years from Christians mostly just because we don't automatically submit to your dogma. Let's be honest here. I will admit we do give Christians a pretty hard time as well. Christians attack people for not believing in what they believe way more than Atheists do. When is the last time you've seen an Atheist going to a catholic/Christian school trying to force evolution on them? Yet Christians/Catholics will show up to public schools forcing creationism and their beliefs on teachers. Atheists don't want to turn you into an Atheist. They just want people to have more critical thinking skills and to question more things that your church is telling you. After you do more research about your religion and Atheism, and you still want to be a Christian then great, at least you did the research and didn't just blindly accept it. If you decide to become an Atheist then that's great too. We're always welcoming people.
This kind of communication is what we need. For me personally I feel a more productive agenda is for the two groups to just be able to accept each other and lose animosity toward each other rather than trying to change each other's opinions at all. But I understand that it's usually my side of the community that makes this difficult to say the least. I feel like "evangelism" has been turned into something crazy that it never should have been. If christians could learn to just wait for opportunities to speak of Jesus when they present themselves rather than LOOKING for them or trying to create them themselves, if they would try to be good people, worried about their own lives rather than the lives of others, and give their testimonies when they are ASKED, then this fight wouldn't be near as prevalent. That's why in spite of my beliefs I think even atheists should agree that moderate christians like me could be of more use to you than more atheists, there are many believers you just can not convert, but people like me might be able to change their views on HOW they live a christian life. Much respect.
Symphonious7 I think you have to be able to sympathize with people who get angry at a comment that is two posts below yours. After reading something like that, and then seeing a less, yet still offensive, "I'll pray for you" post could very well take some of the extra fury that the first dude created. There needs to be moderate christians fighting this type of thing for your sake and for our sake. We may say your bible is fiction, but telling us we are the devil's minions on our way to hell is pretty messed up. I'd suggest way more messed up. We have to constantly be defending our morals, even from people in McDs just because we are wearing a shirt that says "atheist." I'd never berate a christian like that, but it happened to my friend a couple weeks ago on his way to an atheist community service event. I'd see why people might stop defending our morals and turned to calling the religious stupid. I can understand how Christians would want to turn people, as that's what the bible teaches. It's supposed be be a loving thing to get us to turn to jesus and get rewarded with heaven. That's why I think we can never fully accept each other, no matter how nice Christians are when they try to "help" us. That's why most of us tolerate Judaism, because they don't push their beliefs on us. And we truly appreciate christians when they fight for secularism in schools and other public places, which some very much do. And you may very well be an atheist in a couple months, seeing as you are here, so I welcome you. I thank you for being respectful and wanting peace between christians and atheists. It sure would be nice, but frankly, I don't think it's possible.
I do see your point. I've been watching this conflict from the sidelines for a long time, I love to watch debates with hitchens or dawkins, and quite frankly I enjoy listening to what Hitchens says. I also agree that William Lane Craig says some insane stuff. I mean the bible has changed my life for the better in many ways and I have a huge emotional connection to it and believe it to be inspired by God, but when I'm asked why God would allow the murdering of children in the old testament my answer is "I have NO idea and it screws with my head and I HATE IT" Not "He did those kids a favor cause they went to heaven!!" I mean what is that crap?? The truth of the matter is if Christians would focus more on Jesus and how he acted we wouldn't be in this mess. Jesus did tell people about God, but he did it when he was asked you know? He even tells his disciples to not be a bother to people, when he says "Give to ceaser what is ceaser's" he's clearly saying to accept what your government does as being separate from your faith. If he'd said "Don't pay taxes to ceaser cause he's a corrupt heathen!!" That would be totally different, but no, he was basically telling us to realize that the government will make decisions that conflict with our faith and we just have to deal with it. I will say that whatever side your on is the side you will see the most victimized. You tell me that there are way more christians trying to convert and being mean to atheists, I can't say I SEE that, but then I don't go looking for it cause I'm on the other side of the fence you know? My guess is that in reality this is getting pretty evenly matched in people being unfair to each other but that's just a guess. Regardless, I want to apologize for anyone who tells you you are going to hell. That angers me to my core. From my perspective, there is my religion, which is beautiful, life giving, nurturing, and has turned me into a better person, and then there are people who take my religion and try to use it to justify their bad behavior and their hatred of others. I in no way recognize those people as being on my side, if you ask me those are the people Jesus called Pharisees, and I do not like anything about their behavior. Much respect.
Hemant!!! I love watching your videos and you make me feel so much more confident about my non-beliefs. Before I found this account, I literally thought there was no one else out there who thought the same as I did. :) Don't stop making videos!
Hemant, you remind me of my middle school friend. He was the kind of guy you can't really picture angry. Like if he were to be angry, it would be some kind of paradox. Good thing he and you are very friendly. The universe is safe in your hands.
I'm a Catholic and I liked this video. There should be more people like you... no matter what religion or non-religion you do or don't practice, there's little point in having an incorrect stereotype about someone or something for an extended period of time. I think I have another word for you in addition to friendly: humble. We can all take a little something from this video and learn from you.
This is what I asked myself to become agnostic, "Why do you believe your religion is more authentic then catholism, hinduism, scientology, or islam? Oh because you have a man made book? :D Seems legit."
I live in a south american country, im an atheist. When I told it to everyone at my school, I was bullied by the 40% of the people of my grade and I was even bullied by some teachers. This only showed me how untolerant and closed minded people can be :(
Travel to an atheist country like Cuba, North Korea, China and see how people are treated by an atheist government. Nothing has killed more people in the 20th century than Atheism by government and political movements. China under atheist Mao = Millions of Chinese killed. Soviet Union under atheist Stalin = Millions of Russians killed. Cambodia under atheist Pol Pot = Millions of Cambodians killed. North Korea under Kim Jung Ill = Millions of North Koreans killed. Atheists need to sit down with the Dalai Lama and he'll educate you on how an atheist govt (China) treats Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Jews inside China.
The Zen Master Then you should perhaps provide an example of a country, where radical atheists have political power AND the society is not ruined. Such country does not exist. Yes, Western Europe's governments are atheist to a great degree, in a sense that religion is separated from politics. But they are not atheist in a sense that they persecute and attack any form of religion on a daily basis. If you want to attack and ridicule religion, then the comparison with North Korea and Soviet Union is spot on. BTW, I'm not sure if you actually read Mein Kampf, but to say that Hitler was catholic shows a lack of care about the facts on your part. Yes, he did say he's doing God's work, but if Hitler is catholic to you, then don't react offended if I say you look North Korean-esque to me.
Ferko Mrkvicka I'm calling Poe's Law here. First off, most of Europe is atheist in society and government. So is Japan. And by in large, they have very progressive social policies, low crime rates and very good societal health. Being Atheist does not mean you persecute religion. That's not what atheism is. Second, while Hitler was not Catholic, he was backed and even endorsed by the Catholic church.
***** Are you a troll? Religious people are not losing any of their rights or any of the freedoms they enjoy. What they are losing is what they think is their right to rule culture and society and shove religion in every public office and public space. You've been listening to too much Fox News. Freedom of religion means freedom from religion. It's not an Obama policy. It's what your country was founded on. If you want to live in a country where religion rules, move to Iran. After all, any can talk tough behind a computer. And don't confuse communism with atheism. And don't play the numbers game. Religion and belief in god in any and every form has a much bigger body count.
The Atheist Voice I remember you mentioned being friends with Greta Christina. I recognize here her message of: "different people react to different approaches and the mix is more effective than each approach separately". That's one of the smartest thing I heard her say. We are lucky to have more experienced militant of all kind and learn from their wisdom!
Y'know, I'd consider myself to be that "in-your-face, your religion is wrong" atheist and starting almost a year ago, I began getting a lot of criticism on social media for it. In some cases religious people would actually approach me calling me uneducated, damned, hell-bound, etc. Because of this backlash, I had been slowly pulling back and becoming less outspoken about my beliefs because I began to feel that what I was doing was wrong and that I was a bad person for it but your comments and reasons behind them on that type atheist are a big support for me. Thank you. 😊
Couldn't you combine both tactics? Like be respectful but still forceful? As a believer (not super duper religious haha, but still a believer), I can understand why some people would get offended, but at the same time, as someone who enjoys hearing both sides, I think both tactics could be used to get your points across.
One time I was helping the elderly lady across the street from me with her groceries, and she just said, " People who don't believe in Jesus need help, they're just crazy." and I just walked and thought " You really don't get it... "
I often find that when I'm being very warm and connection oriented, I get hit with the "so what church do you attend?" question. It does seem to be a direct response to my behavior...like someone who was being this warm obviously has to be religious.
When I was younger, I never mentioned that I was an Atheist because I didn't want my aunt to stop loving me. Now that I'm older, I tell everyone but I still haven't told my aunt.
+Melatina77 Personally I think you should tell her, but if you think that will be harmful for your relationship with her and you don't really mind that she doesn't know, then my recommendation is: don't do it. It doesn't really care if YOU don't care.
You're describing exactly the same "conversion of public sentiment" that happened recently with homosexuality in America. More and more people came out, and people started saying "yeah, that gay guy isn't so bad" and "yeah I actually know some gay guys and they're nice people." Atheism's "coming out" is the next one, and it's already starting. We've got to do our part - not just because it helps others, but because how cool is it to be a part of history!
At the age of 18yrs i was very proud and public about my atheism even though everyone in my family are christians., I'm 28yrs now i'm into spirituality development because i have come to the conclusion that there is a Creator or God. If you honest and genuinely desire the truth of weather is there a God you will fine it. I can link you all to a channel that will really challenge you disbelief in a Creator and ultimately convince if your ready if you are conscious develop enough. but if i do link you, please don't attack the content creator with anything obviously hurtful and negative comment. you all have the right to be skeptical about what you wanna. but that does mean you have to be negative. Just to be clear i don't necessarily consider atheists negative I just made the previous statement in hopes to stop any potential negative attacks.
When a believer says "if you are willing to look for the truth" or "if you desire to know god he will show himself to you" all it sounds like to me is "if you are gullible enough we can convince you". I grew up in a Christian family. Went to church each Sunday and really tried to be a good Christian and do the right thing. Then in my early 20s I realized there's no real reason to believe in this book. No one that went to my church had even read it cover to cover. Why should we follow the teachings of a bronze age society that on most accounts was extremely immoral. Now I'm not only an atheist but an anti-theist. I am against all religion that claims to be good but does harm which is all but maybe Buddhism and Jainism.
John Doe Who said i was a religious believer! I am more on the side atheists than i am the religious believers. Only a fool would take the bible seriously! I have been argue against religion since the age of 18 and still do. The only difference now is that i know there is a creator or God. Now you may be wondering how can someone believe in God but not be religious. The answer is simple; spirituality. Once you have a fundamental understand of existence, you'll inevitably come to the same knowing.
My fundamental understanding of existence tells me there is no reason to believe in a creator. A lot of what people used to think was god is now explained by science. Eventually everything that makes you think there is a god will also be explained by science. You're right though, I don't see how you can be so against the bible and how silly it is yet believe in a creator. And I called you a believer because you said you believe in god. I never said you were of a religious affiliation.
John Doe You sound reasonably fairly and i respect that! Anyway, belief or better yet knowing there is a creator doesn't mean you have to be religious, it means you have some spiritual awareness. Spirituality is one's own connection with the source or God,and everyone will ultimately realize and accept this as a fact. But anyway the reason why i'm against religion is because is a system design to control and stop our spiritual development. Also you it make little to no sense and i can't accept that as fact. It's a good thing i kept desiring the truth of the reality, else i would have found it. You would be surprise to fine out the plethora info about God, the real history of the planet and spirituality amongst other very important things we need to know. Want you to link you to a channel to give you a fair understanding of spirituality?
THE-MEDZ What plethora of information on god? Do you mean the vast knowledge of the thousands of gods humans have made up each with different personalities, purposes or legends? I have no need to go searching for a god or spirituality. I feel spiritual in nature at it's beauty and tranquility. I don't see it as being created by the hand of some all power being. I am at peace in nature's chaotic and savage simplicity. Science tells us it's not actually that simply but that doesn't take anything away from my spirituality towards it. Believing in a creator science would make me question everything and that is why I don't believe in a god. If there was a god or creator we would have seen something. What kind of creator would make all this and then just leave? Science shows us ways that everything could have happened. It doesn't say it must have only that it could have. The idea of a god or creator says there is only one way and it's not even that convincing. Common sense should tell everyone that a god is highly unlikely but then again common sense isn't very common.
People don't care about how good you are, only your religious beliefs. I had 2 roommates whom I thought were good friends of mine then in a moment of security I let out a hint of my atheism. They never spoke to me again. The one girlfriend I ever had dumped me when I let her know about my atheism even though we have been through so much together.
Nick Codianni You purposely ignore the horrid nonsense in the Bible and pick the “sweet”. Beerus is more of a god than anything Christianity can tell me. Fuck the Bible and fuck the contradictions in it
Learn to OWN your cognitive truth Bernardo, even if it is unpopular, and puts you at risk of disapproval. That makes what you represent even more genuine and courageous. It gives you self respect. Also it allows you to represent and support others, who like you, are intelligent, knowledgeable, and brave enough to be willing to give up magical wishful thinking.
