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I'll never forget, third grade at a Christian school, word came in that a boy had been struck by a bus and was in critical condition at the local public school. Wenall stopped class to pray, after I curiously asked... how do we know God doesn't want that boy to die? How do we know we aren't praying for something that oposses his all knowing plan? Some of my classmates cried, I was taken to the principal's office and my parents were called in. I reiterated the question in front of my parents and the headmaster, the only explanation I was given was that I needed to pray for asking such a dark question. A pivotal moment of critical thinking from a child upset adults so badly the only answer was the devil had ahold of me; I knew from then on religion was a control method, not a truth.
I am a believer, that’s actually a great question. Honestly shame on whomever told/did you that while not answering it. It’s important to have critical thinking skills even as a Christian, and the fact these people fail to understand that, while trying to educate people really upsets me.
I thought it was bs in grade school too. And I was never seeking out male feminine boys as friends but it just happened. I do remember them clarifying that I'm an atheist. It took me around 40 years until it hit me. Those boys must have felt I was a safe friend for them. So sad to think how awful they must have had it living in the midwest
I mean like why should we ask sth from someone if the someone already wants to do what we want except that the someone wants to hear us first then proceed to do sth
''was that I needed to pray for asking such a dark question. A pivotal moment of critical thinking from a child upset adults so badly the only answer was the devil had ahold of me; I knew from then on religion was a control method, not a truth.'' its fascinating really, who do you think is more likely to leave faith? a child or an adult? the answer is a child.. children grow up and develop critical thinking skills on their own, a child WILL realize one day that there is just as much proof of santa as there is for god. but an adult that converts has already gone through that process, and therefore converts not out of natural conform like a child would do (child see child does) but out of a desire for answers and fear of the unknown, which although understandable is still tragic. thank you for sharing your story
I was in 4th grade at grace Lutheran we were studying the story of Noah, at home I was reading the encyclopedia Britannica not just one all of them, I asked this question how did the texas blind salamander cross the ocean and get on the ark , the teacher just stared at me for the longest time,then left and came back with a paddle 😳 need I say more 😓, my belief ended that day, I never asked a question about that subject again to an adult, when I was looking for a answer to a question I went to the library, now I watch ARONRA and I still go to the library 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
... I'll repeat my favorite joke at this point... “Knock, knock.” “Who's there?” “Jesus, let me come in.” “Why would I let you come in?” “Because I want to save you.” “Save me from what?” “From what I'll do to you if you don't let me in.”
Its a little discouraging to know that I live in a world where someone's perceived value is determined on subscription numbers, likes or viewing figures or even popularity.
we have various types of evidence for biblical events, if anyone is interested (read on) hell was never meant for us, my fellow youtube user. it was for the devil and his squad, and God gave us the Way out of there since we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God knew we were wack, but He decided He was still come down and help us, despite our unfaithfulness. most relationships (like friendships, romantic relationships) aren't like this. Very few, but not a whole lot. religion (Christianity) is just a relationship with God along with loving others (see james 1:27) also, we have various types of evidence that backs up the Bible. Here's one example: Scientists have discovered that the earth "skipped" a day. The Bible explains how that happened. In the book of Joshua, Joshua asked the sun to stop so he and the Israelites could defeat their enemies. Then in 2 Kings, King Hezekiah learned he was dying, and pleaded to God to not let him die. God sent a prophet to king hezekiah who said hezekiah would live. Hezekiah wanted a sign, and that would be for the sun to defy the law of inertia and go back 10 degrees. NASA confirmed it and did the math (look it up for more info). We also found Jesus' blood on the Ark of the Covenant which had 23 x chromosomes and 1 Y chromosome. This shows that He was born of a virgin (Mary) and God the Father is His Father. The Holy Spirit exists. I was a slave to s3xual sin for 7-ish d@mn years. Finally at 16, God freed me. Also, look up John Gabbana's (boonk gang) testimony. Dude did a lot of wacky stuff. He's changed now. also, the soul exists. someone i know (i won't say who- privacy reasons) saw their soul leaving their body. like pulling off a band-aid, except it doesn't hurt. Here’s the physical evidence of Jesus and His Resurrection: 1) No persecution would have started if He hadn’t come back (the disciples thought Jesus would never resurrect) 2) The Roman soldiers would have paid with their lives if they failed at their jobs 3) there was a 2-4 ton rock that 11-12 guys would have to move (they didn’t have any help. Everyone said “crucify Him”) major L to those opposed to Jesus 4) there was a Roman seal which was a metal pin that sealed the tomb stone 5) Stealing the Jesus’s body isn’t something the disciples would do (besides Judas. Although he hung himself after feeling remorse for betraying Jesus). 6) the disciples wouldn’t die for what they knew would be a lie. (The lie being Jesus never made the ultimate comeback) faith and reason, people hit me up to learn more about how science proves the Bible or just about God in general. thanks for reading
I find it really telling that the religious always have issues with that. Especially considering that the religious never seen to be able not to partake. As long as the women and men that do that line of work do it freely without exploitation, safely and because they want to , I don't see the harm in it. Make it legal instead of make it a crime and everyone wins. And can we please stop with that idea that all women and men that do work have mental issues, were abused etc etc.. Sure there are some, just like you can find teachers, nurses, firefighters and soldiers that have mental issues and/or were abused as a kid. The biggest producers and consumers of porn are the USA. The more religious a state, the more hardcore the porn habits are according to studies and statistics. Of the 12 bible belt states 9 land in the top 10 list for porn consumption. in those 9 states prostitution is illegal.... except when you pay the people involved and FILM them and publish it online. Hypocrisy at it's finest.
In Australia prostitution is legal and all brothels have security in case the clients get violent and all the girls have to be tested for STDs to work in the brothels. Both parties are safe, sex trafficking went to zero almost overnight too and divorce rates decreased by 8 per cent. There really is no down side to legal prostitution that I can see.
If some actively wants to enter that line of work, free of coercion, addiction, trafficking or any other pressure then they should be offered the respect, protection, training & gratitude as any other counselor or therapist.
@@tetsuyohasakirashishiwakam2218 Yeah, I posted a comment on a community post that was about game performance. Some enlightened individuals have gone after the game I chose to mention instead of discussing performance. Makes my head hurt.
Yep! 'I don't know" is the best answer possible when it's actually true. I'd rather have questions that can't be answered, than answers that can't be questioned.
well question #1 took about 5 minutes just to state, was actually about 10 questions, and the main "question" didn't make any sense. How are our world views similar? I have no idea what his "world view" is, assuming that "world view" is even a meaningful term, which it isn't. AND every theist and atheist has a different "world view", if that term makes sense, which it doesn't. Just the usual theist gaslighting, not a good faith question.
Atheists are among the most blind and ignorant but the horrifying thing about atheists is the sheer lack of humility and honesty and atheists have become a group of people who believe they are literally the smartest and most logical beings on Earth. Truly horrifying and Aron Ra is your leader and I'm stunned to read the same comments on every single video praising this man. It's absurd
How would you prove robot has consciousness using empirical data? How do you prove to blind man what color red is using empirical data? In theory, robot can be programmed to move its hand when it touches hot surface. How do I know its having the experience of hot using test tube(Deduction/induction)? The only thing i am certain of is that i have experience of hot. This experience(“Cogito Ergo Sum”) can only come from entity that can already experience infinite attributes of existence (Allah-one/indivisible/All-Loving/Self-Sufficient)
Just to give an interesting sidelight on the Eden story. Many primitive tribes believed snakes to be immortal, renewing their youth whenever they shed their skin. The original folktale has the serpent tricking humans into eating "good and evil" in order to eat "eternal life" itself. There are literally thousands of similar folk and fairy tales where a trickster, often an animal, uses a similar deception.
