Debating christians in the UK is like kicking puppies, you know you can , but if feels so unfair, while some of the American ones seem like the same puppies only with rabies and less coherent and rational.
+Blu Wytch It's honestly not like that. I am Christian and I watch debates between atheists and theists, both Christian, Jewish, Muslim etc. and really, it's not like "kicking puppies"... I know you like to feed your ego and write witty youtube comments, but you need to get over yourself. You atheists love your witty smart comments.
+Elliot C Fine then why not debate me on facts, but please not tired old cliques or the usual rubbish, try and be original. You see I'm relatively new to the internet, I have spent many decades looking at and discussing numerous beliefs including the occult and their off shoots for many decades in the real world,, but would appreciate some fresh input. Oh! and trust me my ego doesn't need feeding it's big enough to suffer the sling and arrows of someone trying to be polite and insulting at the same time.
Well our government here is a bunch of old bigots, I've never met a person here who is anti-lgbt yet our government refuses to consider equal marriage cause a few politicians have bigotry opinions
+Dylan Shadowstar Same here in Germany. Our chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview. "Everyone can have their own opinion. I have mine.". And thats why we will not get it. Because her "opinion" matters more than equality.
+Dylan Shadowstar I know how you feel. I live in Poland and majority of the government and everyone i know seems to be completely against marriage equality. It makes me mad because i love my country and wish everybody would stop being so stubborn.
+Kolgejt it's worse when our politicians say anti-lgbt comments and then say "were speaking for the people" yet I don't know a single person who isn't a politician who is anti-lgbt. So they're clearly not speaking for the people
The only argument against gay marriage is the bible. Not a legal document for court cases. Also, they use the argument that gay marriage will lead to plural marriages. So? Plural marriages are rife through the bible. Doesn't that make plural marriages "God's wish?"
+Willian CoC Actually, historians say that that line was actually banning pagan rituals (pagans believed that the naked, sexual self was the most pure) and the concept of homosexuality that we know today didn't exist until the early renaissance period, over a thousand years after Leviticus was first written.
Mikhela Kurzhal So, again, my point is that the main argument against gay marriage is the bible (or not according to your information), and the bible is NOT a legal document for court cases. A least I hope not. I'm not a Christian, so if you create a law based on Judeo/Christian/Islamic law, it shouldn't apply to me, because I am not Judeo/Christian/Islamic.
Excellent list! You might have mentioned Pope Fancis' apparent endorsement of Kim Davis' action as an example of a popular Christian displaying support of institutional bigotry. My favorite is Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption story. I'm a tithing member of that church. :-) You rock, sir!
My husband (a catholic) and I (an atheist) watched this together and he was very impressed with the way you articulated the pit falls of some religious faiths! Great work!
I wish I had thought of making a video like this, I remember a lot of these stories! Especially number 10. I had an arguement against a "black guy" who claimed he was an atheist try to debate me that homosexuality was wrong on Debate.org, but he lost. Funny thing is, he had somewhere around 10-15 or more debates with others for the exact same topic. I think he may had been lying that he was an atheist but not all arguments come from religious sources. Some people think it is wrong because they think it is icky and says its where aids comes from etc etc. He was so desperate to show his belief was valid, that he kept doing nothing but arguing that one thing with everyone who would accept his challenge. You did forget one good story. It is more recent though so maybe that is why it is not here. But there was a black woman who killed an atheist because she was an atheist and kept her body on her couch for 3 days as a trophy from god.
Yo Hemant, thanks for your Videos! Even though I am a Christian I think that we need far deeper reflection of faith. We shouldn't run away from intellectual (and I don't mean ken ham "intellectual") debating and reflecting! Greetings from Europe. Moe
I mentioned this on your original list but I'll say it again here. The Pew Forum's Demographics Data on Religion, showing a huge increase in people declaring themselves 'None of the Above' and also 'Atheist', especially with Millennials is I think a story that should have been on this list.
How about a show on crazy things that atheists said and did? That should be entertaining, coming from another atheist. Time for some introspection and reflection on our own camp?
I use to go to church when I was a kid. I was baptized and became a member of that church. Now I'm an atheist. Do I need to resign? I mean I was a minor at the time, and it's a small town church. Do churches make you a nonmember after a certain amount of time?
+Taylor Cheyenne very few have actual memberships. So, no, you don't unless you were Mormon or Catholic, but it sounds like it was a small protestant church, so again, no.
I had forgotten that Charlie Ebdo occurred in 2015. Probably the greatest tragedy for me because of how the Pope basically said they had it coming. People want to like the new Pope, but I just can't.
It feels to me like 2015 was a particularly big year in terms of damaging religion and growing atheism. Maybe I'm wrong but it feels that way. It'll be interesting to see the next religious landscape survey.
I hope Singapore allows gay marriage soon. I have family and friends who can't even be open about their own relationships. Good for Yu America, I hope we get it soon.
Great video countdown. Though as a Bengali American atheist, story number 3 made me exceptionally sad because I remember reading the blogs of some of those who were murdered.
Hello, my name is Julia and I'm from Brazil, but before I start saying what I came here to say, I'd like to apologize for my English, and ask you to please ignore a few mistakes because as I said before, I'm not a native speaker. Ok, I know it's hard for you to do that, but would you please put subtitles in English on the videos? I really love your channel but you speak really fast, and there are a lot of things that I unfortunately can not understand :( thank you very much, and have a nice day!
Keep watching without using the cc, it'll force you to try harder to understand and you'll learn faster. Life doesn't come with subtitles. You already have good writing skills, good listening ones are around the corner. :)
+zeperus +shade_gray I've already tried, it really doesn't works the way it's supposed to work. It changes a lot of words that compromise the understanding of the phrase.
Well yes religion is rather silent here among normal people its just the government who are religious, of course they try to make up excuses but we all know their anti-lgbt comments are religious based
When it comes to marriage we shouldn't be debating gay marriage. We should be asking if state sanctioned marriage is a good idea. Marriage grants people special rights. Rights that I may never have. So why should the state rubber stamp someone's relationship? Why should it be limited to two people? It's not really marriage quality if people in plural relationships can't get married. I think we should stop state sanctioned marriage. Stop giving people special rights.
I think a video about how freedom of religion really works would be great. A lot of Christians interpret freedom of religion as their right to force their religion on to us. They don't understand, or don't want to understand that freedom of religion means we can all practice whatever religion we want under constitutional law. But nobody can force their religion onto anybody else, though they can express their religious beliefs publicly. And above all, Congress cannot establish a law favoring or disfavoring any religious beliefs. I would like to hear your thoughts on this subject.
