The Atheist Experience is one of the main reasons why I decided to become an atheist, and The Thinking Atheist is one of the things keeping me confident in my choice.
I consider it an honor to be called a blasphemer. It's much better than worshiping a God to promotes rape, murder, slavery, and ethnic cleansing. I'm reminded of a bumper sticker " It's your hell, you burn in it." Thanks Matt and Seth for all your hard work.
Except that it is better to worship the True God and His son Jesus Christ, because the One True God that Christians follow, and all others should, is one of love, grace, and forgiveness.
detfan100 I have read six translations of the KJV so I think I can say with confidence that your God is a wicked and capricious dictator of the worst lot. I would not sacrifice one of my children if I heard a voice saying I must do so to show my love and obedience. There is zero evidence to support your belief in this deadbeat deity.
Eddie King You've reads six translation's of the same version? Sorry. Maybe you have read six different versions of the Bible. In any case, if that was true you would exclaim Jesus Christ as your Savior and live in peace, love, grace, and forgiveness. Or it is possible that you just have a reading comprehension issue. You are lying, intentionally or from ignorance, when you say that there is no evidence in the factual one True God. Maybe you should research a little more.
Thank you so much Seth for doing this interview! I am from Texas, and though it is rare that I can say that I am proud of my state, especially with the rampant anti-intellectual and anti-rational ideology that runs rampant here, one of the few times I can stand proud to be a Texan is because I can say that Matt Dillhunty is one of us. This was one of your best interview podcasts. Great job!
Great podcast! You should do one with Russel and Tracie from TAE. Russel has a great sense of humor, and Tracie can beautifully simplify almost any complex argument.
I was waiting for this!!! A few months ago, I thought "Surely Seth has had Matt on at some point...", but I was disappointed that I couldn't find any podcast episode featuring him. So I decided that he would almost certainly be on in the future. You're right, christians. God *does* answer prayers. ;-)
TBH, I haven't listened to this show in quite awhile. But when I saw that Matt was the guest on this episode, I simply HAD to dive back in. No audio issues could keep me away.
I got a lot of hugs (and autographs) at the American Atheist convention in D.C.. But I don't recall seeing Matt there. I did get Seth's autographs and several good hugs from David Silverman. For anyone who can make it to the 50th American Atheist convention, don't pass it up. There is a wonderful sense of security that comes from being among active participants of this family. Spend your time with the people you love most. It's quite a refreshing change of pace from the digital world.
Up until a few months ago, I didn't really want to say "I am an atheist." Following people like Seth on RUclips and Facebook as well as Matt and hearing them speak in a calm "non-angry" tone about how they find religion as silly and illogical as I do made it easier for me to say "YEAH! That's what I've been trying to say!" Other atheists I have come across in media or in real life are the stereo type with yelling and childish name-calling. Seth, Matt as well as Aron Ra (and a few others Seth has introduced me to) are the complete opposite. They try to help people to "start thinking" (say that in that voice of the intro voice of TTA broadcast).
@ 58:00 Matt mentions taking kids to the museum to encourage them to question things and explore. I would love to add to places you can take a kid to encourage them to think, a place of Higher Learning! If they are in elementary school, take them to a Junior High, a High School or better yet a College or University. It's NEVER too early to take a kid to the nearest college or university campus and take them on a tour. If you see students who aren't in a hurry, get them to interact with the kid.
Agreed. One of the oldest arenas on the internet for counter attacks against religious claims. They've mentioned talk.origin many times on the Atheist Experience. I think it's been brought up in at least half of their shows!
Seth -"Is it secret service that handles the governor? I don't know." Matt - "It's probably Texas Rangers." Imagine a dozen Chuck Norris' surrounding Rick Perry. All costumed as Braddock.
Thanks! I could be wrong but I think the Shure SM7 or something close to it was used in Michael Jackson's Thriller album. Nerdy fact. I can afford it, now if only I can master a voice as epic as yours. Keep up the great work sir!
I think the reason why the best atheists come from ex-religious zealots is because they are the one who loved their gods the most and really wanted to know them but as soon as they really know them they realize the foolishness of worshipping such gods. The common religious people are just going through the motions of their religion and don’t realize the truth.
Dealing with Family: I have two nephews. My sister appears to be anti-intellectual. She never by commission pushed Xtianity. However, our extended family is mostly various denominations of Xtian. For my nephews during young ages, I encouraged them to take on QUESTions, not be motivated by fear and not to use ignorance as an excuse. Now that they are adults, all bets are off.