And Braxton Hunter is one of the handful of people I would forgo my usual live and let live world view, and punch right in the face if I ever saw them in person
@@dennispennington9773 Umm, got say I am very confused on your comment here Dennis. You most certainly do not need a king of any kind, especially a spiritual one. I am not sure where you see me implying that some one would need a king. ThatGuy was laying praise onto Aron, and I was throwing shade at Braxton Bunter. Look more shade, on to the little disingenuous......
I’m realizing that my departure from Mormonism was incredibly lucky. My parents left first, but didn’t say anything to us, I just read a few books, asked my siblings, and prayed. It was a clean cut, and I was an atheist. Your channel was one of the main movers that clarified questions I had, so thank you.
@slik00silk84 they raised us with critical thinking and to have empathy, they didn’t need to say anything for me to realize that religion doesn’t align with my values.
Good for you! That's awesome, there are *lots* of y'all dropping out of Mormonism lately. It's good to see, tbh, the lies are finally starting to crumble.
I miss being able to convince myself I'll be fine if I do the wrong thing as long as I say the right words to my imaginary omnipotent friend after. Left unprepared for the natural consequences of doing wrong. Destroyed friendships, ruined reputation, etc etc
I once turned away a repairman at my front door, and he was confused when I told him it was because of the humongous jesusfish on the side of his work van. I explained to him that, to me, that means he can screw me over however he wants, go to church and "repent", then go out and repeat it all next week.
@@Peekaboo-Kitty you might should tell that to people like Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, and all the other "prosperity gospel" preachers. It won't do you any good, though. They already ignore the one time the Bible claims that Jesus got violent.
There is NO person better than you, Aron, to answer these questions. You very admirably possess the knowledge AND critical thinking ability to slay ANY Christian apologist!!
Misrepresenting the Bible isn’t an answer. All his arguments boil down to.”I don’t like that answer, therefore I won’t accept it as an answer.” His opinion of what the stories of the Bible mean under the umbrella of “ atheist take it literal” are not arguments. Giving his opinion of the Bible stories doesn’t make his opinion correct. I don’t know why people take him for a strong opponent. He is very entertaining tho. I do enjoy watching his responses. He’s really convinced himself he’s 100% right. That his conclusions of the Christian God are correct. “ neither of you can show that you are right ABOUT ANYTHING”-Aaron Ra … because I’m not convinced and only because I’m not convinced or accepting your claims. 😅😅
@@DEJ_musicSo Aron Ra continuously uses theists own “logic” (for lack of a better term because logical theist is an oxymoron) against them and yet you think he doesn’t answer questions? Yet I’m willing to bet you believe saying things like “it’s god’s will” or “god’s ways are just too far beyond our comprehension” are LEGITIMATE ANSWERS don’t you? Why is it that theists have such an ignorant and narrow minded view of anything that doesn’t fit into their narrative? I’ll be the first to say, I don’t agree with every Mr. Ra believes, in fact politically speaking he and I are opposites. He (like many Atheists) is a liberal/democrat from my understanding. However I tend to lean more towards the Conservative side of things depending on the topic, because while I am Conservative when it comes to the economy and foreign policy, I am absolutely NOT a Conservative when it comes to individual liberty. I don’t believe ANYONE has the right to tell an ADULT what they can and cannot do with their own body, whether it’s what they put in their own body or what they do to it. I’m pro choice for women (up to a certain point). I am also a fully disabled combat veteran, I support President Trump 100%!!!! However when it comes to schooling theists…THERE IS NO ONE BETTER THAN MR. RA and your response PROVES IT!!!
@@DEJ_music Ah yes, when you dont like what the bible says the problem is alway everyone else's interpretation. No wonder you think your personal opinion is 100% correct 😂🤣
It's sad you can't see how much he slays himself. His arsenal is asking himself questions about bible texts and misguidedly uttering presumptive interpretations with such eloquence to captivate those who are going deeper and deeper into spiritual darkness. Some times shake off his hypnosis and listen to him from your best vantage point.
I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding videos you consistently share on your channel. Your commitment to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding is truly commendable. Your latest video was both informative and thought-provoking, showcasing your expertise in dismantling fallacies. As one of the prominent faces of the new atheism movement, your work has had a profound impact on me and many others. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to truth and for being an inspiration to all who value reason. With deep respect and gratitude
Maybe this god should know not to put a couple of forbidden trees in the middle of a garden with people who don't know right from wrong yet, and a talking serpent that they will actually listen to instead of running away from it scared sh*tless since snakes can't talk. It is like a parent putting a baby in a crib with a loaded gun, telling the baby not to use the gun, and then putting their sibling in the room to show them how to use it. Whose fault is that when they get shot?!?!?
Isaiah 45:7 says God created EVIL. Therefore, according to the author of the Bible, if God exists, he is responsible for everything Evil. That includes slavery, rape, genocide, misogyny, torture, Satan, etc. If you can't create something from nothing, then if God created evil and humans that are sinful, it means that God has evil inside him and is sinful.
Dear commenters, I appreciate your skepticism regarding the story of the Garden of Eden and the Old Testament. This narrative indeed raises significant questions and concerns. Scholarly examinations of these stories have revealed numerous fallacies and parallels with earlier Mesopotamian tales. One noteworthy observation is the striking resemblance between the concept of forbidden trees and the talking serpent in the Bible, and earlier mythologies from Mesopotamian culture, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Enuma Elish. These similarities strongly suggest that the ideas in the Bible were influenced by preexisting fables and legends. Moreover, the story of Adam and Eve, who lacked the knowledge of right and wrong yet were held responsible for their actions, presents logical inconsistencies. It seems unjust to punish individuals who lacked a fundamental understanding of the consequences of their choices. The analogy you shared about a loaded gun in a crib vividly highlights the questionable judgment of placing such temptation within their reach. Critics argue that these inconsistencies, borrowed elements, and the lack of factual basis render the Bible more appropriately classified as a work of fiction, rather than a historical or factual account. While recognizing the religious and cultural significance these stories hold for many individuals, it is essential to approach them critically and explore alternative interpretations, which can yield valuable insights. Prominent advocate for critical thinking, Aron Ra, consistently emphasizes the paramount importance of truth over fantasy. While respecting the personal attachment many people have to these fables and religious texts, it is crucial to approach them with a critical mindset, relying on evidence and reason to seek truth. By prioritizing truth, we can engage in meaningful discussions, promote intellectual growth, and continue our collective journey toward a better understanding of the world we inhabit. Thank you for sharing your perspective, and I hope this response contributes to the ongoing discussion and the education of those seeking a broader perspective. Sincerely, Professor Faulkner
@@elainejohnson6955 Dear elainejohnson6955, I appreciate your skepticism regarding the story of the Garden of Eden and the Old Testament. This narrative indeed raises significant questions and concerns. Scholarly examinations of these stories have revealed numerous fallacies and parallels with earlier Mesopotamian tales. One noteworthy observation is the striking resemblance between the concept of forbidden trees and the talking serpent in the Bible, and earlier mythologies from Mesopotamian culture, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Enuma Elish. These similarities strongly suggest that the ideas in the Bible were influenced by preexisting fables and legends. Moreover, the story of Adam and Eve, who lacked the knowledge of right and wrong yet were held responsible for their actions, presents logical inconsistencies. It seems unjust to punish individuals who lacked a fundamental understanding of the consequences of their choices. The analogy you shared about a loaded gun in a crib vividly highlights the questionable judgment of placing such temptation within their reach. Critics argue that these inconsistencies, borrowed elements, and the lack of factual basis render the Bible more appropriately classified as a work of fiction, rather than a historical or factual account. While recognizing the religious and cultural significance these stories hold for many individuals, it is essential to approach them critically and explore alternative interpretations, which can yield valuable insights. Prominent advocate for critical thinking, Aron Ra, consistently emphasizes the paramount importance of truth over fantasy. While respecting the personal attachment many people have to these fables and religious texts, it is crucial to approach them with a critical mindset, relying on evidence and reason to seek truth. By prioritizing truth, we can engage in meaningful discussions, promote intellectual growth, and continue our collective journey toward a better understanding of the world we inhabit. Thank you for sharing your perspective, and I hope this response contributes to the ongoing discussion and the education of those seeking a broader perspective. Sincerely,
Aron, the consistency year by year to always stand by facts and not beliefs genuinely has helped me become a happier, healthier, and more driven person. Thank you for giving me more than religion did, a tutor, a fellow Scholar, and a friend to all of us who needed help coming to terms with reality!
