Stacie is great. I am always impressed by what she has achieved in such a relatively short time. It's always a pleasure to listen to her. She's smart, she's honest. And to top it all off, she is beautiful too.
I love the description of "living with mental gymnastics", that is exactly how I understand my dad lived my entire adult life. It is so sad. So much potential is deflated by beliefs. ☮💜
As an anti-theist for 40 years now (I’m 59) it’s crazy that religious superstition has so stunted the ability of people to think and ask questions. The right is doing its damnedest to keep the flock ignorant and retain power over them. The fight must continue and I think will someday be successful.
I’m fascinated by this subject. I watch all sorts of atheist youtube-channels, and I still have not understood, and I suppose I never will; I was never religious and can’t wrap my head around actually believing all this silly stuff. 😂 But I am learning about it anyway to be able to support my american friends who may be victims or religious trauma. ❤ If you are one of the victims of religious trauma, Seth’s website will point you in the direction of people who can help. And, Seth, you’re doing good for the world. 👍🏻❤
Encouraging story of escape from the oppressive codependence of a life of indoctrination to stone age cult myth ... welcome to the Age of Reason - Stacie!😊
As a Canadian l have never had push back when l say l’m an atheist. When l gave up Christianity back in the 80’s it felt right and walk away with no remorse. As a Buddhist for many years l had the exact same experience…..a door closed. I felt a great weight lift off my shoulders. I remember telling people there is nothing wrong with me and l am fine just who l am. I knew, l just knew.
I'm a Canadian as well. I doubt I would face much pushback for being an atheist. I've had very minor incidences in my life, like my Grandma being disappointed that I don't believe, but other than that, not much. I consider myself very lucky that I can call myself an atheist without consequences, I know it's very hard for a lot of people in the world. I've been an atheist for about 13 years now, and would never go back to religion. Life is much better on this side of the fence :)
I was raised Jehovah's Witness. When my kid came out to me I realized I needed to really interrogate my beliefs before I let them change how I treat my kid. Those beliefs did not hold up to scrutiny so I left the religion. It is so sad to see how many parents will choose their religious crutch over their own children.
@@thestaciesmompodcast Thanks, that's nice of you to say. I wish being a good parent wasn't such a low bar, because I don't think I'm an amazing parent. I'm okay. I'm doing what I can but I'm mess like we all are I just thought that rule number one of raising a kid is trying to not traumatize them worse then our well-meaning, but flawed parents did to us. After leaving and reading accounts of other kids growing up in fundamentalist households, it's just horrifying.
As a fellow Canadian who escaped the nonsense many years ago, I say “ three cheers for Stacie and her Mom “. Welcome to the real world. Great interview Seth. Thanks and best wishes in 2024. Dan ✌️🇨🇦
When she was talking about the moment she had her realization it reminded me of the quote from Mark Twain that was my moment. “I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” -Mark Twain
She mentioned missions trips. And how they seemed more like a luxurious vacation. As an ex evangelical, I never went on a missions trip. However the church I attended did missions trips. To Dominican Republic, Africa, and parts of Europe central and south America. And often we had missionary visits. All of these missions trips and missionary visits included a service, Often Sunday evening. They did video presentations, or just talks. Sometimes teenagers would take these trips. On common theme I got was these trips were more vacations. Oh sure they went to build churches. But these churches seemed to have been constructed mostly by local contractors (at the site). Not the missionaries. Oh sure. Some of the kids would help carry supplies, cement, and the older experienced men would do some more of the skilled work. But they would be there for a couple weeks then back home. They always included pictures with the local kids or families. And how these people were eager to learn about Jesus. But my take away was this was just a cheap vacation for them. Not to say all missions trips are like this. Just my take away on most of them. One girl was sent to Europe to teach English. Really?? I thought English was already well spoken in most European countries. Turns out she was really there to spend time with her relatives there...at the churches expense
What’s interesting is literally lose everything and I mean everything. Your home, possessions and not knowing where your next meal is coming from. Put God to the test. See if he “ shows up” You will see in the worst times like that is that no one in the universe is looking out for you. God will not “ provide”
I'm ex Catholic. When I was a child in CCD which is a separate Catholic school that teaches only the religious part (I was kicked out of their school and had to go to public school because my parents couldn't afford the donation fee/alabaster jar) I said I wish I could go back in time to save Jesus. A nun/teacher who was probably in her twenties started screaming and yelling at me (in the late 80s) "GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN!" instead of calmly and compassionately explaining to a child with a good heart that he had to die for our sins. I was 8 or 10. I still stupidly believed in Christianity until high school when some fellow students that were nondenominational encouraged me to actually read the Bible instead of merely listening to the priest on Sunday. Reading the Bible I became nondenominational for several years but the facts kept piling up towards the collapsing in of my belief. At one point I braved committing blasphemy against the holy shit...I mean spirit...and slowly came to realize there's no evidence of a god but if he exists he's a terrorist. I'd rather stand proudly in a Hell than kneel eternally in Heaven. Even though I'm an atheist...HAIL SATAN!
reading the bible, man, that god character is a f@#$ng as@#le. a horrible childish spoiled bully. he picks on women and says they are just property, a cut above a slave which he also demands exist. murder is at the top of God's list. I wouldn't want to spend lunch with a person like that... let alone quadrillions of years. ridiculous. oh, and yeah, the axxxxxe is omniscient, but created satan? what a sh#%thead. ☮💜 I'm so happy to have read your words. ☮💜
@@BrianFedirko God also created evil, yet blames satan for everything wrong. That character takes NO responsibility for anything. He create evil but blames everyone else for evil. He creates people in a world with evil, but takes no responsibility when people supposedly do evil things. Then his own kids get P!$$ed and instead of dealing with the issues, kicks one out of the house and labels HIM as evil, even thought nothing portrayed about him in the bible actually shows evil. If you create evil, you are responsible for it. Period.