13:49 The reverb you added for that spiel about being a "firebrand" was very clever....(shhhhh! YOU MEANT to do that!)... It was an excellent theatrical effect...
>When you open a forum to the public, it's not just yours any longer, your giving a piece of it to the community to share. Keep in mind they both come from christian backgrounds where a celestial dictator was the origin of their ideals. Somewhere inside them they both probably want to be the owners and directors of their own group of minds. For those that follow either of them religiously, I wish them the best. But there are just some basic ideas learned in youth, behaviors, that do not change.
Although the idea is intriguing, I don't really think a show with Matt and Seth would really work. They are too different as hosts. But I absolutely love them both!
2Pains1Love you do realize that when you are writing you don't have to literally write out the words, "quote unquote," you can just use the actual symbols, right? lol. j/k.
Seth; Matt, The answer to the issue brought up in the last 20 minutes is the same answer to the issue you brought up in the first 20, with what to do with family members. Love them, regardless. We are not all alike. Most of us are fringe elements outside a bubble. As such we look into it from different angles and approach it from our own perspectives. When we break the bubble and meet in the center, we may meet head on but when we do we can choose fusion or fission, compassion or condemnation.
Is this recorded somewhere? or would you care to explain how evolution is a religion? I'm interested in the arguments you use to support that statement. (If you are going to explain it, maybe switching to the message system from the comment system might be nice.) ;)
In conversation I take this approach, and I have been growing exponentially thankful for the internet over the last 20 years. But there have been long stretches of time when I have found myself disconnected and in those moments I tend to seek immediate satisfaction which has often lead to aggressive conversations in bars and coffee shops or even destructive tendencies of the physical objects in the world that stand in place of religious ideologies and I deface or destroy them instead.
I luv The Atheist Experience...BIG fan! ;) I would luv to see that on national TV every Sunday...lol~ Always wanting more of that. More Matt, Jeff, Tracie and all the hosts AND more real xians/theists. Matt answered my question as to whether he ever gets confirmation that debate/conversation makes a difference. I truly believe it does but it takes a lot of time. Hope they all keep doing doing this ( u 2 Seth) cuz it IS important! If anything, you're all friends of truth! l)
45 years ago, it was mandatory to read the NT. Took it a step farther after reading the New Testament and red the Old Testament and almost overnight I was agnostic. Four years later I re-read the New Testament and when I finished the Book of Revelation, I realized this is just nonsense!!
I figured out, after many countless hours arguing against Creationists online, that such efforts were futile. They simply are going to believe what they are going to believe, not because the evidence points in their favor, but because they actually don't value real evidence.
No one who believes in science speaks with absolute certainty, and of thew few who might, their certainty could never be matched with that of a religious individual. Albeit the fact there is evidence to support science, as opposed to theism, we still are more humble.
That's to bad. Though I do not know the whole story, at this time I am going to have to side with the maker of the RUclips channel. It must have been a lot of work to do that for every episode and they did a good job at it. RUclips is the place to be. RIP TAE.
He serves and will always serve people. He may serve less than he could have otherwise, but as far as I'm concerned he's done more than his share. Now it's time for others to keep up the momentum he and so many others before him have built up. Maybe increase it more if possible. We've come a long way in the last few hundred years. I think the religious snapped back a little more than usual 12 years ago, that was just a taste of the kind of thing they are willing to do to defend their beliefs.
The most important moment relevant to this was from 28:00 to 32:00, even more specifically Matt's sentences at 29:27 and 33:10. Except I feel we can talk about our opinions as to what is good and bad while keeping in mind our opinions are subjective and not objective. Our actions are certainly objective though. With their real world consequences, but we can only speculate on the effects our actions have in or on the future based on the course of events we've learned from the past.
They believe the things they do because of intense brainwashing while they were still children. There's no need to be a jerk to them. Dillahunty is so good at what he does precisely because he remains kind and respectful even when they don't.
Atheism is not a proposition to be deemed true or false. It's the label applied to someone who has not found the evidence sufficient to believe a proposition is true. That does not mean they believe it's false.
I think that he has a little "hot button" because he feels so strongly about realizing that he wasted a lot of his life not only believing this stuff, but also wasted a lot of time training to be one of "them". every body has baggage.
So if someone is deemed trolling and censored, is that dogma? because you are really being vague on this. Besides, It has nothing to do with the principle of A+. Because if some website is doing some sort of censorship in the name of A+ you can still be still support A+ without supporting the website. Those 2 aren't connected.