Lol how? When you don't even believe he exists. I have to say, that is my favorite saying people come up with when they find out someone is an atheist. I guess they never think that since you are an atheist, that means you don't believe in any of that lol.
I was a devoted Christian, until I begun asking difficult question about god, and the history of different religions of the world, and sadly the more I read the more confused I am.
It is a life threat when you admit your atheism in Indonesia because most of people believe that apostasy should be penalized with death, and your parents could be part of them.
I've recently become an Atheist. I've told some close friends and family but not my mom and dad yet. My dad is a retired anglican minister. He's 84 years old and am thinking of keeping it from him so as not to upset him. Your thoughts Hemant &/or others?
Peter M. Rayment Turn in the other direction!!!! Don't go any further in the wrong direction. You are being poisoned not to believe in God. What proof do you have that He is non existent? Go on a long camping trip and sit and absorb Gods creation. Look at the sky, tree, water, breathe in the air.......
Peter M. Rayment Good choice. Find a minister that is a true, saved believer not just any minister. Even better go directly to God (Jesus) with your doubts. He is able to lead you away from your unbelief.
You are so awesome. You hit the nail squarely on the head. I've seen about 10 of your videos and it's as if my words are coming out of your mouth except you put it more concisely then I would. I've been directing some of my former school students to your sites over the last couple months. You feel so liberating. Thank you!
At 68 and living in the UK, sadly I'm going to more funerals. The past 6 -7 of them have been humanist.and really nice and comforting for the families and friends attending, rather than some priest going through the motions and convincing no one.
isn't the birth of all matter, time and space old news, like 13.8bill yrs old? If u think that there is a point to be made, cant u make it? Or do u think in our ever diminishing micro-cosmic existence, we should go running off trying to sieve thru endless YT vidoes to find a point that is important to someone called dyad?
dyad2r1 I usually don't mind looking up a reference but what I don't like is someone telling me to go off wading thru a website trying to find a point or issue that they cant make themselves. Given that there is now ample space for a comment, howabout telling us what the finding is, unless of course u r incapable.
Martin Kerr There are not surprisingly only 2 types of people in this world. Those who seek God and those who dont. And both will be successful. Paradigm shifts are extremely rare, CS Lewis and Tony Flew excepted. What is sad is that some will fallaciously use religion or some verses of an ancient text to assume God spoke to man, that man accurately recorded those words, from which they conclude God almost certainly doesn't exist. Such is the circular reasoning (fallacy) that many militant atheists unwittingly or deliberately resort to. They pontificate about perceived evil using all the fundamentalist zeal that they despise in believers, when their version of evil is no more than doing what is unfashionable in some culture at some point in history.
With all due respect, that is complete and utter nonsense! To break it down there are many types of people in this world and to say there is only 2 is simply narrow minded beyond belief. To seek the toothfairy or santa would be just as logical as seeking god. Anyone that doesn't, and they number in the many, do hoards of other things. Are you saying I'd be successful if I wanted to follow the tooth fairy, that would be quite rightly ridiculous! Paradigm shifts are most certainly not rare in whatever we question the study of science is about what you didn't get right so you do more experiments and study until you do. It is easy to conclude that God didn't exist even without some verse or other, quite clearly just by using that old tool common sense. And to finish religion is most certainly NOT fundamental to anything. And having moral basis as your last point suggests has absolutely nothing, yes I did say it ZERO to do with being religious, stop and give your head a shake man. Jesus!!!(
Martin Kerr Martin be honest! Millions aren't on line right now debating the non existence of santa. Unlike God, santa is not THE most compelling issue in all human history Throwing in strawman like the tooth fairy or the flying spaghetti monster is typical of atheists who want to deny God. But no one I know sets up websites, holds conventions, seeks converts, donations, writes 400 page texts on your strawman. Of course the oldest sin is to replace God with oneself. Many worship at the altar of power, ego, greed wealth, gambling, drugs, sport, porn. What gets u off? If u want to debate the overwhelming evidence for a Creator, fine but starting with religion is not only fallacious its dishonest
I don't know if you know this but Australia (especially north Australia where I live) has the highest percentage of atheists. A lot of my teachers and 70% of my peers in school are also atheist, it's crazy how religious people in America are though
True...France and Sweden are another example of Atheism. Here in Holland there are alot of Atheists just like me. Japan seems have a big percentage too.
I would like to thank Hemant very much for this video. I make it a habit not to down others in the Atheist community for their approach to the situation. I believe the more of us that are speaking out, the better it is for everybody. I personally, use the " in your face approach." Glad to see you've get it :)
I have two things to say. First WHAT?, in America you can loose your job for being an atheist? Are you serious? I'm Canadian and people presume you're an atheist unless a person says otherwise. Not believing in a god is the norm in Canadian society outside of Alberta. Second another great book that I just got is "Atheist Universe" by David Mills. It's the thinking person's answer to christian fundamentalism. It shows you how to avoid the traps they try to lay for atheist when discussing religion and the bible. Excellent book. One more thing, have you ever thought about writing a book?
Yes, Americans can be fired for being an atheist. Use your computer and educate yourself. Google "Can Americans be Fired for Being an Atheist" as see what comes up.
Paul Preiswerck You're not educated it seems. No one in America can be fired for being an atheist. We have federal laws against discimination moron. lol Google up: "Paul Preiswerck is unemployed and believes everything he reads off the internet." lol Get a job.
***** Speaking as someone who knows the ins and outs of labor laws, I can tell you that employers often don't give a great flying about what the labor code actually says. If they want to fire you because you are an atheist, they will fire you. A lot of people can't afford to fight the matter in court, so they can and do get canned for being an atheist. Just because there is a law against firing someone for being atheist doesn't mean employers are going to follow it.
I am an atheist...and what you sayd about convincing people that is better to be an atheist... What are you saying is that we should act like religious people!We should go and spread the world that this is the right belifs and they should convert to it! If you think that you are better than religious people,smarter than them..then proove it! Act like a smart person! What i think is the right way to do is let them have theyr belifs...everybody has the right to express theyr religion! You should not try to change that,or worst to start some sort of protest or something like that against religion! It's a free world (most of it :P ) People do what they want and belive what they want,and this should stay like that! Act smart..not religious style!
What an absurd opinion. Are you also against education in general, because people should just be allowed to stay in their ignorant state? "What i think is the right way to do is let them have theyr belifs...everybody has the right to express theyr religion!" Ok. My religion involves sacrificing humans to produce rain in Angola. "You should not try to change that,or worst to start some sort of protest or something like that against religion!" Look, this is really simple. If "your" religion involves indoctrinating people to become antisocial suicide bombers and militants, if it advocates murder and oppression, if it otherwise is attempting to impact my life in any way what so ever - I am going to protest it. "Your" right to hold delusional beliefs ends the moment it impacts other people.
Gnomefro Atheism cannot be a non belief. Everyone has a worldview of what we regard ultimate reality to be, the makeup of this world and our place in it. Theism has the foundation to explain the origin and existence of our finite, rationally intelligible, law-abiding universe. It explain why a sentient moral being has arisen to wonder in awe at its beauty, power & precision. Theism explains why we seek transcendence beyond the material world and find existential meaning hope and destiny in our worldview. Atheists as Bertrand Russell laments are no more than a highly unlikely collocation of atoms, destined for oblivion without meaning hope or escape. Such a worldview he says can only lead to "unyielding despair."
Augustino while others perspective may be that if we do just become atoms again which disperse into the world again will lead to unyielding despair it does not, people only when they actively think of death worry about what happens and mostly only those that think an after life could or does exist would truly despair if it was ultimately concluded not too. because they believe the after life to be an extension of their life thus triggering fear of death because they are no longer thinking of their self as being timeless after our life times, i accept that after my death i'm just going to become a bunch of atoms once more "its not about the destination but the journey" and maybe i'm just a minority that thinks this but doesn't change that a world view of unyielding despair is an exaggeration maybe to the current time frame its true but in the future i think that just like how humanity has stepped away from religions with beliefs in Gods that we've never met in certain places, that its only a matter of time that so to our fears of what happens after our death will be slowly laid to rest.
Evos World Evos, atheists are on a hiding to nothing if youre just a bunch of selfish genes (Dawkins) or a collocation of atoms in motion (Russell's term), death means ur no more than worm fodder. Then all the time wasted here trying to prove it to urself is pretty pointless. Then of course when u find out ur wrong u've got an eternity to think about where u went wrong! Read what honest atheists like Camus, Sartre Nietszhe & Tolstoy have to say- your meaningless life implies it doesn't matter if u go hugging or mugging just "re-iterate those small pleasures and moments of gratification as often as u are able" since there will be no justice, right?
I think what he is saying, is if you want to talk about Atheism, do it. It doesn't have to be taboo. I love to discuss scientific thinking from the godless view. I love to discuss flaws of theist thinking. But I try not to go too far out of the way to do it. I don't stand on corners with signs saying "Scientists hate Jesus" or "Morticians love dead soldiers". But i'll make posts on my facebook offering people the chance to see the world as I see it through readings, pictures or videos. I make no threats at them for not reading it and I don't go on their pages telling them that their problems would go away if they would just accept science.
First of all , a couple of jokes . Do you know why it took Katherine Hepburn a long time to come out of the closet ? Because she couldn't find the right dress to wear . A reporter once asked Miss Hepburn , in your movies , do you ever say anything other than " Really i do ' . Her answer was " Yes , i do . Really i do ' Hehe . As a Christian , i have several atheist friends and they know that there is only one thing that can make me as mad a a hungry tiger . If someone says that i am an animal , that is the one thing that triggers my inner Joe Frazier and makes me fighting mad because i am absolutely not an animal . My wife , son and i and our friends at our Fundamental Baptist Church are value producing human beings created in God's image , we are not animals . We are also not filthy apes . Our ancestors are Adam and Eve , not some slimy creature that ' supposedly ' crawled out of the ocean a billion years ago . Jesus is the truth and he is alive today . Darwin is a liar , a con man , a snake oil salesman , a perverted finch molester and the son of the devil , and he and his psuedo science lies are dead . If you can question God , you certainly should be allowed to question evolution , or is the ' almighty ' Darwin infallible ? Have a look at Ben Stein's great documentary ' Expelled , No Intelligence Allowed ' , which tells of some scientists losing their job because they dared to question Darwin . Even Carl Sagan was humble enough to realize that God created the universe and life . He said that on his excellent tv show ' Cosmos ' , and MR . Sagan didn't believe in silly evolution at all . He only gave it lip service so the fascists that ran the scientific community would let him keep his scientific license so he could study what he loved , astronomy .
It's incredible to me that "Atheism" is a thing. I wasn't an atheist until religion came around and told me that I am... Man I'm one of the rare ones that had NO RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS WHAT SO EVER from growing up... Anything that was related to religion I think maybe where told to me as to tell me what is what but I really didn't get it... To me it was just a boring story that I just thought where a part of learning to read or to spell like anything else in school.. I still do understand the difference for someone growing up with religion though...
It's kinda amusing how different America and Europe is when it comes to religion. Here in Denmark people would be more surprised if you claimed to go to church every sunday than if you were an atheist. We consider christianity a part of our history and enjoy the traditions such as christmas and easter in their modern sense, but very few seriously dedicate much time and effort to religion. The only people i know that believe in god are my grandparents, and even they don't go to church.
Thumbs up to the first atheist video, I wish I had met ANY atheist at all who would have the approach you speak of. My 'sample set" of atheists as colleagues and co-workers have been a disappointing experience. Very vindictive, illogical and waste no time in spitting poison and relating everything, EVERYTHING to religion and God. never hear a word from the other side and keep repeating themselves. On the other side we have atheists with no integrity but with high positions like dawkins and hitchens and Krauss who have become exactly what they hate "religious fanatics". Im sincerely hoping I meet someone like you and have a mature conversation, not childish plays. I respect sincere atheists, because they take the step towards a higher truth rather than blindly accepting it. To my dismay most atheists are no different than most theists.
You are clearly completely delusional. Being opposed to demonstrably damaging ideologies and ways of thinking is not being a "religious fanatic". And by the way, the reason people "never hear a word from the other side" is that theistic arguments are universally utter bullshit. Most of it is some variation on argument from ignorance or not adhering to the principle of parsimony to argue for their god, making arguments that simply assume supernatural things exist(Such as justifying views in politics in "God's will") or offensive drivel where they claim barbaric mass murderers are the standard of "good" and when challenged on it claim that we can't really know that mass murder isn't the objectively best solution an omnipotent being could come up with. All of this is offensively stupid and that's the reason you have no impact on anyone outside your cult. The reason people relate "EVERYTHING" to religion is because religion impacts most areas of the lives of religious people because the disease typically infects their moral intuition and makes them fall back to divine command theories instead of moral reasoning and through that makes them impossible to reason with as well as antisocial in many circumstances.
