Me neither :( I'm not a parent, but I could never serve a god that would separate me from my own child and torture them eternally. It's discouraging that so many parents don't feel this way.
@tylercobb1993, A thought, what if you agreed with your mom for a minute (hear me out), then said "Mom I will suffer for all eternity. Can you allow the time before such suffering begins to be free of judgement and torment?" The Bible says "Judge not, lest ye be judged." That is my advice (I've used as an Atheist).
@@Reason1717But think about it from Mum's perspective: while there is life, there is hope. She's desperately trying to save her baby from eternal torment. This is why Christian parents, if they truly believe in the Bible, cannot simply tolerate differences in faith. I think that it's nonsense, but that's where she's coming from.
@@Charlotte_Martel , I see your point an like that you took the mothers perspective. That type of thinking is helpful and productive Charlotte. So I would add a quote: No matter how flat you make a pancake there is always two sides. And it seems the other side (in this case) is invalid. The best way to win the other side over is with a sound logical argument. But of course "faith" and Hebrew tall tales don't make for a sound argument. So her mom can not use logic or reason, only an appeal to faith. Knowing what you Charlotte wrote "it's nonsense" it would seem we do agree. But I like your post here. Peace and health to you :)
@@Reason1717Thank you for listening and analysing my point. I write it because, for about a decade, there were religious family members of mine who I avoided because I didn't want to hear the preaching rubbish. I felt disrespected and that they were shoving their beliefs down my throat (which they were on the last point, tbh). However, my brother recently died at a very young age, and we all met again. I realised that life is too short to cut people out of your life who love you and mean well, even if they're delusional and push their delusions on to you. So I compartmentalise my religious relatives, avoid the subject, and if pushed, ask them for evidence for their beliefs besides the Bible. It forces them to actually think and often causes them to back off of the subject while not insulting them or harming the relationship. Peace be to you as well.
What's amazing is how religion has persisted --- even expanded --- in the US since the days of Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, James Madison, John Adams, Thomas Paine, who have been touted as "Devout Christians" by Conservatives, Republicans, Deep Southerners.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video and your whole channel. I am currently on the journey to leave Christianity since I can't sincerely say I stand by the horrible things that are stated in the bible, and all the other things you have discussed in your videos. It has really helped me since my whole family is Christians and they would go BEZERK if they found out I'm not part of it anymore. I still struggle a lot with the fear of hell and God punishing me, and it's so difficult. I was taught from a young age to be terrified of hell, like 4 years old and my whole upbringing. But this really helps
I read "A Short Stay in Hell" by Steven Peck and it convinced me there was no way hell existed, even while I was still a Christian. The concept of infinite torture as just in response to finite sin is dismissable on its face. It's too cruel. It's the single most evil concept ever thought up.
Their response is that it's a "crime against an infinite being" therefore deserves infinite punishment. However, that doesn't even make sense considering that God will eventually get over whatever transgression was made against him. To quote Tilda van der Meer, "You'll forgive me in a few centuries"
This is not a place designed for humans, but for the fallen angels led by lucifer who knew God but wanted worship for himself. He has a.claim on the people following him, despite God giving them a way out through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Well, but Satan is evil and likes evil stuff. Why on hell would he punish a good servant? And if Hell is the opposite of Heaven, wouldn't be suffering a pleasure in Hell?
@hhistertheosis that's not the point. The key thing is Satan hates God for the punishment given to him, BUT he cannot harm God as God is infinitely more powerful than satan. However, the Bible says we (humans) are.created in the image of God. So satan hurts us which causes pain to God. That's why the Word of God that created the whole universe took the form of a human, paid the price for your sins and mine - so anyone who accepts Jesus as his savior (guarantor in our modern terminology), their sins are added to the sacrifice of Jesus. So, satan does not have any claim on the person. Remember God while being merciful is also Just, He would honor the choice you made ..either to choose him or not (I.e. choosing the devil) thereby the consequence is yours.
I grew up going to "christian schools" and most of them were hosted by a "4 square" church. It took a long time for me to stop "doubting my salvation" it was absolutely abuse. Leaving a 9 year old in fear that they may have slipped and going to hell, constantly panicked that they did something wrong... abuse.
Not only that, but graphically illustrating the betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus should be Rated R, and not told or shown to anyone below 18, or anyone who would find it disturbing and upsetting for that matter.
Im a born and raised christian, im a pastor daughter, and lately I stared having my questions about god, hell, the bible and the only answer i was getting was "you dont have enough faith" "you need to pray more". I stared watching your videos and I love them, so far every video I watch you have an answer to my questions
I'm sorry you're getting such negative feedback from the people in your life. It can be a really scary journey, especially as a pastor's daughter! I hope you find all of the peace, freedom and authenticity you deserve. I'm rooting for you!
@@jezebelvibes Thank you. for somebody like me a pastor daughter and being born in christianity, I never thought ill be having this questions, and everything you talk on your videos it makes so much sense now. where can I message you I have so much to ask you if you dont mind
The only way to get all that is through Christ Yashaya. Whom the world ignorantly calls Jesus. But can't be half way in. Either you're in or out with God
@@cezz1105 The _only_ way? What about the Egyptian Osiris, Horus; Babylonian Tammuz and Inanna; Hindu Krishna; Greek Adonis, Dionysus, Orpheus, Heracles; Roman Romulus; and especially the Iranian-Roman Mithras . . . whose narratives Jesus and, or early Christians stole and appropriated from. The only thing missing from the others is the Zoroastrian Dualistic elements, "The House of Songs" (Heaven) and "The House of Lies" (Hell).
Once you realize that no matter what religion you're in, you're going to go to someone else's religion's hell, it's all nonsense and it makes it easier to get over that fear
I'm astounded at the farcical notion that a deity has any relationship to a believer. Men have always known God as a tool of fiction, propaganda, & rhetoric. The Christ fantasy ignores Jesus saying, "This is a wicked generation seeking signs, the only sign given is Jonah," a believer murdered by a larger number of believers. The King of the Jews is mounted on a stick, because Romans made a parody of the avatar, the icon. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13 How can you possibly take faith seriously? How can anyone in their right mind ask others to believe in the existence of a Deity who makes Mormons so Christians will know how Jews feel, having had their literature hijacked. Nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital & indoctrinating children is criminal. The faith vocabulary causes the user to be avoided like the old woman with too many cats. Faith "comes not with peace, but sword." Faith comes with wolves dressed as sheep & preaching to the choir. Faith trades the last cow for a pocketful of magic beans & then expects everyone's appreciation. It is by Faith, Moses becomes the worst navigator in history. Jesus said, it is a wicked generations which seeks signs such as resurrection. Faith is as worthless as fantasyland magic, since you can't tell mountains to move. The "only sign given" in reality "is Jonah": A believer murdered by other believers because he is outnumbered. The context is Jesus seeing a gathering crowd, so it is up to us, to reject religious nonsense, nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital. Believers have no sense of responsibility, or standards. Theologians grant each other doctorates, as if, equal to a science. It is a, have it both ways world, for the believers. It is an authoritarian, fascist world which says: "My sheep hear My voice".
1 Corinthians 9 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
Satan, the leader of Hell (Sheol), is the constellation of the scorpion. You needn't fear this group of stars. It's the Satan behind the pulpit that you should watch out for.
@@edm-london1660 As I said: I was catholic and I've never heard this bullshit about being saved without believing in Jesus. At catechism the teachers were very clear on the fact that you can be the literal Superman in your life but if you're not baptized or reject Jesus, Hell is your final destiny. These informations are coming from the late 90's/early 2000's, so... yeah, it might be outdated stuff.
At first I was, it was in fact the last thing I could let go of. Not love, not community, but fear. That was the longest lasting impression I had of my faith. Says a lot about it
@@edm-london1660 Nope, fear does not equal love, period. If someone has to make you afraid enough to want to stay in line, that's less love and more just flat abuse. Because a truly loving individual wouldn't really be willing to destroy you for stepping out of line.
Fear is a part of your intelligence. It's a protection mechanism there to warn you of danger. Perhaps, as long there's fun to be had, you don't mind opening yourself up to psychological distress, or contracting diseases which will kill you eventually. That's stupidity, not a lack of fear.
@@artstation707 And some fears are actually completely irrational, like ones pertaining to shapes or numbers. Some people even have phobias of butterflies and puppies, as psychology is just strange like that. I mean, I get that some phobias have started from life events, but there's still some that are completely weird 'n unexplainable, so it's often really more just people's minds being weird more than anything.
once you've heard it it's hard to unhear it. anything that someone suggests - there is a mouse in your house somewhere - will give you the jitters, even when you're sure it's a lie.
Kristi is not completely getting it. Admission to “hell” eliminates the risk of interaction between decent viable souls and inalterable criminals. Diminishing entropy will occur. This introduces longevity and eventually immortality. We can’t have the incurably wicked communicating under such conditions. Only one “place” can ensure this protection. Torment is thus an unavoidable outcome.
@benjaminollis7621 discipline is correcting bad habits and must be done.. Tormenting anyone ,much less kids has nothing to do with discipline . It disturbes anyones mind with a deep fear that can carry over for a lifetime. It is emotionally damaging.
@benjaminollis7621 You think children deserve to burn in hell because they made a mistake? How about disciplining them by taking something away, making them work for what they have and teach them how and why it's wrong, hellfire really? For children? You sound like a dem0n actually, wtf....the fact that people like you are freely walking around planet earth is why I KNOW ev!l i real, it's YOU.
The Bible Teaches Jesus loves all little children. It doesn't speak of sending children to hell Only people who HURT LITTLE CHILDREN Better to tie a Milstone around your neck than to hurt a child
@@sunnydee5998 I'm glad if you have that belief, but it depends which part of the Bible you're reading. Jesus also said that his followers should abandon their families and follow him. And god's rules he said he is here to confirm involve a heck of a lot of hurting little children, Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Joshua are only a few places where you'll find god-mandated torture and killing and rape of children. This is why I do not consider that god to be good. "Better to tie a millstone around your neck than to hurt a child."
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I grew up in a Christian family. I never accepted what my parents and family believed. My grandfather was a pastor and my parents were gospel singers. I was told on my life I was going to hell. I didn’t accept the beliefs because they didn’t seem right to me. so for a long time I feared hell and dying. It’s just been in the last few years that I’ve accepted. There is no hell that I had to fear. I’m now 60 and look back and think of the waste of time. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your channel.
@edm-london1660 I disagree. Fear of tangible things (like jail, ostracized from your community etc) are more than enough. I'd encourage you to attend to some social studies classes. If otoh you want ppl to fear even their intrusive thoughts then sure , religion is the way to go. Traumatizing ppl in order to fully control them 👏
i was always so scared of hell when i was christian, but as i learned more and found stuff out myself, it's so easy to let go of that feeling and let everything fall away. thank you for your videos, kristi
@@jezebelvibes I think, even in the bible, it says that souls are permanently destroyed in hell fire (which takes seconds or minutes). The permanent punishment is the utter destruction of your essence (body and soul). I am not sure it says anything about eternal punishing (as opposed to the punishMENT of eternal death with no possibility of coming back). So, I think people might be misinterpreting what the bible actually says. Please carefully re-read all the relevant bible verses about hell.
@@scholarlyanalyst7700 Not gonna lie, that just makes hell sound more appealing tbh. Cause instead of being stuck endlessly praising some being while stuck around a ton of conservatives 'n old people, you simply just get to fade away and never have to think about things ever again.
@@norrecvizharan1177 More appealing than the bible's concept of heaven. That's a very interesting perspective on it! Thanks for your input/insight! You might want to watch the Twilight Zone episode of Heaven and Hell (Title of show = "Nice Place to Visit").
@@scholarlyanalyst7700 Regardless, it's a moot point considering that there is absolutely ZERO evidence for the existence of souls much less that they're something that lives on after death.
Kristi thank you. I’ve only just broken free from the cult mindset this year, it’s basically been an existential crisis for me, seeing just how lied to I was my whole life, and finally I’m getting past this fear of hell but it’s gonna take time before I’m restored. But you help me and I thank you for that.
Sounds like such a loving religion: “One day these children would be screaming from the pits of hell, having the ravens pluck their eyes out while their parents were rejoicing in heaven in eternal bliss.” It’s so obviously a scare tactic and very cultish.
@benjaminollis7621 It's easier to put a camel through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to go to heaven. I don't like talking religious quotes very much because I am a devout athiest godless heathen sinner
@@macman1138 I was lucky too as a child . My father never mentioned religion, God or Jesus ever and never went to church .I don't think we even had a Bible in the house . Mother took me and my sisters to church until I was twelve and then we all stopped going and I never asked my mother why . Mother started going to church again after the kids moved out but she seldom spoke about religion to us .
Kristi your videos have been life-changing for me. I used to work in a church, went to a christian college and was on a path to be an evangelical pastor or missionary. I walked away from it all a couple years ago after multiple bad experiences and have not been back to church since. I’ve spent much time deconstructing my former faith while working through religious trauma. The concept of hell has been the most difficult issue for me to work through, and your videos (especially this one) have been tremendous for my mental health and overall well-being. Seriously, you’re doing incredible work for people like you and I. Thank you!
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Back in college when arguing religion I'd argue about hell til they said I was a fool, then I'd remind them that Matthew 2:22 says that anybody that calls anybody a fool is going to hell. Thats an awful lot of people.
Christians are very good at ignoring the Bible and Jesus when it applies to their own behaviour, but are very strict when it comes to applying what the Bible and Jesus said to others!
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The moment one believes in Hell, Demons & Devils. One becomes enslaved by the fear it creates. 'Believe or ELSE,' I choose else, and not believe at all.
@@Jeanettesboxingchannel 'Shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?' Amos 3 6 'I create darkness and create evil, I the LORD do all these things!' Isaiah 45 7 'I will bring evil upon this people, even of their thoughts!' Jeremiah 6 19 'I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD!' Jeremiah 45 5 @samuel8354
@@Jeanettesboxingchannel Nonsense! "Heaven" and "Hell" are just the "Carrot" and the "Stick" in what is probably the oldest mind-control technique in human history... religion! Fairy-tales to frighten children into obedience! A truly civilized society wouldn't need them.
@@Jeanettesboxingchannel I once read that only 6% of people calling themselves Christian are _truly_ Christian - which means that 94% of those who think they're saved are really going to hell! Consequently, at least 95% of all people ever born will be suffering for ever if hell is eternal conscious torment! Since, statistically, you're very likely going to hell too you can tell me there if you think your fate was justified! Btw, I don't believe in God or hell and I don't have the slightest inkling whatsoever to harm anyone in anyway! If it was up to me the whole human race would be in heaven right now!
Well said. I teach my children when someone tries to use shame or guilt to make you do or believe something, that is a tool a narcissist or dishonest person often uses. Using fear instead of reason! Critical thinking should be taught in school.
@@artstation707 Shame and guilt are natural forms of introspection. - Except when they are pushed on you from a religion where shame and guilt are declared to be fundamental feelings you should feel about yourself. Artstation, you keep saying in the comments that a little bit of bad feelings including guilt fear and shame are good. Except, your religion teaches that those are fundamental feelings that should be felt due to original sin and hell. That's toxicity.
@@NaNlinear If someone tells you to feel guilty about something you never did, you should ignore them. It doesn't matter if he's dressed as a priest. Christ said MANY would come falsely in his name. He did not say all. Also, if you are going to report what I say, quote me directly. I never said a little bit of these things are good. They're not good. They're meant to protect you from harm, and from harming others.
@@artstation707 "If someone tells you to feel guilty about something you never did" - They did! Christianity taught me that one of my mythological ancestors offended a god and now I'm supposed to be repentant. "quote me directly." - Ok, here you go: - If people have no guilt, shame, or fear, how can they control themselves?
they relish the idea that even other christians will be burning, most i think picture heaven as just them and god swilling brewskies and watching everyone else burn.