..... does mat have a fcuking sock puppet sticking out of his jacket?.....seriously...i've been looking at that and trying to figure it out THE WHOLE TIME
+unstoppableify SQUIRREL!!??!!! That is Squirrel the ADHD Mascot. Now as I was saying OOO piece of candy, OOO piece of candy, OOO piece of candy. Huh What are you looking at? Can I help you?
For the caller with rational dissonance, I would simply say that he can believe whatever he wants as long as he doesn't promote creationism. I'm an atheist, and that's my only beef with religion.
ConQuiX Yes, I agree, if he actually believes it, but says he doesn't, then it's basically a lie, and does not follow with his basic premise which is that he believes. Yes, Non Sequitur.
The promoting of creationism is your *only* beef with religion? So the civil rights certain religions try to take and/or keep away from, say, gays and women is just fine with you?
AlbertaGeek I stand corrected, yes, every encroachments unto our constitutional rights are also my concern. I'm was talking to this guy about the science part of it, so I didn't think about that side of it at the moment. My apologies.
I think it's probably worth considering the difference (if there is one) between believing something that is wrong (in that it is a belief that doesn't map reality) vs. believing something that is bad. To me - that is what the religion vs. reason thing is really about. Really it's red pill vs. blue pill (not for the people who are in the matrix and don't know it - but it's the position of Neo vs.Cypher to take the analogy the rest of the way). I have been considering this question in the context of different timescales, and I wonder about when and for how long it might be true that society would be better off if everyone believed a falsehood. Can you conceive of a situation where it would really be better off if everyone believed a lie, rather than simply having a deeper appreciation for the truth (or at least a set of reasonable beliefs derived by the scientific method which are not "TRUTH" but represent our best attempt to map it given our knowledge and observables to date). The example that is often trotted out there is the idea of how we don't publish the genetic sequence of influenza, polio or smallpox on the web - and how that's probably a good thing. There are certain matters of national security which given the context of today's world average citizens are probably better off not knowing (though granted, probably not as many secrets as governments tend to keep from the average citizen - and the optimal balance here is clearly changing rapidly). Also commonly argued is the idea that religion might function like a beneficial placebo effect for believers, giving them hope through dire situations. Wouldn't all of the above situations be even better off if they just knew more of the truth - or perhaps - the correct mix of the facts? Is this "correct mix" not a truth in and of itself? Can we really say that wrong is bad - what about the Watchmen, which was also the same theme (the movie from 2008)? I find this to be a particularly interesting moral question... I'd like someone to put forth an argument that could change my mind - because even in the Watchmen, I'm not sure the lie will really be worth it in the long run (and there's Rorschach too...). But I guess maybe it's possible to be backed into a corner for a time (like Churchill was with Coventry in WW2...) where lying or delusion really are the best moral options - it just seems to me that this sort of tactic could never become any kind of "lasting" scenario, that we'd have to sort of get back on reality's track again at the earliest opportunity... thoughts?
+RUSSIAN ROBOT what fantasy do I seek? What truth is true? What do I awaken to? I already awoke to reality. I want no fame, I want to spread knowledge. I want everyone to see how biased they allow themselves to be. So what do you have that I don't? Nothing? ...nothing. It takes a lot to make me sigh.
+RUSSIAN ROBOT You triggered me? That's a riot...I have no 'triggers'. I work hard, I think harder, I've been able to recite the alphabet backwards and the 66 books of the bible backwards since I was 7....and John Candy was not funny....Bill Hicks was funny. You're not funny either, I wonder if you're even real? Doesn't matter much, you weren't trying for funny, were you, snowflake?
As much as I like creative expression, I've also come to accept some basic things about the universe. Erosion, entropy, etc.. These are characteristics that apply to everything and can be directed and employed in useful ways. I want people to know that just because they think they have god on their side does not mean they have the right to act as gods and dictate others. That we are not afraid to fight back and that they do not posses holy armor. On their way out they will resist violently.
Really good point Matt makes there at the end about the awkward atheists that come off as over-bearing or, like Seth said, toxic. I can't tell you how many times on these podcasts I hear people describe their conflicts with the religious in just such a way that I can really just see the whole thing unfold. Whether it's the blind confidence, the shouting of typical atheistic talking points (no better than the religious), or obvious grab for attention, these people are unintentionally toxic.
I believe as the youtube channel was not official (The owner uploaded from another site because TAE were not doing anything with YT at the time, they said they had plans but we never saw anything for years) the channel got a cease+desist email from TAE & a massive shitstorm kicked off because the channel owner thought he was doing them a service and expected a little more of a gracious request from them for what they did over the years, but TAE were a little blunt & so he responded in kind.