You really helped me in my deconversion. After much research, I haven't heard a single convincing argument from Christians, and you just tear these arguments to pieces.
Very well said, brother. My christian wife of over 20 years left me because I switched from agnostic to atheist once I realized my ignorance. And I never done anything to betray her except stop believing in the tooth fairy, gods, and leprechauns. My divorce finalized today. I will be sure to share your video with her. Cheers.
I'm sorry for your loss. My husband recently became religious. So far it's had a positive effect on his life but it's a little scary for me. I love him and I really hope it doesn't drive us apart.
A scientific alternative to evolution? It's really simple. The epigenome and its gene modification capabilities come already equipped to pass adaptations to offspring in ALL life. It can replicate this for HUNDREDS OF GENERATIONS. These epigenome-derived adaptations are without any of the postulated bio-mechanisms of evolution. No mutations are involved. This adaptive action is called EPIGENETICS, IN WHICH IS THE 3RD ASPECT OF IT. Logistically this is an increase in information coming from the environment, diet, or threat changes. Since we do have this increase of information we will have effects from loss of information from mutations...such as trait and phenotype differences coming about. This also give us speciation, too...naturally. However, neither one in this light would be the theorized evolution. There's your science and your logistics. The science-specifics of epigenome-derived adaptations am saying here is web search retrievable. The conclusions are easy with critical thinking of the preponderance of the evidence given. It does not have to be 'peer reviewed' just like jurors after getting evidence presented to them. Jurors do not get the opinion from the judge or go to a peer review board after they read the transcripts of the trial. Do not fake stupidity as a debate tactic. Evolutionists like to insinuate to their fans there is only one code...being just the DNA code...in cells. The epigenome is the 2nd code acting as a software program. There three other codes adding up to FIVE all together. These codes to arrange themselves naturally are mathematical impossibilities. It's a catch-22...err...should I say catch-55. Did you know each cell gets about 10,000 copying errors per day? What came first? The DNA sequences? Or the pico-bots that corrects those errors? Evolution is a scam, folks. It's not happening. It has been misstatements on the epigenome's capabilitiers and effects coming from mutations. All smoke and mirrors for all these years. We are from an intelligent design. The designer? Jesus Christ!
If you're wife left you because you stopped believing, your better off without her . If you tried to stop her believing I'd understand. But you didn't, I'm sure you'll find someone soon that loves you for who you are .. :)
1. On the first question my answer is: "Yes, Christianity can provide answers, but no one said that they are correct...", But Mr. Aron summarized everything perfectly. Unfortunately, as I once heard: "If a person became religious not because of a "rational" decision, but an emotional or similar to it one, you can't rationally or critically think them out of it... Until they begin examining their beliefs, practicing skepticism and trying to be intellectually honest and learn about the truth and truth-finding methodology - science. For an example: I once argued with my Dad, who is Christian, that we ARE animals according to the biological taxonomy, based on our anatomy, physiology, genetics etc. - And then he ended up with: "I don't care about secular science, we are humans, not animals" - And I asked: "Tell me, what is an animal, a definition, so you at least understand what you are refusing to admit to be? - Silence as an answer If it is not an example of the Dunning-Kruger effect I don't know what is it...
I had a similar conversation with a health care worker but about her desire to keep her children safe and to increase their and her own freedom during the Covid pandemic. I went through some simple example maths with her to show that vaccines would be safer than the virus because less than 1 in a million people had lasting side effects from vaccines (which then weren't used on people who could suffer from those side effects, but I left that out of the maths) and that with some rounded numbers from around the world 1 in 1000 children would have lasting effects and/or developmental problems from Covid (assuming you aren't even infected yet; it was about 1 in 10 or 20 infected children who have lasting effects and/or developmental problems). She agreed that the risk for lasting (side) effects are a thousand times smaller for her children if they were vaccinated. I also went through what viruses and vaccines do in the body and she agreed that vaccines would decrease infection and that infection rates were a guide for restrictions, so that if she wanted more freedom, vaccinating would help with that and not vaccinating would be an active decision that literally and demonstrably diminishes the freedom of her children and herself. I thought we'd be done and she'd choose to have her kids vaccinated. Instead she said that she didn't care and it was just my opinion and that she was free to choose not to vaccinate her children. From that moment on I had no way to believe a word she says. She says that she wants to keep her children safe and free and knowingly acts against that. She is a liar and an evil one at that and her children are the victims of it and she just doesn't give a shit. I truly believe she loves her children and that she believes she means it when she says she wants to keep them safe and free. It is the Dunning-Kruger effect and the cognitive dissonance is astounding. I decided to file a complaint against her because I can't trust her to act on factual information when it comes to my health and safety and she was replaced. Friends and family that I asked for advice around this time said that I couldn't just push everyone away who is stupidly wrong. I simply replied with:" Not everyone is directly responsible for my health." I wish she wasn't directly responsible for her children but she is. They got through the pandemic without infection and the strains that are active now are far less dangerous so they'll be fine, but it's one hell of a risk she took that she didn't have to take and knowingly took anyway, with her own children as tokens.
Three things pushed me in the atheist direction over time. First was that I was very bad at being a good little Christian. I never read the bible, never prayed except to ask god for toys, and never tried to push my beliefs on anyone else. I felt detached from religion in a big way, not that it felt false, but that I didn't understand it. For all of my childhood, I never once felt I had enough information to even speculate on the topic, so I didn't. It was only in having to learn more about the religion because my parents wanted me to get confirmed that I even started to develop doubts. I wasn't ready to question until I heard and tried to understand a certain phrase, which leads into the next point... Second, the phrase _"he's a god-fearing man"_ or just fear of god as a concept in general. This broke my brain wide open in terms of questioning things. Belief in god is supposed to be about mutual love, and fear and love are incompatible in a way where combining the two makes for very worrying abuse. Even in the softest sense of the word fear, you might say it's respect for god, but even then, respect is earned, and the word fear remains used there, and at the very end of my path to confirmation, I now pictured people imagining god as an abusive father and being okay with that. I never saw anyone personally exhibit that kind of belief, which then leads me onto my final issue. Third was suddenly being dropped into the religious biosphere of the Internet. I had avoided religion and was pretty much an agnostic throughout university, and the rise of RU-vid eventually exposed me to the atheist community and the corresponding apologists they were debunking. Seeing the big voices of religion making a spectacle of themselves made me aware of a very different culture of religion than I knew from my sleepy moderate Catholicism. Everything was wrong, and I started to see the machinery behind the curtain; what made Christianity tick, and I was... not angry or disappointed, it was more like being deeply unimpressed, but in a shocking way, as if I'd just found out I'd been walking on a beautiful bridge held up by a few pieces of rotten, termite-ridden wood. The beliefs I found that so many people had and were trying desperately to spread gave me greater pause than anything before. It didn't just push me to develop a belief that there was no god, it made me realize that I opposed the concept of religious dogma entirely. Regardless of the good it can do, it does so in a way that could be justified by better means, while the harm it can do is immeasurable, and most always defies justification despite working horrendous atrocities. It took years for me to fully build up this new perspective, but I had the foundation of it within a few months. In short, I became an atheist and an antitheist because of other Christians proving that the best Christianity had to offer was pathetic.