@rboland2173 I absolutely agree! However in the space/time continuum it makes sense if conceptually commanding an entity to be a thing of the past no longer acceptable in the future. That's just a hot take spit ball shot in the dark. Translations have always been crazy wild. The word sin in Hebrew means to "miss the mark" which probably means that the intended target of behavior was not specific enough to hit the target. A sniper "sins" if he does not kill in one shot. What if he doesn't want to hit the target because he had a change of heart? Religious concepts must always be looked at through the lens of logic. Fun scifi of Star Trek: Kirk saved Spock from a planet by violating the Prime Directive which caused the aliens to establish a religion that worshipped the Enterprise! 🤣
I might as well be lifelong because it never really took hold with me. I started down the path for bad reasons, Zeitgeist movie, but the curiosity and ability to question led me to deism and ultimately atheism. I suffered no consequences and I've always been a loner and outcast so it was easier for me to question the Christian and religious dogma and I think it's extremely brave for people who are heavily invested in a belief system to reject it in favor of truth and integrity.
That whole shaming Stacie and her family from the pulpit is also aimed at the congregation. "Thinking about leaving? Think again." Well the atheist community welcomes all you good people.
There is a realization that comes to light...and cannot be reversed....that when you realize that what you have been taught since birth was entirely a construct of humans...often with an agenda, you begin to understand where you stand. When you realize that the 'deity' you thought was 'the most perfect, good, and loving'....isn't even close to that...but actually quite evil,...you cannot return. When your mind is truly open....it cannot be closed again.
People who are shaming you in the name of the "Goat Herder's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Insert Name of Church here" were NEVER your friends! A friend is not doing that, a friend would refuse to take part in this! A true friend would stand up and loudly voice that they are ashamed to have been part of this and leave, too!
I didn't choose to be an Atheist either just like a gay person doesn't choose to be like my son. It just is what it is. It was by REALLY reading and researching the Bible and Christianity as a whole that turned me Atheist. I started noticing how hateful and hypocritical Christians are and my eyes started to open.
When I was deconstructing, I kept coming back to the verse John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." I never felt as free as I did when I realized that I did not believe and recognized that there was no "sky daddy" watching everything I did an everything I thought.
What a lovely lady. So glad she is free. Indoctrination is so disturbing. 24:22 The country I live in, I cannot think of a time where someone asked me if I was an atheist or what religion I am. It is considered a bit rude here.
I had to twice in public in service to the UK state - swearing in to jury duty and bearing witness at an inquest. Btw I was the only one! Just shows what an insidious hold it still has even in a secular state.
Welcome to freedom of thought. I had a similar experience as your husband. Early on in our 33-year marriage, I went along with my wife's religion but never bought into it. Long story short, she has been atheist for 20 years.
Similar story to mine in some ways - but with my family, our two kids (who were born and raised Evangelical) were the first to walk away from it (as teenagers). Then, my wife stopped going to church - she's still a believer (kind of a universalist now) but has had it with the Evangelicals. I was the last to leave - I'm stubborn like that. I was an adult convert into the Evangelical church, then stuck with it for 26 years...those last few, though, the truth was making a comeback. It took stepping outside the bubble, and examining this religion the way I would any other, without preconceived belief, to see what nonsense I'd been accepting all those years.
I was terrified of saying, "I'm an atheist." I had to tell myself a dozen or more times until I was able to accept my unbeleif. And then I started watch the atheists on UA-cam - you, Seth, AronRa, Drew (GM Sceptic), Matt Dillahuty, Hemet Mehta. I guess I'd already been partially exposed to qustioning by watch The Young Turks. I really respected Cenk and Anna. This is the freest I've ever felt.
I know it sounds like a cop out but I am more agnostic. At most I would be a Deist. Grand observer that collapsed the wave function. Unifying force. Quantum immortality is a possibility, multiverse. I am not putting my eggs in that basket but I don’t discount the possibility.
I'm 61 and from England, I realised that the God thing was crap when I was 8 years old and Santa got the elbow. I've announced myself as a militant atheist ever since and suffered not the slightest inconvenience, America scares me!
6:00 l was supposed to go on a "mission" to Kenya .. lt was a little over a week long, the first day was in Paris, then we were going to visit a church in Kenya and go to a party, then next day we were going to take a tour of Kenya, then visit a different church ...blah blah; this wasnt work this was a vacation. l ask the main organizer "When are we going to actually work?" He said we would only spend 2 days actually digging wells.. l didnt go, what a waste of time.
My perspective is that it's great not to believe the Bible anymore and then automatically you don't believe all that stuff about heaven and hell and demons and angels and gods that do crazy
If religion is so great why are their so many grifters for god? Why is religion responsible for so many wars, genocides and scandals? Why does anyone think this organization is a good thing?
