I love your channel! I've been watching so many of your videos. It has been so helpful. I walked away from Christianity for what I hope is the last time. It's been hard in some ways. My old Christian friends have been upset. Gaslighting and I even lost a friend last weekend. She doesn't want to talk to someone who is "under the devil's influence". I have people trying to send me Christian books and I keep getting announcements that they are praying for me. They said I will have no direction without god and I am choosing to send myself to hell. Lovely. I don't believe anymore for the same reasons you do. The evidence ain't there and the Abrahamic god is evil in my opinion. I'm just trying to move on and your channel has helped me with that. ❤
@@PurpleHeart99i am so glad to hear that i am helping! I hate how so many christians can treat those that leave the faith with such little care and love. Stay strong and keep learning!
When a Christian says "I'll pray for you" during your time of personal crisis, two things can happen: If your crisis remains or gets worse, they will just move on. If your crisis goes away, they will remind you that they prayed for you and will take partial credit for your recovery. 😆
@johnhollingsworth8953 and like Brandon has said (I think he did) that if things don't get better, or if the person in question dies from illness or accident, "you didn't pray hard enough" or variations of the theme. Oy veh!
I didn't want to admit this when I came across it at the time, but someone put this very well: Prayer is not a substitute for action. It's an excuse for inaction.
Greek tales come to mind. People were outsmarting the gods at times. Sisyphus cheated death more than once. I wondered why this happened. The gods weren't very smart.
Christian: “I watched the news last night and I heard about an entire family of 6 who were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver and burned alive in their car. No survivors. It’s just SO awful. I prayed for them last night”. Also Christian: “I prayed to God this morning to help me find my lost car keys and he personally stopped what he was doing and helped me find them!!! GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!”. The personification of hubris.
Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure that family that died horribly in that car accident, had a bible in their car, AND THE BIBLE DIDN’T BURN! GOD’S WORD ENDURES! PRASIE BE! Barf! 🤮
@DrumWild :) haha The last part of your comment reminded me of the boss from Office Space: "Hey, God? Yeah, if you could just drop what you're doing and answer my prayers and protect my family, that would be great. Thanks a buuunch." :)
I've been asked quite a few times why I walked away from Christianity. I tell my story, and often I will describe when I asked god to show up in any meaningful way to show me he is real. At least a couple of times, they have quoted "You shall not test the lord your god" and my response is roughly "Have you like, read the old testament?"
Lee Strobel has a story about how he was a "hardcore atheist" until one day he prayed "God, I'm not sure if you're there. In fact, I'm convinced you're not. But if you are, I would like to know you." And according to him, God answered this prayer. My prayer was similar, but from the perspective of a lifetime believer: "God, I'm losing my faith and I'm terrified! I don't want this. Please, if you're there, do something to calm my heart and assure me you're there. God I want this to be something I can't explain any other way. I can't get by on just a strong feeling or coincidence. Please let this be something unmistakable. I don't know what that would look like, but you do, and I need you to do it!" I have been told by umpteen Christians to whom I've told this story that I was "asking in the wrong spirit", "putting God to the test" and "bargaining with God". In what way was Lee Strobel NOT doing all three of these?
I literally just had a conversation with a Christian friend a few days ago about prayer. I asked "why does he pray? Do you think you have the ability thru prayer to control God's will?" He kept answering by telling random stories that avoided giving any sort of direct answers but I continued to press for a simple yes or no. Eventually he said "yes". I could tell that the thought of claiming to have some sort of influence over an all knowing God made him uncomfortable, especially when I mentioned unanswered prayers, but his beliefs in prayer forced him to acknowledge that without the potential influence over his all knowing God's plan then prayer is completely worthless. The dichotomies between religious dogmas vs beliefs vs real life experiences is truly staggering. Please note: I want to be clear that this conversation was done very respectfully and I was very patient to listen to all of his nonsensical Bible quotations and unrelated stories. I simply responded by politely repeating my questions. If we want to actually help people free themselves from the bonds of broken religions then it should be done with patience and sympathy.