#3 is not only occurring in Bangladesh, though it's been reported by the media there, it happened in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Mauritania. Not known to have happened here in Libya... yet.
Hey, Hemant, I always enjoy watching your video. I would like to see the next video if you can share your thoughts on Atheist vs Sufi Philosophy. I am looking forward.
About the football thing... If you want to be a NFL player you don't just sit at home praying that you will get drafted even tho you only watch football... Getting into the NFL involves hard work and determination not prayer...
I hate people. In Oklahoma City, there was one of those statues actually built. But it was soon vandalized. The cops were like "meh", nobody got in trouble, and they moved the ten commandments statue two blocks down the street. Bullshit.
As an Oklahoman atheist, I was really disappointed that I couldn't take my kids to see the Baphomet statue next to the Ten Commandments at the state capital. It would have made such a wonderful bonding experience.
Do you want to talk about God making Homosexuals(Who have done nothing wrong)burn in hell and making them go to jail for being Gay? Or do you wanna talk about God making 80% of the world Burn in hell for Eternity? Or about how the Bible sort of Condones Rape?
keep up the good work! can we see a segment about raising children godless? my wife and I have two toddlers who will be asking questions soon, and would like your take. thanks!
I support same-sex marriage but I think the Spring Court may, have overstepped its Authority. since marriage is state recognized as the state issues license according to the Constitution state has the right to recognize as it chooses. I'm against state recognize marriages anyway I think they should be independent contracts negotiated between the parties and then call it whatever they want.
True. Im tired of russell wilson and other religious athletes who believe god gave them what they have while he ignores millions of others who are suffering. I hope arian foster set a precedent for others to follow
jesus is going to come to earth and all the athiest is going to look guilty because there are so many hints that god has gave us to tell us that he is real and the heaven are real and that jesus is real. im not hating on anyone im just stating my opinion. and one of the hints that he is real is because i got to this church that plays live music and we pray but it is also very fun. a lot of people dont believe is religion because they think that church is very boring but let me tell you i did not like church a wile ago because i thought it was boring but afrter i went to one church in preticular that has loud live music and nobody judges you and you feel like your at home and when im singing the songs i get a holy presence that makes me feel like i have to cry but im not sad im happy. so i sujest if you are going through a hard time in your life just open up a bible and start reading and you will thank me one day when jesus comes to earth
The bible is true because the bible said so If there is a sticky note on a shoe saying "I'm an apple" then that shoe is actually an apple according to Christians
and it's ridiculous that the father has no choice the matter my ex got pregnant and decide to have an abortion i was completely against it but i had no voice in the matter i should be a father
Hey. I'm thirteen. And you raised some few points. But, what you don't understand is, Christianity is not truly a religion. You are supposed to have a relationship with Jesus, and trust Him. But, like in every group, there are some weird, 'Christians', who have done weird things, and split the whole group into these 'sub-groups' like Baptist, or Orthodox, or Catholic etc. when the whole point of Church, is fellowship with other believers, and all of them coming together as one, to worship and praise the living God, and to thank Him, for all that He had done for us. Atheists and Agnostics, tend to believe in 'coincidence'. But actually, everything that happened was indicated and layed out by God Himself. Like your car not starting, which causes you to be late, or your waking up late. But what you don't know, is that God is protecting you from certain death.
If the only books you read are only religious ones, then you need to get out more same goes for solely atheist book readers who only read Atheist materials
The issue with gun control legislation isn't the laws in place, it's the execution of the laws already in place. I researched this pretty thoroughly, and it turns out that gun control laws are already in place in the U.S., but aren't always enforced in certain situations. What needs to happen is for the government to invest time and money addressing the mental health issues rampant in the country.
I would have stuck ISIS in there somewhere. My ears are bleeding from all the coverage on media but that just proves the point. I'd also add the sick American reaction to Syrian refugees and the GOP meme of religious tests.
Make a vid on how Christians ask atheists how the Big Bang theory was all begun and started. Then tell how the same thing is with God. When was God created? How? If science tells us that there is a start and end to everything then when did God evolve?....Randomly?
So happy to know I am not alone in seeing how religion fucks the world up. In the Philippines we are so oppressed because the church is always interfering with state. It is uncommon to be an atheist here, especially a woman atheist. Thanks to channels like these! There is hope in the world! :)
Instead of gun control we should just sell terrorists and psychopaths all the guns they need to slaughter people and then say we need guns for self defense. Go figure
+Lion Chaidez Yes you are. What you mean is a nihilist - and even that's just true to an extent. An atheist does not believe in any deity - no more, no less.
i think it says a lot that albert einstein believes in the same type of god that psychics normally describe as "source" a non-human higher power, which is more of an energy that connects everything
Hemant, My wife and I are new to your site...or, late. Semantics aside, we admire you and, of course, your logical and rational discussions and assessments of various religionist's/atheist's dogma (or lack thereof). I wonder, in regards to Scientology, what might we learn from you? Is it a 'religion' or a 'movement', is it God, as alien-Spaceship as a seeding vessel? I'm going to browse your posts and maybe I'll find you have covered this but, if not....would it relate to the topic?
+inkblot131 I've only heard bits about it here and there, but from what i gathered scientology is a sect made to con rich people out of their money. I could be wrong though.
+Zift Ylrhavic Resfear Yes, of course! I did forget what kind of people they treat the best. I guess we po folk just have to live our lives feeding the televangelists. No hands on, private meetings with these emissaries of GOD... Well, no one on one meetings, but I have seen a few 'hands on' perks that if it didn't cure anything, probably caused something that will need cured next Sunday!
Okay, here a strange thought for an atheist to have, What if there is a divine or higher being or more likely beings,! Now stick with me here and follow the logic. Would they be the sort to be like the god of Abraham followers claim , but were the basis of many religions (and no I'm not talking spacemen) but over the years the message has got corrupted and altered by men and the real purpose of existence is to learn, see the complexity of the universe and gain knowledge, keep pushing back the boundaries, cut through the crap of ignorance and the perversion of the message with a clear driving goal,never stopping and just saying it;s' the god of the gaps and giving up. We are mean or designed t to keep looking for more answers, until we understand the whole of 'creation'. Then and only then are those enlightened enough (by knowledge and science) are deemed worthy enough to join these 'deities' or higher beings as equals (note, not servants). The ignorant or god fearing bible thumper's or religious zealots are just ignored and left to their own devices. To wallow in their ignorance and left in the world of their own making, those who have taken the leap into knowledge are taken up to be one with the universe. Now it's all bullshit of course and full of obvious plot holes, but it's as valid a proposition as the one god,, (be good and you'll have a rapture or burn in hell) concept, Even better because you have to earn your right to ascended by using your intelligence and there is a far less need of a controlling dogma nor any threat of punishment, for those who choose to follow a path of ignorance or worship, instead of questing for knowledge.All that happens to them is they are left behind, while those 'worthy'evolve. The side affect would be more science leading to the betterment of all. It's just sad that the Universe isn't sentient, but feck it, we only have one life, I'll enjoy mine without the need of the crutch. of a religion.