I too would like to meet a sincere atheist. One who looks at the well documented evidence for God e.g a finite past, a rationally intelligible universe, metaphysical truths, our innate moral nature etc. All I hear is those like Hitchens who not only don't believe in God they hate him. They use circular reasoning to argue against God from failed religions, a bit like denying aliens b/c of mistaken UFO sightings.
Gnomefro Lol you must have just heard arguments from some stupid Christians. Most Christians I've debated with are Ph.D's and know what they're talking about, and they know exactly why they believe what they believe after extensive research and understanding of meditation/drug induced ESP, shared tripping/dreaming, extra sensitive neurotransmitters of serotonin, haemoglobin, and DMT involved in pineal gland excitation, astral projection, conciousness connectivity ect. It's hard to debate against this kind of thing as science has not even begun to understand it.
Hey there Hemant. I absolutely love your content as well as the way you put it out there. In my own experience, I have seen quite a bad stereotype that is due to a complete lack of understanding. Just the other day, i had a conversation about God and atheism with 2 friends. One was raised with no faith and told to find his way and the other is a bible thumper, who's arguments were only attempted by reading scripture. I really shined a positive light on the one friend right away when i brought logic and reason to the table, as well as stated my morality for the betterment of mankind and the world we live in. The other gentlemen however. . . His genuine lack of understanding hit me like a shovel to the head when he asked, " atheism or agnosticism. Which one is it that worships the devil?" Wait... What??? I realized that THIS is where that silly dogma comes from. This is why people fear the search of reason. People are pushed to fear when they are given a way to reason against the "good book". I really want to start some sort of group or outreach program where i live in western Pennsylvania. Any advice?? Thanks soo much for all that you do
2:21 It's one of my favorite things to tell people. It doesn't come up a lot and I almost never bring it up but when it does I am like "I am an atheist". In my group of friends it does not turn heads but I have been yelled at during club rush before.
Why should You try to convince religious people to atheism ,while You get so offended when religious people try to convince You? P.S. I was about to leave with no comments but: You asked:)
***** Before u debate religious people as a lame excuse for not believing in a Creator/God justify why u wont debate the insummountable scientific and philosophical evidence that points to a finite past, a rationally intelligent uncaused 1st cause for our fine-tuned rationally INTELLIGIBLE universe? "Advanced mathematics is the language that God defined the universe" Galileo - "nupe, math wasn't discovered it was invented by our chemical brain." atheist response
Only non-contingent, immaterial realities can be infinite e.g abstract numbers, laws, ethics, wisdom Matter is defined by the parameters of time, space & motion A finite past is a logical necessity therefore Creation is a given! (Dave Hilbert) "The infinite is nowhere to be found in reality. It neither exists in nature nor provides a legitimate basis for rational thought. The role that remains for the infinite...is solely that of an idea..." Nothing can ever come from absolutely nothing - hence matter must have been Created! And Creation demands a Creator
more people should be able to understand all religions and all perspectives so you can understand peoples beliefs and try to learn why they believe what they do. understanding promotes tolerance and tolerance promotes peace and peace makes the world happy
that is a very closed minded way of living, if you refuse to even hear another person's thought then its like you refuse other thoughts even exist, with that logic its no wonder christian extremists are so intolerant and spiteful towards others beliefs... we all should at least have an understanding of things in order to truly cast judgement, hell isn't that one of Jesus' principles?
He's ignorant. Jesus was an historic figure and many of the Bible stories have been proven to be based on fact. See "Historicity of Jesus" and "Biblical Archaeology" at Wikpedia.
it doesn't matter whether Jesus existed or not. Maybe there was a sect leader called Jesus. Maybe he was a good person. But why should I believe in a god?
oh maybe there was such a dude but the fact the bible says he was there doesn't explain nothing. lets say you have a dude that doesn't know anything about the bible. how would you explain to him that it's not a pile of legends, (even if they are based on historical facts) how would you explain it to him? please answer ...
"The dude in the Bible really existed and God does exist, because the Bible says so. Also, wikipedia." - That's your argument so far. You'd think the first and ONLY zombie ever, would be documented in more than one place. Nah. What about the acts of Jesus that were so 'divine'? Nah. What about a lot of other crap he did? Nah. Your holy book is filled with stories and poems (FACT), and you lot take it as 'The Word of God!'. You ignore contradictions, you ignore the fact that MOST Atheists used to be religious, and you yourself have probably not even read your own holy book. Want to understand the Atheist point of view? Read your holy book from cover to cover. It's one of the best ways to get to where we are. Take your time, there's no rush. But keep your ignorant comments to yourself until you finish the book that a lot of us have already read. Hell, it's YOUR holy book. You want to prove God exists, but can't even read a book to help prove it? Kind of close-minded, don't you think?
You guys believe the first particle came from atoms fluctuating out of the vacuum of space at its lowest energy point than the first law of thermodynamics took over form there. Is this correct?
Thank you for making these videos. I am a young atheist under 15 and my whole family is Christian. Today I told my parents I am an atheist, and my dad told me I should change my mind, because this would break my grandparent's hearts. Could you reply to my comment and give me some advice? I am so happy that I am not alone. (:
It may break your grandparent's hearts, but at the end of the day, I am sure they will accept your lack of belief, and still love you as much as they do now. What you should never do is pretend to change your mind just to suit others. If you truly believe there is no God, and atheism is correct, then be proud of that, and be open about it. I can relate to you a bit, personally I am a believer, my whole family is Catholic, but I decided that Reform Judaism was where my heart belonged, so I converted and became Jewish. My mom was upset for awhile and asked me to change back, but I refused, because for me, I think Judaism is the right path. Now my family accepts me being Jewish and we have no problems. I hope it works out the same with you ;)
I love how you express your point of view! You present your opinions respectfully and logically, which is really nice, and can be really difficult when talking about something controversial. Thank you.
on a flight to chicago i was sitting by this lady that was sitting by this lady and after experiencing a bit of extreme turbulence she was said something to the effect of you know god will protect us etc and asked me if i was also a christian and rather than go through the awkwardness of saying i was an atheist i just went along with her to prevent any kind of trouble......
My uncle just moved from Colorado and has been hanging out with our family a lot recently. He is SUPER religious, a complete bible knocker and has been discussing religion a lot lately and I'm afraid to tell him I'm an atheist. Does anyone have any advice? Anything is appreciated.
I have been an atheist for about 4 years and have just recently started telling people. I live in a very Christian part of Virginia, so of course I get questions and judgmental looks, but I don’t really care because it was the best decision I ever made and could not be happier. I started telling people at work because I got tired of hearing about how they are Christians, even thought they certainly did not act like one, and them just assuming that I was too. One coworker recently told me he was a born again Christian (which you would never have guessed by his actions and language). I told him I was a Christian growing up but was now an atheist. He actually asked me “how could that be? Was it something bad that happened to you?” I said “no, I just read and research a lot and now I look at evidence.” He didn’t ask me anything else about it and hasn’t since lol.
I love your videos! I am having trouble with people that have religions. I don't know exactly what to do other than to do what I feel is right. Your videos are helping me a lot! Thank you!
As I find my personal style on how to be "out" I appreciate your bitter pill and water analogy. This helps me to appreciate both sides of the coin a little more too.
My mom got a bracelet with the atheism symbol on it. People kept making comments on Facebook (when they saw here wrist) that atheists are constantly telling people that they're atheist. The only people she told she was atheist was her family and her Pinterest followers. She wasn't telling people, she just liked to have a reminder that atheism is what she truly believes in. If you get to wear a cross necklace, why can't my mom where an atheist symboled bracelet? A lot of people don't even know what the symbol means. The ones who didn't know said "Oh. That's cute. I should get one." Because they all had the middle name 'Ann'. So if an atheist bracelet offends you, then a cross necklace offends me.
It really comes down to assertiveness. In normal conversation, it's very useful to be assertive because you don't offend anybody (unless they want to be offended) but you still stand up for yourself and get your point across. In public forums, however, I think there's a decent justification for being a bit more aggressive than one would be in a face-to-face conversation. Part of it has to do with the fact that you're kind of putting on a show and you're not talking to any specific person.
I'm 14 and I don't really know exactly who I am or what I believe. What I do know is that I've never felt a real connection with religion. My family raised me catholic and I have made my first holy communion. I also attended a catholic school for all of my elementary school years. I've read most of the Bible and I just don't understand how people can drop everything and believe in something without asking for evidence. I've always been the person to ask questions and find things out for my self. And that's what I've been doing. I appreciate videos like this, because they get me thinking. I plan on doing a lot more research on religion as I grow older. I do know that I believe in science. It's what I put my trust in. I am also very aware of who I am as a person. I love helping people and always try to be as nice as I can. I'm worried what people might think of me if I do come out as an atheist. Will people see me in a different light?
Arianna Weaver Yes, people will see you in a different light. However, if your parents are very accepting people, they will be okay with you being an atheist. However, if you are 14, (you can never tell on the internet...), that will increase the risk that your lack of belief being dismissed as nothing more than a childish phase. I recommend learning about how your parents feel about atheists before comming out, as I've heard some ugly stories. For instance, tell them you've heard something online about a thing called atheism, and you looked it up, but didn't understand what the internet told you, and would like to know what it means. I hope this helps!
Arianna Weaver Hey, I'm 15 and last year I told my parents I'm an atheist. I hadn't planned on telling them but they got angry because I completely stop participating in Mass. They said some horrible stuff, (verbally) attacking me and well, our relationship isn't as 'loving' as before. They continue to make me attend mass. I'm still attending Catholic Education but I believe the right friends will be more supportive of my decision. The biggest issue I had was 'Will I receive the same respect from people around me?' I'm not too sure, but if they treat me differently it reveals more about them then it does me. I recommend watching @cosmicskeptic on youtube, he brings a fresh young but educated perspective to atheism and secularism.
I like Hemant's way of looking at the different approaches to talking about atheism. While there are limits, I don't have anything against people who are nice about atheism vs people who are aggressive. A lot of people seem to quick to judge others' way as bad but I think there is value in both ways and we don't all have to be identical.
i like your friendly atheist approach much better. Ive taken in so much more from hearing than when i hear those pissed off, cursing their head off militant atheist.
First off I'll begin with stating that I am a "Christian." I say it like that in quotations bc that is the general label put on my style of belief. This is the second video I've watched of yours and truth be told I enjoyed it. The first was "15 Things Never to Say to an Atheist." I watched it out of curiosity and moved on to this one and I think I saw another one in the side bar I will watch next. I like your style of talk. Its not radical or offensive and is more informative and casual. Personally I don't see the need to push any belief someone has on another person. If its brought up in conversation its ok but I don't think it should be insulting in any way. Belief being pushed on others is a huge part of what's wrong with the world. From Pagans, to Jews to, Christian, Muslim, and all other beliefs the problem is forcing the belief on another. People saying or doing stupid things based on their belief is about the dumbest thing I've ever seen coming out of religion. I'd like it if more people were like you or I and just stated what they believed when given the opportunity and leave it at that. I have a friend I work with who is an aggressive atheist in some ways and we work well together. We've had friendly talks about it from time to time but neither one of us pushes the other. Although he does get mad when he sneezes and someone says bless you. lol. Anyway we know what we believe, we don't really agree with what the other one believes, but we leave it at that. I applaud you on your calmness and how you handle the subject.
I walk a fine line. I have slowly been telling a few trusted people about my deconversion, but have not told anyone that I consider super religious and this includes me parents. Just this morning my mother said to me, "Well, we can pray in agreement together that God will move the heart of your SIL to make wise choices for her family. She wouldn't change her mind otherwise. And prayer works." I did not say anything more than, "I'm sure she will do what is best for her family." It has been years since I have "prayed in agreement" about anything and she still hasn't caught on. My husband (who is still a Christian) thinks I should tell my parents that I don't believe anymore so that my mother will quit saying things like this to me, but honestly, it doesn't bother me. That's her. My mother is neither a logical person nor an understanding person and such an admissions would create a huge rift between us as well as my entire family. There is not a single thing that I could ever say to my parents that would convince them that I am not now bound for eternal torment. Maybe they will figure it out one day, and should they ever ask, I will not lie, but I see no point in telling them more than they need to know.
Was let go from my job recently and upon asking the question "Why?" I was told, and I paraphrase, "Your beliefs come out in your work." I surmise it was due to the fact; since I work with children, that I use the scientific method with the kids and questions they have in regards to the natural world. Best example is "Birds abandon young if touched by humans." I explained why this was incorrect, showed evidence. I pondered suing, decided to walk away.
I came out to my family about my atheism without thinking, although I'd prefer to call myself agnostic. I just said it, they disagreed, it was done there, I just ended it with, show me some proof and went to my room. Nothing else happened, my uncle is an agnostic as well, so it's cool that I have someone to talk to when religious people or things like that piss me off.
In my country (Norway) its the other way around. You come out as a christian, and atheists are in the majority. As a christian, i do understand the difficulty of being open about beliefs. It is a burden none should bear.
atheism should be accepted, religion should not be forced upon people, im a christian and i dont mind what religion or non religion people are, i only care about if they're kind, and i understand what its like to be judged and when some people have stereotypes about you, dont care about what they say, just live and be happy :)
I understand what you mean. I live in Houston and work for an oil company, an industry full of Republicans and Christians. I just don't talk about religion or politics at work, but my family is fully aware of how I feel about both.