I wish I could agree, I think the increase in atheists is having a huge effect on the atheist community because it's increased relative to its size. But that number isn't huge relative to the number of religious people.
>There are atheist today that go after religion and it seems that some are becoming more radical with their views. I gladly count myself as one of these people I think you are trying to point out. I consider myself a more militant atheist than most. My earliest videos here on RUclips are an indicator of the level of action I am willing to go to to drive the point home. I don't mind passive atheists. But as I've said, this is a battle on many fronts; of thoughts, words and actions.
heh, my granddad once had Mormons visit him and he happily encouraged them because he loved attention and talking....and had no intention of becoming a Mormon which none of them realised until much later on. I thought it was an interesting way to deal with it, he obviously wasn't offended by what they were telling him but all he wanted was to listen and talk without any commitment.
Oh, as for religion, I believe we should all worship the sun. It's tangible, both science and religion agree that it is responsible for life, and tell me it sunny day doesn't elevate your mood. No one has to worship it, but if anyone is looking for that divine symbol, starting with the glowing ball of light in the sky that is responsible for all of life is not a bad place.
As an atheist I let people believe what they want to believe, regardless of how wrong they are. I'll only argue with friends or people in a debate or something similar to that. But it does irritate me when creationists give their views on how anything works, despite what people with doctorates say . THAT my friend is ignorance.
I would rather never know where we came from than believe something that is commonly being disproved, and really, who the hell care where we came from?! Life is for livin', and living's what I'm gonna do! (That's an awesome song btw)
"I think we were worth talking to."
I don't know why, but that made me tear up.
Can I get a thumbs up from all my ex-Christian brothers and sisters?
9 years late to the party but glad I'm here!
The Atheist Experience is one of the main reasons why I decided to become an atheist, and The Thinking Atheist is one of the things keeping me confident in my choice.
I consider it an honor to be called a blasphemer. It's much better than worshiping a God to promotes rape, murder, slavery, and ethnic cleansing. I'm reminded of a bumper sticker " It's your hell, you burn in it." Thanks Matt and Seth for all your hard work.
Except that it is better to worship the True God and His son Jesus Christ, because the One True God that Christians follow, and all others should, is one of love, grace, and forgiveness.
detfan100 I have read six translations of the KJV so I think I can say with confidence that your God is a wicked and capricious dictator of the worst lot. I would not sacrifice one of my children if I heard a voice saying I must do so to show my love and obedience. There is zero evidence to support your belief in this deadbeat deity.
Eddie King You've reads six translation's of the same version? Sorry. Maybe you have read six different versions of the Bible. In any case, if that was true you would exclaim Jesus Christ as your Savior and live in peace, love, grace, and forgiveness. Or it is possible that you just have a reading comprehension issue. You are lying, intentionally or from ignorance, when you say that there is no evidence in the factual one True God. Maybe you should research a little more.
***** My life.
detfan100 More atheists have read the Bible than have Christians.
"The Atheist Experience"
is an anagram of
"Cite Heathen Expertise".
How cool is that?
I thought this was a really good show. The audio "problems" weren't a problem. Thanks, as always.
2013- Wow this is older-but you can still learn a lot from Matt and Seth!
Matt and Seth.....Best podcast ever!
“One nation under educated” I Fukin LOVE this
Honestly, the sound quality doesn't detract from the show. Great stuff.
I love Matt he's got a great mind reasonable and articulate. Love listening to him. We need more of his sort he's doing a tremendous job.
1:13:00 "I had the craziest dream ever. You, Matt [Dillahunty], were the chauffeur of Christopher Hitchens, who happened to be my landlord." Awesome.
"I would love to be on this show to display the rise of atheism in the African American Community. Now that would be quite a show!"
Matt Dillahunty is AWESOME!!!! THANKS for having Matt on the show Seth!!!! Keep up the GREAT work Seth!!!!
Thank you so much Seth for doing this interview! I am from Texas, and though it is rare that I can say that I am proud of my state, especially with the rampant anti-intellectual and anti-rational ideology that runs rampant here, one of the few times I can stand proud to be a Texan is because I can say that Matt Dillhunty is one of us. This was one of your best interview podcasts. Great job!
One of your most enjoyable episodes, Seth, but I enjoy every one :-)
Great show! I love it when you bring guests on the air...
Great podcast! You should do one with Russel and Tracie from TAE. Russel has a great sense of humor, and Tracie can beautifully simplify almost any complex argument.