+Blu Wytch ! Your hypothesis falls apart there : "the real purpose of existence is to learn, see the complexity of the universe and gain knowledge,", and there "We are mean or designed t to keep looking for more answers, until we understand the whole of 'creation'." Until recently, most people had to spend most of their time making food, clothing, and other necessities rather than studying the universe. I very much doubt that our purpose could be to learn while at the same time the basic needs of our body prevented us to do so during most of our species' existence.
I never said it was perfect I know it has many flaws, like why take billions of years and numerous extinctions before arriving at a mammalian dominated period is another more obvious one when I had time to think about what I'd written, but that wasn't the point, it was to show that a simple more plausible story could be easily be made up (literally off the top of my head) using no dogma, no holy scripture, no overseeing deity and without the need for a carrot and stick. Which was at least, if not more believable than the creationist or god of Abraham. It was never intended as a possibility in reality, just an exercise to show how one could view the world, if you required a reason other than 'sit happens' Which I happens to be my views, until those with some real brains work out what did happen in greater detail and without the need for a super trans-dimensional beings or a god of the gaps to fill in what we have yet to learn.
Love your posts, however, I have one nit to pick. Gun control. The San Bernadino shootings occurred in a state with some of the strictest control laws in the country. Please explain (a) what additional laws would have prevented this, and (b) what ARE reasonable gun laws? I keep hearing "we need reasonable gun laws", but nobody can define what reasonable gun laws are. One issue is that the authors of the Second Amendment were terribly vague in the wording of that amendment. Keep up the good work.
+jmtnvalley This is just a foreigner's perspective, but if each state's gun laws are different, then I don't think single states having strict laws will do much good. Couldn't a person just go to a lax state, purchase a gun, then go back home? Likewise, wouldn't it just create more of an illegal market to have the country split on the laws? Illegal sellers could simply purchase their wares in lax states, move them to strict states and then sell for a mark up. I think for any gun control laws to be effective, it'd have to be applied nationwide, across every state simultaneously, and you'd have to make sure there wouldn't be any Kim Davis's mucking up the process. Then you also have to consider that citizens of your country already own so many guns that it may be too little too late for gun control laws to do much good. As for potential laws, I'd put a ban on assault weapons and armor piercing bullets, ordinary citizens don't need them. If by some chance there comes a situation where they _do_ need armor piercing weaponry and assault weapons, then your country has bigger things to worry about than gun laws. Other than that, prevent anyone with a criminal record from purchasing a gun, but include some sort of appeals process so that a stupid mistake or false conviction wouldn't bar them from it forever. This would also allow courts to differentiate between violent criminals or charged illegal gun sellers with non-violent criminals. Create a similar law for those with mental disorders, as some would be fine with a weapon, while others would not. There's also something to be said about the amount of ammunition one weapon can carry at once, typically far more than civilians would ever need. I'd call for a universal reduction in ammo capacity for weapons available to civilians. Lastly, required gun licenses, for which the application process should include mandatory classes on gun safety, handling, and usage, and ensure that the applicant is a legal citizen (akin to a driver's license). This would be the ideal time to check criminal records and go through appeals, as well as enforce a mandatory psychological evaluation. If anything raises a red flag, or appeals don't go through, no license, no ability to purchase weapons legally.
JaMaAuWright First, yes, one could go to another, less restrictive state and get armed. Second, license requirements for what many believe is a constitutional right is a topic of discussion. Should we require licenses for religion or free speech? Hmm. We do see the SCOTUS allowing warrantless invasions by police and federal agents, with bad results. I guess the constitution is dying.
jmtnvalley Religion and free speech can't shoot people in the face. Of course there should be licensing and safety concerns for weapons designed to be the most efficient killing tool of the modern world. That said, there is already a precedent for requiring a license for something related to constitutional rights. The recent SCOTUS case regarding marriage equality affirmed that marriage is a constitutional right, and yet it is still something that you need to acquire a license in order to exercise your right to marry, at least so far as it is recognized by the government. Your constitution says you have the right to bare arms, it does not say that there cannot be limitations on what arms you may bare, such as the guidelines I listed above regarding non-armor piercing, non-assault, small ammo capacity weapons. I personally don't see why these would ever be an issue of contention, all you're doing by supplying these things is creating an arms race between your own people and the police. That aside, it also does not outline anything regarding restrictions or due process one must or must not have to go through in order to obtain the arms in question as far as I am aware. Feel free to provide quotes if I am incorrect in this manner. Likewise, your rights can be taken away or limited in the states when you are convicted of a crime. Rights such as your freedom. I don't see why the right to bare arms cannot also be limited or taken away. Those who are mentally ill are sometimes under similar restrictions or limitations regarding human rights, for fear that they may be a danger to themselves or others. At the very least, these two situations may set a precedent that denying a person's right to bare arms may be appropriate due to certain circumstances. Lastly, the mandatory gun safety courses and so on. As I mentioned earlier, I liken it to driving classes. You wouldn't want someone who has no idea how to drive operating a vehicle, why would you want someone just as ignorant operating a firearm?
JaMaAuWright The difference between driving and gun ownership is that driving is not a right. Also, marriage is not an explicit right, but a right granted under 14th Amendment under the equal protection clause. You mention an arms race between the citizens and the police. I don't know if you have seen the recent news about problems in some police departments and the lack citizen rights. This problem appears to be attributed to specific departments, and there are too many good departments to make this a general cause for concern, yet. And I consider the jury out as to what the 2nd Amendment actually means. Saying that the 2nd Amendment doesn't specify what weapons people can own is like saying the 1st Amendment doesn't say what type of free speech is allowed. SCOTUS says money is free speech. Right.
+TRUTHandREALITY I think someone mentioned that this is a list of atheist stories. The Paris incident has nothing to do with atheism... but I could be wrong
Not everyone who call themselves "Christians" are Christians. Did you like the situation of the world in the 21st century? If there was nothing like religious views, do you think the world will be a better place?
+Shirley Warmate "If there was nothing like religious views, do you think the world will be a better place?" Well, Hemant said if God weren't real, the world would still be exactly the same, so obviously through hemant's words, religion doesn't stop, or cause war. Also, no one is a "real" Christian, they don't exist. It all depends on how one loves, and who one loves.