Everyone who knows me closely as friends or family understands that I am an Atheist. When I meet new people, I take the first opportunity I get at some point when "they" bring religion into a conversation to let them know that I am an Atheist in so many words. At that point, they either take it and accept it or we grow apart. Generally, if they took offence to my views, they simply become distant friends. Kind of funny, but I really don't care. I am amazed at how many Atheists there are out there.
In a religious sense, people who aim to convince/convert others to their same way of thinking/believing are labeled "missionaries." What would be the appropriate, equivalent term for someone who aims to convince/convert others to atheism?
hello dear atheist friends, i have a little question. do you know of any website that shows atheist clubs or any sort of community of atheist located near ones residence or area? thank you!
"Excuse me, Sir, do you have a moment to talk about nothing? Recently I discovered this really great nothing that has done nothing to help me improve my life, and I would like to take this moment to share this nothing with you. You see, there is this nothing that is never with you every day, and it saves you from nothing! This nothing is so completely nothing, and I would like you to share in this nothing with me so I had to run out here today to share this nothing with you!" Thank you for nothing.
i am also an atheist and one of the reasons i decided to leave my religion was the fact that people in my area to tell me that im wrong if i don't believe in god. i feel as if i am trying to explain myself and convert people into atheism i am no better than those people who caused my religious expulsion. That being said I am one of two people in my school who are openly atheist and have no problem discussing religion, in fact it is one of my favorite topics to discuss, but my goal isn't to change anyone, it's merely to make people aware that I hold a different belief than most people.
I'm not too keen on 'coming out' as an atheist in my Twitter Bio or similar. I am 'Out' as an atheist - people know. I tweet about it. But I think putting it in my twitter bio is saying, of all the things about me, I'm using 7 of these 160 chars to tell you so. I wouldn't follow anyone who said "christian" on their twitter bio because they define themselves by their religion. I don't want to define myself by my lack of religion.
Its so facinating hearing you talk about Aithisum in America where you have to hide your lack of beleaf. I live in England and I found it very hard trying to persuade my Lithawanien room mate at Uni that I found it suprising he was religious. Out of the the 80 people in my Illustration class only three called themselves religious. In england, at least to the younger generation, its the religious people who keep quite about thier faith becosue, embarising to suddenly to have that little bit less respect for your friend. When I walk into a room I asume everyone is aithest untill proven otherwise and am surprised when they are not. It scares me that America, a country with so much power, still has so many people with fundamentalist religious beliefs like creationism. I hope sites like yours continue to support Atheists in countries everywhere.
To be fair, the UK has a rapidly growing muslim population, so in a few generations young people might not be that lucky, depending on how society develops.
I struggle with this as a hospice music therapist, since obviously religion comes up a lot at end of life. My patients and coworkers are mostly religious. Patients often ask me about my religion, I think in trying to figure out whether they feel I will understand them or not/if they can trust me or not. I often deflect the question, and if they are insistent I just say that it's unethical for me to discuss my personal religious/political views. But there are some I know I have to lie and say that I've accepted Jesus into my heart or I won't get in the door.
I live way up north in the US so I thought I had the freedom to list my religious views as "atheist" on facebook but since I've done so I've had some strange things happen, such as people who I know are religious suddenly stop talking to me, and a client of mine who I was maintaining a website for suddenly cut off contact with me for no reason and replaced the site I had created for them (with one that was atrociously bad).
I am at a point where I know that I'm an atheist, but everyone in my family is Christian. I have only told my mom and sisters, but I'm afraid to tell my dad or grandparents, because they are the type that would treat me differently, no matter how good of a person I am. I'm trying to tell my devout Christian friend but the topic just never seems to come up, so I've been putting it off. It's one of the scariest things to tell other people that you believe something that they don't, because now I'm afraid that I'll lose the good friends I have because I don't believe in the "big guy upstairs."
I live in one of the most atheist countries in the world (Czech Republic). It is great... The roles here are basically reversed so being religious is something strange.
i always thought the most atheist country was Sweden. isn't their population like 80% non affiliated with religion?
godlessandlovingit LUCKY
Sorry I mean jakub
It is something that Richard Dawkins talks about. People treat religion differently from oppinions. You can bash on ones opinion however you like, but you cant do that with religion. People naturally respect religion even though they are not religious or they dont agree with religious dogmas. That is problem when science debates religion and those who represent science have to be careful to not offend religious people, but those who represent religion can bash on science however they want. Its like science does not deserve respect but everyone has to respect religion.
That is something that many religious cultures dont understand. They dont understand that someone does not care about religion. They dont understand that some people may not think about religion if not being asked about it. For these people you are ether religious or you are somehow refusing/hating religion. They grew up surrounded by religion and their whole society is supporting religion so its a big deal for them. Religious people are also interestingly ignorant to other religions. Many people have little to no knowledge about other religions or about the amount of other religions throughout the human history. It gives you some perspective if you think about how many religions are there in the world and how many religions were there in the past. When you imagine that Christianity was not around for majority of human history but only past 2000 years (which is not much) and only in some parts of the world.
My problem is atheism never approach me at a bus stop, atheism don't bang on my door on weekend mourning when I'm tired of working all week, atheism don't constantly or passive aggressively tell me I'm going to hell just because I did not join their team. I'm a good person by nature I don't need a book or a "way of life" to tell me that. If i'm going to be burn for all eternity just because I refuse to join a religious team then that is not a god I want to be friends with.
Come on ! How many times has anyone approached u at a bus stop about religion? Yes, atheists don't bang on doors but then the person sincere enough to think your soul is worth saving is pretty unlikely to lie, cheat, rob assault, vilify or defame you either. Perhaps u have a family in your street like we did, who trained their kids to pilfer a store while they distracted the staff. BTW, I never saw that family at church, funny that, eh!
Augustino All the damn time! It was also when I was in high school you Christians love to get followers when their young. You basically just said people who don't go to church are bad people...thank you for feeding the arrogant christian stereotype.
Kuma El Negro I was just at this community involvement event and this woman started rambling on about jesus and then asked me to email her so we can be friends... I didn't tell her the bad news, that I'm going to her hell, haha. It's exhausting. I almost feel bad not emailing her, but then again...
My friend on the other hand was questioned by a christian while eating his hamburger, and wearing his non-offensive atheist shirt, and the guy asked him if he is afraid that he is damned for all of eternity. What an awful way to approach a person if you ask me. Then my friend went and met me at Second Harvest Food bank with other members of our group to sort food for the needy.
Funny how the guy commenting to you is so smug and rude... coming from a church goer... shocking. Never been robbed by a christian, oh wait, I have because he was on meth, and addiction doesn't come in any one religion or lack thereof.
ATHEISTS INSTEAD BECOME SELF DELUDED AND IMPOSE THEIR IDEOLOGY ON OTHERS BY POLITICAL FORCE. WHEN THIS DOES NOT WORK GENOCIDE IS NEXT. ATHEISM ALWAYS LEADS TO MASS DEATH
henochparks When people say atheist they mean anyone who does not believe in god it is a label. So what ever you're talking about is redundant when they are not a hive mind. They all believe in one thing the thought of a magical being in the sky, always watching, and never doing anything unless a whole bunch of people get killed is dumb and fucked up.
I've served my country for 20 years now in the military and I've served openly as an Atheist for years. Each time someone learns of my beliefs, I get the same response..."you don't act like an Atheist". They have no idea how insulting this is, but I excuse their ignorance and keep pressing on.
Very insulting, considering their daughters are sleeping around with all the guys available, and keep a contest who reaches the 100 men sooner...poor religous husbands......they will believe them,too
what’s a atheist suppose to act like ?
Before this video, there was a religious ad 😂
Religious advertisements specifically target atheist search keywords. Fucking annoying.
lmao
The other day Jehovah's Witnesses knocked on my door (at 9am, ugh) and I told them that I was an atheist and they thought it was cool, they were very respectful and ended up having a slight conversation about religion and even had a couple laughs. Some religious people don't hate atheists. Though they started to irritate me because they kept preaching after what I just told them.
I must thank you Hemant for helping me become more comfortable being an atheist. UA-cam is a wonderful thing.
*****
In 2007, he told the BBC that he was "not religious in the normal sense," adding, "I believe the universe is governed by the laws of science. In 2007, he told the BBC that he was "not religious in the normal sense," adding, "I believe the universe is governed by the laws of science. The laws may have been decreed by God, but God does not intervene to break the laws."but God does not intervene to break the laws." read your article bro
Cool name bro
they always do that shit especially when they find out your atheist they think they are doing their gods a favor by “saving” you haha!! 😂
when I came out as an atheist honestly nothing bad happened
you are lucky
Derikson Rodriguez only thing was I was trying to be converted
dadatheewolf I am Atheist , I was a Muslim and if anyone knew I'll get killed !!! so lucky you
Leen I'm sorry
You over estimate your importance if you think anyone cares what YOU believe.We care only what we believe and we do not need your opinion on that either.So go get on with your Godless life and wear it alone if it makes you so self satisfied happy and superior.
I like your friendly approach. I am subed to "the Amazing Atheist" here on UA-cam. He's a really smart guy, but he does come off as an angry drunk a lot to me and I can imagine religious people watching his videos and associating anger and alcoholism with atheism. You're seem so much more approachable and relaxed.
There is room for both approaches and they compliment each other well. I'm a hard atheist and I think "The Atheist Voice" is sometimes to nice and easy going for my views.
Julia Winkler Being angry at religion when it says your life is accountable and your behaviour has more consequences than their immediate effective is one one thing, but trying to argue against the existence of God b/c of some skewed ideas about religion is both dumb and dishonest. Ever heard of the circular fallacy?
Augustino
I'm not exactly even certain by what you mean by skewed ?
You have somewhat of a perception so do I, one view has more facts and reality then the other, and that is up to the individual to decide.
For example in my perception this comment below noted is baseless and may I add in my view religion teaches, that we are to be held unaccountable for a damned thing, as were able to merely say I'm sorry forgive me to some non proven disembodied entity.
" religion when it says your life is accountable and your behaviour has more consequences than their immediate effective"
The history of cruelty based on real world ideas and religious assertions like the Catholic 1493 papal bulls making up the " Doctrine Of Discovery" Which said and gave Christians divine rights to possession of lands nations to believers was a assertion that empowered the real world destruction and genocides of various cultures through out the Americas, is just one of many examples of how religion does not teach moral accountability.
It does however teach a divine entitlement mentality, like for example this as Christians call it the great commission to evangelize the world extending even to children of differing cultures and faiths whose parents do not want it in front of their children.
Meanwhile you hypocrites get mad at the thought that anyone might corrupt your children by teaching them atheism or other religious assertions outside of your faith.
Now you see where I'm going ?
I can say things then give examples of what the hell I am talking about and why I believe those assertions.
Why don't you attempt to do the same, you big honest fellow you ?
I think my points are stronger then any you can muster in defense of Christianity, don't
like it to bad I can defend my positions.
" Ever heard of the circular fallacy? "
Ever heard of having examples of and basis for your thoughts ?
It really baffles me how atheists are still in the minority.
***** I understand that, my question is why.
+Kyle D lol c what ya did there
***** it is widely accepted that the universe came to be from a point called a singularity in an event called the big bang. What happened before this is impossible to know. There is evidence that the universe is expanding as well as evidence of radiation left over from the event. Science explains a good deal, not everything, but enough so we can get some sort of answers to our biggest questions. It actually makes more sense that our existence is random! What is so difficult to grasp about the fact that through the laws of physics, planets and stars are created, molecules meet other molecules, planets fall in the right place for certain chemical compounds to mix, life forms and then evolves in line with the laws of nature? It may be complex for you to understand or accept, but that doesn't make it implausible. And no, science can't answer such human questions as "what is our purpose?" or "what gives life meaning?" Objective morality does not exist, and the main reason atheists are in the minority is because the majority of people experience a common emotion when left to think about the unimportance of their place in the universe: fear. Not that I'm saying that we don't matter, but really, I suggest you Google our location in the vastness of the universe and tell me that we are "important" enough to be created. Stop wasting my time.
***** what the hell are you talking about?
***** I was merely trying to figure out if you were joking or not. How exactly does one "believe" in evolution? Do you believe in Newton's third law of motion? How about gravity? The laws of equilibrium? What about Newton's law of gravitational force? How can one believe in a scientific theory?
I lost a lot of friends just because i told them that i am an atheist
I don't tell my family because I will be shunned.
+Chloe Connell don't be afraid.
sorry about that
They were not friends if they were they would accept you
+Chloe Connell me too. I've been trying to "come out" to some people and most of them they don't really talk to me anymore. and others I think are trying to exorcize me.
You convinced me to change my fake facebook to my real name...
And I need your birthdate and social security number
+DeadPool Junior. and ?
In america athiesm is looked down upon?
Sadly yes.. And in Canada also 😓
Anime B!tch I live in Toronto.