@@bobyoung3857 There are definitely self righteous Christians who do but not all do. Jesus said He didn't come to condemn the world but to save it. And those who follow Jesus should not condemn anyone but only point to the One who can save them from sins. It's supposed to be a message of love. God died for you. Unfortunately, self righteous Christians push people away from Jesus by condemning them.
There are some theologians who say that those in heaven will enjoy the horror movie of hell: “The sight of those tormented in hell will exalt the happiness of the saints in heaven” Jonathan Edwards
Thank you. I'm a recovering evangelical Christian. I was raised by pentecostal parents and my whole world view was shaped by growing up being taught the bible was to be taken literally as the inerrant word of the creator. It truly takes guts to ask these questions out loud. I don't claim for a second to know what is going on or why.
People often say, “I’m not hurting anyone so it’s ok to sin (lying, stealing, sexual sins, disrespecting parents etc)” The same God who said to love your neighbour first said to love Him to the best of your ability. If you carry on sinning, then you do not love God but are selfish like the devil so you will be joined to your father in hell or repent of your sins and believe in Jesus as God so Jesus adopts you as His child and you will join Him in Heaven forever.
@@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363 First, no one says that lying, stealing or disrespecting parents is not hurting anyone. Those things clearly can hurt people. I'd have to know how you define "sexual sins" before saying if that is hurting anyone. In any case, I can refrain from lying and stealing without caring about God's opinions on the matter. The rest of your argument just boils down to "Love God because God said you have to. Don't love him because he's especially lovable, but because he will punish you if you don't." If a person ever approached you and said "Love me or I'll hurt you.", would you respond positively? If you wouldn't accept that from a person, why would you accept it from God?
@@fredglazer2913 WHY PEOPLE GO TO HELL People DON’T GO TO hell for their lack of Belief in Jesus (unfortunately there are people who have never heard of Jesus, however God preaches to them through creation so they are without excuse). People GO TO Hell for their sins. Why? Because God is Holy & hates Sin.Heaven and Hell are eternal because time will cease to exist. Jesus is the ONLY way out of Hell (eternal solitary confinement). But you must Repent (change from wickedness to Holiness) and Believe in Jesus to be forgiven otherwise you will end up you know where. (Romans 6:23): "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
@@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363 Wow, that sounds really enticing, but I'll pass. Just wondering, has this pitch of yours ever succeeded in converting anyone? It just seems a bit negative and off-putting to me.
There’s no concept of Heaven and Hell in the original Hebrew Bible. All people, good and evil went to Sheol, which wasn’t really a place of punishment or reward, but a state of nothingness.
You claim to have proof of Hell, and yet you don't try to prove it because you use the rude statement that "ex-Christians can never understand." Either you don't actually know and you're being a contrarian, or you just don't want your beliefs challenged.
Don't believe that, but that's what people want to believe. God is honest with us, that's why Jesus died so we could be saved from hell. He didn't die in vain.
I used to pray that God would save Satan from hell when I was made to pray in front of others as a child. I actually wanted God to save Satan. They definitely hated that and shamed me for it! I remember thinking if God loves everyone then God must also love Satan too!
@@zigzag-xx2yd if god saved satan, satan would not be whispering to every person's ear to do bad things and we live happily ever after. haha what a great analogy.
@@br.m It may not be entirely true, but it's certainly a significant part of the picture-- until the idea of Hell is taken out of the Bible, it's a part of the religion. And no one has taken it out. And many preach on it, or refer to it obliquely.
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i grew up in a religious background very similar to yours. i was 15 when i started doubting, I'm 70 now and have enjoyed 55 years of not wasting my time being falsely led by lies. I'm so thankful for you, trying to deconstruct religious beliefs and give people an alternative. Keep up the good work! And I think your beautiful!
People love to say... Why would a loving God put me in hell for eternal torture? The answer to that is: What Satan and his followers had planned for God and his followers if their mutiny were successful... THE SAME THINGS THEY HAD PLANNED FOR GOD AND HIS FOLLOWERS WILL NOW HAPPEN TO SATAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS. These foolish people have no idea the depth of evil inside Satan. Their mind cannot comprehend the level of evil yet they post these deconstruct videos playing right into Satan's hand. All you're seeing are people who thought they could fool God. And when they finally figured out they couldn't....here comes the deconstruct videos.
@@chapmaned24 Your comment is really hostile; where "the hell" are you coming from? Alternatively you could have said to @predator: 'Can you give me an example of the lies you mentioned'? That's how you challenge someone politely. Courtesy goes a long way, even in RUclips comments.
@@chapmaned24 Wow, really? How does a theist determine that sarcasm and snark are harmless? Just because it's all too common in RUclips discourse? How does an atheist determine what a lie is? Duh. same way a non-atheists does: whether it corresponds to factual reality. Once again a presumed Christian misrepresents the definition of atheism. Atheism is a lack of belief in God, not an assertion that there is no god. 'A': from the Latin 'away from 'theism', get it? The atheist doesn't have to "prove" anything because he hasn't asserted anything. If I say dogmatically that there is no God, then of course I have to prove it. But the atheist is not saying that; he is simply saying he has no belief in God. The theist on the other hand have a burden of proof because he has asserted that God exists. Do you get it now? And have you tried asking the original poster to explain what lies he's referring to? Please do so before making accusations of lying.
@@chapmaned24 The Christian notion in Hell must exist. After all, the Ancient Egyptians (Zuat), Zoroastrians (House of Lies) and Greeks (Tartarus) believed in it as well, though Judaism largely rejects it
1:48 The parents would be in eternal bliss, implying they are unaware or unaffected by their kids’ suffering in Hell. Sounds like heaven takes something fundamental out of your very being. That’s horrifying.
It's one of the biggest arguments against their weak "free will" nonsense. The biggest is that free will is not a biblical concept because it would have been a foreign concept to most people in that area that we're Greek/Roman
I very much appreciate your videos and your insights. I am sorry that happened to you. I had a similar situation many years ago, but I did get up and walk out during the sermon. Some of my people have never spoken to me since. Follow your heart and convictions. Thank you and best wishes.
As someone who grew up Christian outside North America I’ve never understood the obsession with hell and eternal damnation with a lot of churches out here. That was never the point of becoming a Christian or practising Christian faith.
Same. It's way milder and not so superstitious in other places. Christian in Germany: Love your neighbour and read the sermon of the mount. Christian in the USA: Eternal hellfire and the rapture is near! It really bugged me out as a kid when I started to notice these christian themes in American media, because it is such a far cry to what I learned in catholic religious studies in school or even at the church itself. Keep in mind, the catholic church in Germany is not progressive either, yet they still manage to put humanitarian mindset at the forefront of their preaching and don't obsess with, what we would consider here, medieval magical thinking.
@@CelestialWoodway the two biggest commandments. Everything else will follow accordingly but their obsession of the future instead of the present is bewildering
@@VerryJerry90 It MUST be a very great concern for everyone . . . *2-John 1:7* "Deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh is the _Antichrist."_ *1-John 2:22* “Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ, such a person is the _Antichrist"_ *Revelation: 20.11* "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever." *Revelation 20:15* "Anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life he was thrown into the lake of fire."
@@VerryJerry90 But hey, it sure is a great advertising, marketing, promotional, and selling point, one that they had stolen and appropriated from Ancient Egyptian Mythology, _The Field of Reeds_ and _Duat;_ Greek Mythology: _Elysium (Elysian Fields)_ and _Tartarus_ . . . and especially the Zoroastrianism Dualist _The House of Song_ and _The House of Lies,_ all well documented centuries BC.
Watching your videos always brightens my atheist day! Even when it starts with vultures plucking out eyes, I know that by the end of the video I will feel better about myself, unlike when I used to go to church and come out feeling horrible. Thank you for that!
@@YourAlexander It's true we are not our feelings, and that feelings change. But Christianity is not the only way to go deeper than feelings. There are many ways, and I reject the violence and control-issues of Christianity, myself: to me there are kinder and deeper ways.
I could never understand why believers would scorn non-believers on the basis that they do not adhere to ''The'' faith. Most believers I met are full of hate and sin EVERY day. Yet, they direct their little fist at people like me, just because I stopped believing in their little fairytale. They would send me to hell themselves if they had that power.
Yes. And they just presume that they're good with God and he won't send them to hell. How presumptuous and self righteous are they to assume God is gonna judge them as worthy of heaven?
As a Christian, I can't blame you for rejecting Christianity if those are the sort of Christians you've encountered. I don't hate you for not believing in my religion.
Yes, we actually were living somewhere like dictatorship country, fearing the TOP and his authorities might come and punish any who will be against anything about him😅Since woke I felt so free, can question anything!
Likewise. "Knowing" that you were always being watched was great, too. " For your Father above, is looking down in love. So be careful little feet where you go." !!
The beginning of this has reminded me of a moment from my youth. One saturday evening, I was at home. I had to babysit my siblings on Saturday night so my parents could go out and drink. Regardless, I was skimming channels on the TV when I got to PBS and there was an interview with Richard Dawkins. Dr. Dawkins started saying things that I, as a southern baptist found very disturbing. I watched the interview like a train wreck. I was appalled at what he was saying, yet, it made so much sense to me. The next day, Sunday, I was picked up to go to church by my Grandma. On the way into town, I relayed that I watched an interview with Richard Dawkins, and it was disturbing but thought provoking. My grandmother turned white as a sheet. She suddenly became very angry and agitated. I was probably 13-14 and this is the first time she'd raised her voice, or said anything to me resembling a threat. I remember thinking that her response was totally lopsided. I had told her that I wasn't interested in hearing anymore of Dawkins or his crazy ideas, and she calmed down a bit. We get to church and she grabs my arm and marches me right up the the pastor. She almost hysterically explained what I'd said to her in the car, and the reverend was shocked and concerned. I wondered what they were so afraid of, cause they were both trembling and acting strange. The pastor said he wanted to hold a special prayer meeting on my behalf. I went to Sunday school, and noticed a LOT of people wandering around the classroom, and eyeballing me very seriously. There were even arguments in the hallway where the other parents didn't want their kids to be in the same room as me. I went to the noon service, and my story was broadcast to the congregation by the pastor. He named off a number of people that need to stay after the service to speak with him. After the service, a group of about 12 adults and me were uncomfortably standing in the chapel. We all joined hands and prayed. Then the pastor put his hands on my shoulders, which was difficult, cause I was about 8 inches taller than him, and point blank asked me to share what I saw, and what I found appealing about this Dawkins interview. I simply said I thought Dawkins had an interesting perspective. My grandmother freaked out at this point, and started losing her cool. The rest of the group backed away, like they might catch something. All of this was very amusing to me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had unknowingly stepped onto some taboo. I wondered what this Dawkins guy knew that made everyone so nervous and defensive. My grandmother told me numerous times that PBS is the best channel to watch, and that I need to learn and grow, so I didn't think I'd done anything wrong at all. Yet my spiritual advisors were all scrambling around and acting absolutely mental. We prayed a few more times, and the reverend read some bible passages, and he said that If I have any questions, I need to have faith and not bother looking for answers. Even as a young teen, I found this to be absolutely ridiculous. For weeks after this drama, I had friends in school distance themselves from me, I had customers that used to treat me well, absolutely turn stone cold. The church seemed to pick on my grandmother for letting me go "astray". I continued to go to church every Sunday, and to church camp in the summer, but everything was different. I was an outsider and not to be trusted. I ended up leaving the faith about 10 years later. I had moved away from where I grew up, and had no ties back to that place.
Yep. Everything and everyone, maybe even your loved ones, has the power to drive on out of the Faith. I'm sorry you were ridiculed for a different thought process as a child, hope you are better now.
It sounds like Epiphany 2.0. Such societies served as the inspirations for _The Emperor's New Clothes_ by Hans Christian Andersen, and _The Lottery_ by Shirley Jackson.
"He's not afraid of your judgment; He knows of horrors worse than your Hell. He's a little bit afraid of dying; But he's a lot more afraid of your lying..." -Neil Peart, "The Weapon"
Love your programs (videos) Kristi. I'm aligned to all your views and especially like the one about "Deconstructing Adam & Eve." Also, I commend you on your public speaking: fluid, thoughts well expressed, excellent enunciation, proper intonations, etc. Plus, your knowledge of the topic (Christianity) is broad and your interpretation of the Bible aligns to my views as well.
thank you so much my lady for speaking brutal truth, happy for you that it didn’t take you 50 years to “wake up” like me, you help so many i really hope you know this
I love that you focus a lot on the moral and ethical implications of the bible. I was a christian for 20 odd years starting when I was around 15 and a lot of my struggles with my faith was that the doctrine seemed to not really care about people. Finally I ended up leaving because my desires to be a better person and live a more loving, accepting life style conflicted with the lack of morality portrayed in the bible and also by other Christians. So it really helps me a lot seeing the logical conclusions on morality that you discuss in your videos. Thankyou so much for your videos.
Thanks for this content. I’m way past the fear of hell that I carried for years after growing up in a fundamentalist home, but it took a lot of research of my own to arrive there. This video would have been very helpful to me in the early stages of that process for me, so I know it’s helping many who are just getting started.
It took me years to get over the fear of Hell. I became an Atheist on July 31st of this year and have been that way for 17 days as of now. And I love your videos. They have really helped me on my deconstruction journey.
Thank you for everything you’re doing on here Kristi❤ I found your channel a year ago when I started questioning everything, and you woke me up completely. Love this channel so much
Thank you so much for making this video it has provided me a lot of comfort as fear of hell is something still stuck with me even after leaving the religion
Thank you, Kristi! As I’ve been working through my own deconstruction journey, the fear of hell is frequently on my mind, even if my “rational” mind no longer believes in it. My therapist has been helping me, and I will be attending a religious trauma therapy group starting in September for 8 weeks through the therapy practice. I’m hopeful that will be helpful, too.
It makes perfect sense what you are saying...and yet I Bought into it for years.. thank you for saying what I had been feeling for a long time.. keep up the good work it makes people really think and that is necessary...
There is no God, ergo there is no Hell or Heaven. When we die, th-th-th-th-that's all folks. Enjoy life while you can. Love your fellow man. That's what lasts. Being a positive influence. That's your legacy.
Ah yes. I read these words on the sleeve of Jethro Tull's Aqualung album when I was a teenager, without fully understanding the implications. Decades later after much contemplation I had reason to reread it. It was an Aha moment. That explains a lot I thought. Religion and god was created by a minority of people (sociopaths) in an attempt to control their communities behaviour and thought. It's been working for thousands of years. But some (many) people have woken up to the con game and won't play. These people reject god and religion and rely on human goodness. Humanity has risen above this blackmail, rejects it and lives by an ethic of inherent good and evil. Humanity is fundamentally and inherently good.
@@jonathanyoung8109 Now that's creepy. Why do people fall for the emotional blackmail instead of using the brains nature gave us, and rejecting the nonsense?
@@mayflowerlash11 we are apes with an ape’s brain. We have evolved as a social species which means, among other things, that we all can derive benefits from the achievements of the few exceptionally intelligent individuals among us. Vast majority of us are neither particularly intelligent nor rational and we act way more on our feelings rather than logic. This idea that our brain is so special and we are so much above animals comes from religion, not science.
Thanks for your kindness! It was definitely very unsettling. It sucks that so many of us have to live knowing that our parents think we deserve to burn in hell. I've worked really hard to heal, but it will always be a difficult thing to carry. Appreciate your support here
@ people don’t fall into depression because of atheism. They fall into depression when they realize their entire lives were *wasted* on belief in a non-existent god; when they realize the people they loved and trusted were actually psychologically and emotionally abusing them; and more. Kristi HAS studied. As have all of us ex-Christians. Her voice is helping to heal, comfort, soothe, and reassure those who’ve been traumatized by religion and religious people. She offers hope and relief in ways that your imaginary god never could.