I started deconstructing at age 6, much against my parent's/family's wishes.. 50 years ago. I can't imagine being an adult before I started asking questions that had horrible answers. I have peers who believe, and I can't see them changing their minds, as it's too complacent, and too much work. Now, I'm so consumed with being a neo-atheist that every sentence I read or think about has components of belief that I'm constantly having to tear apart. It's exhausting. This reality that we've created consists of a language that was "belief" created, and there really aren't words in our language that don't have a belief or judgment component. I'm from Canada, but I've lived in LA my adult life. I came here thinking I would find more like-minded... but I was wrong. Boy was I wrong. Lazy atheists here, they don't think about it because it's too much work. It is heartwarming to know people at this age can start to think. Humanity still may have a chance. ☮💜
I started deconstructing as a child as well. I always had really big questions that were very inconvenient for my father, the pastor. I'm 44 now, and only now finally feeling like I've done enough re-education to feel confident in my beliefs. I had to learn the difference between knowing and believing. And I had to learn about the subconscious effect of all of these things in the long term. I held on to the , "well maybe I'm wrong" for way too long and it was really just for the comfort of my parents. Only recently since the metaphorical curtain was lifted on my dad's long game was I really able to completely break free mentally and emotionally.
Just watching now. Love Seth Andrews , just read his de converted book that I got for myself for Christmas. Stacie is incredible and listening to her story and then with her Mom, Dee, on Harmonic Atheist channel with Tim Mills I could relate. Just out of Christianity after 47 years in April 2023. Yes was raised in the Christian faith and my father was the pastor. Lovely interview, so happy for Stacie’s journey and her bravery for being an outspoken atheist.
When I see someone mention a very long time in the faith before leaving I always want to leave a note saying not to worry about the length of time but the outcome. Well done. You were probably a good person before leaving and guess what - you are still just as good.
@@rationalist8805 really appreciate your comment. Thank you, not easy, at this side looking back as Honestly cannot believe what I believed! Being in REALITY IS A GREAT THING
Well as you go down the road you end up with Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion) and Sam Harris (Letters to a Christian Nation) and of course Christopher Hitchens (god is not great) as the best thinkers on this. I recommend reading "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali - it really opens ones eyes to how religion affects much of the third world.
I swear it's just UA-cam. I don't think there are really any "atheist" ads, but there are plenty of Christian ads. And since the video is related to religion, it just plays the only religious ads that are on the platform.
When parents leave religion I rejoice so much. I'm so happy for her, especially for her children. The'l get to be children and not be burdened by this superstitious BS. W mom.
I have to presume that this is a very US specific issue. I’ve always been a non-believer, despite going to Sunday school and church when I was very young, mainly due to neighbours and my parents just “doing what everyone else does”, but I know for certain that if I felt the need to tell my parents at any point that I was as atheist (which I didn’t, just because I never felt the need, they knew), the response would be nothing more than “ok, that’s nice, what do you want for tea?”.
Agreed Seth, I think every deconstruction story is a bit unique. Good on you for featuring these conversations and insight into why people have left the faith.
My eyes are opened now. I honestly didn't think people so extremely far right Christian existed in Canada. I have experienced very religious people including my Mother and other family and while they expect that one day I'll return to some version of "the faith" and don't care for the idea of no belief in a god, they don't think that being Atheist is worse. That would have been odd to me or them. But now I know that in the western provinces this kind of American far right religiosity exists.
They are here and they are very active pushing for a Canadian version of Christian Nationalism through the conservative political movement. They do this right under our noses. Atheists and Christians and ALL people that should, and in most cases do know better, are silent because of our fear of upsetting our Christian friends and relatives that have been drawn into that nonsense of right wing Christian Nationalism. We need to speak out. Call people on the BS. See the signs... listen for the rhetoric and talking points that show up in conversations. Don't just raise an eyebrow. Engage and discuss. Many times, they are feeling us out. Without pushback, they will assume we agree, ensuring that they continue down that slippery slope. It's very distressing to see someone we care for, love or look up to, using phrases like, "those people", "well you know how they are", "not like us", etc. It's amazing how much hate you can push when you say, "We're defending traditional family values"
Lots of things "did it" for me, but one thing in particular stands out: I'm extremely curious by nature, and that, (coupled with what I do for a living), make me the sort of person that needs to understand things. When I asked questions and ultimately wasn't satisfied with the answers I received, there got to be a point at which the other person would trot out "God works in mysterious ways - we're not necessarily supposed to understand it". I think a chasm exists between "not understanding something" and the notion that you're "NOT SUPPOSED TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING". We were created by a creator, (in his image, no less), in order to NOT understand things? Sorry - you're talking to the wrong guy.
First of all, i love The Thinking Atheist! So many articulate voices of reason. It has helped me tremendously on my own deconstruction journey. Im just curious if anyone else gets inundated with religious ads during these videos??? All the ads that played were xtian focused. It feels deliberate but it could just be the algorithm.
Much respect to everybody exposing themselves as an atheist in that "Christian Nation". I live in Europe and I've never had to justify leaving the (catholic) church and being an atheist here. And even when, after a long time, I finally "confessed" this to my then already elderly mum, whom I had previously thought to be deeply religious, she just said dryly, "You know, child, I'm also a doubter myself." I will never forget this precious moment.