+Cameron Yu maybe or maybe not but I can talk for a lot of people by saying putting your beliefs on RUclips is just pathetic and I'm not picking a certain religion such as atheists putting there criticism towards the Christians or Christians forcing their religion on other people my point is these people Atheists ,Christians,Muslims, and etc who put there beliefs on the Internet are fucking just Whiney little bitches who want to "have a voice" or "express themselves" so Cameron I say to you fahk chu and put some ointment on that butt
Hello, I am a long time Atheist and I have faced many challenges and ridicule over my refusal to believe unproven nonsense (from any religion). What I would love to hear your thoughts on is what I term as "Thinking Atheists" V.S. unthinking Atheists. A thinking Atheist, in my malleable opinion, is an Atheist that refuses to believe in any religion that can provide solid proof for all of its claims, but is also open-minded and actively seeks the truth. An unthinking Atheist is the the type that is close-minded and (from my perspective) seems to simply claim to be an Atheist for some type of shock value or out of anger toward their previously taught religious beliefs. I would very much love to hear your thoughts on this subject. If you have already covered this topic I am interested in how your viewpoint has changed and what you think can be done to help our closed-minded compatriots jump start their minds!
+Damon Grim I don't know why people think that being closed minded is a bad thing. People are closed minded towards food and beverages they don't like or movies and music they don't like and that is okay. When it comes to religion being closed minded is somehow considered a bad thing by many people. As an atheist myself if rejecting religion makes you closed minded towards that then so be it. I'm happy that I'm closed minded towards religious bullshit. Sometimes anger is the correct response towards one's religious upbringing. Being angry about being lied to is understandable to me. To my knowledge I do not think there are any Charletons among atheists as you implied. Most atheists are atheists for the right reasons from my experience. I don't see anything wrong with being closed minded or even angry towards one's former religious upbringing.
+Cameron Yu I can understand you point of view and had I been lied to during my upbringing maybe i would more complete feel that way you feel. That being said, I am not saying you should be open to bullshit religious nonsense. I'm saying that if you ignore a potential FACT that challenges your position then you have ceased to think and have allowed your closed-mindedness to become more important than the facts. My concern is that too many people in our community are not concerned with truth or understanding and its all anger. I strongly feel this should be discouraged. Also, Thank you for your response. It's very nice to hear the opinions of other Atheists.
+Damon Grim I understand your preocupation but I word it differently I would rather have a country that is 100% religious and 90%skeptic than 100% atheist and 10% skeptic. For me it is more important to be a skeptic than an atheist. Atheist is a label that loses all meaning very quickly and should be constrained to only when theism is the topic. Outside of that context, the "atheist community" is a one size fits way too many things to be meaningful. But an "atheist community" does have it's place as a safehaven and broadcast for people who are trapped in their religious communities
Debating christians in the UK is like kicking puppies, you know you can , but if feels so unfair, while some of the American ones seem like the same puppies only with rabies and less coherent and rational.
+Blu Wytch "only with rabies" I died at that one.
😂
+Blu Wytch hahahaha i love that
+Blu Wytch It's honestly not like that. I am Christian and I watch debates between atheists and theists, both Christian, Jewish, Muslim etc. and really, it's not like "kicking puppies"... I know you like to feed your ego and write witty youtube comments, but you need to get over yourself. You atheists love your witty smart comments.
+Elliot C Fine then why not debate me on facts, but please not tired old cliques or the usual rubbish, try and be original. You see I'm relatively new to the internet, I have spent many decades looking at and discussing numerous beliefs including the occult and their off shoots for many decades in the real world,, but would appreciate some fresh input. Oh! and trust me my ego doesn't need feeding it's big enough to suffer the sling and arrows of someone trying to be polite and insulting at the same time.
every time I hear that America legalized equal marriage I just remember Australia is still no where near making the change and its embarrassing
I'm sorry to hear that.
Well our government here is a bunch of old bigots, I've never met a person here who is anti-lgbt yet our government refuses to consider equal marriage cause a few politicians have bigotry opinions
+Dylan Shadowstar Same here in Germany. Our chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview. "Everyone can have their own opinion. I have mine.". And thats why we will not get it. Because her "opinion" matters more than equality.
+Dylan Shadowstar I know how you feel. I live in Poland and majority of the government and everyone i know seems to be completely against marriage equality. It makes me mad because i love my country and wish everybody would stop being so stubborn.
+Kolgejt it's worse when our politicians say anti-lgbt comments and then say "were speaking for the people" yet I don't know a single person who isn't a politician who is anti-lgbt. So they're clearly not speaking for the people
This is the best video you have uploaded so far. Thank you for this. It made my day.
John Oliver's piece was indeed brilliant, but it's not going to change anything. Know why? 'Cause Janice in accounting don't give a fuck.
That Janice is a badass
The only argument against gay marriage is the bible. Not a legal document for court cases. Also, they use the argument that gay marriage will lead to plural marriages. So? Plural marriages are rife through the bible. Doesn't that make plural marriages "God's wish?"
true
+Willian CoC He did say the bible forbids it. He was saying the only argument you have now is the slippery slope fallacy.
+Willian CoC Actually, historians say that that line was actually banning pagan rituals (pagans believed that the naked, sexual self was the most pure) and the concept of homosexuality that we know today didn't exist until the early renaissance period, over a thousand years after Leviticus was first written.
Mikhela Kurzhal
So, again, my point is that the main argument against gay marriage is the bible (or not according to your information), and the bible is NOT a legal document for court cases. A least I hope not. I'm not a Christian, so if you create a law based on Judeo/Christian/Islamic law, it shouldn't apply to me, because I am not Judeo/Christian/Islamic.
+jmtnvalley Pligramy isn't accepted anymore, nor should gay marriage.
Excellent list! You might have mentioned Pope Fancis' apparent endorsement of Kim Davis' action as an example of a popular Christian displaying support of institutional bigotry. My favorite is Our Lady of Perpetual Exemption story. I'm a tithing member of that church. :-) You rock, sir!
My husband (a catholic) and I (an atheist) watched this together and he was very impressed with the way you articulated the pit falls of some religious faiths! Great work!
I wish I had thought of making a video like this, I remember a lot of these stories! Especially number 10.
I had an arguement against a "black guy" who claimed he was an atheist try to debate me that homosexuality was wrong on Debate.org, but he lost. Funny thing is, he had somewhere around 10-15 or more debates with others for the exact same topic. I think he may had been lying that he was an atheist but not all arguments come from religious sources. Some people think it is wrong because they think it is icky and says its where aids comes from etc etc.