I was raised Catholic and went to a Catholic school for the first six years, until my Dad lost his job and we could no longer afford it. In 7th grade, at public school, some kids were talking between classes and when someone mentioned hell, the girl who sat in from of me casually said, "Oh, I don't believe in hell." I was shocked. I'd never heard anyone say this. She said, "An all-loving God would not make people suffer for eternity." And I thought, _Oh, that makes perfect sense. God wouldn't do that._ I got a good education at the Catholic school, but one thing they did not teach us was to ever question what we were taught. Just like that, in a second, I no longer believed in hell because it made no sense, and over the next few years I began to question other things I'd been taught. As I realized that everything we're taught about God and religion comes from people, not from God, it became obvious religion was a scam created by certain people to give them power over other people - and they maintain that power by instilling fear. Is there a God or gods? I doubt it, but I do know for certain that if there is some universal supreme being, that being is not anything like the "God" that was invented by humans. That "God" is so obviously man made that it astounds me any thinking person can believe in it. Remember: Religion causes atheism. If there were no religion, there'd be no atheists.
I recall Ricky Gervais saying something like that There shouldn't be a word for not believing in gods. Just like we dont have the word a-fairism for those that don't believe in fairies
I find it funny how being an atheist or atheism are connoted as a negative or bad thing here in my country Indonesia, I was raised a Muslim and got a friend who asked the same question as your friend did, from that moment I'm no more
God is all loving hence he has given us free will Its our decision to choose to either believe in God or not believe in him God is all loving so even if you dont believe in him (which you choose yourself) then God will not force you as that is not what a all loving being will do
@@Ofcourse_theist free will is a flawed concept just as human nature is flawed, as we are prone to sinful behaviour. the fact that an omniscient deity would know in advance how our lives would play out even before we are born
I was approached by someone who had came to Christ while I was at work and it gave me so much anxiety. I'm an ex-christian and my upbringing with religion has caused me so much anguish from worrying about dying and going to Hell to not being a good enough person ever simply because I am an LGBT person who lives my life as I do. So when this guy approached me, I felt so much panic and remembered your videos. These help so much when stuff like this happens or my mom gives me long lectures about God. Thank you for making these. I appreciate them so much. When it's all explained out and nothing adds up it helps remind me why I let all this stuff go. It caused me nothing but stress.
It seems to me that you do not understand the teaching of the gospel of grace in the slightest measure. For starters you cannot have been a Christian and still worried about dying and going to Hell. As far as being 'not good enough' is perfectly normal. The Lord Jesus came 'not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance'. For there is none righteous, no not one. Do you not understand that the Lord Jesus came into the world to suffer and die on the cross, to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. He bore our sins in His own body on the cross. He has suffered the wrath of God on our behalf, to the total satisfaction of God the Father. God has raised Christ from among the dead and He now sits at the right hand of the throne of God, ever living to make intercession for us who believe. God reaches out in Grace (His totally unmerited favour towards sinners), we accept His offer of mercy, forgiveness, cleansing, eternal Life, peace with God, the peace of God - all by faith. Ephesians ch. 2 v 8 and 9. It was the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for ME. Galatians ch. 2 v 20. When we believe what God says in His word, we become a 'new creation in Christ Jesus'. The Holy Spirit enters us and gives us the power to live a Christian life to the glory of God. God can save a LGBT person just as fully as an adulterer or paedophile. Do you want peace of mind. Believe ON the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Not in but on.
You go Kristi! You have helped me. Someone once wrote her grandmother had passionately loved Jesus her entire earthly life. I was a "Christian" for 37 years; I don't think I loved him for a minute. The very idea of stating, "I love Christ" made me ashamed. Hanging on to the faith for fire insurance is bullshit. I am no saint.
The best way to get over the fear of hell is to just ask 'Which one?' Religious indoctrination is hard to shake, but understanding that there are multiple hells from many different religions, helps make it easier. They can't all be authentic and there's no way to prove that they exist. So believing one is real and exist over another is ridiculous.
I think that's why childhood indoctrination is so important to religions. An early constant narrative make other faiths being legitimate virtually impossible to think about
My Dad was raised in a strict Lutheran household. It really messed him up. He's had so much trauma that he got borderline personality disorder. Which of course I couldn't heal from until I knew what was wrong with him all this time. I've healed despite it but now that I know (he's in his 70s) I can forgive him and join him on his journey to good health. He doesn't trust easily and is still early in his treatment but I will persevere with consistency and gentleness. Heaven and hell are here in this moment for whoever is experiencing it. It was a metaphor.
I was a Christian for 20yrs. 3yrs ago I became atheist. At the same time I was diagnosed with Borderline. Just WowW. I've had other traumas, but Christianity was a main trauma. I knew my PTSD stemmed from that, but never considered it may have given me bpd too 😳 I wish you and your father healing. Bpd is excruciating.. he is so lucky to have you 💜✨
Was it LCMS, WELS, or just a rather conservative ELCA family? I’m a Lutheran (ELCA) and I think our theology is pretty good. I suppose I find it difficult to see the spiritual as a metaphor. Like God frees us in Baptism as a physical act by God, we are brought to be good by the grace of God and no one will truly be good on their own merit until we drop dead and walk with the Lord but he was gracious enough to save us and gift us faith in our Baptisms. We can feel assured of our salvation in faith and baptism. I believe this is a freeing theological belief.
@@Sebman1113I have no idea. I was raised atheist. I read the Qur'an, so I'm an atheist/Satanist/Islam inspired convert. I wear a Satanic symbol around my neck. It's all metaphors right.
The reason I'm not afraid of going to hell is because all the Christians that thought they were making it to heaven will be down there to keep me company.
Is God the one actually doing it? Or has Satan wrapped his arms so tightly on one's soul in this physical realm that it makes it impossible for God to reach this lost soul?
You will be when Christ returns!!! Why reject the only one who truly wants to give you the whole kingdom!!! It's those who reject his gift of salvation who will not be with him but seperated for all eternity from his love
It is crazy how many christians don't realized how insane is eternal torments. If they would only stop 10min and meditate on that, a bunch of them would deconverted by realising how unjust it is. I deconverted by realising that a would not wish this punishement even on the most cruel human being that ever existed.
@@Piziknator Their points still stand though. There is just absolutely no way to justify eternal torment, no matter how one tries to twist things. Especially since we're so short lived and simpleminded mortal beings who can change just as much in a couple years as we can in several, so literally just a few years of torment is already way more than enough to make a person good (assuming they haven't been driven crazy of course).
Thank you for this video!! I spent years in guilt and depression and realized just in my mid life that it all stemed from a false fear that many kids grow up with. Ive had to work very hard to "rewire" my brain to stop reacting to false fears. (eternal torment) and false hope (eternal paradise) You really helped me. Thank you znd please keep up the good work.
As another ex evangelical I truly appreciate your talks. I also could not reconcile a God of Love and a God of Fear and Revenge. There is something fundamentally evil about preaching Eternal Damnation
Being condemned to hell for eternity simply because you weren't sufficiently convinced of god's existence is not evidence for a loving god. In fact, it is the exact opposite.
Nah, you go to hell for your sins, not for knowing which God is the real one or if he exists. Also hell happens at the last day and you just die there.
@@NanuqoftheNorth if I was God and my children thinks I'm different, does that make me not God?...if you look at the moon with a telescope versus the naked eye, you will see different things but does that mean that you're wrong for describing what you see or that the moon is not the same moon your opponent is looking at?
I remember being like 8 or 9 and doubting it…. was “convinced” bc everyone else believed… god never spoke to me and I never felt the spirit like everyone else claimed to. Now that I’ve deconstructed… my original logic seems to be true I just think much deeper now and have much more critical thinking skills.
The word translated “hell” is probably Gehenna, a ravine outside the old city of Jerusalem. It was arguably considered to be an accursed place because human sacrifice was practiced there. So, in that sense, it is “real.” There is, however, no actual concept of eternal conscious torment indicated. That doctrine was developed later. Today, Gehenna is a very nice park in the city. (I kind of like thinking about that) So, our assumptions about what constitutes orthodox Christian beliefs have been shaped by theologians for over 2000 years, and those layers of interpretation are difficult, if not impossible, to peel away from our scriptures.
As Vivziepop put it… “If Hell is forever then Heaven must be a lie! If angels do whatever and remain in the sky! The rules are shades of grey when you don’t do as you say! When you make the wretched suffer just to kill them again!” The very concept, as it exists in Judeo-Christian mythology, is an expression of hypocrisy - ultimately it’s about obedience to arbitrary authority that does whatever it wants to or else face consequences that amount to eternal suffering and death.
i know multable athiest friends way before even poilot hazbin hotel existed that they don't like this "god" becuase of the fact hell is eternal torment or nihhillity and not a cosmic redeption so that idea must be way older than hazbin.
SAME, Hazbin is what I always thought about with that quote and how hypocritical it is. Was so hyped to see the show when it came out. My eldery ex christian mother has rewatched it about six times, it's a really good and fun show that takes the prospect of christian religion in a unique take.
Honestly, I think it’s concerning that the church celebrates the youngest mother. Especially since it’s usually a teenaged girl. We shouldn’t be celebrating children getting knocked up (usually, without wanting it).
That's fair! And I actually do think that at least one of those years was a teen mom. Though I can't remember if it's the year they stopped honoring mothers with roses, lol.
@@briobarb8525 That’s definitely too many. I think it’s inherently abusive to raise children in such a crowded environment where they have no privacy. Especially if one of those kids turns out to have some type of mental disability where they actually need alone time and quiet. I’m autistic, and I’m so glad I wasn’t raised in that environment. It would’ve been a living hell for me.
I recently heard you and Brandon talking on his Mindshift channel. I'm so thankful for that podcast and have subscribed to your channel to listen and learn more. I too have deconverted in the past several years. I wish I had been stronger back in my younger years, and questioned more instead of just going along with what I was taught by the church. My mom was duped and then me. I am angry about a lot of it. I'm trying not to be so angry about everything, but it's hard. Listening to you and others helps a lot. Thank you.
I think it's totally ok to be angry. Just be kind and patient with yourself. It's a tough journey, but you're not alone in it. Thanks for being here ☺️
As a serious young adult, raised in the church, I was allowed to attend a church Bible study that was usually reserved for the church's leaders. One study topic was on how to defend/explain the church's position that not only was a recently deceased, unbelieving, father going to burn in hell forever, he was in hell now. So his devout, believing, god-fearing family, a widow and two daughters, were devastated. It wasn't enough for the church leaders that this guy burn in hell forever, but forever had to start immediately. This absolutely unnecessary emotional cruelty forced upon this poor family helped me realize I had to put this nonsense behind me. I was out within a month, never looked back, couldn't be happier. I'm 62 now, and I can't imagine how much worse my life would have turned out if my indoctrination as a youth had managed to stick. Thank god. 🙂
Yep, if he died as you say, yep. Hell. I'm sure as the family matures, they will be more at peace with it. My grandfather was a heathen, and we all had to fly to British Columbia to say goodbye to him before he died, knowing we'd never see him again. My dad was the most affected, naturally. I don't believe that changes anything.
Psst. It doesn't go away just bc you don't agree with it. This is why Jesus said "there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth", and in another place, "wailing and gnashing of teeth" ... the weepers will be heartbroken wishing they had believed, and how close some of them were but just couldn't get over themselves... the wailers will be those who cannot stop howling at how unjust it is. The gnashers will be the God-haters, the ones giving God the double middle finger forevs.... And welp... none of it will change a thing. They will be there, and stay there, and they can do whatever they like. Meanwhile the redeemed, who are by grace spared what they deserve, will get on with the business of the new heaven and new earth.. and all of you are welcome at any time, to put away this vanity and be saved, from the fire.
georgelugenalt200, amen. That is correct! These people don’t like the idea of hell and quite frankly I’m not fond of it. However, I don’t like the idea of evolution where the dead stay dead. Whether one likes something or not doesn’t determine its validity. Jesus spoke twice as much about hell as he did heaven.
Kristi, thank you so much for the book recommendations. I finally began to shake the fear of hell after watching a video from Satan’s Guide to the Bible and I feel so empowered to learn more about the origins of a book that colored the first 18 years of my life. Your work is important ❤!!
I live in Maine, and I've figured out the average temperature of Hell. Here in Maime, if it gets below 30 degrees, it's "colder than Hell," and when it's above 90 degrees, it's " hotter than Hell." So, the average temperature of Hell is about 60 degrees!
Hello, Kristi. I think this topic is the most important and pivotal one regarding Christianity. I'm glad you are addressing it. I was born into the Catholic Church and it is all fear mongering and frightening people into submission. If the doctrine of Hell were not there, then I think the power the Church has would disappear and so would belief and attendance and membership. I think that you should write a book, Kristi. Because I wrote a PhD thesis I can offer a tip from my experience. My tip is to write a first draft by being very inclusive of ideas. Once you have a first draft, then read, reread, and improve the first draft as much as one can by keeping the better parts and dropping the not so good parts, by adding new ideas and better ideas that enter your head, and by being more concise and to the point. Then, rinse and repeat. I wrote about 10 drafts of my thesis and at the end my thesis was about half the size of the first draft and it was much better and concise than the first draft. I got my PhD from it. My supervisor described my thesis as "very beautiful" which is not to be expected in Mathematical Physics.
Mathematical Physics sounds soooooo interesting! I have taken Mathematical Economics (hence my username!). I am also registered to take Mathematical Statistics this term. I considered the possibility of taking Mathematical Physics at some point because it sounds so interesting. BUT...I have ultimately decided against it!
@@mathematicaleconomist4943 The name of the field of math I studied is a bit problematic. I call it Mathematical Physics because it is a bit like Theoretical Physics but different, in my opinion. My supervisor called the topic Statistical Mechanics which is probably the more correct term. It analyses physics using probability theory and statistical theory. I lost interest in it as soon as I got my PhD. I wasn't a good student, imo. I wa lucky to get my PhD.
@ionlyemergeafterdark YES. I have definitely heard of Statistical Mechanics (but don't know the finer details). I've just heard that it is an intrinsically difficult course. In my opinion, any PhD is scholarly (and prestigious!) - especially in a notoriously difficult discipline (like Physics!).
The Coptic Orthodox Church is likely the oldest Christian sect in the world. It predates the Catholic Church by hundreds of years, yet the idea of conscious eternal torture (hell) is oddly absent from their teachings. I wonder why... but not really.
The Coptic Christians probably found the Ancient Egyptian belief in traveling through the _Duat,_ the underworld or realm of the dead (which was filled with various trials, tests, and encounters with gods and monsters) fanciful and rejected it.
Lady Hell was not created for you or any believer in God, Jesus Christ went to the cross so we wouldn’t have to see Hell, and He gave us a choice a right choice and Wrong choice, he gave us free will to believe or not to believe, and people saying they couldn’t live knowing that there kid’s would be burning in hell. If you’re in Heaven you want know nothing about your kid’s in hell, Sounds like many have been given over to a strong delusion, Your true happiness your only happiness is in Jesus Christ THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!! If your scared of hell make sure you make the right decisions, We live by God’s will not our will. People believing this ignorance will be in hell, deny him today but be judged by him tomorrow. You will get a chance to find out if you was right or wrong. But what if you’re wrong?
It's not the responsibility of people to alleviate their parents' fear of them going to Hell. It's the responsibility of the parents to realize that a God that would send their children to Hell is an evil, fear-mongering torturer and not worth worshiping.
It's awkward to call being condemned to hell "punishment", because punishment implies a purpose, and the torments of hell have no purpose. It's just torture.
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I believe the common theory is that the people who go to heaven lose all memories of the people they loved that go to hell. In all honesty the depiction of heaven is “a place where believers go to get drugged up and hang out with God and sing and praise him for all eternity in a doped out stupor.” I’d rather go to hell than go to a place like that.
@@MidoriyamaRArekusu yeah, one of the ways we know “free will” is just special pleading in theodicy is how quickly it gets abandoned to resolve problems like this. I mean, if it’s right and normal for God to selectively lobotomize the heaven-bound so that they can be happy, then what is the impediment to using that power to avert suffering and other evil while people are alive?