I've never seen any religion specific hate... Almost ever.
+Anime B!tch What do you mean? I thouht they were nice...
Super. Kids here are forced to recite a pledge with "under God" daily. Most of our youth organizations are religious. Atheists have a terrible stigma.
i look down on half of thw christiants i knwo
It's actually kind of weird to watch this video, since I live in Finland. I only know one person who is actually religious, all the others are either ''well I believe there's some kind of a higher power''-guys, agnostics or atheists. We never have that problem
The same in Sweden. Love this country for that.
muricans are mad as fuk =) same here in germany.
Nice to live in the sane part of the world...
In Sweden you generally get more questions on why you believe in God than you do if you say you're an atheist.
same here in Iceland, i have only two friends whom are religious.
That's true, you're one of the nicest. Atheist i see on youtube. keep up the good work my man!
My mother was the kindest, sweetest, and most loving atheist you could meet. With her humble manner, she contributed so much to help people embrace logic and reason into their lives.
I used to be more in-your-face about it when I had just converted, because I was still unsure and was trying to convince myself as much as others. But I've gotten much nicer about it as I've become confident in my atheism, and also because I saw the results being aggressive about it had. I don't try to convert people anymore, I just explain my personal reasons. One, because I'm in such a religious town that I wouldn't have any friends if I didn't respect and leave alone others' beliefs, and also because I'm simply not that passionate anymore. I've withdrawn from the larger atheist community because my gnosticism didn't agree with their skepticism. My reasons are philosophical (naturalism) and theirs are scientific. And I've found that religious people are more open to understanding philosophical rather than scientific arguments.
athiest is love
athiest is life
Niko Albarn Are you the athiest atheist?
Yume Niko I know right u it makes u a better person in ur own way we don’t have to relay on a higher being which doesn’t exist we all already know what’s right from wrong we just enjoy life as much as we can cause this is the only life and it’s so good helping others who are less fortunate
???
I Used to watch Amazing Atheist but i didnt really like his approach to it. He is the more in your face aggressive type but im glade i found this channel. I think you do so much more for the atheist community making us look less like a bunch of thugs trying to discredit there beleifs and more like a group of good people who just have a different belief. i think that a lot of people dont want to become atheist because perhaps they think by doing so the have to attack there family and friends views but if they see people like you and understad we are not all like that they will eel morre comfortable to make the switch.
+jared jackson I'm so glad you posted that, it takes guts. Stick with it, brother! You're not alone.
It's such a pain in the ass to be atheist here in the Philippines. Most people aren't open minded and judges you instantly.
OGIE NG GOMEZ Try living in the bible belt of the US.
OGIE NG GOMEZ It sounds like your best bet is to lie about believing in god when it comes up unfortunately.
Cameron Yu they don't judge you as badly if you just say you're a deist instead of saying you're an atheist, because 9/10 people I speak to doesn't even have a clue what deism is....
7/10 people think all atheists are anti-theists. -_-
I'm a 14-year-old atheist in the Philippines who attends a Catholic school, but I'm glad that people don't really bash on me for my belief (or well, disbelief).
I attended Paco Catholic School.
I "came out" as an atheist last year and have been quite open about it no matter what. All my true friends realize my position and consider themselves Christians or at least stick up for them. I have had some trouble, but no one has deserted me yet. They know I am a good person and I am open to discuss anything they want. I am trying to change the misconceptions one person at a time. I try to get as many people I can to question their beliefs.
That's great, I find so few believers do that, I do believe, but I am constantly questioning things, it's healthy for the mind. Sadly some people are just too afraid.
Well in Switzerland as a young person you don't have problem being atheist, there is a low amount of "radical Christians" from what I know.
And something I like to Christians: "Well I think god is good for you, you're believe helps you through bad times but know that god is just a product of your imagination and that all the things you think god helped you with, you have actually done by yourself. So be proud of yourself and give yourself the respect that you deserv."
I like turtles!
Lol awesome!
Hey guys, I have a big poster of a green sea turtle!!
SUPER GLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUE! X)
Eleven 11 LMAO that was classic saying back in the day
turtles are cool i use to have a little one when i was a child we would go catch them then when i got older my stepmom took me to eat turtle soup 😂
When I came out as Atheist I lost many friends.
i lost ALL my so-called friends they were never really friends anyway just use me
I agree with most everything you say here except the part about the in your face approach being good. I really think that the harder you push, the harder christians will push back. I personally had grown a very negative view of atheism in general based on so much of the attacks I would receive on youtube any time I mentioned being a christian, but seeing people like you makes me more open to wanting to hear more and have these discussions. I feel like giving respect, causes you to get respect, when you have no respect, you get none back and destroy the lines of communication.
You're the first atheism based channel I've ever felt the desire to sub to btw, so kudos on that :)
Well it's a two way street. Atheists have been taking crap for years from Christians mostly just because we don't automatically submit to your dogma. Let's be honest here. I will admit we do give Christians a pretty hard time as well. Christians attack people for not believing in what they believe way more than Atheists do. When is the last time you've seen an Atheist going to a catholic/Christian school trying to force evolution on them? Yet Christians/Catholics will show up to public schools forcing creationism and their beliefs on teachers. Atheists don't want to turn you into an Atheist. They just want people to have more critical thinking skills and to question more things that your church is telling you. After you do more research about your religion and Atheism, and you still want to be a Christian then great, at least you did the research and didn't just blindly accept it. If you decide to become an Atheist then that's great too. We're always welcoming people.
This kind of communication is what we need. For me personally I feel a more productive agenda is for the two groups to just be able to accept each other and lose animosity toward each other rather than trying to change each other's opinions at all. But I understand that it's usually my side of the community that makes this difficult to say the least. I feel like "evangelism" has been turned into something crazy that it never should have been. If christians could learn to just wait for opportunities to speak of Jesus when they present themselves rather than LOOKING for them or trying to create them themselves, if they would try to be good people, worried about their own lives rather than the lives of others, and give their testimonies when they are ASKED, then this fight wouldn't be near as prevalent. That's why in spite of my beliefs I think even atheists should agree that moderate christians like me could be of more use to you than more atheists, there are many believers you just can not convert, but people like me might be able to change their views on HOW they live a christian life. Much respect.
Symphonious7 I think you have to be able to sympathize with people who get angry at a comment that is two posts below yours. After reading something like that, and then seeing a less, yet still offensive, "I'll pray for you" post could very well take some of the extra fury that the first dude created. There needs to be moderate christians fighting this type of thing for your sake and for our sake. We may say your bible is fiction, but telling us we are the devil's minions on our way to hell is pretty messed up. I'd suggest way more messed up. We have to constantly be defending our morals, even from people in McDs just because we are wearing a shirt that says "atheist." I'd never berate a christian like that, but it happened to my friend a couple weeks ago on his way to an atheist community service event. I'd see why people might stop defending our morals and turned to calling the religious stupid.
I can understand how Christians would want to turn people, as that's what the bible teaches. It's supposed be be a loving thing to get us to turn to jesus and get rewarded with heaven. That's why I think we can never fully accept each other, no matter how nice Christians are when they try to "help" us. That's why most of us tolerate Judaism, because they don't push their beliefs on us.
And we truly appreciate christians when they fight for secularism in schools and other public places, which some very much do. And you may very well be an atheist in a couple months, seeing as you are here, so I welcome you. I thank you for being respectful and wanting peace between christians and atheists. It sure would be nice, but frankly, I don't think it's possible.
I do see your point. I've been watching this conflict from the sidelines for a long time, I love to watch debates with hitchens or dawkins, and quite frankly I enjoy listening to what Hitchens says. I also agree that William Lane Craig says some insane stuff. I mean the bible has changed my life for the better in many ways and I have a huge emotional connection to it and believe it to be inspired by God, but when I'm asked why God would allow the murdering of children in the old testament my answer is "I have NO idea and it screws with my head and I HATE IT" Not "He did those kids a favor cause they went to heaven!!" I mean what is that crap??
The truth of the matter is if Christians would focus more on Jesus and how he acted we wouldn't be in this mess. Jesus did tell people about God, but he did it when he was asked you know? He even tells his disciples to not be a bother to people, when he says "Give to ceaser what is ceaser's" he's clearly saying to accept what your government does as being separate from your faith. If he'd said "Don't pay taxes to ceaser cause he's a corrupt heathen!!" That would be totally different, but no, he was basically telling us to realize that the government will make decisions that conflict with our faith and we just have to deal with it.
I will say that whatever side your on is the side you will see the most victimized. You tell me that there are way more christians trying to convert and being mean to atheists, I can't say I SEE that, but then I don't go looking for it cause I'm on the other side of the fence you know? My guess is that in reality this is getting pretty evenly matched in people being unfair to each other but that's just a guess.
Regardless, I want to apologize for anyone who tells you you are going to hell. That angers me to my core. From my perspective, there is my religion, which is beautiful, life giving, nurturing, and has turned me into a better person, and then there are people who take my religion and try to use it to justify their bad behavior and their hatred of others. I in no way recognize those people as being on my side, if you ask me those are the people Jesus called Pharisees, and I do not like anything about their behavior.
Much respect.
Hemant!!! I love watching your videos and you make me feel so much more confident about my non-beliefs. Before I found this account, I literally thought there was no one else out there who thought the same as I did. :) Don't stop making videos!
Hemant, you remind me of my middle school friend. He was the kind of guy you can't really picture angry. Like if he were to be angry, it would be some kind of paradox. Good thing he and you are very friendly. The universe is safe in your hands.
If I put on my facebook "I'm atheists" I will lose A LOT of friends.
Then they aren't really your friends.
You got a freind in me :)
+yoan0197 Probably because of you're grammar.
English is not my first language ;)
yoan0197 Use google or bing translate bud.
I'm a Catholic and I liked this video. There should be more people like you... no matter what religion or non-religion you do or don't practice, there's little point in having an incorrect stereotype about someone or something for an extended period of time. I think I have another word for you in addition to friendly: humble. We can all take a little something from this video and learn from you.
This is what I asked myself to become agnostic, "Why do you believe your religion is more authentic then catholism, hinduism, scientology, or islam? Oh because you have a man made book? :D Seems legit."
I live in a south american country, im an atheist. When I told it to everyone at my school, I was bullied by the 40% of the people of my grade and I was even bullied by some teachers. This only showed me how untolerant and closed minded people can be :(
Travel to an atheist country like Cuba, North Korea, China and see how people are treated by an atheist government.
Nothing has killed more people in the 20th century than Atheism by government and political movements.
China under atheist Mao = Millions of Chinese killed.
Soviet Union under atheist Stalin = Millions of Russians killed.
Cambodia under atheist Pol Pot = Millions of Cambodians killed.
North Korea under Kim Jung Ill = Millions of North Koreans killed.
Atheists need to sit down with the Dalai Lama and he'll educate you on how an atheist govt (China) treats Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and Jews inside China.
The Zen Master Then you should perhaps provide an example of a country, where radical atheists have political power AND the society is not ruined. Such country does not exist. Yes, Western Europe's governments are atheist to a great degree, in a sense that religion is separated from politics. But they are not atheist in a sense that they persecute and attack any form of religion on a daily basis. If you want to attack and ridicule religion, then the comparison with North Korea and Soviet Union is spot on. BTW, I'm not sure if you actually read Mein Kampf, but to say that Hitler was catholic shows a lack of care about the facts on your part. Yes, he did say he's doing God's work, but if Hitler is catholic to you, then don't react offended if I say you look North Korean-esque to me.
Ferko Mrkvicka I'm calling Poe's Law here.
First off, most of Europe is atheist in society and government. So is Japan. And by in large, they have very progressive social policies, low crime rates and very good societal health. Being Atheist does not mean you persecute religion. That's not what atheism is.
Second, while Hitler was not Catholic, he was backed and even endorsed by the Catholic church.
***** Are you a troll?
Religious people are not losing any of their rights or any of the freedoms they enjoy. What they are losing is what they think is their right to rule culture and society and shove religion in every public office and public space. You've been listening to too much Fox News.
Freedom of religion means freedom from religion. It's not an Obama policy. It's what your country was founded on.
If you want to live in a country where religion rules, move to Iran. After all, any can talk tough behind a computer.
And don't confuse communism with atheism.
And don't play the numbers game. Religion and belief in god in any and every form has a much bigger body count.
M McQuarrie
Hitler was indeed a Roman Catholic. Look it up.
The Atheist Voice I remember you mentioned being friends with Greta Christina. I recognize here her message of: "different people react to different approaches and the mix is more effective than each approach separately". That's one of the smartest thing I heard her say. We are lucky to have more experienced militant of all kind and learn from their wisdom!
Y'know, I'd consider myself to be that "in-your-face, your religion is wrong" atheist and starting almost a year ago, I began getting a lot of criticism on social media for it. In some cases religious people would actually approach me calling me uneducated, damned, hell-bound, etc. Because of this backlash, I had been slowly pulling back and becoming less outspoken about my beliefs because I began to feel that what I was doing was wrong and that I was a bad person for it but your comments and reasons behind them on that type atheist are a big support for me. Thank you. 😊
Couldn't you combine both tactics? Like be respectful but still forceful? As a believer (not super duper religious haha, but still a believer), I can understand why some people would get offended, but at the same time, as someone who enjoys hearing both sides, I think both tactics could be used to get your points across.