I can't get over how christians try to reconcile gods love and wrath. Looking at god as some divine parent and considering all god has done bibilically is like if your actual mom/dad demanded you worshipped them because you were created from them. If you didn't, and just being creative here to make a point, they'd toss you down the basement stairs, tie you to a chair, break your kneecaps and leave you in darkness for the rest of your life, letting you survive on only the bare minimums required to stay alive. This being godly love, they'd tell you it's your fault for the cruelty.
I think people who dont read the bible should not have any say on Christianity because internet and bad Christianity do not define the purposes of the text. The problem is there is corruption all over religion just as there is in government, but i bet as an atheist you will still vote towards our next president based on how media and politics portrays these people, and what you BELIEVE their viewpoints to be. Anyone who wants to genuinely disprove a religion for THEMSELVES should at least conduct their own fact checking before accepting that atheism is the only way because saying “modern science cant prove god is real” is easier an argument than reading the bible or looking into what archeological and historical evidence show. People being exposed to bad religious practice and people who do not properly follow god or christ should not be a reason to go against the religion as a whole. What proves god isnt real? That mom and dad hit you as a child and then went to church on sunday? Or are you surrounded by hypocrisy that makes you emotionally want to go against god? Funny how the people that atheists love to look towards to rational the irrational such as Einstein or Darwin (who created a theory) were actually objectively for the idea of a god after spending a lifetime in scientific research. Please do yourself the favor of listening to or reading unbiased sources before only accepting atheism as an answer. The bible does not point to an evil god who just yells and kills and only accepts you as long as you give $5 at church this sunday. God is just and values justice of actions, and values love and compassion. People who do evil should not go without consequence and just because god teaches that we portray him as “the violent father” when in real life, you wouldnt just sit back and allow someone to break into your house and not call the cops. We have enough time in our lives to be selfish, because reading the bible is inconvenient to your wants does not justify blanketing a religion as a “cult” when most people turn to god on their own, and at times they dont expect to.
@@mikaylaj1414 I was not abused as a child. I never went to Sunday school, just RE at neighbor's houses. I vote Democrat because because the Republican party are traitors to this nation in their own words and Democrat is the only other real option. The actions of people alone would never make me believe god doesn't exist, neither for emotional nor rational reasons. Einstein was a genius that married his cousin and was a bad partner.I don't know anything bad about Darwin but he's a man with flaws, I'm sure. I don't have idols that I worship. I have not actually read the Bible myself, this is true. It's not inconvenient, I'm just not much of a reader. Instead, I've looked for analyses breaking down the Bible on both sides, mainly in video form. See, I figure that if the Bible can be convincing about its position, someone should be able to make a video that can demonstrate that. I've found no such video. You suggested I should look into what the archaeological and historical evidence show. I've already done that and continue to keep up on it when I find more about it. Everything verifiable points to it all being made up. Not as in the authors and church leaders fabricated a lie, but that they earnestly believed in something that wasn't true, mainly in tradition and their own experiences that shaped their evolving view of their god. When you assume an invisible hand behind everything, the things you experience determine what you believe that hand must have done. The scriptures are based on previous myths, the parables are lessons in the form of legends, the supernatural phenomena are either outright mythology or exaggeration via the game of telephone as the stories passed down over the years. Too often, those who defend the scriptures as being based in reality make unwarranted leaps of logic. Am I to disregard them? How do I choose which interpretation of thousands is correct? If I must read and interpret it myself, how can I know "my truth" is real and not self-deception? Religion is a mental quagmire, and I can't see any reason to care about it for understanding reality when science is consistent. Social objects like religion and other traditions can only be used to understand people.
Why did Christianity spread so fast. The kings of the day feared upsetting the church so allowed the burning of heretics. People joined in droves not from the fear of burning in hell but the fear of burning in their village squares.
Kings fearing the Church is not early christianity, it's during the middle-ages, and more like the middle middle-ages, after christianity was imposed by the Roman Empire, then by the ancestors of those kings because religion is always useful as a political tool ^^ As for the rapid spread of the religion... religions spread rapidly, Islam conquered the world in a matter of decades (mostly by force though ^^), and at the same period than christianism, mithraism who appeared just a few decades before spread even more than christianism and was more popular. It would disappear because christians persecuted mithraic believers. In the same way, the cult of Sol Invictus was invented in the IIIrd century by an emperor, in the IVth century, it seemed to be very popular especially in the military. Even the christian emperor Constantine was a believer of Sol Invictus, used it for propaganda, and Christmas is probably the 25th December because it was the day of Sol Invictus. There just was a very fertile context for the spread of religions in the roman empire, because it was a polytheistic religious-tolerant empire, with rapid communications (for the time) and relatively safe transport and regular crisis that would boost the popularity of doosmday cults like christianity.
My questions for Christians about morality: "Is it moral to reject a sincerely offered gift simply because you liked someone else's more? Addendum: Especially when you know that rejecting that gift would lead to an innocent person being harmed?" "Is it moral to kill babies and children for their parents' misdeeds?" "Is it moral to curse and exile an innocent person who played no part in the events that led to said curse?" "Is it moral to use your power or authority to force a person to _not_ do what you asked them to do?" "Is it moral to lie in order to steal a sibling's inheritance?" "Is it moral to curse a fig tree because it was doing exactly as it should and not bearing fruit out of season?" "Is it moral to refuse to help a person unless they debased themselves, just because they aren't of your tribe?"
I asked a zealot something similar, and they told me that man makes it immoral, it was like she has to accept suffering as love because in the bible it seems there is no love
@uldihaa. It seems you do not really know the background on a number of questions. Some of it is based on you assumptions. one of those is ""Is it moral to lie in order to steal a sibling's inheritance?" Now i assume, but do correct me if i am wrong, you are talking about Jacob and Esau. Your assumption is the same one muslims have namely: "If it is describes in the bible it is approved" This is an assumption you cannot maintain if you honestly read the bible. So here the simple answer is "no, it is not" A bit more complicated, is the fact that Esau no longer had the right to the inheritance. He sold that right and thereby insulted his own father. Was the trick by which Jacob got Esau to sell it morally upstanding? No. But it was above the board. Esau could have waited 30 minutes and eat something else, but his birthright was worth less to him than 30 minutes of patience. If you really read that whole story, you see a story, not of "holy heroes", but of failed humans. Humans taking the position of "the goals justifies the means". People who take their preferences as being more important than honesty and rule of law. "Is it moral to curse a fig tree because it was doing exactly as it should and not bearing fruit out of season?" Applying morality to a fig tree is a bit of a stretch except for extremist woke circles. But lets go with that. A fig tree has actually two fruits: A pre-fruit and the figs. The pre fruit is edible and if left on the tree would grow into figs. So what the issue here is that the fig tree has no pre-fruit and therefore will have no figs in the future. So this tree is now an example: If you don't show promise of fruit, then there will be a time that you will be removed. Ask any owner of a fruit orchard. Would he remove unproductive trees in order to plant new trees that may bear fruit? Or would he be morally superior and not cut down non-producing fruit? And would that be morally superior or just blindingly stupid? As for the rest of your examples, you will have to be more specific. As it is not clear to me what you are referencing. And then we can talk about those cases. Although to be honest, i don't think you will be interested in discussion, as you already seem to have entrenched your position and nothing will budge you. At least that is the impression your post gives me.