1. I don't want heaven. If hell is where there is suffering, I'm needed there. 2. Eternal bliss cannot exist if I'm aware others are suffering. 3. If God knows all, she knows where I'm going the moment I'm born and my life on earth is only a small fraction of my existence, so why would a good and just God allow that? 4. Eternal torture is impossible. If you burn for a month, suddenly burning is the default and it's no longer agony, it's just existence. Ask anyone with tinnitus how often they notice the loud ringing. 5. I think the heaven/hell concessions makes Christians bad people due to their bad logic. Paradise being absent people and worshipping a god that allows eternal suffering is disgusting. It's weird/gross behavior and I hold no space for such behavior.
Kristi, I'm so sorry that that church did that to you for that "Mother's Day" thing...that's so awful of them. I've also experienced being strongly preached at directly for me alone, where I also wanted to get up and leave, but stayed my ground, determined not to let him win. So so glad not to be under the thumb of the church and its crazy ways any longer.
Hell is a human construct designed to enforce compliance. Satan is a human construct created to avoid personal responsibility for horrible decisions made with free will.
@@SuperPatrick777read the wrinkles on my nuts carefully as they swing across your face like a grandfather clock. Of course the Bible talks about Pagans. Paganism existed long before Christianity and the Catholic Church stole a shit ton of traditions and rituals from Paganism and called them their own. My favorite part of the Bible is when it acknowledges the power of rituals but just calls them evil without valid reason.
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From listening to you and other people, I feel fortunate that I rejected religion, all religions, when I was a child. I saved myself a lot of self-torture, but I suffered the ridicule of others all my life.
As a former seventh day Adventist, we were taught annihilation. But you're right. The Bible is all over the place when it comes to this subject. A case can be made for annihilation or eternal torment.
@SuperPatrick777 Sodom and Gomorrah suffered the vengeance of eternal fire. But yet we don't see Sodom and Gomorrah burning today. The effects of the fire are eternal. Of course, I can turn around and say some will go to shame and everlasting contempt to prove your case. What's clear to me is that the book is all over the place.
As an atheist who was never a believer, I really appreciate your videos, especially those in longer formats like this, where you have the time to develop more complex themes to the fullest of your experience. Thanks.
@jezebelvibes Personally...I think you should make both long and shorter. Do not stop doing long ones (for sure!). But providing at least the occasional short one would probably be a good strategy as well (even if most were made long). There are more options that way!
@@jezebelvibes I know I must be in the minority, since shorts are so prevalent now. I am very partial to longer, denser content, and you bring me a perspective and a life experience I've never had, which IMO translates better into longer formats such as this. But it's your channel, and people here like different things, so the variety will appease most =)
@@chapmaned24 hey there, little guy, it’s okay to be a a bit confused. Abuse (verb)1: use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse. 2: treat with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly. There are different definitions of the word and varying ways that it can cause harm, namely physically, emotionally, psychologically or se*ually. Now let’s circle back to how religion can be abusive/ result in abuse: To repeatedly threaten a child with eternal pain, suffering and punishment as a means to keep them obedient is cruel and can cause emotional and psychological harm. To repeatedly instil guilt and shame into a child for sins that they are “born into”, as dictated by religion, is cruel and can cause emotional and physical harm. To repeatedly use corporal punishment on a child, as dictated by the bible, is cruel, violent and can cause physical, emotional and psychological harm. These are only a few examples of how religion is abusive/ can result in abuse, but if you need a little more help to understand the concept, I’d be happy to clear things up!
@@chapmaned24 like I said, abuse can come in varying forms! One form does not negate the other! In fact, abuse sometimes results in victims thereof perpetuating the cycle and victimising others. In your case, you might be using religion to perpetuate the abuse that you’ve suffered from your mother🤔 but don’t worry! Once you’ve recognised that within yourself, you can begin to fully heal and stop minimising how others suffer due to religious abuse! If you feel some satisfaction in telling others they are going to hell, or that they do not know suffering like you do (even though you have no understanding of the extent at which they’ve been mistreated), you might want to look into that a little bit and try to start practicing empathy! If you do not understand what empathy means, you can ask and I will be happy to clarify!
@@chapmaned24 not quite! But I can understand that your stubborn mindset and defensive perspective is rooted in your trauma. Empathy (noun): the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Enable (verb): give (someone) the authority or means to do something; make it possible for. Unfortunately, you are misguided in thinking that wanting empathy boils down to narcissism. NarcIssism (psychology): selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration, as characterizing a personality type. Honestly, I know that you refuse to consider my replies in earnest, as you find comfort in the sense of moral and existential security that your religion gives you. I do hope you find a way to let go of that strange sense of righteousness and entitlement that encourages you to look down on others, while secretly reserving some pity for yourself deep in the back of your heart.
This and the 5 Bible Passages video of yours are exactly the same way I fell out of the Christian faith. As a Southern Baptist, we all had Bibles, but I don't think I knew anyone who actually read it cover-to-cover. There was an expectation to let our paster decide what we learned each week. Every sermon was curated in a way that it only really covered certain aspects. I took Intro to Humanities in college and learned that the Golden Rule is found in some form in nearly every religion and it inspired me to read the Bible cover-to-cover for the first time. I learned that the version of God in the Bible did not live up to my expectations. This was a wrathful, jealous God who demanded humans commit sin in his name. He approved of spirits lying to get his way. He demanded people steal, kill, and enjoy the spoils of war (women, children) for him; which count as sins encompassing nearly half the 10 commandments. He treats his creations like a child treats their toys...or like a tyrant treats his subjects. The final straw was a pastor said 'Wouldn't you rather believe and go to heaven than not believe and go to hell?' That is faith by fear, not faith by love. When I asked the pastor 'There's a difference between having faith and wanting to have faith. If God is all-knowing, then won't he knew what is truly in your heart?'. He did not like this line of questioning. If the Bible was the word of God, then it wouldn't be up for interpretation. We wouldn't have three wildly different religions all based on the same text and there would be no contradictions. The rules in it would also not be inconvenient at best or or morally reprehensible at worst to practice in modern society. And we certainly wouldn't live in a world where 'chance' is the determining factor on whether you live in the right place to believe in the right religion or you don't (and go to hell). At some point years later, I started watching George Carlin and learned to be a skeptic. I see myself as a hopeful agnostic and want to be proven wrong, but it's going to take more than fear and scripture.
I am an ex evangelical Christian too. 57 years old and it is still haunting me. i was born again at 7, fear of ging to hell, spent my teens in a state of utter depression crying for school mates going to hell because they were not saved.
I wish I was afraid of hell,I would have made better decisions....now I'm not even sure I'll make it to heaven but I'm definitely not hell material. Hopefully they got a short bus in heaven....
@@MartReaX logically, naturally, you would be fearful. It's like a human encountering an ant only a million times scarier. Know your place. I'm sure your boss can exert fear over you and he's only a man ...
@@danhtran6401 Well that’s because you’re scared of his authority, you’re not scared of your boss because he’s a man, you’re scared because of what he can do with his power if you act out of character. You know if you did what your boss asked, you wouldn’t lose your job. You may even be promoted, but you’re scared that if you sin, or mess up, what will happen. I’m here to tell you. If you happen to mess up, and especially if you tell your boss, you messed up, he won’t fire you, you can only quit, and it seems you quit because you thought your boss was going to fire you. In a way, since that’s something I see you’re more familiar with, you can compare this to God. I hope you see the connections I made. You’re scared to be caught messing up so you quit, instead of just doing the job right, or asking the boss how can you do it right, or the best you could. Instead you asked employees and listened to employees, and someone said they don’t care about the boss and you agreed. I encourage you to look up a video “what does it mean to fear God?” And hopefully this will help you understand more. It’s not saying be afraid he is going to kill you, it’s saying be afraid that if you step out of line stuff can get ugly. If you read your Bible, you will see that sinners make it to heaven all the time and you can’t make it to heaven simply off of good works. You make it heaven by believing in Christ. That’s it, he’s the only religion you don’t have to work to reach a peace state, you just declare you believe Jesus died for your sin and you’re in. So “living up to Gods standards,” is a myth you heard from cruel Christians that misinterpreted the Bible. You have to put that aside and find your relationship with God, come to Him as you are. I used to have a chronic masturbation problem and used to pray before and after I did it, and now I no longer have the problem. I agree that maybe I could have stopped without religion, sure; but what I’m saying is. I didn’t run from GOD because I was scared I wasn’t going to make it to heaven. I ran towards him and wanted to find out why I felt bad doing these things. Idk bro, I feel like we should talk more. I love you homie and I hope you find a true relationship with Christ, and not just the Christian.
Carl Sagan, Christopher Hitchens, Ricky Gervais, , Brian Greene ,Stephen Fry and George Carlin are all a must read or must watch if one wants to get out .
@@stevepowsinger733 Yes I should have included Dawkins and Sam Harris but it was late when I commented so that slipped my mind My brain was foggy because I was tired ,thanks .
@@chapmaned24 That's just brilliant. No I'm actually being sarcastic. You didn't do anything to further your argument except try to frighten people which is exactly what your cruel, vengeful, bloodthirsty, sadistic, manicial and sociopathic God would do .
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I could never imagine rejoicing in heaven while my loved ones burned.
Me neither :( I'm not a parent, but I could never serve a god that would separate me from my own child and torture them eternally. It's discouraging that so many parents don't feel this way.
Honestly if someone is ok with the idea of their loved one burning in hell at all I’d question how much they truly love that person.
@@Savannah_Simpsonseriously. Heaven would be hell anyway.
Hell, aka winter, is the cold place. Rev 9.5, calls it five months that can harm man, but not kill.
@@harveywabbit9541oh well I guess that's fine, right?
I can't even talk to my mom anymore because she thinks I'm going to hell
I'm sorry to hear that :( it's unfortunate how often these ideologies cause division between loved ones. Best wishes to you
@tylercobb1993, A thought, what if you agreed with your mom for a minute (hear me out), then said "Mom I will suffer for all eternity. Can you allow the time before such suffering begins to be free of judgement and torment?" The Bible says "Judge not, lest ye be judged." That is my advice (I've used as an Atheist).
@@Reason1717But think about it from Mum's perspective: while there is life, there is hope. She's desperately trying to save her baby from eternal torment. This is why Christian parents, if they truly believe in the Bible, cannot simply tolerate differences in faith.
I think that it's nonsense, but that's where she's coming from.
@@Charlotte_Martel , I see your point an like that you took the mothers perspective. That type of thinking is helpful and productive Charlotte. So I would add a quote: No matter how flat you make a pancake there is always two sides.
And it seems the other side (in this case) is invalid. The best way to win the other side over is with a sound logical argument. But of course "faith" and Hebrew tall tales don't make for a sound argument. So her mom can not use logic or reason, only an appeal to faith. Knowing what you Charlotte wrote "it's nonsense" it would seem we do agree. But I like your post here. Peace and health to you :)
@@Reason1717Thank you for listening and analysing my point. I write it because, for about a decade, there were religious family members of mine who I avoided because I didn't want to hear the preaching rubbish. I felt disrespected and that they were shoving their beliefs down my throat (which they were on the last point, tbh).
However, my brother recently died at a very young age, and we all met again. I realised that life is too short to cut people out of your life who love you and mean well, even if they're delusional and push their delusions on to you. So I compartmentalise my religious relatives, avoid the subject, and if pushed, ask them for evidence for their beliefs besides the Bible. It forces them to actually think and often causes them to back off of the subject while not insulting them or harming the relationship. Peace be to you as well.
I think Seneca said it best: “Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.”
Nothing new under the Sun.
What's amazing is how religion has persisted --- even expanded --- in the US since the days of Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, James Madison, John Adams, Thomas Paine, who have been touted as "Devout Christians" by Conservatives, Republicans, Deep Southerners.
Absolutely correct
“ Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet. Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.” -Napoleon Bonaparte.
Omg so true
Thank you SO MUCH for this video and your whole channel. I am currently on the journey to leave Christianity since I can't sincerely say I stand by the horrible things that are stated in the bible, and all the other things you have discussed in your videos. It has really helped me since my whole family is Christians and they would go BEZERK if they found out I'm not part of it anymore. I still struggle a lot with the fear of hell and God punishing me, and it's so difficult. I was taught from a young age to be terrified of hell, like 4 years old and my whole upbringing. But this really helps
I read "A Short Stay in Hell" by Steven Peck and it convinced me there was no way hell existed, even while I was still a Christian. The concept of infinite torture as just in response to finite sin is dismissable on its face. It's too cruel. It's the single most evil concept ever thought up.
Their response is that it's a "crime against an infinite being" therefore deserves infinite punishment. However, that doesn't even make sense considering that God will eventually get over whatever transgression was made against him.
To quote Tilda van der Meer, "You'll forgive me in a few centuries"
This is not a place designed for humans, but for the fallen angels led by lucifer who knew God but wanted worship for himself. He has a.claim on the people following him, despite God giving them a way out through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Well, but Satan is evil and likes evil stuff. Why on hell would he punish a good servant? And if Hell is the opposite of Heaven, wouldn't be suffering a pleasure in Hell?
@@hhistertheosis What makes Satan evil?
@hhistertheosis that's not the point.
The key thing is Satan hates God for the punishment given to him, BUT he cannot harm God as God is infinitely more powerful than satan. However, the Bible says we (humans) are.created in the image of God. So satan hurts us which causes pain to God.
That's why the Word of God that created the whole universe took the form of a human, paid the price for your sins and mine - so anyone who accepts Jesus as his savior (guarantor in our modern terminology), their sins are added to the sacrifice of Jesus. So, satan does not have any claim on the person.
Remember God while being merciful is also Just, He would honor the choice you made ..either to choose him or not (I.e. choosing the devil) thereby the consequence is yours.
Threatening children with hell is awful psychological abuse. This stuff leaves scars, sometimes for life.
It should be illegal.
It gave me PTSD & Borderline personality disorder (The most painful mental illness) I absolutely hate Christianity!!!!!!!!
I grew up going to "christian schools" and most of them were hosted by a "4 square" church. It took a long time for me to stop "doubting my salvation" it was absolutely abuse. Leaving a 9 year old in fear that they may have slipped and going to hell, constantly panicked that they did something wrong... abuse.
Yup. Catholic School since kindergarten, learned about hell in 2nd grade in preparation for 1st Communion (age 7 or 8!). Trauma for many decades.
Not only that, but graphically illustrating the betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus should be Rated R, and not told or shown to anyone below 18, or anyone who would find it disturbing and upsetting for that matter.
Im a born and raised christian, im a pastor daughter, and lately I stared having my questions about god, hell, the bible and the only answer i was getting was "you dont have enough faith" "you need to pray more". I stared watching your videos and I love them, so far every video I watch you have an answer to my questions
I'm sorry you're getting such negative feedback from the people in your life. It can be a really scary journey, especially as a pastor's daughter! I hope you find all of the peace, freedom and authenticity you deserve. I'm rooting for you!
@@jezebelvibes Thank you. for somebody like me a pastor daughter and being born in christianity, I never thought ill be having this questions, and everything you talk on your videos it makes so much sense now. where can I message you I have so much to ask you if you dont mind
Finding answers to your questions is not the difficult part, it's the accepting of what you find as true that is difficult.
@@downenout8705 yes this is confussing but i wanna know more
@@annikaoropeza986 Ask me any intellectually honest question that you might have and I will be happy to give you an intellectually honest answer.
I hope that an afterlife full of ❤ love, joy, and peace awaits all those who desire it regardless of whether or not they believe in a higher power.
That's a really kind-hearted hope
The only way to get all that is through Christ Yashaya. Whom the world ignorantly calls Jesus. But can't be half way in. Either you're in or out with God
@@cezz1105Yes, according to Christianity.