I never do this, but I’m gonna promote someone else’s work (I am in no way affiliated with, just a fan) because it is relevant to the idea that killing curiosity in young minds is dangerous and even cruel. The work I am talking about is Elizabeth Moon’s book titled Remnant Population. I am not a parent yet, but when I am, I will remember that book and this YT video as I try to decide the best way to answer my childrens’ questions.
Ive been watching a lot of atheist channels myself. Read christopher hitchens several years ago. No longer really attend church. When I do I get sideways looks from the pastor. One baptist pastor pretty bad when I went with neighbors for a " look see" These people (religious types) are nuts
It's so interesting to hear stories like this.....Funny to think that saying one was an atheist would be problematic, but I guess Australia is a pretty secular country overall.. That said, as an ex-Catholic, myself, I think I'm still stuck with the guilt and the feelings of not being good enough.
I remember the look in my catholic mother's eyes when I told her (at 13 yoa) that I was an atheist. I was worried that she was going to smite me from the family. She never gave up trying to get me back into the faith. Including sticking drunk father Murphy on me
In the South there’s tremendous social pressure to be religious. I have to be very careful how I communicate my thoughts. There’s plenty of Christians who will just classify you as a bad person and your livelihood is at risk
My story is so similar to Stacie’s in regards to her talking to her husband. My husband was so relieved when I told him I no longer believed because he was only attending church because he loved me🤗.
I often relate 'the after-life' to 'the before-life' by telling people that we'll feel the same as we did 200 years ago... and that leaves many thinking.
The Partial Pressure of oxygen is highest at sea level. If you raise the level of water up to near the top of the mountains, then the air will rise up, too, and the PP of oxygen at that level will be the same as the previous sea level PP. Nonetheless, the ark thing is still bs for many other reasons.
It's always cool to hear stories like this.....most of us nonbelievers in the U.S. were Christians at some point and the way everyone gets there is different. Better late than never! I personally got out in my early 20's when I got away from my small little country town to see how different people lived. I actually had a similar discussion with a rider doing Uber last night and it's always nice to get to do that.
Fear of Hell. That is why it took me four years to give up my Christianity. I didn't believe in my head, but, like Seth, I had this tightness in my gut.
The title of this was great click bate, well done. Now every time someone searches UA-cam for that song this video will be in the mix/list. And maybe more people will come out of the dark and into the light 🙂
I would like to see you talk to someone from honey badger radio I would also like to see you talk to the thinking ape simply because you both have the word thinking in y'all's name
do a story of the only atheist in the world of theist, we are out there. a failure to convert these people have a unique experience. why not a non liberal atheist story we make up about 40 percent of nonbelievers.
I have a kind of faith - that if I'm wrong and there is a god then there's no way that god is going to bear any resemblance to the imagined monsters of any religion.
That’s my girl ! Great conversation! Thank you Seth, for hosting Stacie. Love, Stacie’s Mommy. ❤️
Love you ❤❤❤
Great interview, well done 👏
Stacie is great. I am always impressed by what she has achieved in such a relatively short time. It's always a pleasure to listen to her. She's smart, she's honest. And to top it all off, she is beautiful too.
It's obvious Stacie had a great mom and home life.
Best Mom ever!!
“Mom, I’m an atheist.”
Sounds like “coming out of the closet”. We need more destigmatizing.
I love the description of "living with mental gymnastics", that is exactly how I understand my dad lived my entire adult life. It is so sad. So much potential is deflated by beliefs. ☮💜
That's what atheists who deny human biodiversity do now.
Welcome to the real world. You will enjoy getting out of the bird cage and being a free thinker.
"Bird cage"... what a great descriptor...so true...that's what it was.
The new atheists proved they haven't left their ficiton, just new original sins and creationist beliefs in "equality".
@churblefurbles did you think that was coherent ?
@@bokononbokomaru8156I even tried reading it backwards to see if it would make sense but, nope just turns out to be backwards thinking. 🥴
@@bokononbokomaru8156I thought I had the first part figured out, but nope it's just gobbledygook.
As an anti-theist for 40 years now (I’m 59) it’s crazy that religious superstition has so stunted the ability of people to think and ask questions. The right is doing its damnedest to keep the flock ignorant and retain power over them. The fight must continue and I think will someday be successful.
The left does that too, just saying. They love the control they have just as much as the right.
Both sides are corrupt AF .
I’m fascinated by this subject. I watch all sorts of atheist youtube-channels, and I still have not understood, and I suppose I never will; I was never religious and can’t wrap my head around actually believing all this silly stuff. 😂 But I am learning about it anyway to be able to support my american friends who may be victims or religious trauma. ❤
If you are one of the victims of religious trauma, Seth’s website will point you in the direction of people who can help.
And, Seth, you’re doing good for the world. 👍🏻❤
Encouraging story of escape from the oppressive codependence of a life of indoctrination to stone age cult myth ... welcome to the Age of Reason - Stacie!😊
As a Canadian l have never had push back when l say l’m an atheist. When l gave up Christianity back in the 80’s it felt right and walk away with no remorse. As a Buddhist for many years l had the exact same experience…..a door closed. I felt a great weight lift off my shoulders. I remember telling people there is nothing wrong with me and l am fine just who l am. I knew, l just knew.