I got to hug matt and his wife... They were awesome persons.
Matt and Seth, keep up the good work!
The audio sounds fine to me....
I was waiting for this!!! A few months ago, I thought "Surely Seth has had Matt on at some point...", but I was disappointed that I couldn't find any podcast episode featuring him. So I decided that he would almost certainly be on in the future.
You're right, christians. God *does* answer prayers. ;-)
Wonderful episode.
Good topics, great calls.
TBH, I haven't listened to this show in quite awhile. But when I saw that Matt was the guest on this episode, I simply HAD to dive back in. No audio issues could keep me away.
I got a lot of hugs (and autographs) at the American Atheist convention in D.C.. But I don't recall seeing Matt there. I did get Seth's autographs and several good hugs from David Silverman. For anyone who can make it to the 50th American Atheist convention, don't pass it up. There is a wonderful sense of security that comes from being among active participants of this family. Spend your time with the people you love most. It's quite a refreshing change of pace from the digital world.
thanks for that argument about wiping our memory in heaven matt. I posted it on debate faith on facebook and it started a firestorm lol
This podcast is like a dream come true.
I'm really surprised that the crowd which thumbs down all of Matt's videos hasn't made it here yet.
Up until a few months ago, I didn't really want to say "I am an atheist." Following people like Seth on RUclips and Facebook as well as Matt and hearing them speak in a calm "non-angry" tone about how they find religion as silly and illogical as I do made it easier for me to say "YEAH! That's what I've been trying to say!" Other atheists I have come across in media or in real life are the stereo type with yelling and childish name-calling. Seth, Matt as well as Aron Ra (and a few others Seth has introduced me to) are the complete opposite. They try to help people to "start thinking" (say that in that voice of the intro voice of TTA broadcast).
I wouldn't recognise Matts voice in this interview, amazing how a tiny improvement in audio quality can affect the accent so much.
One of the best podcasts.
56:30 Matt Flushes his toilet. Hellbound!!!!
@SoulThriveMusic I'm Brooke :) Thankyou so much!! That means a lot!
@ 58:00 Matt mentions taking kids to the museum to encourage them to question things and explore. I would love to add to places you can take a kid to encourage them to think, a place of Higher Learning! If they are in elementary school, take them to a Junior High, a High School or better yet a College or University. It's NEVER too early to take a kid to the nearest college or university campus and take them on a tour. If you see students who aren't in a hurry, get them to interact with the kid.
There would be nothing more awesome than Seth co-hosting The Atheist Experience.
Agreed. One of the oldest arenas on the internet for counter attacks against religious claims. They've mentioned talk.origin many times on the Atheist Experience. I think it's been brought up in at least half of their shows!
Seth -"Is it secret service that handles the governor? I don't know."
Matt - "It's probably Texas Rangers."
Imagine a dozen Chuck Norris' surrounding Rick Perry.
All costumed as Braddock.
One of your best shows ever, What a show to have bad audio on. Sheesh. I bet you hated that.
Seth's voice is fucking awesome
A couple of splendid men!
Thanks! I could be wrong but I think the Shure SM7 or something close to it was used in Michael Jackson's Thriller album. Nerdy fact.
I can afford it, now if only I can master a voice as epic as yours.
Keep up the great work sir!
Evolve Fish is literally the only ad I have clicked on voluntarily. And it's sitting next to my video player right now. *click*
I think the reason why the best atheists come from ex-religious zealots is because they are the one who loved their gods the most and really wanted to know them but as soon as they really know them they realize the foolishness of worshipping such gods. The common religious people are just going through the motions of their religion and don’t realize the truth.
Dealing with Family: I have two nephews. My sister appears to be anti-intellectual. She never by commission pushed Xtianity. However, our extended family is mostly various denominations of Xtian. For my nephews during young ages, I encouraged them to take on QUESTions, not be motivated by fear and not to use ignorance as an excuse. Now that they are adults, all bets are off.
Matt and Seth, by far two of the biggest guns. This gotta be entertaining. Where's the popcorn?
No problems Seth. It wouldn't be a podcast with the host of AE without the technical difficulties.
LOVE THE SHOW Seth!!!!
I love it that some callers to The Atheist Experience have become atheists. Right on! :)
It's my birthday, too, Matt. Happy Birthday!
The audio wasn't so bad... Great show Seth.
TTA used to rage against matt but he seems to understand him better now. Very glad.
this guy has such an epic voice, have you done commercials yet?! lol
2018 and I STILL can't figure out what is sticking out of Matt's jacket.