I once told my friend that I'm atheist, and he said "YOU WORK FOR ISIS?!?!?!"
..
lmao
One time I was helping the elderly lady across the street from me with her groceries, and she just said, " People who don't believe in Jesus need help, they're just crazy." and I just walked and thought " You really don't get it... "
I often find that when I'm being very warm and connection oriented, I get hit with the "so what church do you attend?" question. It does seem to be a direct response to my behavior...like someone who was being this warm obviously has to be religious.
insert cancerous username- I love your username XD
When I was younger, I never mentioned that I was an Atheist because I didn't want my aunt to stop loving me. Now that I'm older, I tell everyone but I still haven't told my aunt.
tell her
The Master Potatoe I don't think I could ever tell her. I was hoping that one of my cousins would but no one has. I'm a chicken!
Melatina77 Don't worry, I'm sure she would be accepting, just have confidence,
+Melatina77 Personally I think you should tell her, but if you think that will be harmful for your relationship with her and you don't really mind that she doesn't know, then my recommendation is: don't do it. It doesn't really care if YOU don't care.
If your aunt truly loves you, nothing will stop that, I think you should tell her, she may be more open minded than you think. Best of luck!
After telling my best friend (who is a christian) that I’m an atheist, he told me that real friends accept each other :)
Man i love your videos, i'm so glad i subscribed, you really know how to talk about these topics!
You're describing exactly the same "conversion of public sentiment" that happened recently with homosexuality in America. More and more people came out, and people started saying "yeah, that gay guy isn't so bad" and "yeah I actually know some gay guys and they're nice people."
Atheism's "coming out" is the next one, and it's already starting. We've got to do our part - not just because it helps others, but because how cool is it to be a part of history!
At the age of 18yrs i was very proud and public about my atheism even though everyone in my family are christians., I'm 28yrs now i'm into spirituality development because i have come to the conclusion that there is a Creator or God. If you honest and genuinely desire the truth of weather is there a God you will fine it. I can link you all to a channel that will really challenge you disbelief in a Creator and ultimately convince if your ready if you are conscious develop enough. but if i do link you, please don't attack the content creator with anything obviously hurtful and negative comment. you all have the right to be skeptical about what you wanna. but that does mean you have to be negative. Just to be clear i don't necessarily consider atheists negative I just made the previous statement in hopes to stop any potential negative attacks.
When a believer says "if you are willing to look for the truth" or "if you desire to know god he will show himself to you" all it sounds like to me is "if you are gullible enough we can convince you". I grew up in a Christian family. Went to church each Sunday and really tried to be a good Christian and do the right thing. Then in my early 20s I realized there's no real reason to believe in this book. No one that went to my church had even read it cover to cover. Why should we follow the teachings of a bronze age society that on most accounts was extremely immoral. Now I'm not only an atheist but an anti-theist. I am against all religion that claims to be good but does harm which is all but maybe Buddhism and Jainism.
John Doe Who said i was a religious believer! I am more on the side atheists than i am the religious believers. Only a fool would take the bible seriously! I have been argue against religion since the age of 18 and still do. The only difference now is that i know there is a creator or God. Now you may be wondering how can someone believe in God but not be religious. The answer is simple; spirituality. Once you have a fundamental understand of existence, you'll inevitably come to the same knowing.
My fundamental understanding of existence tells me there is no reason to believe in a creator. A lot of what people used to think was god is now explained by science. Eventually everything that makes you think there is a god will also be explained by science. You're right though, I don't see how you can be so against the bible and how silly it is yet believe in a creator. And I called you a believer because you said you believe in god. I never said you were of a religious affiliation.
John Doe You sound reasonably fairly and i respect that! Anyway, belief or better yet knowing there is a creator doesn't mean you have to be religious, it means you have some spiritual awareness. Spirituality is one's own connection with the source or God,and everyone will ultimately realize and accept this as a fact. But anyway the reason why i'm against religion is because is a system design to control and stop our spiritual development. Also you it make little to no sense and i can't accept that as fact. It's a good thing i kept desiring the truth of the reality, else i would have found it. You would be surprise to fine out the plethora info about God, the real history of the planet and spirituality amongst other very important things we need to know. Want you to link you to a channel to give you a fair understanding of spirituality?
THE-MEDZ What plethora of information on god? Do you mean the vast knowledge of the thousands of gods humans have made up each with different personalities, purposes or legends? I have no need to go searching for a god or spirituality. I feel spiritual in nature at it's beauty and tranquility. I don't see it as being created by the hand of some all power being. I am at peace in nature's chaotic and savage simplicity. Science tells us it's not actually that simply but that doesn't take anything away from my spirituality towards it. Believing in a creator science would make me question everything and that is why I don't believe in a god. If there was a god or creator we would have seen something. What kind of creator would make all this and then just leave? Science shows us ways that everything could have happened. It doesn't say it must have only that it could have. The idea of a god or creator says there is only one way and it's not even that convincing. Common sense should tell everyone that a god is highly unlikely but then again common sense isn't very common.
People don't care about how good you are, only your religious beliefs. I had 2 roommates whom I thought were good friends of mine then in a moment of security I let out a hint of my atheism. They never spoke to me again.
The one girlfriend I ever had dumped me when I let her know about my atheism even though we have been through so much together.
Nick Codianni
The Bible also says to sell your child to their rapist.
I wouldn’t listen to it.
Nick Codianni
You purposely ignore the horrid nonsense in the Bible and pick the “sweet”.
Beerus is more of a god than anything Christianity can tell me. Fuck the Bible and fuck the contradictions in it
My mother asked me yesterday why I don't go to church.
I didn't have the guts to tell her the truth.
Learn to OWN your cognitive truth Bernardo, even if it is unpopular, and puts you at risk of disapproval. That makes what you represent even more genuine and courageous. It gives you self respect. Also it allows you to represent and support others, who like you, are intelligent, knowledgeable, and brave enough to be willing to give up magical wishful thinking.
@@jeanine219 thank you.
when they found out that i'm an atheist. they say i love satan HAHAHHAHA
Lol how? When you don't even believe he exists. I have to say, that is my favorite saying people come up with when they find out someone is an atheist. I guess they never think that since you are an atheist, that means you don't believe in any of that lol.
lolz
my friend thought atheism meant that you worship satan she was dead serious and didn’t believe me when i said atheism means you believe in no gods lol
I was a devoted Christian, until I begun asking difficult question about god, and the history of different religions of the world, and sadly the more I read the more confused I am.
Keep searching. You will find the truth.
It is a life threat when you admit your atheism in Indonesia because most of people believe that apostasy should be penalized with death, and your parents could be part of them.
Leave Indonesia, in fact leave Asia altogether if possible.
+Thindorama yeah seems pretty ghey over there
What about East or North Asia?
Revi M Fadli Any country where the majority of the population is muslim
Eka Sari Are Korea, China, Japan, Russia Muslim-dominated countries??
I've recently become an Atheist. I've told some close friends and family but not my mom and dad yet. My dad is a retired anglican minister. He's 84 years old and am thinking of keeping it from him so as not to upset him. Your thoughts Hemant &/or others?
Peter M. RaymentDiffercult... What would he prefer? You being honest or keeping it from him not to upset him. And what would you want yourself?
Thanks for the response Julian. I'm actually thinking of talking to our minister first and get some insight from him.
Peter M. Rayment you can also chat with fellow atheists they can help you anyways have good day
Peter M. Rayment Turn in the other direction!!!! Don't go any further in the wrong direction. You are being poisoned not to believe in God. What proof do you have that He is non existent? Go on a long camping trip and sit and absorb Gods creation. Look at the sky, tree, water, breathe in the air.......
Peter M. Rayment Good choice. Find a minister that is a true, saved believer not just any minister. Even better go directly to God (Jesus) with your doubts. He is able to lead you away from your unbelief.
You are so awesome. You hit the nail squarely on the head. I've seen about 10 of your videos and it's as if my words are coming out of your mouth except you put it more concisely then I would. I've been directing some of my former school students to your sites over the last couple months. You feel so liberating. Thank you!
At 68 and living in the UK, sadly I'm going to more funerals. The past 6 -7 of them have been humanist.and really nice and comforting for the families and friends attending, rather than some priest going through the motions and convincing no one.
BIG BANG NEWS!
Google "Did the Earth just move for cosmology?"
isn't the birth of all matter, time and space old news, like 13.8bill yrs old? If u think that there is a point to be made, cant u make it? Or do u think in our ever diminishing micro-cosmic existence, we should go running off trying to sieve thru endless YT vidoes to find a point that is important to someone called dyad?
Logic101
On the contrary, this is NEW news. It's good to keep up with the latest findings. I'm surprised you're not interested.
dyad2r1 since he likes Logic
dyad2r1 I usually don't mind looking up a reference but what I don't like is someone telling me to go off wading thru a website trying to find a point or issue that they cant make themselves. Given that there is now ample space for a comment, howabout telling us what the finding is, unless of course u r incapable.
Augustino
I gave you only one website. If you're too lazy to look it up, that's your problem.
Q: How to talk to religious people?
A: With respect.
Q: How to talk to any person ?
A: With respect.
Doesn't mean you need to respect religion itself in the slightest bit though :P
Martin Kerr There are not surprisingly only 2 types of people in this world. Those who seek God and those who dont. And both will be successful. Paradigm shifts are extremely rare, CS Lewis and Tony Flew excepted. What is sad is that some will fallaciously use religion or some verses of an ancient text to assume God spoke to man, that man accurately recorded those words, from which they conclude God almost certainly doesn't exist. Such is the circular reasoning (fallacy) that many militant atheists unwittingly or deliberately resort to. They pontificate about perceived evil using all the fundamentalist zeal that they despise in believers, when their version of evil is no more than doing what is unfashionable in some culture at some point in history.
With all due respect, that is complete and utter nonsense! To break it down there are many types of people in this world and to say there is only 2 is simply narrow minded beyond belief. To seek the toothfairy or santa would be just as logical as seeking god. Anyone that doesn't, and they number in the many, do hoards of other things. Are you saying I'd be successful if I wanted to follow the tooth fairy, that would be quite rightly ridiculous! Paradigm shifts are most certainly not rare in whatever we question the study of science is about what you didn't get right so you do more experiments and study until you do. It is easy to conclude that God didn't exist even without some verse or other, quite clearly just by using that old tool common sense. And to finish religion is most certainly NOT fundamental to anything. And having moral basis as your last point suggests has absolutely nothing, yes I did say it ZERO to do with being religious, stop and give your head a shake man. Jesus!!!(
Martin Kerr Martin be honest! Millions aren't on line right now debating the non existence of santa. Unlike God, santa is not THE most compelling issue in all human history Throwing in strawman like the tooth fairy or the flying spaghetti monster is typical of atheists who want to deny God. But no one I know sets up websites, holds conventions, seeks converts, donations, writes 400 page texts on your strawman. Of course the oldest sin is to replace God with oneself. Many worship at the altar of power, ego, greed wealth, gambling, drugs, sport, porn. What gets u off?
If u want to debate the overwhelming evidence for a Creator, fine but starting with religion is not only fallacious its dishonest
Martin Kerr
What are you seeking?
I don't know if you know this but Australia (especially north Australia where I live) has the highest percentage of atheists. A lot of my teachers and 70% of my peers in school are also atheist, it's crazy how religious people in America are though
True...France and Sweden are another example of Atheism. Here in Holland there are alot of Atheists just like me. Japan seems have a big percentage too.
MsMariosonic *Japan seems to have a big percentage too*
MsMariosonic Which means Japan has a big opportunity for God's business.He is hiring those who do not want to go to hell and quit sins.
I would like to thank Hemant very much for this video. I make it a habit not to down others in the Atheist community for their approach to the situation. I believe the more of us that are speaking out, the better it is for everybody. I personally, use the " in your face approach." Glad to see you've get it :)
Iv really surprised some of my friends that iv know for over 4-5 years when I tell them I'm an atheist
Im Atheist because of the amount of death I have seen in my life
I'm sorry for your losses.
Thats a nice plane overthere with 200 people on board.
(Plane crashes)
Plane had no creator!!!!!
Unknown Cody lol
I have two things to say. First WHAT?, in America you can loose your job for being an atheist? Are you serious? I'm Canadian and people presume you're an atheist unless a person says otherwise. Not believing in a god is the norm in Canadian society outside of Alberta.
Second another great book that I just got is "Atheist Universe" by David Mills. It's the thinking person's answer to christian fundamentalism. It shows you how to avoid the traps they try to lay for atheist when discussing religion and the bible. Excellent book.
One more thing, have you ever thought about writing a book?
Lucky.....
No one can lose their job in America by being an atheist. Get a passport and travel and stop being uneducated.
Yes, Americans can be fired for being an atheist. Use your computer and educate yourself. Google "Can Americans be Fired for Being an Atheist" as see what comes up.