I'm a Canadian as well. I doubt I would face much pushback for being an atheist. I've had very minor incidences in my life, like my Grandma being disappointed that I don't believe, but other than that, not much. I consider myself very lucky that I can call myself an atheist without consequences, I know it's very hard for a lot of people in the world. I've been an atheist for about 13 years now, and would never go back to religion. Life is much better on this side of the fence :)
She has a wonderful disposition. So glad she broke free and her kids seem to have themselves a fantastic mother.
Awww thank you so much ❤
I was raised Jehovah's Witness. When my kid came out to me I realized I needed to really interrogate my beliefs before I let them change how I treat my kid. Those beliefs did not hold up to scrutiny so I left the religion. It is so sad to see how many parents will choose their religious crutch over their own children.
You are an amazing parent ☺️❤️❤️
@@thestaciesmompodcast Thanks, that's nice of you to say. I wish being a good parent wasn't such a low bar, because I don't think I'm an amazing parent. I'm okay. I'm doing what I can but I'm mess like we all are I just thought that rule number one of raising a kid is trying to not traumatize them worse then our well-meaning, but flawed parents did to us. After leaving and reading accounts of other kids growing up in fundamentalist households, it's just horrifying.
What a great interview. Her story of her mom gives me hope for the future.
“Bubble-wrapped in Christianity” felt this.
Yes, I loved that phrase. Very apropos.
As a fellow Canadian who escaped the nonsense many years ago, I say “ three cheers for Stacie and her Mom “. Welcome to the real world. Great interview Seth. Thanks and best wishes in 2024. Dan ✌️🇨🇦
aye and dampens down doubt to act as an echo chamber. Glad she eventually ripped it off.
Excellent uplifting story of a person capable of THINKING. Congratulations to her!!
Thank you so much ❤
When she was talking about the moment she had her realization it reminded me of the quote from Mark Twain that was my moment. “I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” -Mark Twain
The process scares the bejubies out of me, but yeah, being dead is no biggie.
She mentioned missions trips. And how they seemed more like a luxurious vacation. As an ex evangelical, I never went on a missions trip. However the church I attended did missions trips. To Dominican Republic, Africa, and parts of Europe central and south America. And often we had missionary visits. All of these missions trips and missionary visits included a service, Often Sunday evening. They did video presentations, or just talks. Sometimes teenagers would take these trips. On common theme I got was these trips were more vacations. Oh sure they went to build churches. But these churches seemed to have been constructed mostly by local contractors (at the site). Not the missionaries. Oh sure. Some of the kids would help carry supplies, cement, and the older experienced men would do some more of the skilled work. But they would be there for a couple weeks then back home. They always included pictures with the local kids or families. And how these people were eager to learn about Jesus. But my take away was this was just a cheap vacation for them. Not to say all missions trips are like this. Just my take away on most of them. One girl was sent to Europe to teach English. Really?? I thought English was already well spoken in most European countries. Turns out she was really there to spend time with her relatives there...at the churches expense
Excellent interview. The indoctrination is embedded deep, and the willingness to seek the truth and act on it takes courage. Bravo.
Seth, this was wonderful. But also so very important. Thank you. You are the best of us.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Deconstructing is hard and scary. And, your story is a strength for others (me!).
❤ thank you … that’s why I share 🥰
What’s interesting is literally lose everything and I mean everything. Your home, possessions and not knowing where your next meal is coming from. Put God to the test. See if he “ shows up” You will see in the worst times like that is that no one in the universe is looking out for you. God will not “ provide”
So happy for her and her family
Thanks for all the great work you do!
I'm ex Catholic. When I was a child in CCD which is a separate Catholic school that teaches only the religious part (I was kicked out of their school and had to go to public school because my parents couldn't afford the donation fee/alabaster jar) I said I wish I could go back in time to save Jesus. A nun/teacher who was probably in her twenties started screaming and yelling at me (in the late 80s) "GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN!" instead of calmly and compassionately explaining to a child with a good heart that he had to die for our sins. I was 8 or 10. I still stupidly believed in Christianity until high school when some fellow students that were nondenominational encouraged me to actually read the Bible instead of merely listening to the priest on Sunday. Reading the Bible I became nondenominational for several years but the facts kept piling up towards the collapsing in of my belief. At one point I braved committing blasphemy against the holy shit...I mean spirit...and slowly came to realize there's no evidence of a god but if he exists he's a terrorist. I'd rather stand proudly in a Hell than kneel eternally in Heaven. Even though I'm an atheist...HAIL SATAN!
reading the bible, man, that god character is a f@#$ng as@#le. a horrible childish spoiled bully. he picks on women and says they are just property, a cut above a slave which he also demands exist. murder is at the top of God's list. I wouldn't want to spend lunch with a person like that... let alone quadrillions of years. ridiculous. oh, and yeah, the axxxxxe is omniscient, but created satan? what a sh#%thead. ☮💜
I'm so happy to have read your words. ☮💜
@@BrianFedirko God also created evil, yet blames satan for everything wrong. That character takes NO responsibility for anything. He create evil but blames everyone else for evil. He creates people in a world with evil, but takes no responsibility when people supposedly do evil things. Then his own kids get P!$$ed and instead of dealing with the issues, kicks one out of the house and labels HIM as evil, even thought nothing portrayed about him in the bible actually shows evil. If you create evil, you are responsible for it. Period.