@@cezz1105 The _only_ way? What about the Egyptian Osiris, Horus; Babylonian Tammuz and Inanna; Hindu Krishna; Greek Adonis, Dionysus, Orpheus, Heracles; Roman Romulus; and especially the Iranian-Roman Mithras . . . whose narratives Jesus and, or early Christians stole and appropriated from. The only thing missing from the others is the Zoroastrian Dualistic elements, "The House of Songs" (Heaven) and "The House of Lies" (Hell).
@user-lvqk2wdp8sjn what does a bunch of Greek gods have to do with this?
Once you realize that no matter what religion you're in, you're going to go to someone else's religion's hell, it's all nonsense and it makes it easier to get over that fear
I'm astounded at the farcical notion that a deity has any relationship to a believer. Men have always known God as a tool of fiction, propaganda, & rhetoric.
The Christ fantasy ignores Jesus saying, "This is a wicked generation seeking signs, the only sign given is Jonah," a believer murdered by a larger number of believers. The King of the Jews is mounted on a stick, because Romans made a parody of the avatar, the icon. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13
How can you possibly take faith seriously? How can anyone in their right mind ask others to believe in the existence of a Deity who makes Mormons so Christians will know how Jews feel, having had their literature hijacked. Nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital & indoctrinating children is criminal. The faith vocabulary causes the user to be avoided like the old woman with too many cats. Faith "comes not with peace, but sword." Faith comes with wolves dressed as sheep & preaching to the choir. Faith trades the last cow for a pocketful of magic beans & then expects everyone's appreciation. It is by Faith,
Moses becomes the worst navigator in history. Jesus said, it is a wicked generations which seeks signs such as resurrection. Faith is as worthless as fantasyland magic, since you can't tell mountains to move. The "only sign given" in reality "is Jonah": A believer murdered by other believers because he is outnumbered. The context is Jesus seeing a gathering crowd, so it is up to us, to reject religious nonsense, nothing fails like prayers in a children's hospital. Believers have no sense of responsibility, or standards. Theologians grant each other doctorates, as if, equal to a science. It is a, have it both ways world, for the believers.
It is an authoritarian, fascist world which says: "My sheep hear My voice".
1 Corinthians 9
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
@WhoWellOk Fear. Yeah, exactly how they get ya.
Satan, the leader of Hell (Sheol), is the constellation of the scorpion. You needn't fear this group of stars. It's the Satan behind the pulpit that you should watch out for.
@@edm-london1660 I was a catholic and I've never heard anything like what you just said, maybe it's some new stuff...
@@edm-london1660 As I said: I was catholic and I've never heard this bullshit about being saved without believing in Jesus. At catechism the teachers were very clear on the fact that you can be the literal Superman in your life but if you're not baptized or reject Jesus, Hell is your final destiny.
These informations are coming from the late 90's/early 2000's, so... yeah, it might be outdated stuff.
At first I was, it was in fact the last thing I could let go of. Not love, not community, but fear. That was the longest lasting impression I had of my faith. Says a lot about it
Fear based beliefs are some of the hardest to overcome. It's a very powerful tool. I hope you've found a lot of peace, freedom and healing
@@edm-london1660 Nope, fear does not equal love, period. If someone has to make you afraid enough to want to stay in line, that's less love and more just flat abuse.
Because a truly loving individual wouldn't really be willing to destroy you for stepping out of line.
Fear is a part of your intelligence. It's a protection mechanism there to warn you of danger. Perhaps, as long there's fun to be had, you don't mind opening yourself up to psychological distress, or contracting diseases which will kill you eventually. That's stupidity, not a lack of fear.
@@artstation707 And some fears are actually completely irrational, like ones pertaining to shapes or numbers. Some people even have phobias of butterflies and puppies, as psychology is just strange like that.
I mean, I get that some phobias have started from life events, but there's still some that are completely weird 'n unexplainable, so it's often really more just people's minds being weird more than anything.
once you've heard it it's hard to unhear it. anything that someone suggests - there is a mouse in your house somewhere - will give you the jitters, even when you're sure it's a lie.
First.. always enjoy your videos. Tormenting childern with the fires of hell is child abuse.
Kristi is not completely getting it. Admission to “hell” eliminates the risk of interaction between decent viable souls and inalterable criminals. Diminishing entropy will occur. This introduces longevity and eventually immortality. We can’t have the incurably wicked communicating under such conditions. Only one “place” can ensure this protection. Torment is thus an unavoidable outcome.
@benjaminollis7621 discipline is correcting bad habits and must be done.. Tormenting anyone ,much less kids has nothing to do with discipline . It disturbes anyones mind with a deep fear that can carry over for a lifetime. It is emotionally damaging.
@benjaminollis7621 You think children deserve to burn in hell because they made a mistake? How about disciplining them by taking something away, making them work for what they have and teach them how and why it's wrong, hellfire really? For children? You sound like a dem0n actually, wtf....the fact that people like you are freely walking around planet earth is why I KNOW ev!l i real, it's YOU.
The Bible Teaches Jesus loves all little children.
It doesn't speak of sending children to hell
Only people who HURT LITTLE CHILDREN
Better to tie a Milstone around your neck than to hurt a child
@@sunnydee5998 I'm glad if you have that belief, but it depends which part of the Bible you're reading. Jesus also said that his followers should abandon their families and follow him. And god's rules he said he is here to confirm involve a heck of a lot of hurting little children, Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Joshua are only a few places where you'll find god-mandated torture and killing and rape of children. This is why I do not consider that god to be good. "Better to tie a millstone around your neck than to hurt a child."
I don’t think you understand juuuust how useful your exposition is….thank you so very much!
It took me about 10 years to get past the threat of hell in my own mind. Excellent video.
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I grew up in a Christian family. I never accepted what my parents and family believed. My grandfather was a pastor and my parents were gospel singers. I was told on my life I was going to hell. I didn’t accept the beliefs because they didn’t seem right to me. so for a long time I feared hell and dying. It’s just been in the last few years that I’ve accepted. There is no hell that I had to fear. I’m now 60 and look back and think of the waste of time. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your channel.
Overcoming that fear is incredibly difficult. Happy you found your way out
I am so glad for you ❤ sending you love and healing
@@edm-london1660
Why would anyone fear something that has never once ever been demonstrated to exist in reality except as an idea in people's heads?
@@edm-london1660that still doesn’t answer the question why we should even believe to begin with?
@edm-london1660 I disagree. Fear of tangible things (like jail, ostracized from your community etc) are more than enough.
I'd encourage you to attend to some social studies classes.
If otoh you want ppl to fear even their intrusive thoughts then sure , religion is the way to go.
Traumatizing ppl in order to fully control them 👏
i was always so scared of hell when i was christian, but as i learned more and found stuff out myself, it's so easy to let go of that feeling and let everything fall away. thank you for your videos, kristi
I'm really happy to know you've been able to let go of that fear. It's a really difficult fear to overcome for many people.
@@jezebelvibes I think, even in the bible, it says that souls are permanently destroyed in hell fire (which takes seconds or minutes). The permanent punishment is the utter destruction of your essence (body and soul). I am not sure it says anything about eternal punishing (as opposed to the punishMENT of eternal death with no possibility of coming back). So, I think people might be misinterpreting what the bible actually says. Please carefully re-read all the relevant bible verses about hell.
@@scholarlyanalyst7700 Not gonna lie, that just makes hell sound more appealing tbh. Cause instead of being stuck endlessly praising some being while stuck around a ton of conservatives 'n old people, you simply just get to fade away and never have to think about things ever again.
@@norrecvizharan1177 More appealing than the bible's concept of heaven. That's a very interesting perspective on it! Thanks for your input/insight! You might want to watch the Twilight Zone episode of Heaven and Hell (Title of show = "Nice Place to Visit").
@@scholarlyanalyst7700
Regardless, it's a moot point considering that there is absolutely ZERO evidence for the existence of souls much less that they're something that lives on after death.
Kristi thank you. I’ve only just broken free from the cult mindset this year, it’s basically been an existential crisis for me, seeing just how lied to I was my whole life, and finally I’m getting past this fear of hell but it’s gonna take time before I’m restored. But you help me and I thank you for that.
Sounds like such a loving religion: “One day these children would be screaming from the pits of hell, having the ravens pluck their eyes out while their parents were rejoicing in heaven in eternal bliss.” It’s so obviously a scare tactic and very cultish.
The Raven is a constellation of stars called Corvus. The eyes plucked out are stars in the Serpens constellation.
@benjaminollis7621 It's easier to put a camel through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to go to heaven. I don't like talking religious quotes very much because I am a devout athiest godless heathen sinner
Exactly why I as a child, looking at the world with a child’s mind, was able to see through the fallacy of religion.
@@macman1138Yeah, once we start questioning at least a thing about religion we're born with, everything crumbles (I was born a Muslim)
@@macman1138 I was lucky too as a child . My father never mentioned religion, God or Jesus ever and never went to church .I don't think we even had a Bible in the house . Mother took me and my sisters to church until I was twelve and then we all stopped going and I never asked my mother why . Mother started going to church again after the kids moved out but she seldom spoke about religion to us .
Kristi your videos have been life-changing for me. I used to work in a church, went to a christian college and was on a path to be an evangelical pastor or missionary.
I walked away from it all a couple years ago after multiple bad experiences and have not been back to church since. I’ve spent much time deconstructing my former faith while working through religious trauma.
The concept of hell has been the most difficult issue for me to work through, and your videos (especially this one) have been tremendous for my mental health and overall well-being.
Seriously, you’re doing incredible work for people like you and I. Thank you!
This brings me so much purpose! I'm really happy you found your way out
Northern California
Trinity National Forest
Town of McCloud 🌤️☁️👼
City of Paradise
City of Man-teca😐
City of Firebaugh 🔥
Death Valley🔥
Los Angeles Lakers
Southern California 🔥🥵😡👹👺
Back in college when arguing religion I'd argue about hell til they said I was a fool, then I'd remind them that Matthew 2:22 says that anybody that calls anybody a fool is going to hell. Thats an awful lot of people.
Christians are very good at ignoring the Bible and Jesus when it applies to their own behaviour, but are very strict when it comes to applying what the Bible and Jesus said to others!
Then that makes your god the most evil entity.
Northern California
Trinity National Forest
Town of McCloud 🌤️☁️👼
City of Paradise
City of Man-teca😐
City of Firebaugh 🔥
Death Valley🔥
Los Angeles Lakers
Southern California 🔥🥵😡👹👺
I LOVE it when peoples brains operate like this, rationally and logically! Such a breath of fresh air.
The moment one believes in Hell, Demons & Devils. One becomes enslaved by the fear it creates. 'Believe or ELSE,' I choose else, and not believe at all.
@@Jeanettesboxingchannel 'Shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?' Amos 3 6
'I create darkness and create evil, I the LORD do all these things!' Isaiah 45 7
'I will bring evil upon this people, even of their thoughts!' Jeremiah 6 19
'I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD!' Jeremiah 45 5 @samuel8354
@@Jeanettesboxingchannel Nonsense! "Heaven" and "Hell" are just the "Carrot" and the "Stick" in what is probably the oldest mind-control technique in human history... religion! Fairy-tales to frighten children into obedience! A truly civilized society wouldn't need them.
@@Jeanettesboxingchannel I once read that only 6% of people calling themselves Christian are _truly_ Christian - which means that 94% of those who think they're saved are really going to hell! Consequently, at least 95% of all people ever born will be suffering for ever if hell is eternal conscious torment! Since, statistically, you're very likely going to hell too you can tell me there if you think your fate was justified!
Btw, I don't believe in God or hell and I don't have the slightest inkling whatsoever to harm anyone in anyway! If it was up to me the whole human race would be in heaven right now!
Go to your local Wal-mart and purchase a Ouija board, then fuc* around and found out. Nothing will occur because demons hell and devils don't exist.😁
@@richgannon6897 I'm sending a flock of demons to your place. They'll appear in your room next time you go to sleep. Enjoy
Well said. I teach my children when someone tries to use shame or guilt to make you do or believe something, that is a tool a narcissist or dishonest person often uses. Using fear instead of reason! Critical thinking should be taught in school.
Your children are very lucky to have you!
Shame and guilt are natural forms of introspection. You leave yourself open to harm, or to being harmful, if you suppress them.
@@artstation707 Shame and guilt are natural forms of introspection. - Except when they are pushed on you from a religion where shame and guilt are declared to be fundamental feelings you should feel about yourself.
Artstation, you keep saying in the comments that a little bit of bad feelings including guilt fear and shame are good. Except, your religion teaches that those are fundamental feelings that should be felt due to original sin and hell.
That's toxicity.
@@NaNlinear If someone tells you to feel guilty about something you never did, you should ignore them. It doesn't matter if he's dressed as a priest. Christ said MANY would come falsely in his name. He did not say all.
Also, if you are going to report what I say, quote me directly. I never said a little bit of these things are good. They're not good. They're meant to protect you from harm, and from harming others.
@@artstation707 "If someone tells you to feel guilty about something you never did" - They did! Christianity taught me that one of my mythological ancestors offended a god and now I'm supposed to be repentant.
"quote me directly." - Ok, here you go:
- If people have no guilt, shame, or fear, how can they control themselves?
The part about punishment hits well. It almost feels like many Christians get off on condemning to hell.
they relish the idea that even other christians will be burning, most i think picture heaven as just them and god swilling brewskies and watching everyone else burn.
They 100% do. They will always of course deny it, but they definitely get a sense of pleasure from doing it when you go against their beliefs.
@@bobyoung3857 There are definitely self righteous Christians who do but not all do. Jesus said He didn't come to condemn the world but to save it. And those who follow Jesus should not condemn anyone but only point to the One who can save them from sins. It's supposed to be a message of love. God died for you. Unfortunately, self righteous Christians push people away from Jesus by condemning them.
There are some theologians who say that those in heaven will enjoy the horror movie of hell:
“The sight of those tormented in hell will exalt the happiness of the saints in heaven” Jonathan Edwards
Not true . Some Christian could be more extra about God.
Thank you. I'm a recovering evangelical Christian. I was raised by pentecostal parents and my whole world view was shaped by growing up being taught the bible was to be taken literally as the inerrant word of the creator. It truly takes guts to ask these questions out loud. I don't claim for a second to know what is going on or why.
People often say, “I’m not hurting anyone so it’s ok to sin (lying, stealing, sexual sins, disrespecting parents etc)” The same God who said to love your neighbour first said to love Him to the best of your ability. If you carry on sinning, then you do not love God but are selfish like the devil so you will be joined to your father in hell or repent of your sins and believe in Jesus as God so Jesus adopts you as His child and you will join Him in Heaven forever.
But do your best or soon the USA will be Evangelical hell, if you live there!
@@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363 First, no one says that lying, stealing or disrespecting parents is not hurting anyone. Those things clearly can hurt people. I'd have to know how you define "sexual sins" before saying if that is hurting anyone. In any case, I can refrain from lying and stealing without caring about God's opinions on the matter. The rest of your argument just boils down to "Love God because God said you have to. Don't love him because he's especially lovable, but because he will punish you if you don't." If a person ever approached you and said "Love me or I'll hurt you.", would you respond positively? If you wouldn't accept that from a person, why would you accept it from God?
@@fredglazer2913 WHY PEOPLE GO TO HELL
People DON’T GO TO hell for their lack of Belief in Jesus (unfortunately there are people who have never heard of Jesus, however God preaches to them through creation so they are without excuse). People GO TO Hell for their sins. Why? Because God is Holy & hates Sin.Heaven and Hell are eternal because time will cease to exist.
Jesus is the ONLY way out of Hell (eternal solitary confinement). But you must Repent (change from wickedness to Holiness) and Believe in Jesus to be forgiven otherwise you will end up you know where. (Romans 6:23): "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
@@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363 Wow, that sounds really enticing, but I'll pass. Just wondering, has this pitch of yours ever succeeded in converting anyone? It just seems a bit negative and off-putting to me.