OCDTraci
2019 and I still don’t know either.
It looks to me like a little stuffed animal of a manatee.
13:49
The reverb you added for that spiel about being a "firebrand" was very clever....(shhhhh! YOU MEANT to do that!)... It was an excellent theatrical effect...
He was probably on speakerphone for a minute
>When you open a forum to the public, it's not just yours any longer, your giving a piece of it to the community to share.
Keep in mind they both come from christian backgrounds where a celestial dictator was the origin of their ideals. Somewhere inside them they both probably want to be the owners and directors of their own group of minds. For those that follow either of them religiously, I wish them the best. But there are just some basic ideas learned in youth, behaviors, that do not change.
very few humans are strong enough to uplift others.
Please make a whole new series together.
The Thinking Atheist Experience? Yea? Yea? :D
Although the idea is intriguing, I don't really think a show with Matt and Seth would really work. They are too different as hosts. But I absolutely love them both!
***** Good cop bad cop... :) Or would that be good atheist bad atheist? :)
MravacKid lol I guess Matt would be the *quote unquote* bad atheist?
2Pains1Love you do realize that when you are writing you don't have to literally write out the words, "quote unquote," you can just use the actual symbols, right? lol. j/k.
Seth; Matt, The answer to the issue brought up in the last 20 minutes is the same answer to the issue you brought up in the first 20, with what to do with family members. Love them, regardless. We are not all alike. Most of us are fringe elements outside a bubble. As such we look into it from different angles and approach it from our own perspectives. When we break the bubble and meet in the center, we may meet head on but when we do we can choose fusion or fission, compassion or condemnation.
Is this recorded somewhere? or would you care to explain how evolution is a religion? I'm interested in the arguments you use to support that statement. (If you are going to explain it, maybe switching to the message system from the comment system might be nice.) ;)
In conversation I take this approach, and I have been growing exponentially thankful for the internet over the last 20 years. But there have been long stretches of time when I have found myself disconnected and in those moments I tend to seek immediate satisfaction which has often lead to aggressive conversations in bars and coffee shops or even destructive tendencies of the physical objects in the world that stand in place of religious ideologies and I deface or destroy them instead.
If Seth hadn't spoken about the audio "issues" (and posted about in the description), I would just excuse it as it as "it was six years ago."
Brooke sounds like such a sweetheart. Very genuine and all around awesome girl!
I luv The Atheist Experience...BIG fan! ;) I would luv to see that on national TV every Sunday...lol~ Always wanting more of that. More Matt, Jeff, Tracie and all the hosts AND more real xians/theists. Matt answered my question as to whether he ever gets confirmation that debate/conversation makes a difference. I truly believe it does but it takes a lot of time. Hope they all keep doing doing this ( u 2 Seth) cuz it IS important! If anything, you're all friends of truth! l)
45 years ago, it was mandatory to read the NT. Took it a step farther after reading the New Testament and red the Old Testament and almost overnight I was agnostic. Four years later I re-read the New Testament and when I finished the Book of Revelation, I realized this is just nonsense!!
I figured out, after many countless hours arguing against Creationists online, that such efforts were futile. They simply are going to believe what they are going to believe, not because the evidence points in their favor, but because they actually don't value real evidence.
Another really good microphone to use is the Blue Yeti Pro. I've used his mic for about a month now and for the price I don't think you can beat it.
fantastic show I am and always will be a follower and suporter
Sorry to hear that. Consider moving to California; I've been to Iowa... you won't miss it!
just to make it clear. When i apply A+ in Nepal... what responsibility do i have on what is happening online on a forum exactly?
No one who believes in science speaks with absolute certainty, and of thew few who might, their certainty could never be matched with that of a religious individual. Albeit the fact there is evidence to support science, as opposed to theism, we still are more humble.
That's to bad. Though I do not know the whole story, at this time I am going to have to side with the maker of the RUclips channel. It must have been a lot of work to do that for every episode and they did a good job at it. RUclips is the place to be. RIP TAE.
He serves and will always serve people. He may serve less than he could have otherwise, but as far as I'm concerned he's done more than his share. Now it's time for others to keep up the momentum he and so many others before him have built up. Maybe increase it more if possible. We've come a long way in the last few hundred years. I think the religious snapped back a little more than usual 12 years ago, that was just a taste of the kind of thing they are willing to do to defend their beliefs.