@rboland2173 I absolutely agree! However in the space/time continuum it makes sense if conceptually commanding an entity to be a thing of the past no longer acceptable in the future. That's just a hot take spit ball shot in the dark. Translations have always been crazy wild. The word sin in Hebrew means to "miss the mark" which probably means that the intended target of behavior was not specific enough to hit the target. A sniper "sins" if he does not kill in one shot. What if he doesn't want to hit the target because he had a change of heart? Religious concepts must always be looked at through the lens of logic. Fun scifi of Star Trek: Kirk saved Spock from a planet by violating the Prime Directive which caused the aliens to establish a religion that worshipped the Enterprise! 🤣
♪She's all i want and ive waited for so long ♪
I might as well be lifelong because it never really took hold with me. I started down the path for bad reasons, Zeitgeist movie, but the curiosity and ability to question led me to deism and ultimately atheism. I suffered no consequences and I've always been a loner and outcast so it was easier for me to question the Christian and religious dogma and I think it's extremely brave for people who are heavily invested in a belief system to reject it in favor of truth and integrity.
What a fantastic & constructive relationship between mom & daughter!
I wrecked the view count, now 667....
Religion allows for the morally corrupt behavior to be justified.
Stacie’s mom is just like I imagined!
That whole shaming Stacie and her family from the pulpit is also aimed at the congregation.
"Thinking about leaving? Think again."
Well the atheist community welcomes all you good people.
There is a realization that comes to light...and cannot be reversed....that when you realize that what you have been taught since birth was entirely a construct of humans...often with an agenda, you begin to understand where you stand. When you realize that the 'deity' you thought was 'the most perfect, good, and loving'....isn't even close to that...but actually quite evil,...you cannot return. When your mind is truly open....it cannot be closed again.
People who are shaming you in the name of the "Goat Herder's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Insert Name of Church here" were NEVER your friends! A friend is not doing that, a friend would refuse to take part in this! A true friend would stand up and loudly voice that they are ashamed to have been part of this and leave, too!
I agree with you ❤
I didn't choose to be an Atheist either just like a gay person doesn't choose to be like my son. It just is what it is. It was by REALLY reading and researching the Bible and Christianity as a whole that turned me Atheist. I started noticing how hateful and hypocritical Christians are and my eyes started to open.
When I was deconstructing, I kept coming back to the verse John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." I never felt as free as I did when I realized that I did not believe and recognized that there was no "sky daddy" watching everything I did an everything I thought.
Absolutely 💯
Was not free until I left!
You drop what the church did right at the end!? Like... Boom! They did this thing!
What the actual...
So her husband was just going through the motions for years. Wow...there must be a lot of people warming pews who are nonbelievers.
That's nuts.
Probably. I think I did for my last year or so in church.
What a lovely lady. So glad she is free. Indoctrination is so disturbing.
24:22 The country I live in, I cannot think of a time where someone asked me if I was an atheist or what religion I am. It is considered a bit rude here.
I had to twice in public in service to the UK state - swearing in to jury duty and bearing witness at an inquest. Btw I was the only one! Just shows what an insidious hold it still has even in a secular state.
Great episode.
Stacey, I commend your honesty and bravery. ♥️
Thank you ❤
Welcome to freedom of thought. I had a similar experience as your husband. Early on in our 33-year marriage, I went along with my wife's religion but never bought into it. Long story short, she has been atheist for 20 years.
Wow! Very similar indeed ☺️
Similar story to mine in some ways - but with my family, our two kids (who were born and raised Evangelical) were the first to walk away from it (as teenagers). Then, my wife stopped going to church - she's still a believer (kind of a universalist now) but has had it with the Evangelicals. I was the last to leave - I'm stubborn like that. I was an adult convert into the Evangelical church, then stuck with it for 26 years...those last few, though, the truth was making a comeback. It took stepping outside the bubble, and examining this religion the way I would any other, without preconceived belief, to see what nonsense I'd been accepting all those years.
I was terrified of saying, "I'm an atheist." I had to tell myself a dozen or more times until I was able to accept my unbeleif. And then I started watch the atheists on UA-cam - you, Seth, AronRa, Drew (GM Sceptic), Matt Dillahuty, Hemet Mehta. I guess I'd already been partially exposed to qustioning by watch The Young Turks. I really respected Cenk and Anna. This is the freest I've ever felt.
I know it sounds like a cop out but I am more agnostic. At most I would be a Deist. Grand observer that collapsed the wave function. Unifying force. Quantum immortality is a possibility, multiverse. I am not putting my eggs in that basket but I don’t discount the possibility.
I'm 61 and from England, I realised that the God thing was crap when I was 8 years old and Santa got the elbow. I've announced myself as a militant atheist ever since and suffered not the slightest inconvenience, America scares me!
6:00 l was supposed to go on a "mission" to Kenya .. lt was a little over a week long, the first day was in Paris, then we were going to visit a church in Kenya and go to a party, then next day we were going to take a tour of Kenya, then visit a different church ...blah blah; this wasnt work this was a vacation. l ask the main organizer "When are we going to actually work?"
He said we would only spend 2 days actually digging wells.. l didnt go, what a waste of time.
Just came across Stacie. Looking forward to hearing her story
This atheist movement is something else.
My perspective is that it's great not to believe the Bible anymore and then automatically you don't believe all that stuff about heaven and hell and demons and angels and gods that do crazy
Apostacie. Best. Name. Ever!