There’s no concept of Heaven and Hell in the original Hebrew Bible. All people, good and evil went to Sheol, which wasn’t really a place of punishment or reward, but a state of nothingness.
@WhoWellOk Oh? Then explain.
You claim to have proof of Hell, and yet you don't try to prove it because you use the rude statement that "ex-Christians can never understand." Either you don't actually know and you're being a contrarian, or you just don't want your beliefs challenged.
Don't believe that, but that's what people want to believe. God is honest with us, that's why Jesus died so we could be saved from hell. He didn't die in vain.
It’s been changed so much it’s unreliable.
@@robbyroba But it didn’t stop him or her from visiting this site and making a comment in the first place.
I used to pray that God would save Satan from hell when I was made to pray in front of others as a child. I actually wanted God to save Satan. They definitely hated that and shamed me for it! I remember thinking if God loves everyone then God must also love Satan too!
No being should torture any other being. Period.
@@zigzag-xx2yd if god saved satan, satan would not be whispering to every person's ear to do bad things and we live happily ever after. haha what a great analogy.
this is cute
God actually created Satan as an adversary to test our faith. Jesus was tempted by Satan.
Christianity needs it's boogie man
This is healing to hear. I'm with you 110%. Hell is the only reason Christianity has stayed around so long, and there are endless victims.
That's not true. Sorry.
Sorry no Hell is a lie it’s not Christian at all not in the Bible and an attack by darkness to drive people away from the truth.
@@br.m It may not be entirely true, but it's certainly a significant part of the picture-- until the idea of Hell is taken out of the Bible, it's a part of the religion. And no one has taken it out. And many preach on it, or refer to it obliquely.
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Yep, the devil is the best friend the church ever had. He has kept it in business all this time.
What are the most primal human fears? Rejection, fire, being eaten by something. The idea of hell weaponises them all.
i grew up in a religious background very similar to yours. i was 15 when i started doubting, I'm 70 now and have enjoyed 55 years of not wasting my time being falsely led by lies. I'm so thankful for you, trying to deconstruct religious beliefs and give people an alternative. Keep up the good work! And I think your beautiful!
People love to say... Why would a loving God put me in hell for eternal torture? The answer to that is: What Satan and his followers had planned for God and his followers if their mutiny were successful... THE SAME THINGS THEY HAD PLANNED FOR GOD AND HIS FOLLOWERS WILL NOW HAPPEN TO SATAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS. These foolish people have no idea the depth of evil inside Satan. Their mind cannot comprehend the level of evil yet they post these deconstruct videos playing right into Satan's hand.
All you're seeing are people who thought they could fool God. And when they finally figured out they couldn't....here comes the deconstruct videos.
@@chapmaned24 Your comment is really hostile; where "the hell" are you coming from? Alternatively you could have said to @predator: 'Can you give me an example of the lies you mentioned'? That's how you challenge someone politely. Courtesy goes a long way, even in RUclips comments.
@@chapmaned24 Wow, really? How does a theist determine that sarcasm and snark are harmless? Just because it's all too common in RUclips discourse? How does an atheist determine what a lie is? Duh. same way a non-atheists does: whether it corresponds to factual reality.
Once again a presumed Christian misrepresents the definition of atheism. Atheism is a lack of belief in God, not an assertion that there is no god. 'A': from the Latin 'away from 'theism', get it? The atheist doesn't have to "prove" anything because he hasn't asserted anything. If I say dogmatically that there is no God, then of course I have to prove it. But the atheist is not saying that; he is simply saying he has no belief in God.
The theist on the other hand have a burden of proof because he has asserted that God exists. Do you get it now? And have you tried asking the original poster to explain what lies he's referring to? Please do so before making accusations of lying.
@@chapmaned24 The Christian notion in Hell must exist. After all, the Ancient Egyptians (Zuat), Zoroastrians (House of Lies) and Greeks (Tartarus) believed in it as well, though Judaism largely rejects it
Yeah lovely isn't she satan appearing as the angle of light .
1:48 The parents would be in eternal bliss, implying they are unaware or unaffected by their kids’ suffering in Hell. Sounds like heaven takes something fundamental out of your very being. That’s horrifying.
Incredibly horrifying. I can't think of a worse thing to tell people.
Sounds like fentanyl. Strange. Not fun.
It's one of the biggest arguments against their weak "free will" nonsense. The biggest is that free will is not a biblical concept because it would have been a foreign concept to most people in that area that we're Greek/Roman
I very much appreciate your videos and your insights. I am sorry that happened to you. I had a similar situation many years ago, but I did get up and walk out during the sermon. Some of my people have never spoken to me since. Follow your heart and convictions. Thank you and best wishes.
Kudos for walking out. I wish I had!
As someone who grew up Christian outside North America I’ve never understood the obsession with hell and eternal damnation with a lot of churches out here. That was never the point of becoming a Christian or practising Christian faith.
Same. It's way milder and not so superstitious in other places.
Christian in Germany: Love your neighbour and read the sermon of the mount.
Christian in the USA: Eternal hellfire and the rapture is near!
It really bugged me out as a kid when I started to notice these christian themes in American media, because it is such a far cry to what I learned in catholic religious studies in school or even at the church itself. Keep in mind, the catholic church in Germany is not progressive either, yet they still manage to put humanitarian mindset at the forefront of their preaching and don't obsess with, what we would consider here, medieval magical thinking.
What is the point of it? Lol 😂
@@CelestialWoodway the two biggest commandments. Everything else will follow accordingly but their obsession of the future instead of the present is bewildering
@@VerryJerry90 It MUST be a very great concern for everyone . . . *2-John 1:7* "Deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh is the _Antichrist."_
*1-John 2:22* “Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ, such a person is the _Antichrist"_
*Revelation: 20.11* "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
*Revelation 20:15* "Anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life he was thrown into the lake of fire."
@@VerryJerry90 But hey, it sure is a great advertising, marketing, promotional, and selling point, one that they had stolen and appropriated from Ancient Egyptian Mythology, _The Field of Reeds_ and _Duat;_ Greek Mythology: _Elysium (Elysian Fields)_ and _Tartarus_ . . . and especially the Zoroastrianism Dualist _The House of Song_ and _The House of Lies,_ all well documented centuries BC.
Watching your videos always brightens my atheist day! Even when it starts with vultures plucking out eyes, I know that by the end of the video I will feel better about myself, unlike when I used to go to church and come out feeling horrible. Thank you for that!
Thanks :)
@@jezebelvibes Come on! You can't go out like this!!!
@@YourAlexander It's true we are not our feelings, and that feelings change. But Christianity is not the only way to go deeper than feelings. There are many ways, and I reject the violence and control-issues of Christianity, myself: to me there are kinder and deeper ways.
I could never understand why believers would scorn non-believers on the basis that they do not adhere to ''The'' faith. Most believers I met are full of hate and sin EVERY day. Yet, they direct their little fist at people like me, just because I stopped believing in their little fairytale. They would send me to hell themselves if they had that power.
Yes. And they just presume that they're good with God and he won't send them to hell. How presumptuous and self righteous are they to assume God is gonna judge them as worthy of heaven?
Ah... isn't 'Christian love' wonderful? 😉🤣
As a Christian, I can't blame you for rejecting Christianity if those are the sort of Christians you've encountered. I don't hate you for not believing in my religion.
@@PolymorphicPenguin you say that like they're not literally everywhere
@@connorkeefe2483 I think unfortunately the worst kind of Christians are also the most vocal about their religion.
When i became a Christian I was always worried about being punished for what i thought and did. Constantly praying for forgiveness.
Yes, we actually were living somewhere like dictatorship country, fearing the TOP and his authorities might come and punish any who will be against anything about him😅Since woke I felt so free, can question anything!
You obviously don't know the gospel .
@@lh1673Except Islam.
@@SuperPatrick777 envious? 😅
Likewise. "Knowing" that you were always being watched was great, too. " For your Father above, is looking down in love. So be careful little feet where you go." !!
The beginning of this has reminded me of a moment from my youth.
One saturday evening, I was at home. I had to babysit my siblings on Saturday night so my parents could go out and drink. Regardless, I was skimming channels on the TV when I got to PBS and there was an interview with Richard Dawkins. Dr. Dawkins started saying things that I, as a southern baptist found very disturbing. I watched the interview like a train wreck. I was appalled at what he was saying, yet, it made so much sense to me.
The next day, Sunday, I was picked up to go to church by my Grandma. On the way into town, I relayed that I watched an interview with Richard Dawkins, and it was disturbing but thought provoking. My grandmother turned white as a sheet. She suddenly became very angry and agitated. I was probably 13-14 and this is the first time she'd raised her voice, or said anything to me resembling a threat. I remember thinking that her response was totally lopsided. I had told her that I wasn't interested in hearing anymore of Dawkins or his crazy ideas, and she calmed down a bit.
We get to church and she grabs my arm and marches me right up the the pastor. She almost hysterically explained what I'd said to her in the car, and the reverend was shocked and concerned. I wondered what they were so afraid of, cause they were both trembling and acting strange. The pastor said he wanted to hold a special prayer meeting on my behalf.
I went to Sunday school, and noticed a LOT of people wandering around the classroom, and eyeballing me very seriously. There were even arguments in the hallway where the other parents didn't want their kids to be in the same room as me. I went to the noon service, and my story was broadcast to the congregation by the pastor. He named off a number of people that need to stay after the service to speak with him.
After the service, a group of about 12 adults and me were uncomfortably standing in the chapel. We all joined hands and prayed. Then the pastor put his hands on my shoulders, which was difficult, cause I was about 8 inches taller than him, and point blank asked me to share what I saw, and what I found appealing about this Dawkins interview. I simply said I thought Dawkins had an interesting perspective. My grandmother freaked out at this point, and started losing her cool. The rest of the group backed away, like they might catch something.
All of this was very amusing to me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had unknowingly stepped onto some taboo. I wondered what this Dawkins guy knew that made everyone so nervous and defensive. My grandmother told me numerous times that PBS is the best channel to watch, and that I need to learn and grow, so I didn't think I'd done anything wrong at all. Yet my spiritual advisors were all scrambling around and acting absolutely mental.
We prayed a few more times, and the reverend read some bible passages, and he said that If I have any questions, I need to have faith and not bother looking for answers. Even as a young teen, I found this to be absolutely ridiculous.
For weeks after this drama, I had friends in school distance themselves from me, I had customers that used to treat me well, absolutely turn stone cold. The church seemed to pick on my grandmother for letting me go "astray". I continued to go to church every Sunday, and to church camp in the summer, but everything was different. I was an outsider and not to be trusted.
I ended up leaving the faith about 10 years later. I had moved away from where I grew up, and had no ties back to that place.
Yep. Everything and everyone, maybe even your loved ones, has the power to drive on out of the Faith. I'm sorry you were ridiculed for a different thought process as a child, hope you are better now.
It sounds like Epiphany 2.0. Such societies served as the inspirations for _The Emperor's New Clothes_ by Hans Christian Andersen, and _The Lottery_ by Shirley Jackson.
Ah Hell, one of the top three, along with the Flood and Original Sin, that made me realize it was all a twisted immoral fantasy.
The "flood" is simply the rainy season.
@@harveywabbit9541 i was four years old when i asked myself, what does god need boat for?
@@HarryNicNicholas
The flood myth evolved from an orgy called the ingathering. See Plutarch's Isis and Osiris.
@@HarryNicNicholasHe didn't need one. He wanted one.
@@garystapp1656 he likes to make people jump to see what they will do for him. A total narcissist.
"He's not afraid of your judgment;
He knows of horrors worse than your Hell.
He's a little bit afraid of dying;
But he's a lot more afraid of your lying..."
-Neil Peart, "The Weapon"
Great shout out to 'the professor on the drumkit' RIP
"Neal Peart is in Hell now!" -- Fundamental Christian
I've never been more at peace with the idea of death since admitting I am an atheist.
Same 😁
@@Mar-dk3mp
Are you afraid of vampires?
I am a former atheist
I didn't need a lot of evidence or proof of evidence of anything.
@@Holilo7 why would anyone be afraid of vampires? 🤔🤷🏻♂
@@RandomStuff-i4iYou were never an atheist 😂.
Love your programs (videos) Kristi. I'm aligned to all your views and especially like the one about "Deconstructing Adam & Eve." Also, I commend you on your public speaking: fluid, thoughts well expressed, excellent enunciation, proper intonations, etc. Plus, your knowledge of the topic (Christianity) is broad and your interpretation of the Bible aligns to my views as well.
My monthly contribution to the good work you do, Kristi.
Truly appreciate you!
thank you so much my lady for speaking brutal truth, happy for you that it didn’t take you 50 years to “wake up” like me, you help so many i really hope you know this
I love that you focus a lot on the moral and ethical implications of the bible. I was a christian for 20 odd years starting when I was around 15 and a lot of my struggles with my faith was that the doctrine seemed to not really care about people. Finally I ended up leaving because my desires to be a better person and live a more loving, accepting life style conflicted with the lack of morality portrayed in the bible and also by other Christians. So it really helps me a lot seeing the logical conclusions on morality that you discuss in your videos. Thankyou so much for your videos.
Thanks for this content. I’m way past the fear of hell that I carried for years after growing up in a fundamentalist home, but it took a lot of research of my own to arrive there. This video would have been very helpful to me in the early stages of that process for me, so I know it’s helping many who are just getting started.
It took me years to get over the fear of Hell. I became an Atheist on July 31st of this year and have been that way for 17 days as of now. And I love your videos. They have really helped me on my deconstruction journey.
Congratulations on making that step. It's a big one, but an important one
I became a atheist a in early June what a summer combo may science and reason enlighten you my brother
Read Romans one 18 to 32 k j carefully it talks of people like you .
@@XToffeeXWhat , evolutionism 😁😁😁
@@SuperPatrick777 I never said anything about evolution just reason and logic
Thank you for everything you’re doing on here Kristi❤ I found your channel a year ago when I started questioning everything, and you woke me up completely. Love this channel so much
❤️❤️❤️ thanks for the encouragement. Happy you found your way out!
So great to see you back! Your channeled helped me survivor so much during my deconstruction and it saved my life. Thanks ❤
Thank you so much for making this video it has provided me a lot of comfort as fear of hell is something still stuck with me even after leaving the religion
Thank you, Kristi! As I’ve been working through my own deconstruction journey, the fear of hell is frequently on my mind, even if my “rational” mind no longer believes in it. My therapist has been helping me, and I will be attending a religious trauma therapy group starting in September for 8 weeks through the therapy practice. I’m hopeful that will be helpful, too.
It makes perfect sense what you are saying...and yet I Bought into it for years.. thank you for saying what I had been feeling for a long time.. keep up the good work it makes people really think and that is necessary...
Oh Kristi I love you!! 😘💕 You make this journey of deconstruction so bearable. Your knowledge and kindness is much appreciated from Botswana 🇧🇼 ❤
It gets easier.. I'm 3yrs out..
Wishing you the best life, from England 💐💜✨
Botswana!! More power to you girl!! Congrats on being a strong independent free thinking WOMAN! 👏👏👏
@@anamariacastro5272 Awww 🥰 Thank you so much 🤗
@@WildandFree4 Thank you so much 🤗 I really appreciate that 🤍
There is no God, ergo there is no Hell or Heaven. When we die, th-th-th-th-that's all folks. Enjoy life while you can. Love your fellow man. That's what lasts. Being a positive influence. That's your legacy.
MAN created "god" in HIS image. That's why "god" is so much like us.
Ah yes. I read these words on the sleeve of Jethro Tull's Aqualung album when I was a teenager, without fully understanding the implications. Decades later after much contemplation I had reason to reread it. It was an Aha moment. That explains a lot I thought.
Religion and god was created by a minority of people (sociopaths) in an attempt to control their communities behaviour and thought. It's been working for thousands of years. But some (many) people have woken up to the con game and won't play.