He was so desperate to show his belief was valid, that he kept doing nothing but arguing that one thing with everyone who would accept his challenge.
You did forget one good story. It is more recent though so maybe that is why it is not here. But there was a black woman who killed an atheist because she was an atheist and kept her body on her couch for 3 days as a trophy from god.
Yo Hemant, thanks for your Videos! Even though I am a Christian I think that we need far deeper reflection of faith. We shouldn't run away from intellectual (and I don't mean ken ham "intellectual") debating and reflecting! Greetings from Europe. Moe
I mentioned this on your original list but I'll say it again here. The Pew Forum's Demographics Data on Religion, showing a huge increase in people declaring themselves 'None of the Above' and also 'Atheist', especially with Millennials is I think a story that should have been on this list.
+Jamie Coville Is that where the term "NONES" come from?
When did peaceful worship become intrusive worship? ugh religions....
Atheism is intrusive in our school that’s why they teach evolution as a fact even though it’s still a theory
How about a show on crazy things that atheists said and did? That should be entertaining, coming from another atheist. Time for some introspection and reflection on our own camp?
Anti-theists are too one-sided to look at themselves in the mirror
I use to go to church when I was a kid. I was baptized and became a member of that church. Now I'm an atheist. Do I need to resign? I mean I was a minor at the time, and it's a small town church. Do churches make you a nonmember after a certain amount of time?
lol there is no actual "written" law of joining or resigning a religion. They are just rituals you follow "only" if you believe in their god.
+Taylor Cheyenne very few have actual memberships. So, no, you don't unless you were Mormon or Catholic, but it sounds like it was a small protestant church, so again, no.
Hemant made a video about blow drying yourself to reverse a baptism, if you feel the need to.
Sometimes I forget how crazy the world is...
Search RUclips for a video called “ why the world hates christians by David Wilkerson “
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I had forgotten that Charlie Ebdo occurred in 2015. Probably the greatest tragedy for me because of how the Pope basically said they had it coming. People want to like the new Pope, but I just can't.
It feels to me like 2015 was a particularly big year in terms of damaging religion and growing atheism. Maybe I'm wrong but it feels that way. It'll be interesting to see the next religious landscape survey.
Never disappointed with your videos Hemant!
I hope Singapore allows gay marriage soon. I have family and friends who can't even be open about their own relationships. Good for Yu America, I hope we get it soon.
Great video countdown. Though as a Bengali American atheist, story number 3 made me exceptionally sad because I remember reading the blogs of some of those who were murdered.
Hello, my name is Julia and I'm from Brazil, but before I start saying what I came here to say, I'd like to apologize for my English, and ask you to please ignore a few mistakes because as I said before, I'm not a native speaker.
Ok, I know it's hard for you to do that, but would you please put subtitles in English on the videos? I really love your channel but you speak really fast, and there are a lot of things that I unfortunately can not understand :( thank you very much, and have a nice day!
+Júlia Vieira use the CC button on the player ;)
+Zeperus Aside form punctuation, the auto-generated subs seem to be pretty accurate.
Achei que era a única brasileira que assistia ele haha
Keep watching without using the cc, it'll force you to try harder to understand and you'll learn faster. Life doesn't come with subtitles. You already have good writing skills, good listening ones are around the corner. :)
+zeperus +shade_gray I've already tried, it really doesn't works the way it's supposed to work. It changes a lot of words that compromise the understanding of the phrase.
you're an intelligent dude. I enjoy your videos man! keep them coming.
Same sex marriage is wrong in my opinion but punishing the child is wrong
Would you be able to do a video about Sikhism?
Why is your head always to the side lol
+TowerTheGamer I ask myself the same question...
Do the top Christian scandals.
I'd love to see a video about the story of the people wanting to build Baphomet statues, that's hilarious.
in germany gay ppl still cant get married because of our religios goverment
same here in Australia.
Religious government? You mean politicians are pushing christian agenda in germany? It could be just conservatism you know
+Dylan Shadowstar I was surprised to hear that about Australia. For some reason I thought religion was sort of, well, kind of dying there.
Well yes religion is rather silent here among normal people its just the government who are religious, of course they try to make up excuses but we all know their anti-lgbt comments are religious based
Nazism still exist in Germany! Now its showing up in Greece!
Very good video blog!
When it comes to marriage we shouldn't be debating gay marriage. We should be asking if state sanctioned marriage is a good idea. Marriage grants people special rights. Rights that I may never have. So why should the state rubber stamp someone's relationship? Why should it be limited to two people? It's not really marriage quality if people in plural relationships can't get married. I think we should stop state sanctioned marriage. Stop giving people special rights.
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I think a video about how freedom of religion really works would be great. A lot of Christians interpret freedom of religion as their right to force their religion on to us. They don't understand, or don't want to understand that freedom of religion means we can all practice whatever religion we want under constitutional law. But nobody can force their religion onto anybody else, though they can express their religious beliefs publicly. And above all, Congress cannot establish a law favoring or disfavoring any religious beliefs. I would like to hear your thoughts on this subject.
Brown skin? Check. Residing hairline? Check. Atheist? Check.
+Megusta Privacy Meaningless comment on RUclips? Check.
+jimpozcaner Shh.
Megusta Privacy Oh
#3 is not only occurring in Bangladesh, though it's been reported by the media there, it happened in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Mauritania. Not known to have happened here in Libya... yet.
Hey, Hemant, I always enjoy watching your video.
I would like to see the next video if you can share your thoughts on Atheist vs Sufi Philosophy.
I am looking forward.
About the football thing... If you want to be a NFL player you don't just sit at home praying that you will get drafted even tho you only watch football... Getting into the NFL involves hard work and determination not prayer...
I hate people. In Oklahoma City, there was one of those statues actually built. But it was soon vandalized. The cops were like "meh", nobody got in trouble, and they moved the ten commandments statue two blocks down the street. Bullshit.
I love JackynGkenn's outdo song(not sure if she still uses it) it's all like!
"There's no gaaaawwd! He doesn't exists so yeah!" And I forget the rest.
I am an Atheist and very happy, but just out of curiosity I became an "ordained" minister in the Universal Life Church. Imagine that!
As an Oklahoman atheist, I was really disappointed that I couldn't take my kids to see the Baphomet statue next to the Ten Commandments at the state capital. It would have made such a wonderful bonding experience.
Since you brought up gun control in #6... What gun control measures would you support and How would they impact a particular incident?