If religion is so great why are their so many grifters for god? Why is religion responsible for so many wars, genocides and scandals? Why does anyone think this organization is a good thing?
I started deconstructing at age 6, much against my parent's/family's wishes.. 50 years ago. I can't imagine being an adult before I started asking questions that had horrible answers. I have peers who believe, and I can't see them changing their minds, as it's too complacent, and too much work.
Now, I'm so consumed with being a neo-atheist that every sentence I read or think about has components of belief that I'm constantly having to tear apart. It's exhausting. This reality that we've created consists of a language that was "belief" created, and there really aren't words in our language that don't have a belief or judgment component.
I'm from Canada, but I've lived in LA my adult life. I came here thinking I would find more like-minded... but I was wrong. Boy was I wrong. Lazy atheists here, they don't think about it because it's too much work.
It is heartwarming to know people at this age can start to think. Humanity still may have a chance. ☮💜
I started deconstructing as a child as well. I always had really big questions that were very inconvenient for my father, the pastor. I'm 44 now, and only now finally feeling like I've done enough re-education to feel confident in my beliefs. I had to learn the difference between knowing and believing. And I had to learn about the subconscious effect of all of these things in the long term. I held on to the , "well maybe I'm wrong" for way too long and it was really just for the comfort of my parents. Only recently since the metaphorical curtain was lifted on my dad's long game was I really able to completely break free mentally and emotionally.
Thanks for sharing this!
I just love this episode. Talk about inspirational speaking!
Just watching now.
Love Seth Andrews , just read his de converted book that I got for myself for Christmas. Stacie is incredible and listening to her story and then with her Mom, Dee, on Harmonic Atheist channel with Tim Mills I could relate.
Just out of Christianity after 47 years in April 2023. Yes was raised in the Christian faith and my father was the pastor.
Lovely interview, so happy for Stacie’s journey and her bravery for being an outspoken atheist.
When I see someone mention a very long time in the faith before leaving I always want to leave a note saying not to worry about the length of time but the outcome. Well done. You were probably a good person before leaving and guess what - you are still just as good.
@@rationalist8805 really appreciate your comment. Thank you, not easy, at this side looking back as Honestly cannot believe what I believed!
Being in REALITY IS A GREAT THING
Well as you go down the road you end up with Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion) and Sam Harris (Letters to a Christian Nation) and of course Christopher Hitchens (god is not great) as the best thinkers on this. I recommend reading "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali - it really opens ones eyes to how religion affects much of the third world.
@@rationalist8805 yes 👏 got the God delusion, Gods not great 😊 and now looking for my next read
Why is it humorous to me that content like this often has overtly Christian advertisements during the ad breaks.
I know… 😂happens to me too!!
I swear it's just UA-cam. I don't think there are really any "atheist" ads, but there are plenty of Christian ads. And since the video is related to religion, it just plays the only religious ads that are on the platform.
When parents leave religion I rejoice so much. I'm so happy for her, especially for her children. The'l get to be children and not be burdened by this superstitious BS. W mom.
Thank you ❤
I have to presume that this is a very US specific issue. I’ve always been a non-believer, despite going to Sunday school and church when I was very young, mainly due to neighbours and my parents just “doing what everyone else does”, but I know for certain that if I felt the need to tell my parents at any point that I was as atheist (which I didn’t, just because I never felt the need, they knew), the response would be nothing more than “ok, that’s nice, what do you want for tea?”.
Congratulations for leaving the Matrix of religious dogma.
A great positive look into seeing the world without the "corrective" lens Christianity seeks to keep people blind.
Great interview (as usual) Seth.
Agreed Seth, I think every deconstruction story is a bit unique. Good on you for featuring these conversations and insight into why people have left the faith.
Welcome to the clan.
unlike fountains of wayne, I'm in love with Stacy.
Awwww thanks 😂
My eyes are opened now. I honestly didn't think people so extremely far right Christian existed in Canada. I have experienced very religious people including my Mother and other family and while they expect that one day I'll return to some version of "the faith" and don't care for the idea of no belief in a god, they don't think that being Atheist is worse. That would have been odd to me or them. But now I know that in the western provinces this kind of American far right religiosity exists.
Scary.
They are here and they are very active pushing for a Canadian version of Christian Nationalism through the conservative political movement. They do this right under our noses. Atheists and Christians and ALL people that should, and in most cases do know better, are silent because of our fear of upsetting our Christian friends and relatives that have been drawn into that nonsense of right wing Christian Nationalism. We need to speak out. Call people on the BS. See the signs... listen for the rhetoric and talking points that show up in conversations. Don't just raise an eyebrow. Engage and discuss. Many times, they are feeling us out. Without pushback, they will assume we agree, ensuring that they continue down that slippery slope. It's very distressing to see someone we care for, love or look up to, using phrases like, "those people", "well you know how they are", "not like us", etc. It's amazing how much hate you can push when you say, "We're defending traditional family values"
Stacie and Dee are the best! Love them both. 🤗💜
❤
Agreed 👍
Hell.
This seems to be the key for many people.
Lots of things "did it" for me, but one thing in particular stands out: I'm extremely curious by nature, and that, (coupled with what I do for a living), make me the sort of person that needs to understand things. When I asked questions and ultimately wasn't satisfied with the answers I received, there got to be a point at which the other person would trot out "God works in mysterious ways - we're not necessarily supposed to understand it".