These people reject god and religion and rely on human goodness. Humanity has risen above this blackmail, rejects it and lives by an ethic of inherent good and evil. Humanity is fundamentally and inherently good.
Same reason why “gods voice” in our heads sounds just like our own.
Very much like the men who created it!
@@jonathanyoung8109 Now that's creepy. Why do people fall for the emotional blackmail instead of using the brains nature gave us, and rejecting the nonsense?
@@mayflowerlash11 we are apes with an ape’s brain. We have evolved as a social species which means, among other things, that we all can derive benefits from the achievements of the few exceptionally intelligent individuals among us. Vast majority of us are neither particularly intelligent nor rational and we act way more on our feelings rather than logic.
This idea that our brain is so special and we are so much above animals comes from religion, not science.
Dang, Kristi, no wonder you have PTSD! What an awful thing that the pastor (and your Mom & grandmother) did to you. 😢
Thanks for your kindness! It was definitely very unsettling. It sucks that so many of us have to live knowing that our parents think we deserve to burn in hell. I've worked really hard to heal, but it will always be a difficult thing to carry. Appreciate your support here
@@jezebelvibes I've also struggled with this since I can remember. I sometimes still struggle. This video helps a lot.
@ who said that “all she is, is trauma?”
Therapy can be a wonderful thing.
@ people don’t fall into depression because of atheism. They fall into depression when they realize their entire lives were *wasted* on belief in a non-existent god; when they realize the people they loved and trusted were actually psychologically and emotionally abusing them; and more.
Kristi HAS studied. As have all of us ex-Christians. Her voice is helping to heal, comfort, soothe, and reassure those who’ve been traumatized by religion and religious people. She offers hope and relief in ways that your imaginary god never could.
@ so you’re even more deluded. Got it.
I was raised Catholic and went to a Catholic school for the first six years, until my Dad lost his job and we could no longer afford it. In 7th grade, at public school, some kids were talking between classes and when someone mentioned hell, the girl who sat in from of me casually said, "Oh, I don't believe in hell." I was shocked. I'd never heard anyone say this. She said, "An all-loving God would not make people suffer for eternity." And I thought, _Oh, that makes perfect sense. God wouldn't do that._
I got a good education at the Catholic school, but one thing they did not teach us was to ever question what we were taught. Just like that, in a second, I no longer believed in hell because it made no sense, and over the next few years I began to question other things I'd been taught. As I realized that everything we're taught about God and religion comes from people, not from God, it became obvious religion was a scam created by certain people to give them power over other people - and they maintain that power by instilling fear.
Is there a God or gods? I doubt it, but I do know for certain that if there is some universal supreme being, that being is not anything like the "God" that was invented by humans. That "God" is so obviously man made that it astounds me any thinking person can believe in it.
Remember: Religion causes atheism. If there were no religion, there'd be no atheists.
I recall Ricky Gervais saying something like that
There shouldn't be a word for not believing in gods.
Just like we dont have the word a-fairism for those that don't believe in fairies
@TheRealLaughingGravy I also believe there's some Supreme universal being but nothing like the monster God religions man made up
I find it funny how being an atheist or atheism are connoted as a negative or bad thing here in my country Indonesia, I was raised a Muslim and got a friend who asked the same question as your friend did, from that moment I'm no more
God is all loving hence he has given us free will
Its our decision to choose to either believe in God or not believe in him
God is all loving so even if you dont believe in him (which you choose yourself) then God will not force you as that is not what a all loving being will do
@@Ofcourse_theist free will is a flawed concept just as human nature is flawed, as we are prone to sinful behaviour. the fact that an omniscient deity would know in advance how our lives would play out even before we are born
I was approached by someone who had came to Christ while I was at work and it gave me so much anxiety. I'm an ex-christian and my upbringing with religion has caused me so much anguish from worrying about dying and going to Hell to not being a good enough person ever simply because I am an LGBT person who lives my life as I do. So when this guy approached me, I felt so much panic and remembered your videos. These help so much when stuff like this happens or my mom gives me long lectures about God.
Thank you for making these. I appreciate them so much. When it's all explained out and nothing adds up it helps remind me why I let all this stuff go. It caused me nothing but stress.
Thank you, brave person!
It seems to me that you do not understand the teaching of the gospel of grace in the slightest measure. For starters you cannot have been a Christian and still worried about dying and going to Hell. As far as being 'not good enough' is perfectly normal. The Lord Jesus came 'not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance'. For there is none righteous, no not one. Do you not understand that the Lord Jesus came into the world to suffer and die on the cross, to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. He bore our sins in His own body on the cross. He has suffered the wrath of God on our behalf, to the total satisfaction of God the Father. God has raised Christ from among the dead and He now sits at the right hand of the throne of God, ever living to make intercession for us who believe. God reaches out in Grace (His totally unmerited favour towards sinners), we accept His offer of mercy, forgiveness, cleansing, eternal Life, peace with God, the peace of God - all by faith. Ephesians ch. 2 v 8 and 9. It was the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for ME. Galatians ch. 2 v 20. When we believe what God says in His word, we become a 'new creation in Christ Jesus'. The Holy Spirit enters us and gives us the power to live a Christian life to the glory of God. God can save a LGBT person just as fully as an adulterer or paedophile. Do you want peace of mind. Believe ON the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Not in but on.
@@smeatonlighthouse4384 why does he need to save a LGBT christain?
You go Kristi! You have helped me. Someone once wrote her grandmother had passionately loved Jesus her entire earthly life. I was a "Christian" for 37 years; I don't think I loved him for a minute. The very idea of stating, "I love Christ" made me ashamed. Hanging on to the faith for fire insurance is bullshit. I am no saint.
The best way to get over the fear of hell is to just ask 'Which one?' Religious indoctrination is hard to shake, but understanding that there are multiple hells from many different religions, helps make it easier. They can't all be authentic and there's no way to prove that they exist. So believing one is real and exist over another is ridiculous.
It’s almost like hell was invented multiple times in religions as a way to keep people fearful and faithful as a result!
I think that's why childhood indoctrination is so important to religions.
An early constant narrative make other faiths being legitimate virtually impossible to think about
What about this one: ruclips.net/video/pGZbvgk4w_Q/видео.htmlsi=6cpjDTe258Y0z-9Y
My Dad was raised in a strict Lutheran household. It really messed him up. He's had so much trauma that he got borderline personality disorder. Which of course I couldn't heal from until I knew what was wrong with him all this time. I've healed despite it but now that I know (he's in his 70s) I can forgive him and join him on his journey to good health. He doesn't trust easily and is still early in his treatment but I will persevere with consistency and gentleness. Heaven and hell are here in this moment for whoever is experiencing it. It was a metaphor.
I was a Christian for 20yrs. 3yrs ago I became atheist. At the same time I was diagnosed with Borderline. Just WowW. I've had other traumas, but Christianity was a main trauma. I knew my PTSD stemmed from that, but never considered it may have given me bpd too 😳
I wish you and your father healing. Bpd is excruciating.. he is so lucky to have you 💜✨
@@WildandFree4 Thanks. All the best with your journey.
Was it LCMS, WELS, or just a rather conservative ELCA family? I’m a Lutheran (ELCA) and I think our theology is pretty good. I suppose I find it difficult to see the spiritual as a metaphor. Like God frees us in Baptism as a physical act by God, we are brought to be good by the grace of God and no one will truly be good on their own merit until we drop dead and walk with the Lord but he was gracious enough to save us and gift us faith in our Baptisms. We can feel assured of our salvation in faith and baptism. I believe this is a freeing theological belief.
@@Sebman1113I have no idea. I was raised atheist. I read the Qur'an, so I'm an atheist/Satanist/Islam inspired convert. I wear a Satanic symbol around my neck. It's all metaphors right.
It was a metaphor Yep! all it is
The reason I'm not afraid of going to hell is because all the Christians that thought they were making it to heaven will be down there to keep me company.
No rational human would torture his (or her) children......for eternity. A god that actually exists should at least be better than a simple human.
@benjaminollis7621You said it .
Is God the one actually doing it? Or has Satan wrapped his arms so tightly on one's soul in this physical realm that it makes it impossible for God to reach this lost soul?
Loved what you had to say about the lack of evidence. I'm like "yeah, why the heck am I scared of this place?" Thanks for all you do!
You will be when Christ returns!!! Why reject the only one who truly wants to give you the whole kingdom!!! It's those who reject his gift of salvation who will not be with him but seperated for all eternity from his love
@@Kathy-n7f Ah, those threats are SO attractive! /s
It is crazy how many christians don't realized how insane is eternal torments. If they would only stop 10min and meditate on that, a bunch of them would deconverted by realising how unjust it is. I deconverted by realising that a would not wish this punishement even on the most cruel human being that ever existed.
Empathy is more powerful than fear if we practice it
doesn't stop whats going happen when you die also it will be your own fault because you chose wrongful lifestyle.
@@Piziknatorhey guys I found one. It’s one of the pro infinite suffering worshippers of the god of love 😂😂😂
@@jonathan4189 I forgive you for mocking me but you will not mock Jesus The Living Risen God have fun and remember these words I have warned you
@@Piziknator Their points still stand though. There is just absolutely no way to justify eternal torment, no matter how one tries to twist things. Especially since we're so short lived and simpleminded mortal beings who can change just as much in a couple years as we can in several, so literally just a few years of torment is already way more than enough to make a person good (assuming they haven't been driven crazy of course).
Thank you for this video!! I spent years in guilt and depression and realized just in my mid life that it all stemed from a false fear that many kids grow up with. Ive had to work very hard to "rewire" my brain to stop reacting to false fears. (eternal torment) and false hope (eternal paradise) You really helped me. Thank you znd please keep up the good work.
As another ex evangelical I truly appreciate your talks. I also could not reconcile a God of Love and a God of Fear and Revenge. There is something fundamentally evil about preaching Eternal Damnation
It's actually contradicting that god is love if he punish his creatures an eternal damnation.
Being condemned to hell for eternity simply because you weren't sufficiently convinced of god's existence is not evidence for a loving god. In fact, it is the exact opposite.
Convinced of his existence based entirely on the premise of "trust me, bro", no less.
Nah, you go to hell for your sins, not for knowing which God is the real one or if he exists. Also hell happens at the last day and you just die there.
And what exactly do you have to offer God if he did stand in front of you....
@@danhtran6401 Which god? There are plenty of gods to choose from and each one's followers believe their god is the "real" one.
@@NanuqoftheNorth if I was God and my children thinks I'm different, does that make me not God?...if you look at the moon with a telescope versus the naked eye, you will see different things but does that mean that you're wrong for describing what you see or that the moon is not the same moon your opponent is looking at?
I was raised in a very conservative church and was amused at a very young age at the concept of god is love.
I remember being like 8 or 9 and doubting it…. was “convinced” bc everyone else believed… god never spoke to me and I never felt the spirit like everyone else claimed to. Now that I’ve deconstructed… my original logic seems to be true I just think much deeper now and have much more critical thinking skills.
The word translated “hell” is probably Gehenna, a ravine outside the old city of Jerusalem. It was arguably considered to be an accursed place because human sacrifice was practiced there. So, in that sense, it is “real.” There is, however, no actual concept of eternal conscious torment indicated. That doctrine was developed later. Today, Gehenna is a very nice park in the city. (I kind of like thinking about that) So, our assumptions about what constitutes orthodox Christian beliefs have been shaped by theologians for over 2000 years, and those layers of interpretation are difficult, if not impossible, to peel away from our scriptures.
I don't know why I think I met you IRL. All I can say is that I wish you the best. Love this channel!
As Vivziepop put it…
“If Hell is forever then Heaven must be a lie!
If angels do whatever and remain in the sky!
The rules are shades of grey when you don’t do as you say!
When you make the wretched suffer just to kill them again!”
The very concept, as it exists in Judeo-Christian mythology, is an expression of hypocrisy - ultimately it’s about obedience to arbitrary authority that does whatever it wants to or else face consequences that amount to eternal suffering and death.
i know multable athiest friends way before even poilot hazbin hotel existed that they don't like this "god" becuase of the fact hell is eternal torment or nihhillity and not a cosmic redeption so that idea must be way older than hazbin.
@@NightmareRex6 I know, but this quote from episode six of the first season encapsulates that sentiment so well that I felt it deserves a mention.
SAME, Hazbin is what I always thought about with that quote and how hypocritical it is. Was so hyped to see the show when it came out. My eldery ex christian mother has rewatched it about six times, it's a really good and fun show that takes the prospect of christian religion in a unique take.
Honestly, I think it’s concerning that the church celebrates the youngest mother. Especially since it’s usually a teenaged girl. We shouldn’t be celebrating children getting knocked up (usually, without wanting it).
That's fair! And I actually do think that at least one of those years was a teen mom. Though I can't remember if it's the year they stopped honoring mothers with roses, lol.
And my abusive mother and family always won the award for the most children born to our sick family. 11. 😢
@@briobarb8525 That’s definitely too many. I think it’s inherently abusive to raise children in such a crowded environment where they have no privacy. Especially if one of those kids turns out to have some type of mental disability where they actually need alone time and quiet. I’m autistic, and I’m so glad I wasn’t raised in that environment. It would’ve been a living hell for me.
That's a strong opinion which is subjective. I hear you though. @@Reed5016
@@Reed5016 There's always an argument for fewer. What's your counter-argument that your not one too many?
I recently heard you and Brandon talking on his Mindshift channel. I'm so thankful for that podcast and have subscribed to your channel to listen and learn more. I too have deconverted in the past several years. I wish I had been stronger back in my younger years, and questioned more instead of just going along with what I was taught by the church. My mom was duped and then me. I am angry about a lot of it. I'm trying not to be so angry about everything, but it's hard. Listening to you and others helps a lot. Thank you.
I think it's totally ok to be angry. Just be kind and patient with yourself. It's a tough journey, but you're not alone in it. Thanks for being here ☺️
Great video, Kristi! I'm so glad you are back!
As a serious young adult, raised in the church, I was allowed to attend a church Bible study that was usually reserved for the church's leaders. One study topic was on how to defend/explain the church's position that not only was a recently deceased, unbelieving, father going to burn in hell forever, he was in hell now. So his devout, believing, god-fearing family, a widow and two daughters, were devastated. It wasn't enough for the church leaders that this guy burn in hell forever, but forever had to start immediately. This absolutely unnecessary emotional cruelty forced upon this poor family helped me realize I had to put this nonsense behind me. I was out within a month, never looked back, couldn't be happier. I'm 62 now, and I can't imagine how much worse my life would have turned out if my indoctrination as a youth had managed to stick. Thank god. 🙂
Yep, if he died as you say, yep. Hell. I'm sure as the family matures, they will be more at peace with it. My grandfather was a heathen, and we all had to fly to British Columbia to say goodbye to him before he died, knowing we'd never see him again. My dad was the most affected, naturally. I don't believe that changes anything.
It's sad to me that they have no idea how sociopathic it sounds
Psst. It doesn't go away just bc you don't agree with it. This is why Jesus said "there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth", and in another place, "wailing and gnashing of teeth" ... the weepers will be heartbroken wishing they had believed, and how close some of them were but just couldn't get over themselves... the wailers will be those who cannot stop howling at how unjust it is. The gnashers will be the God-haters, the ones giving God the double middle finger forevs.... And welp... none of it will change a thing. They will be there, and stay there, and they can do whatever they like. Meanwhile the redeemed, who are by grace spared what they deserve, will get on with the business of the new heaven and new earth.. and all of you are welcome at any time, to put away this vanity and be saved, from the fire.
@@georgelugenalt200Amen , and all because of a lack of child like faith , faith the size of a mustered seed .pity really .
georgelugenalt200, amen. That is correct! These people don’t like the idea of hell and quite frankly I’m not fond of it. However, I don’t like the idea of evolution where the dead stay dead. Whether one likes something or not doesn’t determine its validity. Jesus spoke twice as much about hell as he did heaven.