@@j.p.vanbolhuis8678 Oh, you didn't recognize the question of God' rejection of Cain's offering, thus resulting in the murder of Abel. Both things God could have prevented with ease. Or how God drowned the world, murdering children? Or how God usurped Pharaoh's will in order to torture the Egyptians? The Egyptians he sold his own People to centuries before. Or how Canaan was punished for his father discovering a drunk and passed out Noah, who got so drunk he lost his cloths. And I love the way you twist yourself into a knot trying to explain how Jesus cursed a fig tree. I applied morality to the actions of Jesus, not the tree. You know this, or should. The last question pertained to a Gentile woman needing to compare herself to a mongrel dog to get Jesus to heal her daughter. And Jacob took advantage of his brother, then lied to his father. Because Jacob was a greedy asshole. But I deeply appreciate your immediate jumping to conclusions about my character.
In the story of Cain and Abel... Cain's offering was not a gift, it was a payment. Because he did not pay what he needed to pay, he did not get what he wanted. He could have gotten what he needed to pay from Abel, but obviously something happened that isn't described in the story. The murder was not about the sacrifice, there was something else going on between the two of them. Often these things are not one sided. I would not be surprised to find that Abel was being a complete jerk and refused to help his brother.
The arrogance and thinly veiled hostility of this Christian made me laugh out loud. He was really proud of himself because he thought that he had Aron's number but Aron calmly and effortlessly destroyed him piece by piece. Hopefully Aron took his massive ego down a few notches. I also find it funny how when Christians want to try to speak with authority or cast judgment on people they all develop that distinct Southern Baptist fire and brimstone preacher accent. You can hear it in this Christian's voice if you listen closely.
Thank you for being a part of the reminder that I deserve to be here on this planet. It's such a struggle to walk away from the traumatizing damage that religion and spiritually causes, and the current times' conversations about said topics, seem to only make it feel more difficult. May you continue to have a decent life, man.
You were right, I've heard your arguments before. Not that this is a bad thing, mind you, your answers are still as relevant as they were years before and it's a testimony to the weak "arguments" christians have, that they have to regurgitate them over and over again. For me, it shows that religion is intellectual stagnancy. What the original video of the questioner emphasizes most (in my opinion), are two of their weakest points ever. First, he presuppose the existence of his god (not just A god, his one, of course), which is always considered a bad move, and second, he is of course completely content with an answer "god did it". That is one point that always unnerves me, how could that be an answer for *anything*? Not only does it not give any details at all, well if god did it, how did he do it? What mechanisms did he use? How does this "speak into existence" work? Not only does this invalidate everything we could observe and make theories from it, when some magic genie can invalidate them as he likes (but only do so when we don't look, strangely). Not only is this answer completely worthless, since we can't do anything with it other than blindly "accepting" it. No, it is that this is no answer at all. It is like your child asking you "daddy, why is the sky blue?" and your answer would be "because it is blue. Duh!" That's probably the worst answer you can give to your child. "God did it" isn't an answer, it's a concealed "stfu".
I was particularly entertained by the way he asked the questions and in the end my conclusion is he’s asking vast questions expecting exact answers that without one answer like “God” you’re wrong. While adding trigger words to both make his faith seem friendly with saying they accept science and share similarities with other religions; while also nodding to the hot topics drawing negative attention while bolstering fervent supports with bringing up lgbt+ and (with an eye roll from him) purity culture. I once again enjoyed watching Aron Ra reply with dignity and logic including the counter points of the biblical people highlighting their rinse and repeat mantras.
@@brandyd7799 thanks for replying, my fellow RU-vid user! Glad you’re open! We have various types of evidence for biblical events, both from the Old Testament and New Testament, but I’ll start with the New Testament, because that’s what everything led up to. Here’s the physical evidence of Jesus and His Resurrection: 1) No persecution would have started if He hadn’t come back (the disciples thought Jesus would never resurrect) 2) The Roman soldiers would have paid with their lives if they failed at their jobs 3) there was a 2-4 ton rock that 11-12 guys would have to move (they didn’t have any help. Everyone said “crucify Him”) major L to those opposed to Jesus 4) there was a Roman seal which was a metal pin that sealed the tomb stone 5) Stealing Jesus’s body isn’t something the disciples would do (besides Judas. Although he hung himself after feeling remorse for betraying Jesus). 6) the disciples wouldn’t die for what they knew would be a lie. (The lie being Jesus never made the ultimate comeback) We also found His blood on the Ark of the Covenant which had 23 x chromosomes and 1 Y chromosomes. This shows that He was born of a virgin (Mary) and God the Father is His Father If I came off preachy or rude, please know that wasn’t my intention. Thanks for reading and hit me up if you have any questions, my fellow Zoomer
Thanks, Aron, for your eloquent and clear expressions. Your thoughtful delivery and comprehension make you stand out as one of the more captivating speakers and thinkers in my regular viewing and listening lineup 🙏🙏🙏
I love the delivery of all these responses. It really is a very approachable and accessible summation that I hope gives some theists out there reason to pause and reconsider their world view. This is great conversation starter and I hope it reaches those who may really benefit. Thank you Aron for all you do to reach believers and non-believers alike. Your videos definitely remind me I'm not alone and there's so much good outside of religion.
Believers doesnt seem to understand the difference between conceivability and probability. We all can easily conceive impossible nonsense. AronRa, this video is great, keep fighting the good fight (against deliberate and debilitating ignorance). Live long and prosper.
If life could be reproduced ,if matter could be created out non mater science would be promising and all question would be answered accordingly .As of now we are floating through universe without knowing our origins or destination ,science cannot reproduce any components of life but is pretending to know its origins ,and causation of evolution . Unable to reproduce much of anything pertaining life science is weak and unable ,all other theories are as viable because no one knows enough to make a difference .Eventually everything comes down to power ,pretending is mostly all we can do for now .
I'm actually more and more convinced that it's a good bit worse, that quite a lot of religious believers have a _really_ hard time thinking about something as a hypothetical, or as fiction; that they just can't wrap their heads around that concept and take everything as a statement about reality. If it fits their view of reality, it's true, if it doesn't, it's a lie. Seriously, watch some conversations with theists where they're asked to entertain a hypothetical scenario. They very often appparently just can't do it. "But that's not how it was" or "that's not what it says" or something along those lines is what they'll most likely respond with. It's extremely frustrating... But I'd very much love to see some kind of study on this since so far, it's just something in-between a trend in a lot of personal experiences and a somewhat educated guess...
@@Wolf-ln1ml Intelligence being produced by random play of matter particles in a matter of time is quite more than confusing ,what else can matter produce given some time ? computer parts surely not ! nature only does specific things ,directed by something no one understands ,evolution is only the result not the cause . There is no need for causation we say ,everything is quite simple .