I think a chasm exists between "not understanding something" and the notion that you're "NOT SUPPOSED TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING".
We were created by a creator, (in his image, no less), in order to NOT understand things?
Sorry - you're talking to the wrong guy.
First of all, i love The Thinking Atheist! So many articulate voices of reason. It has helped me tremendously on my own deconstruction journey. Im just curious if anyone else gets inundated with religious ads during these videos??? All the ads that played were xtian focused. It feels deliberate but it could just be the algorithm.
Thanks, Google!
I don't but I think that is because Australians aren't very religious! We are probably not worth the expense.
I mostly just shrug, blame keywords and algorithms, and say "Good luck with this audience, and thanks for the money."
Much respect to everybody exposing themselves as an atheist in that "Christian Nation". I live in Europe and I've never had to justify leaving the (catholic) church and being an atheist here. And even when, after a long time, I finally "confessed" this to my then already elderly mum, whom I had previously thought to be deeply religious, she just said dryly, "You know, child, I'm also a doubter myself." I will never forget this precious moment.
I never do this, but I’m gonna promote someone else’s work (I am in no way affiliated with, just a fan) because it is relevant to the idea that killing curiosity in young minds is dangerous and even cruel. The work I am talking about is Elizabeth Moon’s book titled Remnant Population. I am not a parent yet, but when I am, I will remember that book and this YT video as I try to decide the best way to answer my childrens’ questions.
Delightful and beautiful! Thank you 😊
Ive been watching a lot of atheist channels myself. Read christopher hitchens several years ago. No longer really attend church. When I do I get sideways looks from the pastor. One baptist pastor pretty bad when I went with neighbors for a " look see" These people (religious types) are nuts
It's so interesting to hear stories like this.....Funny to think that saying one was an atheist would be problematic, but I guess Australia is a pretty secular country overall.. That said, as an ex-Catholic, myself, I think I'm still stuck with the guilt and the feelings of not being good enough.
Life is a thin sliver of light between two immensities of darkness.
We all know about Albert Einstein but very few people remember his younger brother Frank. He was a famous movie star back in the late 1930's.
I remember the look in my catholic mother's eyes when I told her (at 13 yoa) that I was an atheist. I was worried that she was going to smite me from the family. She never gave up trying to get me back into the faith. Including sticking drunk father Murphy on me
In the South there’s tremendous social pressure to be religious. I have to be very careful how I communicate my thoughts. There’s plenty of Christians who will just classify you as a bad person and your livelihood is at risk
My story is so similar to Stacie’s in regards to her talking to her husband. My husband was so relieved when I told him I no longer believed because he was only attending church because he loved me🤗.
Wow coming from the UK I find this incredible I hardly ever met any xtians apart from the odd church fate. unbelievable
Her husband is on TEAM STACIE
I often relate 'the after-life' to 'the before-life' by telling people that we'll feel the same as we did 200 years ago... and that leaves many thinking.
The Partial Pressure of oxygen is highest at sea level. If you raise the level of water up to near the top of the mountains, then the air will rise up, too, and the PP of oxygen at that level will be the same as the previous sea level PP. Nonetheless, the ark thing is still bs for many other reasons.
They've put Religious commercials on here! Lol
27:15 This goes to show that the fear of hell is the most important deterrent from thinking freely. Remove that and the shackles fall off.
I'll make you all feel better I didn't deconvert till I was fifty five
"I don't think you're an atheist..." Ok, then what am I?
YAAAAAAY FOR THOSE TWO! 😀
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and read up on the social sciences.
Hmmm...
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I read, up on, anthropology.
The church publicly named her children 😱 insane. I loved her and can’t wait to check out the podcast!
Thank you so much ❤
Freedom ❤
It's always cool to hear stories like this.....most of us nonbelievers in the U.S. were Christians at some point and the way everyone gets there is different. Better late than never! I personally got out in my early 20's when I got away from my small little country town to see how different people lived. I actually had a similar discussion with a rider doing Uber last night and it's always nice to get to do that.
Fear of Hell. That is why it took me four years to give up my Christianity. I didn't believe in my head, but, like Seth, I had this tightness in my gut.
The title of this was great click bate, well done. Now every time someone searches UA-cam for that song this video will be in the mix/list. And maybe more people will come out of the dark and into the light 🙂
intriguing story, the deconversion path can be so complex - possibility, acceptance, expression, building. Thank you for sharing the stories.
the quote "we have two lives..." is a Confucius quote, i think. i remember reading it in The Little Book of Humanism.
I would like to see you talk to someone from honey badger radio I would also like to see you talk to the thinking ape simply because you both have the word thinking in y'all's name
"You're obsessed."
"Well, yeah, why shouldn't I be? I've got so much catching up to do!"
Creepy and inappropriate
When your thinking changes in response to hearing new information sometimes things collapse and are no longer supported.
Ah, a Canadian Heathen, eh? We welcome newcomers who are open-minded and free thinkers, enjoy the ride.
do a story of the only atheist in the world of theist, we are out there. a failure to convert these people have a unique experience. why not a non liberal atheist story we make up about 40 percent of nonbelievers.
I have a kind of faith - that if I'm wrong and there is a god then there's no way that god is going to bear any resemblance to the imagined monsters of any religion.