Paul Preiswerck You're not educated it seems. No one in America can be fired for being an atheist. We have federal laws against discimination moron. lol Google up: "Paul Preiswerck is unemployed and believes everything he reads off the internet." lol Get a job.
***** Speaking as someone who knows the ins and outs of labor laws, I can tell you that employers often don't give a great flying about what the labor code actually says. If they want to fire you because you are an atheist, they will fire you. A lot of people can't afford to fight the matter in court, so they can and do get canned for being an atheist. Just because there is a law against firing someone for being atheist doesn't mean employers are going to follow it.
I am an atheist...and what you sayd about convincing people that is better to be an atheist...
What are you saying is that we should act like religious people!We should go and spread the world that this is the right belifs and they should convert to it! If you think that you are better than religious people,smarter than them..then proove it! Act like a smart person! What i think is the right way to do is let them have theyr belifs...everybody has the right to express theyr religion! You should not try to change that,or worst to start some sort of protest or something like that against religion! It's a free world (most of it :P ) People do what they want and belive what they want,and this should stay like that! Act smart..not religious style!
What an absurd opinion. Are you also against education in general, because people should just be allowed to stay in their ignorant state?
"What i think is the right way to do is let them have theyr belifs...everybody has the right to express theyr religion!"
Ok. My religion involves sacrificing humans to produce rain in Angola.
"You should not try to change that,or worst to start some sort of protest or something like that against religion!"
Look, this is really simple. If "your" religion involves indoctrinating people to become antisocial suicide bombers and militants, if it advocates murder and oppression, if it otherwise is attempting to impact my life in any way what so ever - I am going to protest it. "Your" right to hold delusional beliefs ends the moment it impacts other people.
Gnomefro Atheism cannot be a non belief. Everyone has a worldview of what we regard ultimate reality to be, the makeup of this world and our place in it. Theism has the foundation to explain the origin and existence of our finite, rationally intelligible, law-abiding universe. It explain why a sentient moral being has arisen to wonder in awe at its beauty, power & precision. Theism explains why we seek transcendence beyond the material world and find existential meaning hope and destiny in our worldview. Atheists as Bertrand Russell laments are no more than a highly unlikely collocation of atoms, destined for oblivion without meaning hope or escape. Such a worldview he says can only lead to "unyielding despair."
Augustino while others perspective may be that if we do just become atoms again which disperse into the world again will lead to unyielding despair it does not, people only when they actively think of death worry about what happens and mostly only those that think an after life could or does exist would truly despair if it was ultimately concluded not too. because they believe the after life to be an extension of their life thus triggering fear of death because they are no longer thinking of their self as being timeless after our life times, i accept that after my death i'm just going to become a bunch of atoms once more "its not about the destination but the journey" and maybe i'm just a minority that thinks this but doesn't change that a world view of unyielding despair is an exaggeration maybe to the current time frame its true but in the future i think that just like how humanity has stepped away from religions with beliefs in Gods that we've never met in certain places, that its only a matter of time that so to our fears of what happens after our death will be slowly laid to rest.
Evos World Evos, atheists are on a hiding to nothing if youre just a bunch of selfish genes (Dawkins) or a collocation of atoms in motion (Russell's term), death means ur no more than worm fodder. Then all the time wasted here trying to prove it to urself is pretty pointless. Then of course when u find out ur wrong u've got an eternity to think about where u went wrong! Read what honest atheists like Camus, Sartre Nietszhe & Tolstoy have to say- your meaningless life implies it doesn't matter if u go hugging or mugging just "re-iterate those small pleasures and moments of gratification as often as u are able" since there will be no justice, right?
I think what he is saying, is if you want to talk about Atheism, do it. It doesn't have to be taboo.
I love to discuss scientific thinking from the godless view. I love to discuss flaws of theist thinking.
But I try not to go too far out of the way to do it. I don't stand on corners with signs saying "Scientists hate Jesus" or "Morticians love dead soldiers". But i'll make posts on my facebook offering people the chance to see the world as I see it through readings, pictures or videos. I make no threats at them for not reading it and I don't go on their pages telling them that their problems would go away if they would just accept science.
First of all , a couple of jokes . Do you know why it took Katherine Hepburn a long time to come out of the closet ? Because she couldn't find the right dress to wear . A reporter once asked Miss Hepburn , in your movies , do you ever say anything other than " Really i do ' . Her answer was " Yes , i do . Really i do ' Hehe . As a Christian , i have several atheist friends and they know that there is only one thing that can make me as mad a a hungry tiger . If someone says that i am an animal , that is the one thing that triggers my inner Joe Frazier and makes me fighting mad because i am absolutely not an animal . My wife , son and i and our friends at our Fundamental Baptist Church are value producing human beings created in God's image , we are not animals . We are also not filthy apes . Our ancestors are Adam and Eve , not some slimy creature that ' supposedly ' crawled out of the ocean a billion years ago . Jesus is the truth and he is alive today . Darwin is a liar , a con man , a snake oil salesman , a perverted finch molester and the son of the devil , and he and his psuedo science lies are dead . If you can question God , you certainly should be allowed to question evolution , or is the ' almighty ' Darwin infallible ? Have a look at Ben Stein's great documentary ' Expelled , No Intelligence Allowed ' , which tells of some scientists losing their job because they dared to question Darwin . Even Carl Sagan was humble enough to realize that God created the universe and life . He said that on his excellent tv show ' Cosmos ' , and MR . Sagan didn't believe in silly evolution at all . He only gave it lip service so the fascists that ran the scientific community would let him keep his scientific license so he could study what he loved , astronomy .
It's incredible to me that "Atheism" is a thing. I wasn't an atheist until religion came around and told me that I am... Man I'm one of the rare ones that had NO RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS WHAT SO EVER from growing up... Anything that was related to religion I think maybe where told to me as to tell me what is what but I really didn't get it... To me it was just a boring story that I just thought where a part of learning to read or to spell like anything else in school.. I still do understand the difference for someone growing up with religion though...
Wow, glad I live in Europe where you won't LOSE your job for not believing in God
It's kinda amusing how different America and Europe is when it comes to religion. Here in Denmark people would be more surprised if you claimed to go to church every sunday than if you were an atheist. We consider christianity a part of our history and enjoy the traditions such as christmas and easter in their modern sense, but very few seriously dedicate much time and effort to religion. The only people i know that believe in god are my grandparents, and even they don't go to church.
Thumbs up to the first atheist video, I wish I had met ANY atheist at all who would have the approach you speak of. My 'sample set" of atheists as colleagues and co-workers have been a disappointing experience. Very vindictive, illogical and waste no time in spitting poison and relating everything, EVERYTHING to religion and God. never hear a word from the other side and keep repeating themselves. On the other side we have atheists with no integrity but with high positions like dawkins and hitchens and Krauss who have become exactly what they hate "religious fanatics".
Im sincerely hoping I meet someone like you and have a mature conversation, not childish plays.
I respect sincere atheists, because they take the step towards a higher truth rather than blindly accepting it. To my dismay most atheists are no different than most theists.
You are clearly completely delusional. Being opposed to demonstrably damaging ideologies and ways of thinking is not being a "religious fanatic".
And by the way, the reason people "never hear a word from the other side" is that theistic arguments are universally utter bullshit. Most of it is some variation on argument from ignorance or not adhering to the principle of parsimony to argue for their god, making arguments that simply assume supernatural things exist(Such as justifying views in politics in "God's will") or offensive drivel where they claim barbaric mass murderers are the standard of "good" and when challenged on it claim that we can't really know that mass murder isn't the objectively best solution an omnipotent being could come up with.
All of this is offensively stupid and that's the reason you have no impact on anyone outside your cult. The reason people relate "EVERYTHING" to religion is because religion impacts most areas of the lives of religious people because the disease typically infects their moral intuition and makes them fall back to divine command theories instead of moral reasoning and through that makes them impossible to reason with as well as antisocial in many circumstances.
Did I mention "vindictive"?
I too would like to meet a sincere atheist. One who looks at the well documented evidence for God e.g a finite past, a rationally intelligible universe, metaphysical truths, our innate moral nature etc. All I hear is those like Hitchens who not only don't believe in God they hate him. They use circular reasoning to argue against God from failed religions, a bit like denying aliens b/c of mistaken UFO sightings.
marc Aslam Yes, you did.
Gnomefro Lol you must have just heard arguments from some stupid Christians. Most Christians I've debated with are Ph.D's and know what they're talking about, and they know exactly why they believe what they believe after extensive research and understanding of meditation/drug induced ESP, shared tripping/dreaming, extra sensitive neurotransmitters of serotonin, haemoglobin, and DMT involved in pineal gland excitation, astral projection, conciousness connectivity ect.
It's hard to debate against this kind of thing as science has not even begun to understand it.
I'm a proud atheist!
Hey there Hemant.
I absolutely love your content as well as the way you put it out there.
In my own experience, I have seen quite a bad stereotype that is due to a complete lack of understanding. Just the other day, i had a conversation about God and atheism with 2 friends. One was raised with no faith and told to find his way and the other is a bible thumper, who's arguments were only attempted by reading scripture.
I really shined a positive light on the one friend right away when i brought logic and reason to the table, as well as stated my morality for the betterment of mankind and the world we live in.
The other gentlemen however. . . His genuine lack of understanding hit me like a shovel to the head when he asked, " atheism or agnosticism. Which one is it that worships the devil?"
Wait... What???
I realized that THIS is where that silly dogma comes from. This is why people fear the search of reason. People are pushed to fear when they are given a way to reason against the "good book".
I really want to start some sort of group or outreach program where i live in western Pennsylvania.
Any advice??
Thanks soo much for all that you do
2:21 It's one of my favorite things to tell people. It doesn't come up a lot and I almost never bring it up but when it does I am like "I am an atheist". In my group of friends it does not turn heads but I have been yelled at during club rush before.
I avoid communication with religious people.
Why should You try to convince religious people to atheism ,while You get so offended when religious people try to convince You?
P.S. I was about to leave with no comments but: You asked:)
***** Before u debate religious people as a lame excuse for not believing in a Creator/God justify why u wont debate the insummountable scientific and philosophical evidence that points to a finite past, a rationally intelligent uncaused 1st cause for our fine-tuned rationally INTELLIGIBLE universe?
"Advanced mathematics is the language that God defined the universe" Galileo
- "nupe, math wasn't discovered it was invented by our chemical brain." atheist response
Only non-contingent, immaterial realities can be infinite e.g abstract numbers, laws, ethics, wisdom
Matter is defined by the parameters of time, space & motion
A finite past is a logical necessity therefore Creation is a given!
(Dave Hilbert) "The infinite is nowhere to be found in reality. It neither exists in nature nor provides a legitimate basis for rational thought. The role that remains for the infinite...is solely that of an idea..."
Nothing can ever come from absolutely nothing - hence matter must have been Created! And Creation demands a Creator
more people should be able to understand all religions and all perspectives so you can understand peoples beliefs and try to learn why they believe what they do. understanding promotes tolerance and tolerance promotes peace and peace makes the world happy
well christains have the belief of not to believe or even hear another persons thought
that is a very closed minded way of living, if you refuse to even hear another person's thought then its like you refuse other thoughts even exist, with that logic its no wonder christian extremists are so intolerant and spiteful towards others beliefs... we all should at least have an understanding of things in order to truly cast judgement, hell isn't that one of Jesus' principles?
He's ignorant. Jesus was an historic figure and many of the Bible stories have been proven to be based on fact. See "Historicity of Jesus" and "Biblical Archaeology" at Wikpedia.
ha.. ha.. HA. HAHAHAHAH AHHAH AHAHA HAHAH. XD
it doesn't matter whether Jesus existed or not. Maybe there was a sect leader called Jesus. Maybe he was a good person. But why should I believe in a god?
oh maybe there was such a dude but the fact the bible says he was there doesn't explain nothing. lets say you have a dude that doesn't know anything about the bible. how would you explain to him that it's not a pile of legends, (even if they are based on historical facts) how would you explain it to him? please answer ...
"The dude in the Bible really existed and God does exist, because the Bible says so. Also, wikipedia." - That's your argument so far.
You'd think the first and ONLY zombie ever, would be documented in more than one place. Nah. What about the acts of Jesus that were so 'divine'? Nah. What about a lot of other crap he did? Nah.
Your holy book is filled with stories and poems (FACT), and you lot take it as 'The Word of God!'. You ignore contradictions, you ignore the fact that MOST Atheists used to be religious, and you yourself have probably not even read your own holy book.
Want to understand the Atheist point of view? Read your holy book from cover to cover. It's one of the best ways to get to where we are. Take your time, there's no rush. But keep your ignorant comments to yourself until you finish the book that a lot of us have already read. Hell, it's YOUR holy book. You want to prove God exists, but can't even read a book to help prove it? Kind of close-minded, don't you think?
Lior Zhok
I'd give him the same information I gave you.
You guys believe the first particle came from atoms fluctuating out of the vacuum of space at its lowest energy point than the first law of thermodynamics took over form there. Is this correct?