I’ve found recently that the thing that breaks Christian’s minds the most is when you tell them that you wouldn’t want to go to heaven even if it was real. The entire point of their religion is to follow the rules good enough to get the carrot and avoid the stick. So much so that the carrot becomes their only reason for existence, the only reason they do anything. Telling them that their golden carrot is actually just another stick in disguise is incomprehensible to them
exactly. I am emotionally inclined AGAINST the idea of submitting to a supernatural entity. it just so happens that there is absolutely zero objective proof of the existence of any deities, and so I feel comfortable in my position. do I know for sure? I suppose not. But I reject the concept and as long as there is no proof I'm not concerned. I don't believe in "sin". I believe in animal nature. Am I an expert? No. But I can at least observe animal behavioral patterns and draw inferences from that. It makes more sense to me than a a regurgitation of ancient mythology.
How long would it stay heaven if your bff wasn't there. How long would you have to wait for the reunion? How long until you start to think they ain't comin :( And then how long does it stay heaven?
Humanist philosophy explains why slavery is evil. Most atheists, including me, are humanists. According to the Bible, both Old & New Testament, slavery is part of the way the Biblical god ordered the world. So that’s something important that an atheist philosophy can explain that Christianity can’t.
Of course, Braxton would just deny that the Bible allows (much less supports) slavery and since that would then be a fact they don't agree on, he doesn't have to explain it.
@@martinmckee5333if Braxton tried to deny that the Bible endorses slavery he would have to edit out many biblical passages, including two of the Ten Commandments. And god _itself_ supposedly directly wrote those. The “honor the sabbath” commandment requires that your male and female slaves (who might follow a different religion) must also honor the Hebrew sabbath. The “do not covet” Commandment likewise orders believers not to covet your neighbor’s male or female slave. Now that Texas is requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in schools (with other Republican led states considering the same), it should required that the full, unexpurgated versions that mention slavery be included.
I think that most people in general are humanistic to some extent. Christians and other religious people know that the morality in the Bible is atrocious and monstrous to say the least, and that’s why they don’t follow the moral examples from the Bible, and most are good people, thus behaving nothing like their god commands them to do. When you see a good person that’s a Christian, it’s because of the things in the Bible that they choose to not follow, not because of the things that they do follow.
@@broddr I don't disagree with anything you said. But I am not saying that anyone would actually try to justify the claim that the Bible was against slavery. Rather, I assume he would simply assert it, then make excuses for whatever arguments were brought up to disprove his claim. I've heard Christians argue many times that the Bible is against slavery (never convincingly). They have no compunction against ignoring huge swaths of their "holy book" if it proves to be inconvenient to their beliefs.
I've been watching Aron for YEARS at this point and I can happily say that your arguments have helped me strengthen my own resolve in my stance of why I am not religious. I already had many of the questions about my faith as many others have probably had, and I felt valid in my own personal reasons as to why I stopped following religions and was no longer spiritual, but forming my feelings and thoughts into words was always difficult when I was faced with people asking me why. Aron helped me find the right words that could help me form my own arguments, and while I'm not just repeating everything he said in those videos verbatim, taking a lot of the points Aron makes and using them to talk about my own feelings was so helpful. Hopefully this video, among others, reaches people who need to hear it. Thanks for all you do, Aron, and the community around you.
In 2010 when I was researching church and religion here in my hometown, I felt sure I disagreed with many of the atheists views on religion and doctrine. Now I know that I actually agree with atheists on quite a lot more than I do those who follow the Bible or are engaged with religion.
@@Dingomush what family are you trying to welcome me to exactly? I haven't joined a family.. I am a divorced woman. My children Olivia and Katie Docherty are my family. Are you referring to atheists here in this channel?
@Conon the Binarian⚧ I don't do things in threes. It's not a Beetlejuice thing. I have experienced a lot of 3's events....but that's a thing we know that happens to some of us.
A totally worth while video. You are generous with your time and attention to this cause. Just know that your atheist viewership also benefits from these segments. It's like a mental workout, which makes us all 'stronger'.
Aron, this was one of the best videos I have seen in a long time. I’ve never considered the fruit was living or the choice of the trees. That was very interesting.
Brilliant. I know i repeat myself but every single video of Aron is brilliant. The knowledge, the linguistics skills, this guy is really something else.
It’s a Unfortunate. Atheists unnecessarily overcomplicate it God is simply the Existence of Love. Everyone Believes Love Exists. Including everyone here.
@damianedwards8827 The problem is that minds like yours actually believe that's supposed to mean something. When, in fact, it has zero substance. I'm genuinely embarrassed FOR you. Atheists don't "overcomplicate". Theists oversimplify.
The whole aim of the pursuit is to undermine believers of religion. It’s just as unfounded as claiming that religion undermines Atheism. It can’t be purposed in a manner that places the relative basis of proof on one another’s fundamentals. Either or is fickle. The nature of truth is unprovable. If it’s true, it cannot be further proven, because it’s already true. The question is how is it true, not why. Christianity is a long standing tradition but that can’t be used to justify whether or not it’s founding are true. The same goes for Atheism.
Funny enough, Penn & Teller's episode on the bible is what pushed me over the edge. My brother was big into their show and because he was my older brother...I wanted to like the stuff he liked. He was kinda iffy on me watching because he didn't know where I stood on the god stuff. I watched the episode and loved it.
Funny enough, my still Christian husband loved that show, but purposely skipped that particular episode. He also refuses to read the bible. I know there has to be others on the same island.
@@evilandproud I'd wager 80% of Non- Catholic Christians in 'Merica know only what their Preachers and Sunday School Teachers Taught them! No Self Education about the Bible at all! Just the spoon-fed nonsense fit for 8 year olds!
Its absolutely astounding reading the recent comments here and see theists claiming *Aron* is the smarmy intellectually dishonest narcissist in this video. Aron always amazes me with how easy he is to follow and yet how intelligent, well spoken, and funny he is too. This video is something I'm gonna watch over a few times because you just had so many perfect responses to these horrible yet all to common questions. Your whole mission with your channel and activism is making such an impact. And you can see it in the way you got these theists triggered. Thank you Aron. I genuinely look up to you 💕
My faith in God was lost when I researched a few key biblical stories (Adam & Eve, the Flood, and the Exodus) I was taught that they were literal events in history, the data I found says otherwise. Aron's YT channel and the information it contains played an enormous role in my devonversion
Mark Kendrick , God and his son Jesus both made Adam ! Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let (US) make man in (OUR) image after (OUR) likeness . The Flood , Well it took Noah 100 years to build the Ark , Noah was 950 years old when he died , and there is sea creatures fossils on the tops of every single mountain of the world , man did not put them there , the flood did .
@@fredriksundberg4624 , I was replying to Mark Kendrick , he said that he lost faith in God because he said that he found data that said otherwise , He didn't provide any data saying otherwise , Do you have any Data saying Otherwise ?
@@jimthomas1989 Don't need to because i only said nice story and so what? I'm not making a counter-claim. It's still being as relevant as i first wrote. It's being a nice story if you're belevieng it and so what?
@@jimthomas1989 And by the way by using your analogy about your nice story. Your'e totally agreeing with hindus saying Vishnu creating universes when he's just lying and being fast asleep, right?