Kristi, thank you so much for the book recommendations. I finally began to shake the fear of hell after watching a video from Satan’s Guide to the Bible and I feel so empowered to learn more about the origins of a book that colored the first 18 years of my life. Your work is important ❤!!
I live in Maine, and I've figured out the average temperature of Hell. Here in Maime, if it gets below 30 degrees, it's "colder than Hell," and when it's above 90 degrees, it's " hotter than Hell." So, the average temperature of Hell is about 60 degrees!
Hello, Kristi. I think this topic is the most important and pivotal one regarding Christianity. I'm glad you are addressing it. I was born into the Catholic Church and it is all fear mongering and frightening people into submission. If the doctrine of Hell were not there, then I think the power the Church has would disappear and so would belief and attendance and membership.
I think that you should write a book, Kristi. Because I wrote a PhD thesis I can offer a tip from my experience. My tip is to write a first draft by being very inclusive of ideas. Once you have a first draft, then read, reread, and improve the first draft as much as one can by keeping the better parts and dropping the not so good parts, by adding new ideas and better ideas that enter your head, and by being more concise and to the point. Then, rinse and repeat. I wrote about 10 drafts of my thesis and at the end my thesis was about half the size of the first draft and it was much better and concise than the first draft. I got my PhD from it. My supervisor described my thesis as "very beautiful" which is not to be expected in Mathematical Physics.
Congrats on your PhD
that's a lot of work!
@@katherineg9396 Thanks Katherine. It was a long time ago. It didn't do me much good in the job market. I have forgotten almost all of it now. :)
Mathematical Physics sounds soooooo interesting!
I have taken Mathematical Economics (hence my username!). I am also registered to take Mathematical Statistics this term.
I considered the possibility of taking Mathematical Physics at some point because it sounds so interesting. BUT...I have ultimately decided against it!
@@mathematicaleconomist4943 The name of the field of math I studied is a bit problematic. I call it Mathematical Physics because it is a bit like Theoretical Physics but different, in my opinion. My supervisor called the topic Statistical Mechanics which is probably the more correct term. It analyses physics using probability theory and statistical theory. I lost interest in it as soon as I got my PhD. I wasn't a good student, imo. I wa lucky to get my PhD.
@ionlyemergeafterdark YES. I have definitely heard of Statistical Mechanics (but don't know the finer details). I've just heard that it is an intrinsically difficult course.
In my opinion, any PhD is scholarly (and prestigious!) - especially in a notoriously difficult discipline (like Physics!).
The Coptic Orthodox Church is likely the oldest Christian sect in the world. It predates the Catholic Church by hundreds of years, yet the idea of conscious eternal torture (hell) is oddly absent from their teachings. I wonder why... but not really.
The Coptic Christians probably found the Ancient Egyptian belief in traveling through the _Duat,_ the underworld or realm of the dead (which was filled with various trials, tests, and encounters with gods and monsters) fanciful and rejected it.
It's absent because it's heresy. Most all Protestant ideas are heresies and abberations.
@@WillGaylord Are you Catholic?
@@joestar6194 No
Lady Hell was not created for you or any believer in God, Jesus Christ went to the cross so we wouldn’t have to see Hell, and He gave us a choice a right choice and Wrong choice, he gave us free will to believe or not to believe, and people saying they couldn’t live knowing that there kid’s would be burning in hell. If you’re in Heaven you want know nothing about your kid’s in hell, Sounds like many have been given over to a strong delusion, Your true happiness your only happiness is in Jesus Christ THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!! If your scared of hell make sure you make the right decisions, We live by God’s will not our will. People believing this ignorance will be in hell, deny him today but be judged by him tomorrow. You will get a chance to find out if you was right or wrong. But what if you’re wrong?
It's not the responsibility of people to alleviate their parents' fear of them going to Hell. It's the responsibility of the parents to realize that a God that would send their children to Hell is an evil, fear-mongering torturer and not worth worshiping.
It's awkward to call being condemned to hell "punishment", because punishment implies a purpose, and the torments of hell have no purpose.
It's just torture.
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At times like this I am grateful that in my childhood I was touched but lightly by religion, consequently I have never believed.
Really? Where did it touch you? Can you show me on the doll? 🧸
1:59 who rejoices while a “loved” one is being tortured? Not a loving person.
I believe the common theory is that the people who go to heaven lose all memories of the people they loved that go to hell.
In all honesty the depiction of heaven is “a place where believers go to get drugged up and hang out with God and sing and praise him for all eternity in a doped out stupor.”
I’d rather go to hell than go to a place like that.
@@MidoriyamaRArekusu yeah, one of the ways we know “free will” is just special pleading in theodicy is how quickly it gets abandoned to resolve problems like this. I mean, if it’s right and normal for God to selectively lobotomize the heaven-bound so that they can be happy, then what is the impediment to using that power to avert suffering and other evil while people are alive?
@benjaminollis7621 you do you.
You showed an excellent attitude of restraint toward that preacher who was basically trying to instill fear and guilt in you regarding your beliefs.
1. I don't want heaven. If hell is where there is suffering, I'm needed there. 2. Eternal bliss cannot exist if I'm aware others are suffering. 3. If God knows all, she knows where I'm going the moment I'm born and my life on earth is only a small fraction of my existence, so why would a good and just God allow that? 4. Eternal torture is impossible. If you burn for a month, suddenly burning is the default and it's no longer agony, it's just existence. Ask anyone with tinnitus how often they notice the loud ringing. 5. I think the heaven/hell concessions makes Christians bad people due to their bad logic. Paradise being absent people and worshipping a god that allows eternal suffering is disgusting. It's weird/gross behavior and I hold no space for such behavior.
Fear is the ONLY power they have. Conditional Love - providing you do how they interpret an old myth. Well done for breaking the chain!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom , not much of that here .
This is the best break down of hell Ive seen in a long time. TY Ms kristi!
Yay! Happy you think so!
Kristi, I'm so sorry that that church did that to you for that "Mother's Day" thing...that's so awful of them.
I've also experienced being strongly preached at directly for me alone, where I also wanted to get up and leave, but stayed my ground, determined not to let him win. So so glad not to be under the thumb of the church and its crazy ways any longer.
Hell is a human construct designed to enforce compliance. Satan is a human construct created to avoid personal responsibility for horrible decisions made with free will.
Your channel has been a huge help to me, may Mother Nature bless you.
❤️❤️❤️ I'm really happy to hear that!
@@jezebelvibes yes thank you so much for dedicating ur time and effort to help so many of us recover from religious trauma and indoctrination.
Turned pagan hey , Read Romans one carefully k j it talks about people like you .
@@SuperPatrick777read the wrinkles on my nuts carefully as they swing across your face like a grandfather clock. Of course the Bible talks about Pagans. Paganism existed long before Christianity and the Catholic Church stole a shit ton of traditions and rituals from Paganism and called them their own. My favorite part of the Bible is when it acknowledges the power of rituals but just calls them evil without valid reason.
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From listening to you and other people, I feel fortunate that I rejected religion, all religions, when I was a child.
I saved myself a lot of self-torture, but I suffered the ridicule of others all my life.
@benjaminollis7621Your reply makes no sense.
As a former seventh day Adventist, we were taught annihilation. But you're right. The Bible is all over the place when it comes to this subject. A case can be made for annihilation or eternal torment.
Eternal torment is as clear as the nose on your face in scripture .
@SuperPatrick777 Sodom and Gomorrah suffered the vengeance of eternal fire. But yet we don't see Sodom and Gomorrah burning today. The effects of the fire are eternal. Of course, I can turn around and say some will go to shame and everlasting contempt to prove your case. What's clear to me is that the book is all over the place.
"Why will God punish for being rational?". "Why will God punish me for rejecting teachings which don't convince or don't make sense to me?"
As an atheist who was never a believer, I really appreciate your videos, especially those in longer formats like this, where you have the time to develop more complex themes to the fullest of your experience.
Thanks.
I'm always worried about making my videos too long, so thanks for letting me know you appreciate them! :)
@jezebelvibes Personally...I think you should make both long and shorter. Do not stop doing long ones (for sure!). But providing at least the occasional short one would probably be a good strategy as well (even if most were made long). There are more options that way!
@@jezebelvibes I know I must be in the minority, since shorts are so prevalent now. I am very partial to longer, denser content, and you bring me a perspective and a life experience I've never had, which IMO translates better into longer formats such as this.
But it's your channel, and people here like different things, so the variety will appease most =)
I'm so grateful for what you are doing to help us who were so abused by religion.
@@chapmaned24 OMG you’re so right. I think I’ll grow up now.
@@chapmaned24 hey there, little guy, it’s okay to be a a bit confused.
Abuse (verb)1: use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse.
2: treat with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly.
There are different definitions of the word and varying ways that it can cause harm, namely physically, emotionally, psychologically or se*ually.
Now let’s circle back to how religion can be abusive/ result in abuse: To repeatedly threaten a child with eternal pain, suffering and punishment as a means to keep them obedient is cruel and can cause emotional and psychological harm.
To repeatedly instil guilt and shame into a child for sins that they are “born into”, as dictated by religion, is cruel and can cause emotional and physical harm.
To repeatedly use corporal punishment on a child, as dictated by the bible, is cruel, violent and can cause physical, emotional and psychological harm.
These are only a few examples of how religion is abusive/ can result in abuse, but if you need a little more help to understand the concept, I’d be happy to clear things up!
@@chapmaned24 rock your perspective, fellow human. I’ll do mine.
@@chapmaned24 like I said, abuse can come in varying forms! One form does not negate the other! In fact, abuse sometimes results in victims thereof perpetuating the cycle and victimising others. In your case, you might be using religion to perpetuate the abuse that you’ve suffered from your mother🤔 but don’t worry! Once you’ve recognised that within yourself, you can begin to fully heal and stop minimising how others suffer due to religious abuse!
If you feel some satisfaction in telling others they are going to hell, or that they do not know suffering like you do (even though you have no understanding of the extent at which they’ve been mistreated), you might want to look into that a little bit and try to start practicing empathy!
If you do not understand what empathy means, you can ask and I will be happy to clarify!
@@chapmaned24 not quite! But I can understand that your stubborn mindset and defensive perspective is rooted in your trauma.
Empathy (noun): the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Enable (verb): give (someone) the authority or means to do something; make it possible for.
Unfortunately, you are misguided in thinking that wanting empathy boils down to narcissism.
NarcIssism (psychology): selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration, as characterizing a personality type.
Honestly, I know that you refuse to consider my replies in earnest, as you find comfort in the sense of moral and existential security that your religion gives you. I do hope you find a way to let go of that strange sense of righteousness and entitlement that encourages you to look down on others, while secretly reserving some pity for yourself deep in the back of your heart.
What I have learned about people in my 66 yrs is take away hell and there would be very few Christian’s and Muslims in this world.
Exactly. It's the fear that keeps people stuck in this mess. Once you ditch the helldoctrine the New Testament and the gospels is meaningless.
This and the 5 Bible Passages video of yours are exactly the same way I fell out of the Christian faith. As a Southern Baptist, we all had Bibles, but I don't think I knew anyone who actually read it cover-to-cover. There was an expectation to let our paster decide what we learned each week. Every sermon was curated in a way that it only really covered certain aspects.
I took Intro to Humanities in college and learned that the Golden Rule is found in some form in nearly every religion and it inspired me to read the Bible cover-to-cover for the first time. I learned that the version of God in the Bible did not live up to my expectations. This was a wrathful, jealous God who demanded humans commit sin in his name. He approved of spirits lying to get his way. He demanded people steal, kill, and enjoy the spoils of war (women, children) for him; which count as sins encompassing nearly half the 10 commandments. He treats his creations like a child treats their toys...or like a tyrant treats his subjects.
The final straw was a pastor said 'Wouldn't you rather believe and go to heaven than not believe and go to hell?' That is faith by fear, not faith by love. When I asked the pastor 'There's a difference between having faith and wanting to have faith. If God is all-knowing, then won't he knew what is truly in your heart?'. He did not like this line of questioning.
If the Bible was the word of God, then it wouldn't be up for interpretation. We wouldn't have three wildly different religions all based on the same text and there would be no contradictions. The rules in it would also not be inconvenient at best or or morally reprehensible at worst to practice in modern society. And we certainly wouldn't live in a world where 'chance' is the determining factor on whether you live in the right place to believe in the right religion or you don't (and go to hell).
At some point years later, I started watching George Carlin and learned to be a skeptic. I see myself as a hopeful agnostic and want to be proven wrong, but it's going to take more than fear and scripture.
I am an ex evangelical Christian too. 57 years old and it is still haunting me. i was born again at 7, fear of ging to hell, spent my teens in a state of utter depression crying for school mates going to hell because they were not saved.
That really confirms me in my belief that Christian teachings are child abuse.
I wish I was afraid of hell,I would have made better decisions....now I'm not even sure I'll make it to heaven but I'm definitely not hell material. Hopefully they got a short bus in heaven....
You feared going to hell because of humans minds and what they created Christianity and God to be. God doesn’t put fear in your heart
@@MartReaX logically, naturally, you would be fearful. It's like a human encountering an ant only a million times scarier. Know your place. I'm sure your boss can exert fear over you and he's only a man ...
@@danhtran6401 Well that’s because you’re scared of his authority, you’re not scared of your boss because he’s a man, you’re scared because of what he can do with his power if you act out of character. You know if you did what your boss asked, you wouldn’t lose your job. You may even be promoted, but you’re scared that if you sin, or mess up, what will happen. I’m here to tell you. If you happen to mess up, and especially if you tell your boss, you messed up, he won’t fire you, you can only quit, and it seems you quit because you thought your boss was going to fire you. In a way, since that’s something I see you’re more familiar with, you can compare this to God. I hope you see the connections I made. You’re scared to be caught messing up so you quit, instead of just doing the job right, or asking the boss how can you do it right, or the best you could. Instead you asked employees and listened to employees, and someone said they don’t care about the boss and you agreed. I encourage you to look up a video “what does it mean to fear God?” And hopefully this will help you understand more. It’s not saying be afraid he is going to kill you, it’s saying be afraid that if you step out of line stuff can get ugly. If you read your Bible, you will see that sinners make it to heaven all the time and you can’t make it to heaven simply off of good works. You make it heaven by believing in Christ. That’s it, he’s the only religion you don’t have to work to reach a peace state, you just declare you believe Jesus died for your sin and you’re in. So “living up to Gods standards,” is a myth you heard from cruel Christians that misinterpreted the Bible. You have to put that aside and find your relationship with God, come to Him as you are. I used to have a chronic masturbation problem and used to pray before and after I did it, and now I no longer have the problem. I agree that maybe I could have stopped without religion, sure; but what I’m saying is. I didn’t run from GOD because I was scared I wasn’t going to make it to heaven. I ran towards him and wanted to find out why I felt bad doing these things. Idk bro, I feel like we should talk more. I love you homie and I hope you find a true relationship with Christ, and not just the Christian.
How could anyone love a God with honesty or worship genuine when it torments people without end! it would be impossible
Carl Sagan, Christopher Hitchens, Ricky Gervais, , Brian Greene ,Stephen Fry and George Carlin are all a must read or must watch if one wants to get out .
George Carlin is hilarious
@@chapmaned24 lol
Don’t forget Richard Dawkins, the biologist, and Sam Harris.
@@stevepowsinger733 Yes I should have included Dawkins and Sam Harris but it was late when I commented so that slipped my mind My brain was foggy because I was tired ,thanks .
@@chapmaned24 That's just brilliant. No I'm actually being sarcastic. You didn't do anything to further your argument except try to frighten people which is exactly what your cruel, vengeful, bloodthirsty, sadistic, manicial and sociopathic God would do .
I know why you are not afraid of hell.The reason you are not afraid of hell is because there’s no hell.
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There is hell, buddy you’ll find out eventually
@@Alejandro-l4x 😂😂😂 sure, bud...
@@regionalflyer ???