Do you want to speak about an atheist killed three Muslims? Why you don't talk about the thousands of atheists killed on Muslims countries?
Do you want to talk about God making Homosexuals(Who have done nothing wrong)burn in hell and making them go to jail for being Gay?
Or do you wanna talk about God making 80% of the world Burn in hell for Eternity?
Or about how the Bible sort of Condones Rape?
A good book is Atheism in Pagan Antiquity. It's on Kindle. Someone must have climbed Olympus.
keep up the good work! can we see a segment about raising children godless? my wife and I have two toddlers who will be asking questions soon, and would like your take. thanks!
Arian Foster's injury was caused by his non-belief! God shall punish the non-believers!
I support same-sex marriage but I think the Spring Court may, have overstepped its Authority. since marriage is state recognized as the state issues license according to the Constitution state has the right to recognize as it chooses. I'm against state recognize marriages anyway I think they should be independent contracts negotiated between the parties and then call it whatever they want.
Item 1 and a huge political blunder for Mike "Has No Chance What-So-Ever" Huckabee.
Being a football fan I really appreciated Foster.
True. Im tired of russell wilson and other religious athletes who believe god gave them what they have while he ignores millions of others who are suffering. I hope arian foster set a precedent for others to follow
I respect Wilson's right to say it and im glad Foster overall wasnt shunned either. Im just glad Foster came out
I kind of missed the Mormon story, I think I glanced over it as a "not big deal", I think I missed the "thousands" part. Whoops
Item 6 Glenn Beck's sidekick Dana Loesch had a bit of a meltdown over that particular one.
I think the Josh Duggar news should be lower down the list and the legalization of same sex marriage should be the number 1 or 2.
I want to see detailed videos about the archeological evidence (or lack thereof) for various biblical stories (old + new testament).
How do you argue something that doesn't exsist you are the worst atheist if you feel the need to defend or explain what you call a beleif
great video Hemant! btw i kinda stole your count down bubble idea for my own videos :p
jesus is going to come to earth and all the athiest is going to look guilty because there are so many hints that god has gave us to tell us that he is real and the heaven are real and that jesus is real. im not hating on anyone im just stating my opinion. and one of the hints that he is real is because i got to this church that plays live music and we pray but it is also very fun. a lot of people dont believe is religion because they think that church is very boring but let me tell you i did not like church a wile ago because i thought it was boring but afrter i went to one church in preticular that has loud live music and nobody judges you and you feel like your at home and when im singing the songs i get a holy presence that makes me feel like i have to cry but im not sad im happy. so i sujest if you are going through a hard time in your life just open up a bible and start reading and you will thank me one day when jesus comes to earth
Hemant Mehta you need to congratulate australia for their blasphemy law.......
Ik I sin many times and am not perfect but if you don't believe God isn't real you're just ignorant 🙏
The bible is true because the bible said so
If there is a sticky note on a shoe saying "I'm an apple" then that shoe is actually an apple according to Christians
I am against gun control as I am an advocate for self reliance and I believe the ability to protect yourself is important.
The only type of being that is truly as good as "God" is said to be, are dogs. Dogs are just good at heart man (:
my friends are atheist but they don't care that im religious those are what i call "good atheist" you're the atheist i call "bad atheist".
If I ever had to have an abortion, I would gladly wait 72 hours. It's there for a reason.
and it's ridiculous that the father has no choice the matter my ex got pregnant and decide to have an abortion i was completely against it but i had no voice in the matter i should be a father
Hey. I'm thirteen. And you raised some few points. But, what you don't understand is, Christianity is not truly a religion. You are supposed to have a relationship with Jesus, and trust Him. But, like in every group, there are some weird, 'Christians', who have done weird things, and split the whole group into these 'sub-groups' like Baptist, or Orthodox, or Catholic etc. when the whole point of Church, is fellowship with other believers, and all of them coming together as one, to worship and praise the living God, and to thank Him, for all that He had done for us. Atheists and Agnostics, tend to believe in 'coincidence'. But actually, everything that happened was indicated and layed out by God Himself. Like your car not starting, which causes you to be late, or your waking up late. But what you don't know, is that God is protecting you from certain death.
david kayl I can’t even think of a proper response to this.
it's arian foster....not Ah-rian
If the only books you read are only religious ones, then you need to get out more same goes for solely atheist book readers who only read Atheist materials
The issue with gun control legislation isn't the laws in place, it's the execution of the laws already in place. I researched this pretty thoroughly, and it turns out that gun control laws are already in place in the U.S., but aren't always enforced in certain situations. What needs to happen is for the government to invest time and money addressing the mental health issues rampant in the country.
+Matt Johnson Each state seems to have differing "requirements" as well.
I would have stuck ISIS in there somewhere. My ears are bleeding from all the coverage on media but that just proves the point. I'd also add the sick American reaction to Syrian refugees and the GOP meme of religious tests.
America is 'funding' ISIS. Turkey buys ISIS Oil.
America is no longer fighting Assad
Make a vid on how Christians ask atheists how the Big Bang theory was all begun and started. Then tell how the same thing is with God. When was God created? How? If science tells us that there is a start and end to everything then when did God evolve?....Randomly?
+Nathan Todd does science tell us that there is a start and end to everything?
I think I skipped that research paper...
Good channel, but could you not stare at my left ear? It's creepy.
So happy to know I am not alone in seeing how religion fucks the world up. In the Philippines we are so oppressed because the church is always interfering with state. It is uncommon to be an atheist here, especially a woman atheist. Thanks to channels like these! There is hope in the world! :)
Hope doesn't exist in a godless universe with no intrinsic purpose (just saying).
I was cool with you until you mention gun control. Gun control doesn't fix the issue, just as prayer doesn't prevent horrible acts of violence.
Instead of gun control we should just sell terrorists and psychopaths all the guns they need to slaughter people and then say we need guns for self defense. Go figure
4:37 I wloudn't say gun control spsificly I think it will wrok but there are pepole wjo wloudn't , But politichens can do some actions
Sorry,I am not living in an English speaking country and I don't use English a lot in my life
The motive of the killer was psychotic.
Did anyone notice the wedding band on his finger? I he "believes" in love. Then he's not an atheist. Why. He believes in something or am I wrong?
+Lion Chaidez Yes you are. What you mean is a nihilist - and even that's just true to an extent. An atheist does not believe in any deity - no more, no less.
i think it says a lot that albert einstein believes in the same type of god that psychics normally describe as "source" a non-human higher power, which is more of an energy that connects everything
+Daniel Romney (The Third) It does? In what way?
your awesome Hement, thanks for showing me and others the truth.