"What should matter most is the truth and not what we might prefer that the truth were" It's interesting that he says that, because a lot of people with faith have that exact reasoning as at least part of their foundation. People have told me things like, "I can't believe in a world where there isn't Someone looking out for us. I can't believe in a world that has no higher meaning, where I won't get to see my family in the afterlife, where so-and-so suffered for no reason, etc." And I totally understand that feeling. When I first starting changing to an athiest, I became deeply depressed, partially because I was fearful about "coming out" but also because of the realization that tons of evil people throughout history up until the present day enjoy the benefits of their evil and will never be punished for it, that innocent people go through horrible suffering, with no "reward" at the end. I found this all deeply troubling. So to throw that argument right back at him, I feel the exact opposite. I truly, deeply, really do wish there was an all-loving, omnipotent god that would mete out ultimate justice, that people suffering in unjust circumstances would find relief in an afterlife, if this god did not see fit to deliver them relief during life. I truly wish there was some grand scheme that is a hundred levels above what humans can fathom that gives purpose and meaning to all of the suffering of people and every other creature on this Earth. I would love to know and believe that it couldn't be any other way. So yeah, 😂 and 😭 at that notion that atheists disbelieve simply because they wish things to be a certain way. If anything, it's the exact opposite
Been watching your content since 18, now 27. I appreciate your content and hope to see more. You helped me overcome my religion based OCD. While I personally identify as agnostic, I really thank you for the many years of good videos. Take care, sir!
Aron, you explained exactly and very articulately, how I became an atheist (a non blind faith believer in fictional god beings)! I finally realized, with a refreshing and freeing clarity, that all I was taught to believe as a catholic christian was a LIE. I then sought out the real truth, and most important, to understand that reality and truth. I was a junior in high school and it was during a church service. I am now a senior in life.
The part where Jesus said "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." sounds like he was saying that becoming a martyr needed to happen to give the result that is needed. But if God was all powerful and loving then the result could have arrived without needless death or suffering. I love what you do AronRa. I'm glad there's people like you helping to keep the truth out there. You inspire me to keep learning more and try better at being a critical thinker. Thank you.
The part where Jesus said "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." Problem is that is a false statement and an all knowing god would know that. The seed if dead does not grow into a plant bearing "fruit". Only if it is still alive when planted does it grow into the plant go to seed and die. So Jesus didn't know the truth, he lied, other people lied about what he said or it is a made up story.
@@Scanner9631 It is made up. Used by kings and other leaders to control masses and escape blame. It's so good at controlling people that it even calls Christians sheep and uses the word meek to describe them and they don't find it weird. Instead mindlessly bow their heads and say "Amen, we are the Lord's flock". Oh, they are. The Lord in a castle somewhere. Not in heaven. Even as a kid in church it would distress me watching the behavior of Christians. Speaking tongues looked disturbing as a kid who would see ppl on drugs in the streets speaking the same babble and rocking back and forth. Even more disturbing as a kid hearing the explanation of tongue speaking.
Well, in god's defence, he can't die or lose anyone, so he has no connection to death and no idea of its meaning from our perspective. To god it would just be a simple matter of breaking babies to make an omelet sacrifice on the altar and then raping your interchangeable wife to make new babies to replace the old ones. And sacrifice just serves the purpose to fool your brain into the sunk cost fallacy; it can't have value for an all powerful all knowing god - he already knows if you're willing to sacrifice things. Hm... Not much of a defence after all. Ah well, god's a perfect narcissist and although narcissists can be highly intelligent, evidently they can be extremely stupid and ignorant of the obvious at the same time. A society that we benefit from the most is a healthy one that progresses because it is free to do so. The bottomless need for glorification poisons people's minds because it requires justification which can only be created with thinking errors and fallacies and those aren't guaranteed to lead to health and freedom but the opposite it leads to glorifying and excusing abuse. The path that costs the least energy is one where people are just free to explore and grow and then, if you do something good, that will be acknowledged because that works well as encouragement to do more good. Or in other words: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." ~ Nat "The one true" King Cole. (I don't know if he wrote it, but he sang it beautifully :))
I'm sure I'm not the first one to eventually get to this conclusion, but it seems to go to the heart of the "debate": "You can prove anything if you start with the 'right' assumption." First-time viewer here, Aron. I wish I could think as clearly and speak as well as you! Keep up the good work!
These people somehow manage to blame us for not having all the answers, which was never our point. We just decided that their explanations are not ok and that we are not going to accept them. We have the right to live by OUR beliefs and to be let alone while we investigate existence as we prefer, without being imposed their beliefs. The fact that we can live without their fake answers and that we are much happier without them terrifies them as it threats to take away their power over the masses. Simple as that.
My deconversion had nothing to do with any "sinful" activity nor did it have anything to do with evidence. There is literally nothing that enticed me to leave Christianity. It was only after that feeling of a disconnect after 30 years of being a devout Christian and the realization that he was never there, that I left. Only then did I start coming to the conclusion that the whole thing is BS when looking at the evidence and using logic, and your videos were a great help in that. Thanks Aron! 👍
Similar situation, but it had more to do with how we stopped going to church. Once I was exposed to alternate viewpoints, that's really all it took for me to realize that Christianity didn't make any sense to me.
@@mclovinfuddpucker you say that as if you've known what they went going through which you clearly didn't and neither did i so think before you speak and make a fool out of yourself.
@@mclovinfuddpucker God already know who is and isn't going to believe. no-one to blame except God himself. It's not overly difficult to step back and look at the religion you're following. Go actually read the bible not just the parts they pick and choose for "bible reading hour"
Thank you for being some one who can articulate things I have often thought about. My thinking... on such subjects, has always come across in a nebulous way, you have a skill of crunching the nebula down to a thoughtful and meaningful argument that is logical and insightful. I wish I was half as good as you at gathering my thoughts.
By far my favorite thing to do when RU-vid says "hey, you got time? here's this video about that Republican Jesus guy... go get em!"... is to call out Heretics :) A few times, the Bible explicitly tells you NOT to create division... that each act of doing so is an act of Heresy. Then I go with the argument they use.... "I know God, I have a personal relationship with Jesus, just wanna save your soul" by saying When the Atheist goes to Heaven, and Saint Peter asks them "Do you know God?" The atheist can say with perfect honesty "Yes, he is that guy over there, sitting down with a bunch of others, the glowy one. Nope, not the glowy one with sandals, God isn't wearing shoes." And Saint Peter will let him walk into Heaven to learn of God, where the Atheist may ask God if he needs help with anything, or maybe just to say Hi. When the followers of Republican Jesus get to the gates, and Saint Peter asks them "Do you know God?" They will say " ... well, yes, but I honestly thought he would be taller. How come he does not have white hair? Isnt the glow supposed to be just around his head? HOW COME THERE ARE NO ABORTED BABIES HERE! That is evil and may God strike you dead! In Jesus' name." Saint Peter will banish them to Hell, for breaking the First Commandment, and for Heresy. The Atheist is pure in his non-belief. Having not spared one thought for a God they do not know. They will see God. They will then Know of God. And then they will go about their eternity in Heaven, being perfectly correct in their Knowing of God. But the Christians? They are ALL Heretics. They all have a different version of the Bible, which it tells you NOT to do at the very end. They all have their own 'God Given Rules' that are nothing more than social norms for their current Heretical Sect. And they Hate on 'God's' behalf, creating division in His children... Their entire lives are lived as Heretics.... and Heretics Burn :) And that... Funky Cold Medina... is how I kick the hornets nest :) its like... a two bite desert after a long day. Just the right amount of sweet... and a perfect way to end the day. The very implication that they do not know the bible... yum! You might even get one who will say "I don't read the Bible, I just go by Scripture." which is? in the Bible :) Have fun driven them nuts ❤🍁🦫❤
The Bible is actually beautiful in a literary sense (some of it anyway). Eating from the tree of knowledge = ignorance is bliss. It is kind of a metaphor for growing up. I think some of it was an attempt to explain the unexplainable (like fossils in a desert, oh there must have been a big flood). Some of it is attempting to comfort those who fear death. I fear death, and in some ways I would love to just believe in an afterlife where everything is great, and I have access to modern day medicine, clean water, food, air conditioning, etc. imagine being alive in biblical times and the amount of pain and sorrow and death, of course you'd want to believe it gets better. There are some stories about morality, although I don't really understand all of them, but if you kind of replace God with a king you can see why it was so important to have people be faithful even when it didn't make sense.