Thank you for making these videos. I am a young atheist under 15 and my whole family is Christian. Today I told my parents I am an atheist, and my dad told me I should change my mind, because this would break my grandparent's hearts. Could you reply to my comment and give me some advice? I am so happy that I am not alone. (:
It may break your grandparent's hearts, but at the end of the day, I am sure they will accept your lack of belief, and still love you as much as they do now. What you should never do is pretend to change your mind just to suit others. If you truly believe there is no God, and atheism is correct, then be proud of that, and be open about it.
I can relate to you a bit, personally I am a believer, my whole family is Catholic, but I decided that Reform Judaism was where my heart belonged, so I converted and became Jewish. My mom was upset for awhile and asked me to change back, but I refused, because for me, I think Judaism is the right path. Now my family accepts me being Jewish and we have no problems. I hope it works out the same with you ;)
I love how you express your point of view! You present your opinions respectfully and logically, which is really nice, and can be really difficult when talking about something controversial. Thank you.
on a flight to chicago i was sitting by this lady that was sitting by this lady and after experiencing a bit of extreme turbulence she was said something to the effect of you know god will protect us etc and asked me if i was also a christian and rather than go through the awkwardness of saying i was an atheist i just went along with her to prevent any kind of trouble......
My uncle just moved from Colorado and has been hanging out with our family a lot recently. He is SUPER religious, a complete bible knocker and has been discussing religion a lot lately and I'm afraid to tell him I'm an atheist. Does anyone have any advice? Anything is appreciated.
I have been an atheist for about 4 years and have just recently started telling people. I live in a very Christian part of Virginia, so of course I get questions and judgmental looks, but I don’t really care because it was the best decision I ever made and could not be happier. I started telling people at work because I got tired of hearing about how they are Christians, even thought they certainly did not act like one, and them just assuming that I was too. One coworker recently told me he was a born again Christian (which you would never have guessed by his actions and language). I told him I was a Christian growing up but was now an atheist. He actually asked me “how could that be? Was it something bad that happened to you?” I said “no, I just read and research a lot and now I look at evidence.” He didn’t ask me anything else about it and hasn’t since lol.
I love your videos! I am having trouble with people that have religions. I don't know exactly what to do other than to do what I feel is right. Your videos are helping me a lot! Thank you!
As I find my personal style on how to be "out" I appreciate your bitter pill and water analogy. This helps me to appreciate both sides of the coin a little more too.
i am in love with science and naturally, being a geneticist, physicist, evolutionist, and an atheist. and i love this channel. WOOOW EVOLUTION
My mom got a bracelet with the atheism symbol on it. People kept making comments on Facebook (when they saw here wrist) that atheists are constantly telling people that they're atheist. The only people she told she was atheist was her family and her Pinterest followers. She wasn't telling people, she just liked to have a reminder that atheism is what she truly believes in. If you get to wear a cross necklace, why can't my mom where an atheist symboled bracelet? A lot of people don't even know what the symbol means. The ones who didn't know said "Oh. That's cute. I should get one." Because they all had the middle name 'Ann'. So if an atheist bracelet offends you, then a cross necklace offends me.
It really comes down to assertiveness.
In normal conversation, it's very useful to be assertive because you don't offend anybody (unless they want to be offended) but you still stand up for yourself and get your point across. In public forums, however, I think there's a decent justification for being a bit more aggressive than one would be in a face-to-face conversation. Part of it has to do with the fact that you're kind of putting on a show and you're not talking to any specific person.
I'm 14 and I don't really know exactly who I am or what I believe. What I do know is that I've never felt a real connection with religion. My family raised me catholic and I have made my first holy communion. I also attended a catholic school for all of my elementary school years. I've read most of the Bible and I just don't understand how people can drop everything and believe in something without asking for evidence. I've always been the person to ask questions and find things out for my self. And that's what I've been doing. I appreciate videos like this, because they get me thinking. I plan on doing a lot more research on religion as I grow older. I do know that I believe in science. It's what I put my trust in. I am also very aware of who I am as a person. I love helping people and always try to be as nice as I can. I'm worried what people might think of me if I do come out as an atheist. Will people see me in a different light?
Arianna Weaver Yes, people will see you in a different light. However, if your parents are very accepting people, they will be okay with you being an atheist.
However, if you are 14, (you can never tell on the internet...), that will increase the risk that your lack of belief being dismissed as nothing more than a childish phase. I recommend learning about how your parents feel about atheists before comming out, as I've heard some ugly stories.
For instance, tell them you've heard something online about a thing called atheism, and you looked it up, but didn't understand what the internet told you, and would like to know what it means. I hope this helps!
Arianna Weaver Hey, I'm 15 and last year I told my parents I'm an atheist. I hadn't planned on telling them but they got angry because I completely stop participating in Mass. They said some horrible stuff, (verbally) attacking me and well, our relationship isn't as 'loving' as before. They continue to make me attend mass. I'm still attending Catholic Education but I believe the right friends will be more supportive of my decision. The biggest issue I had was 'Will I receive the same respect from people around me?' I'm not too sure, but if they treat me differently it reveals more about them then it does me. I recommend watching @cosmicskeptic on youtube, he brings a fresh young but educated perspective to atheism and secularism.
I like Hemant's way of looking at the different approaches to talking about atheism. While there are limits, I don't have anything against people who are nice about atheism vs people who are aggressive. A lot of people seem to quick to judge others' way as bad but I think there is value in both ways and we don't all have to be identical.
i like your friendly atheist approach much better. Ive taken in so much more from hearing than when i hear those pissed off, cursing their head off militant atheist.
First off I'll begin with stating that I am a "Christian." I say it like that in quotations bc that is the general label put on my style of belief. This is the second video I've watched of yours and truth be told I enjoyed it. The first was "15 Things Never to Say to an Atheist." I watched it out of curiosity and moved on to this one and I think I saw another one in the side bar I will watch next. I like your style of talk. Its not radical or offensive and is more informative and casual. Personally I don't see the need to push any belief someone has on another person. If its brought up in conversation its ok but I don't think it should be insulting in any way. Belief being pushed on others is a huge part of what's wrong with the world. From Pagans, to Jews to, Christian, Muslim, and all other beliefs the problem is forcing the belief on another. People saying or doing stupid things based on their belief is about the dumbest thing I've ever seen coming out of religion. I'd like it if more people were like you or I and just stated what they believed when given the opportunity and leave it at that. I have a friend I work with who is an aggressive atheist in some ways and we work well together. We've had friendly talks about it from time to time but neither one of us pushes the other. Although he does get mad when he sneezes and someone says bless you. lol. Anyway we know what we believe, we don't really agree with what the other one believes, but we leave it at that. I applaud you on your calmness and how you handle the subject.
I walk a fine line. I have slowly been telling a few trusted people about my deconversion, but have not told anyone that I consider super religious and this includes me parents. Just this morning my mother said to me, "Well, we can pray in agreement together that God will move the heart of your SIL to make wise choices for her family. She wouldn't change her mind otherwise. And prayer works." I did not say anything more than, "I'm sure she will do what is best for her family." It has been years since I have "prayed in agreement" about anything and she still hasn't caught on. My husband (who is still a Christian) thinks I should tell my parents that I don't believe anymore so that my mother will quit saying things like this to me, but honestly, it doesn't bother me. That's her. My mother is neither a logical person nor an understanding person and such an admissions would create a huge rift between us as well as my entire family. There is not a single thing that I could ever say to my parents that would convince them that I am not now bound for eternal torment. Maybe they will figure it out one day, and should they ever ask, I will not lie, but I see no point in telling them more than they need to know.
Was let go from my job recently and upon asking the question "Why?" I was told, and I paraphrase, "Your beliefs come out in your work." I surmise it was due to the fact; since I work with children, that I use the scientific method with the kids and questions they have in regards to the natural world. Best example is "Birds abandon young if touched by humans." I explained why this was incorrect, showed evidence. I pondered suing, decided to walk away.
I am glad he made this video.It seems like he makes these videos for how christians need to talk yet keep the atheist unchecked.
I came out to my family about my atheism without thinking, although I'd prefer to call myself agnostic. I just said it, they disagreed, it was done there, I just ended it with, show me some proof and went to my room. Nothing else happened, my uncle is an agnostic as well, so it's cool that I have someone to talk to when religious people or things like that piss me off.
In my country (Norway) its the other way around. You come out as a christian, and atheists are in the majority. As a christian, i do understand the difficulty of being open about beliefs. It is a burden none should bear.
atheism should be accepted, religion should not be forced upon people, im a christian and i dont mind what religion or non religion people are, i only care about if they're kind, and i understand what its like to be judged and when some people have stereotypes about you, dont care about what they say, just live and be happy :)
I understand what you mean. I live in Houston and work for an oil company, an industry full of Republicans and Christians. I just don't talk about religion or politics at work, but my family is fully aware of how I feel about both.
What do I do when someone gets bullied for believing in God?
Your uneven hairline bothers me, but dont get me wrong, I love your videos!
I am Kira
How are He Shoot The God of The New World!!!
Everyone who knows me closely as friends or family understands that I am an Atheist. When I meet new people, I take the first opportunity I get at some point when "they" bring religion into a conversation to let them know that I am an Atheist in so many words. At that point, they either take it and accept it or we grow apart. Generally, if they took offence to my views, they simply become distant friends. Kind of funny, but I really don't care. I am amazed at how many Atheists there are out there.
In a religious sense, people who aim to convince/convert others to their same way of thinking/believing are labeled "missionaries." What would be the appropriate, equivalent term for someone who aims to convince/convert others to atheism?
hello dear atheist friends, i have a little question. do you know of any website that shows atheist clubs or any sort of community of atheist located near ones residence or area? thank you!
"Excuse me, Sir, do you have a moment to talk about nothing? Recently I discovered this really great nothing that has done nothing to help me improve my life, and I would like to take this moment to share this nothing with you. You see, there is this nothing that is never with you every day, and it saves you from nothing! This nothing is so completely nothing, and I would like you to share in this nothing with me so I had to run out here today to share this nothing with you!"
Thank you for nothing.
i am also an atheist and one of the reasons i decided to leave my religion was the fact that people in my area to tell me that im wrong if i don't believe in god. i feel as if i am trying to explain myself and convert people into atheism i am no better than those people who caused my religious expulsion. That being said I am one of two people in my school who are openly atheist and have no problem discussing religion, in fact it is one of my favorite topics to discuss, but my goal isn't to change anyone, it's merely to make people aware that I hold a different belief than most people.
in INDIA also we are in minority.But I would like to go to China. Because there are many Atheist's.But I love my country.
JAI HIND.
I just wanna say how much admiration I have for you. Great videos dude. You manage to put in clear words what I really struggle to explain myself.
I'm not too keen on 'coming out' as an atheist in my Twitter Bio or similar. I am 'Out' as an atheist - people know. I tweet about it. But I think putting it in my twitter bio is saying, of all the things about me, I'm using 7 of these 160 chars to tell you so. I wouldn't follow anyone who said "christian" on their twitter bio because they define themselves by their religion. I don't want to define myself by my lack of religion.
Its so facinating hearing you talk about Aithisum in America where you have to hide your lack of beleaf. I live in England and I found it very hard trying to persuade my Lithawanien room mate at Uni that I found it suprising he was religious. Out of the the 80 people in my Illustration class only three called themselves religious. In england, at least to the younger generation, its the religious people who keep quite about thier faith becosue, embarising to suddenly to have that little bit less respect for your friend.
When I walk into a room I asume everyone is aithest untill proven otherwise and am surprised when they are not.
It scares me that America, a country with so much power, still has so many people with fundamentalist religious beliefs like creationism. I hope sites like yours continue to support Atheists in countries everywhere.
To be fair, the UK has a rapidly growing muslim population, so in a few generations young people might not be that lucky, depending on how society develops.
I struggle with this as a hospice music therapist, since obviously religion comes up a lot at end of life. My patients and coworkers are mostly religious. Patients often ask me about my religion, I think in trying to figure out whether they feel I will understand them or not/if they can trust me or not. I often deflect the question, and if they are insistent I just say that it's unethical for me to discuss my personal religious/political views. But there are some I know I have to lie and say that I've accepted Jesus into my heart or I won't get in the door.
I live way up north in the US so I thought I had the freedom to list my religious views as "atheist" on facebook but since I've done so I've had some strange things happen, such as people who I know are religious suddenly stop talking to me, and a client of mine who I was maintaining a website for suddenly cut off contact with me for no reason and replaced the site I had created for them (with one that was atrociously bad).
"We need more people to come out of the closet"
i’m gay and atheist so i had to come out of two closets lol
I am at a point where I know that I'm an atheist, but everyone in my family is Christian. I have only told my mom and sisters, but I'm afraid to tell my dad or grandparents, because they are the type that would treat me differently, no matter how good of a person I am. I'm trying to tell my devout Christian friend but the topic just never seems to come up, so I've been putting it off. It's one of the scariest things to tell other people that you believe something that they don't, because now I'm afraid that I'll lose the good friends I have because I don't believe in the "big guy upstairs."