Hemant, My wife and I are new to your site...or, late. Semantics aside, we admire you and, of course, your logical and rational discussions and assessments of various religionist's/atheist's dogma (or lack thereof). I wonder, in regards to Scientology, what might we learn from you? Is it a 'religion' or a 'movement', is it God, as alien-Spaceship as a seeding vessel? I'm going to browse your posts and maybe I'll find you have covered this but, if not....would it relate to the topic?
+inkblot131
I've only heard bits about it here and there, but from what i gathered scientology is a sect made to con rich people out of their money. I could be wrong though.
+Zift Ylrhavic Resfear Yes, of course! I did forget what kind of people they treat the best. I guess we po folk just have to live our lives feeding the televangelists. No hands on, private meetings with these emissaries of GOD... Well, no one on one meetings, but I have seen a few 'hands on' perks that if it didn't cure anything, probably caused something that will need cured next Sunday!
You should make a video explaining how atheism and radical darwinism don't always have to coincide.
+Claire P Please explain what _radical darwinism_ is.
and while you are at it, please explain what plain _darwinism_ is.
Awesome Hemant, love your videos 👍🏻
Satanists manage to bring some good arguments to light.
Okay, here a strange thought for an atheist to have, What if there is a divine or higher being or more likely beings,!
Now stick with me here and follow the logic. Would they be the sort to be like the god of Abraham followers claim , but were the basis of many religions (and no I'm not talking spacemen) but over the years the message has got corrupted and altered by men and the real purpose of existence is to learn, see the complexity of the universe and gain knowledge, keep pushing back the boundaries, cut through the crap of ignorance and the perversion of the message with a clear driving goal,never stopping and just saying it;s' the god of the gaps and giving up.
We are mean or designed t to keep looking for more answers, until we understand the whole of 'creation'. Then and only then are those enlightened enough (by knowledge and science) are deemed worthy enough to join these 'deities' or higher beings as equals (note, not servants). The ignorant or god fearing bible thumper's or religious zealots are just ignored and left to their own devices. To wallow in their ignorance and left in the world of their own making, those who have taken the leap into knowledge are taken up to be one with the universe.
Now it's all bullshit of course and full of obvious plot holes, but it's as valid a proposition as the one god,, (be good and you'll have a rapture or burn in hell) concept, Even better because you have to earn your right to ascended by using your intelligence and there is a far less need of a controlling dogma nor any threat of punishment, for those who choose to follow a path of ignorance or worship, instead of questing for knowledge.All that happens to them is they are left behind, while those 'worthy'evolve. The side affect would be more science leading to the betterment of all. It's just sad that the Universe isn't sentient, but feck it, we only have one life, I'll enjoy mine without the need of the crutch. of a religion.
+Blu Wytch !
Your hypothesis falls apart there : "the real purpose of existence is to learn, see the complexity of the universe and gain knowledge,", and there "We are mean or designed t to keep looking for more answers, until we understand the whole of 'creation'."
Until recently, most people had to spend most of their time making food, clothing, and other necessities rather than studying the universe. I very much doubt that our purpose could be to learn while at the same time the basic needs of our body prevented us to do so during most of our species' existence.
I never said it was perfect I know it has many flaws, like why take billions of years and numerous extinctions before arriving at a mammalian dominated period is another more obvious one when I had time to think about what I'd written, but that wasn't the point,
it was to show that a simple more plausible story could be easily be made up (literally off the top of my head) using no dogma, no holy scripture, no overseeing deity and without the need for a carrot and stick. Which was at least, if not more believable than the creationist or god of Abraham. It was never intended as a possibility in reality, just an exercise to show how one could view the world, if you required a reason other than 'sit happens' Which I happens to be my views, until those with some real brains work out what did happen in greater detail and without the need for a super trans-dimensional beings or a god of the gaps to fill in what we have yet to learn.
Great video. Thanks Hemant.
Love your posts, however, I have one nit to pick. Gun control. The San Bernadino shootings occurred in a state with some of the strictest control laws in the country. Please explain (a) what additional laws would have prevented this, and (b) what ARE reasonable gun laws? I keep hearing "we need reasonable gun laws", but nobody can define what reasonable gun laws are. One issue is that the authors of the Second Amendment were terribly vague in the wording of that amendment. Keep up the good work.
+jmtnvalley This is just a foreigner's perspective, but if each state's gun laws are different, then I don't think single states having strict laws will do much good. Couldn't a person just go to a lax state, purchase a gun, then go back home? Likewise, wouldn't it just create more of an illegal market to have the country split on the laws? Illegal sellers could simply purchase their wares in lax states, move them to strict states and then sell for a mark up.
I think for any gun control laws to be effective, it'd have to be applied nationwide, across every state simultaneously, and you'd have to make sure there wouldn't be any Kim Davis's mucking up the process. Then you also have to consider that citizens of your country already own so many guns that it may be too little too late for gun control laws to do much good.
As for potential laws, I'd put a ban on assault weapons and armor piercing bullets, ordinary citizens don't need them. If by some chance there comes a situation where they _do_ need armor piercing weaponry and assault weapons, then your country has bigger things to worry about than gun laws. Other than that, prevent anyone with a criminal record from purchasing a gun, but include some sort of appeals process so that a stupid mistake or false conviction wouldn't bar them from it forever. This would also allow courts to differentiate between violent criminals or charged illegal gun sellers with non-violent criminals. Create a similar law for those with mental disorders, as some would be fine with a weapon, while others would not. There's also something to be said about the amount of ammunition one weapon can carry at once, typically far more than civilians would ever need. I'd call for a universal reduction in ammo capacity for weapons available to civilians.
Lastly, required gun licenses, for which the application process should include mandatory classes on gun safety, handling, and usage, and ensure that the applicant is a legal citizen (akin to a driver's license). This would be the ideal time to check criminal records and go through appeals, as well as enforce a mandatory psychological evaluation. If anything raises a red flag, or appeals don't go through, no license, no ability to purchase weapons legally.
+JaMaAuWright None of that would work in the U.S., so oh well.
JaMaAuWright
First, yes, one could go to another, less restrictive state and get armed. Second, license requirements for what many believe is a constitutional right is a topic of discussion. Should we require licenses for religion or free speech? Hmm. We do see the SCOTUS allowing warrantless invasions by police and federal agents, with bad results. I guess the constitution is dying.
jmtnvalley Religion and free speech can't shoot people in the face. Of course there should be licensing and safety concerns for weapons designed to be the most efficient killing tool of the modern world. That said, there is already a precedent for requiring a license for something related to constitutional rights. The recent SCOTUS case regarding marriage equality affirmed that marriage is a constitutional right, and yet it is still something that you need to acquire a license in order to exercise your right to marry, at least so far as it is recognized by the government.