I find it very telling that the theist seems to think that honest introspection necessitates struggle and discomfort. As someone who isn't intellectually dishonest, I don't have any problems like that whatsoever. These guys really are off the charts when it comes to projection.
I don't understand the idea of introspection being uncomfortable either. That's the polar opposite of my experience, but then again I don't experience the munchies when I smoke either. There's not even a reason to put the word "honest" in front of the word "introspection". What would be the point of dishonest introspection? Dishonest introspection is an oxymoron.
@@jonm3427 Some plants carry the munchies and others do not. I suspect it's something in the Afghan genes or possibly Chinensis. And there is of course the possibility that you do not respond in that way regardless of chemotype.
Love your amazing use of words Aron, as someone who escaped the LDS church (mormonism) I believe that critical thinking is the single most important action that we can take to make the world run
@@einienj3281 Yes, what could inspire humility more than thinking that if you play with your naughty bits it will somehow harm an all-powerful creator of a trillion galaxies? 😆
Your channel came up in my algie about a month ago, likely because I watch Hitchens so much. I especially enjoyed your conversation with Father Patrick video. (One of the BEST I've ever seen, btw. I hope you two can have further discussions to share!💯💙) In regards to your backgrounds, I'm the same way about old barn structures. Don't know why, just always thought they're so very beautiful. Thank you for doing what you do.💯🤟
Thanks Aron. When I was a christian I had a vast misunderstanding of atheism and what it meant. I never realized how creationists refuse to look up the definition and, instead lump us into their own misunderstood version of their definition as a weird "gotcha" talking point.
Wondering if you know Wallander? "Lady with the Dragon Tattoo:"? I once worked with Greg Larsen from Denmark. I'm 78 year old atheist from Virginia USA.
I like how this guy thinks he's so smart, clever, and poignant. But in the face of reality, reason, and science, especially as presented by a mind like Aron, these questions are ridiculous and none of these questions hold up at all. Great work as always, Aron. Thank you for being such a great representative for us!
Hi Aron. I just want to make a small critique of one of your points. during your answer to the first question, you state that no one reads the Bible more literality than an atheist. I don't believe this to be true, nor do I think you believe this to be true, as later on in your answer you make the observation that the Garden of Eden is clearly a metaphor, meaning you shouldn't read it literality. Instead, I Think saying that no one reads the Bible with more clarity (or with less bias) than an atheist, would be more accurate to what I believe you meant. Thanks for the Video.
Any book of reference that has to be read "metaphorically" is worthless as any book of reference. Ever try to read a science, math, or medical book "metaphorically"? The Bible should be in the fictional section under the heading of mythologies.
As for question 8, I never deconverted, i was never religious at all, my family chose not to expose me or my siblings to religion, I was aware that some people were religious but I was never required to participate in any religious activities, it wasn't until I was 11 and religious studies in school that I began to realise what other people believed, and by that point all I could think was how rediculous it all sounded.
I have a similar background, my father was non practicing Catholic though but he never really talked about religion. Religion isn't really talked about in my culture, I only recall a single time we talked about religion. I asked him who created God and he couldn't give me an answer so I have remained an atheist my entire life.
Ahhh, Job... Still can't figure out how those who have that in their religion don't loathe the god that is figured in that story. And they say Job has been rewarded... By the most horrible punishment imaginable : being with said god.
It tells me they don't value their children. Imagine being ok with having your kid killed as part of a bet, and then you get a stranger. I mean even if that stranger is genetically related, you don't have the past memories with them, and you still LOST YOUR CHILDREN AS PAWNS IN A BET.
It's even worse when you remember that god already knew what the outcome would be, meaning that the entire test and everything god puts Job through was pointless.
@@charlestownsend9280 The people who made up that story probably didn’t believe in the omniscience part yet. Job is one of the, if not the, oldest fairytales in that book.
The Concrete Confessional blog just dropped an article called "Why This Atheist Is Headed Back to Church." Very interesting reading no matter which side of the fence you're on.
Obedient and tithing. $$$. Religions will continue as long as the grifters promoting and running them can avoid actual work by convincing the gullible of the “truth” of their con.
The #1 question had at least 3 questions. When a "question" contains 3 more questions and it's more of a statement than a question, it's not a sincere question.
I feel like it’s been at least a decade since I participated in any kind of theological debate. I commend you AaronRa for using your time to share your wisdom about this topic that is so crucial for most young people to contemplate while developing a world view.
There are some people who are hearing these questions for the first time, so it’s worthwhile to refresh the answers occasionally. Also, the algorithm likes new content
personally i love that the first answer was over 10 mins. its kinda emblematic of the idea of the Gish gallup. each of their questions in a conversation require several college courses to explain to someone that has wholly rejected science their whole life
I, too, ended up leaving Christianity because I was constantly lied to, even while I was a believer for 20 years, but being exposed to the facts that I was even FURTHER lied to was the last straw.
I've gotta admit. I've watched so many of AronRa's videos that what I just heard during this video, has been consistent in all of his content, especially when he speaks on these type of subjects. Ive heard these answers wothout the questions being asked. And they make 💯 on the "I got some sense" meter lol. Like at the end when he says that he would rather just die than to spend forever in heaven, or wherever. And you can't learn anymore, or there is no mental growth basically. Or "Why cant it just end?" Though I dont think he mentioned the prayer he made to god "why can I not just die? Like we are supposed to." The video wasn't bad or not entertaining, or anything like that, so I hope no one thinks this is a complaint. I'm just pointing out that I watch a shit ton of Ra, and I fucking love it!! 😂🤘
If you start a conversation by gatekeeping your interlocuter's answers ('Don't be glib' 'Be sincere'), you're making it plain that you do not trust them. By giving a long list of your answers first, you're indicating that your mind is already made up. When you state that your answers are superior before you've heard a response, you show that your questions are purely performative and that you do not intend to engage with what you hear. [And that's just my take on Braxton's first question]
The fact that every believer has a near-death experience that matches their beliefs reminds me of some of the deaths described by Terry Pratchett in his Discworld series. The warriors with the horned helmets, for instance, are taken up to their afterlife by Valkyries. In other cases when a dead person asks Death what will happen to them, Death will sometimes say it depends on what they believe will happen. ‘Death isn’t cruel, merely terribly, terribly good at his job.’ - Sourcery Atheists will probably appreciate this non death related Pratchett quote as well: ‘Goodness is about what you do. Not who you pray to.’ - Snuff
What a priviledged age this gent lives in when he can ask questions about the origins of the universe. Meanwhile, his forbears were prosecuting and persecuting scientists who sought the truth about even our own solar system.
it is always super easy to tell that these questions are for ex-christians and christians only since a variety of them don't even apply to people who were never religious in the first place
That's what I'm liking about atheism the most - the consistency. Not only from the same communicator years apart, but different communicators who agree on so much together.
@@andrewjones6693 Yeah pretty much. The difference being anything an atheist says can be tested and peer reviewed and if it's wrong. we realise we were wrong and correct it. Religion has pushed the same nonsense for millenia
the last part of Aron Ra's response is the most important. Nothing has meaning, nothing has hope without an end. Infinite life would be meaningless. Insufferable.