The most important moment relevant to this was from 28:00 to 32:00, even more specifically Matt's sentences at 29:27 and 33:10. Except I feel we can talk about our opinions as to what is good and bad while keeping in mind our opinions are subjective and not objective. Our actions are certainly objective though. With their real world consequences, but we can only speculate on the effects our actions have in or on the future based on the course of events we've learned from the past.
They believe the things they do because of intense brainwashing while they were still children. There's no need to be a jerk to them. Dillahunty is so good at what he does precisely because he remains kind and respectful even when they don't.
Atheism is not a proposition to be deemed true or false. It's the label applied to someone who has not found the evidence sufficient to believe a proposition is true. That does not mean they believe it's false.
I think that he has a little "hot button" because he feels so strongly about realizing that he wasted a lot of his life not only believing this stuff, but also wasted a lot of time training to be one of "them".
every body has baggage.
No one can replace Hitchens, or even compare with his debating skills.
I like matt he's a very educated atheist in that he knows how to calmly argue with christians very well
They forgot to mention TalkOrigins' site. It's a great resource for arguments focusing on evolution and human origins. Google it!
So if someone is deemed trolling and censored, is that dogma? because you are really being vague on this. Besides, It has nothing to do with the principle of A+. Because if some website is doing some sort of censorship in the name of A+ you can still be still support A+ without supporting the website. Those 2 aren't connected.
..... does mat have a fcuking sock puppet sticking out of his jacket?.....seriously...i've been looking at that and trying to figure it out THE WHOLE TIME
+unstoppableify SQUIRREL!!??!!! That is Squirrel the ADHD Mascot. Now as I was saying OOO piece of candy, OOO piece of candy, OOO piece of candy. Huh What are you looking at? Can I help you?
+unstoppableify It's a manatee plushie.
Agathe Dallaire jesus I doubt it....
+unstoppableify It is definitely a manatee.
ShadeyBladey I still don't know wtf this is!! Matt Be trollin like all hell.
For the caller with rational dissonance, I would simply say that he can believe whatever he wants as long as he doesn't promote creationism.
I'm an atheist, and that's my only beef with religion.
What if he believes it - but says he doesn't / won't promote it? (Non sequitur no?)
ConQuiX Yes, I agree, if he actually believes it, but says he doesn't, then it's basically a lie, and does not follow with his basic premise which is that he believes.
Yes, Non Sequitur.
The promoting of creationism is your *only* beef with religion? So the civil rights certain religions try to take and/or keep away from, say, gays and women is just fine with you?
AlbertaGeek I stand corrected, yes, every encroachments unto our constitutional rights are also my concern. I'm was talking to this guy about the science part of it, so I didn't think about that side of it at the moment. My apologies.
I think it's probably worth considering the difference (if there is one) between believing something that is wrong (in that it is a belief that doesn't map reality) vs. believing something that is bad.
To me - that is what the religion vs. reason thing is really about. Really it's red pill vs. blue pill (not for the people who are in the matrix and don't know it - but it's the position of Neo vs.Cypher to take the analogy the rest of the way).
I have been considering this question in the context of different timescales, and I wonder about when and for how long it might be true that society would be better off if everyone believed a falsehood. Can you conceive of a situation where it would really be better off if everyone believed a lie, rather than simply having a deeper appreciation for the truth (or at least a set of reasonable beliefs derived by the scientific method which are not "TRUTH" but represent our best attempt to map it given our knowledge and observables to date).
The example that is often trotted out there is the idea of how we don't publish the genetic sequence of influenza, polio or smallpox on the web - and how that's probably a good thing. There are certain matters of national security which given the context of today's world average citizens are probably better off not knowing (though granted, probably not as many secrets as governments tend to keep from the average citizen - and the optimal balance here is clearly changing rapidly). Also commonly argued is the idea that religion might function like a beneficial placebo effect for believers, giving them hope through dire situations.
Wouldn't all of the above situations be even better off if they just knew more of the truth - or perhaps - the correct mix of the facts? Is this "correct mix" not a truth in and of itself? Can we really say that wrong is bad - what about the Watchmen, which was also the same theme (the movie from 2008)? I find this to be a particularly interesting moral question... I'd like someone to put forth an argument that could change my mind - because even in the Watchmen, I'm not sure the lie will really be worth it in the long run (and there's Rorschach too...). But I guess maybe it's possible to be backed into a corner for a time (like Churchill was with Coventry in WW2...) where lying or delusion really are the best moral options - it just seems to me that this sort of tactic could never become any kind of "lasting" scenario, that we'd have to sort of get back on reality's track again at the earliest opportunity... thoughts?