Your constitution says you have the right to bare arms, it does not say that there cannot be limitations on what arms you may bare, such as the guidelines I listed above regarding non-armor piercing, non-assault, small ammo capacity weapons. I personally don't see why these would ever be an issue of contention, all you're doing by supplying these things is creating an arms race between your own people and the police.
That aside, it also does not outline anything regarding restrictions or due process one must or must not have to go through in order to obtain the arms in question as far as I am aware. Feel free to provide quotes if I am incorrect in this manner.
Likewise, your rights can be taken away or limited in the states when you are convicted of a crime. Rights such as your freedom. I don't see why the right to bare arms cannot also be limited or taken away. Those who are mentally ill are sometimes under similar restrictions or limitations regarding human rights, for fear that they may be a danger to themselves or others. At the very least, these two situations may set a precedent that denying a person's right to bare arms may be appropriate due to certain circumstances.
Lastly, the mandatory gun safety courses and so on. As I mentioned earlier, I liken it to driving classes. You wouldn't want someone who has no idea how to drive operating a vehicle, why would you want someone just as ignorant operating a firearm?
JaMaAuWright
The difference between driving and gun ownership is that driving is not a right. Also, marriage is not an explicit right, but a right granted under 14th Amendment under the equal protection clause. You mention an arms race between the citizens and the police. I don't know if you have seen the recent news about problems in some police departments and the lack citizen rights. This problem appears to be attributed to specific departments, and there are too many good departments to make this a general cause for concern, yet. And I consider the jury out as to what the 2nd Amendment actually means. Saying that the 2nd Amendment doesn't specify what weapons people can own is like saying the 1st Amendment doesn't say what type of free speech is allowed. SCOTUS says money is free speech. Right.
i used to be a mormon too haha, but that wasnt even why i left.
As you had Charlie Hebdo why did you not also mention Bataclan?
+TRUTHandREALITY I think someone mentioned that this is a list of atheist stories. The Paris incident has nothing to do with atheism... but I could be wrong
Arian Foster, vegan and atheist thats a rare breed right there :D
number 10 happened to my dad 30 years ago
7:40 not everyone lives in the us, and im happy i dont
Man this comment section is an open debate...
Schadenfreude! hu haaa used that word!
YOU ARE EVIL BRO WHY TRY TO RUIN PEOPLE'S HOPE PLZ JUST STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+Jack Wood
Hope is contingent on what?
How can you ruin someone's hope?
wow first Indian in a atheist channel.
Not everyone who call themselves "Christians" are Christians. Did you like the situation of the world in the 21st century? If there was nothing like religious views, do you think the world will be a better place?
+Shirley Warmate look up the No True Scotsman Fallacy
+Shirley Warmate Ah, the old they aren't a "real" christian. That one always makes me laugh.
+Shirley Warmate "If there was nothing like religious views, do you think the world will be a better place?" Well, Hemant said if God weren't real, the world would still be exactly the same, so obviously through hemant's words, religion doesn't stop, or cause war. Also, no one is a "real" Christian, they don't exist. It all depends on how one loves, and who one loves.
One step closer to nihilism :)
can you make a video about this: do atheists wish there was a god they could believe in
+Jessica Piszczek but you have nth to look forward to after death, it's just an eternity of nothing
you should listen to alan watts
Whether or not I'm persecuted for praying on this channel, I'll continue to pray.
thats gay
Praise be zombie! Praise be!
+Dan Cameron quit looking for trouble, nobody gives a fuck if you pray.
This dude is just like a vegan or a feminist just has to make a RUclips just to express his beliefs wow
+Cameron Yu maybe or maybe not but I can talk for a lot of people by saying putting your beliefs on RUclips is just pathetic and I'm not picking a certain religion such as atheists putting there criticism towards the Christians or Christians forcing their religion on other people my point is these people Atheists ,Christians,Muslims, and etc who put there beliefs on the Internet are fucking just Whiney little bitches who want to "have a voice" or "express themselves" so Cameron I say to you fahk chu and put some ointment on that butt
+Eddie Galvez I guess you are on the wrong side of RUclips?
Hello, I am a long time Atheist and I have faced many challenges and ridicule over my refusal to believe unproven nonsense (from any religion). What I would love to hear your thoughts on is what I term as "Thinking Atheists" V.S. unthinking Atheists.
A thinking Atheist, in my malleable opinion, is an Atheist that refuses to believe in any religion that can provide solid proof for all of its claims, but is also open-minded and actively seeks the truth. An unthinking Atheist is the the type that is close-minded and (from my perspective) seems to simply claim to be an Atheist for some type of shock value or out of anger toward their previously taught religious beliefs.
I would very much love to hear your thoughts on this subject. If you have already covered this topic I am interested in how your viewpoint has changed and what you think can be done to help our closed-minded compatriots jump start their minds!
I would love to hear from anyone on this topic so please don't be shy.
+Damon Grim I don't know why people think that being closed minded is a bad thing. People are closed minded towards food and beverages they don't like or movies and music they don't like and that is okay. When it comes to religion being closed minded is somehow considered a bad thing by many people. As an atheist myself if rejecting religion makes you closed minded towards that then so be it. I'm happy that I'm closed minded towards religious bullshit. Sometimes anger is the correct response towards one's religious upbringing. Being angry about being lied to is understandable to me. To my knowledge I do not think there are any Charletons among atheists as you implied. Most atheists are atheists for the right reasons from my experience. I don't see anything wrong with being closed minded or even angry towards one's former religious upbringing.
+Cameron Yu I can understand you point of view and had I been lied to during my upbringing maybe i would more complete feel that way you feel. That being said, I am not saying you should be open to bullshit religious nonsense. I'm saying that if you ignore a potential FACT that challenges your position then you have ceased to think and have allowed your closed-mindedness to become more important than the facts. My concern is that too many people in our community are not concerned with truth or understanding and its all anger. I strongly feel this should be discouraged. Also, Thank you for your response. It's very nice to hear the opinions of other Atheists.
+Damon Grim I understand your preocupation but I word it differently
I would rather have a country that is 100% religious and 90%skeptic than 100% atheist and 10% skeptic. For me it is more important to be a skeptic than an atheist. Atheist is a label that loses all meaning very quickly and should be constrained to only when theism is the topic. Outside of that context, the "atheist community" is a one size fits way too many things to be meaningful.
But an "atheist community" does have it's place as a safehaven and broadcast for people who are trapped in their religious communities
Oh Christians