Excellent! Hooray for free thinkers! (pulls on rope harder to topple the jesus statue)
Oh yeah, definitely. I think we should totally, once theocracy is finally cremated, remodel EVERY church into particle accelerators. Yeah!
+RUSSIAN ROBOT
I see your posts, you're a TROLL. So fuck off troll, your bridge is looooong gone and your mutton is rotten.
+RUSSIAN ROBOT
what fantasy do I seek? What truth is true? What do I awaken to? I already awoke to reality. I want no fame, I want to spread knowledge. I want everyone to see how biased they allow themselves to be. So what do you have that I don't? Nothing? ...nothing.
It takes a lot to make me sigh.
+RUSSIAN ROBOT
You triggered me? That's a riot...I have no 'triggers'. I work hard, I think harder, I've been able to recite the alphabet backwards and the 66 books of the bible backwards since I was 7....and John Candy was not funny....Bill Hicks was funny. You're not funny either, I wonder if you're even real? Doesn't matter much, you weren't trying for funny, were you, snowflake?
+Space Ghost 54
Really? Oh man, now I have to tell my friends.
thank you for your opinion...
As much as I like creative expression, I've also come to accept some basic things about the universe. Erosion, entropy, etc.. These are characteristics that apply to everything and can be directed and employed in useful ways. I want people to know that just because they think they have god on their side does not mean they have the right to act as gods and dictate others. That we are not afraid to fight back and that they do not posses holy armor. On their way out they will resist violently.
Hi Thinking Atheist, a technical question: what type of mic do you use in the studio?
Cheers!
Really good point Matt makes there at the end about the awkward atheists that come off as over-bearing or, like Seth said, toxic. I can't tell you how many times on these podcasts I hear people describe their conflicts with the religious in just such a way that I can really just see the whole thing unfold. Whether it's the blind confidence, the shouting of typical atheistic talking points (no better than the religious), or obvious grab for attention, these people are unintentionally toxic.
"Look at the trees" reminds me of "Tide comes in, tide comes out; never a miscommunication".
I think of those two statements as a wonderful example of the argument from ignorance and argument from personal incredulity fallacies.
Goody - I was looking for this last night....
I believe as the youtube channel was not official (The owner uploaded from another site because TAE were not doing anything with YT at the time, they said they had plans but we never saw anything for years) the channel got a cease+desist email from TAE & a massive shitstorm kicked off because the channel owner thought he was doing them a service and expected a little more of a gracious request from them for what they did over the years, but TAE were a little blunt & so he responded in kind.
I wish I could agree, I think the increase in atheists is having a huge effect on the atheist community because it's increased relative to its size. But that number isn't huge relative to the number of religious people.
See that documentary Mea Culpa. It's playing on HBO currently. Very interesting/sad....Rattzinger's part is mentioned.
>There are atheist today that go after religion and it seems that some are becoming more radical with their views.
I gladly count myself as one of these people I think you are trying to point out. I consider myself a more militant atheist than most. My earliest videos here on RUclips are an indicator of the level of action I am willing to go to to drive the point home. I don't mind passive atheists. But as I've said, this is a battle on many fronts; of thoughts, words and actions.
What's in Matt's shirt?
Looks like a Manatee.
Sacred sea cow
"Oh, the hugh-manatee"?
Sock puppet 🧦
heh, my granddad once had Mormons visit him and he happily encouraged them because he loved attention and talking....and had no intention of becoming a Mormon which none of them realised until much later on. I thought it was an interesting way to deal with it, he obviously wasn't offended by what they were telling him but all he wanted was to listen and talk without any commitment.
Born and raised a JW, it's like having Stockholm syndrome your entire life.
Oh, as for religion, I believe we should all worship the sun. It's tangible, both science and religion agree that it is responsible for life, and tell me it sunny day doesn't elevate your mood. No one has to worship it, but if anyone is looking for that divine symbol, starting with the glowing ball of light in the sky that is responsible for all of life is not a bad place.
I'm only 4 minutes in but does anyone know if Matt says why the atheist experience youtube video is no longer uploading?
As an atheist I let people believe what they want to believe, regardless of how wrong they are. I'll only argue with friends or people in a debate or something similar to that. But it does irritate me when creationists give their views on how anything works, despite what people with doctorates say . THAT my friend is ignorance.
I would rather never know where we came from than believe something that is commonly being disproved, and really, who the hell care where we came from?! Life is for livin', and living's what I'm gonna do! (That's an awesome song btw)