The bargaining becomes frightening when you realize that Abraham jumps right up and heads out to murder his son but pleads and barters with God for Sodom.
God asked Abraham to be like a soldier of a righteous C.O.in a just war to follow what seems unthinkable. God knew Isaac would not die.Do you think that Jesus understood the Abraham story, that his Father was going to allow him to be murdered for a greater good?
@@theodoreritola7641so it’s righteous to ask a human man to commit the same feat as a god? Except even harder, because a human son won’t come back. A human son won’t understand why you’re betraying him and hurting him.
@@theodoreritola7641 Free gift of salvation lmao. You're completely full of crap. If there is a creator they are a sadist and should be rejected. You are evil for suggestion otherwise.
So says the sinner who will not come to the light. Jesus said that He was the light of the world. And whoever follows Him shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life." (John 8:12) Who are you then in the light of your own sinful nature to judge God? That is just hypocrisy.
@@christophergibson7155 me: Zzzzzz you: jesus me: thats nice dear i can have evidence? You: .... Jesus Me: .....okay go worship Allah then ... similar book .. similar jesus ... You dont believe that ...when you meet allah in heaven we can both go to hell together
Everyone here is morally superior to your god. None of us here would commit genocide, massacre women and children, condone rape and slavery...but your god does. Everyone I know is morally superior to the corrupt and incompetent non-existent deity you worship.
Compare Mohammad and Jesus, ( or what the apostles say about Him) any difference? The God you scoff at is your conception of what others say about God. Let's examine the science which proves both God's creative power and His intellect: ruclips.net/video/IvJrDsRuWxQ/видео.htmlsi=jH7gz90PnTx0qf7F Dawkins admits everything you see is encoded for later copying and then created anew from that code, and it is digitally encoded information in megabyte quantities even in bacteria.
Imagine if this had happened in reverse to a pastor. That random slip-up suddenly becomes a subtle act of God, leading you to a verse you weren't thinking about that proves the point doubly that God is great. Well if they can claim that random things are acts of God, why can't we? :P I propose that Brandon's slip-up was the act of a God that's fed up with believers misrepresenting him and his Word, and is helping Brandon tell people what's really up. Don't believe it? Think it really was just random chance? Cool, now you know why we say what we do when you try to claim that YOUR random slips were acts of God. Welcome to the club :D
@@MindShift-BrandonJust wanted to add that coming from a JW background, it's been an eye-opener watching your videos (& Kristi's too). We were always taught that only JWs really know the Bible and they are the only ones who sincerely preach the gospel. But I've seen that there are so many devout, sincere Christians out there, who truly love God(Jesus) and study their Bible and spread the Word with zeal (like you both did). And then so many who've come to feel that it doesn't really make sense after all...
Have you tried reading your own book for once in your life? If you believe that the bible is the word of your god then shouldnt you as a believer know what's in your holy books? It's impossible to remember everything but how many years do you have that book and how often did you re:read it during those years to know what it says and understand it beter then somebody who isnt of your faith? Shouldnt it be embarrasing that others who dont share the same faith as you know your own book and by default your god beter then you do as a believer? How braindead must you be to call yourself a believer and dont even read their own book?
@@youtubestudiosucks978 I think I know where you are coming from here but I dont think you are helping by going into personal attacks like this. This might be a persons first time starting a deconversion or deconstruction journey and I dont think this is helping. all I am saying is maybe be a bit more civil? things like this might be the confirmation bias they need to go back to their faith and maybe never get free or free much later. but of course you have your right to your opinion and you have a freedom of speech :) I might be a lovey dovey person so I might be way off. have a good one :)
Just more evidence that men with finite minds attempted to write a coherent story describing an infinite being, and fell way short of the goal. Thanks for all the passion and energy you put into this.
It wasn't just men who wrote The Bible in an attempt to understand the world and their place in it. The Ancient Jewish Leaders wrote The Bible in an attempt to keep lower class Jews and Gentiles under their thumb. They even telegraphed us their plans for World Conquest millenia into the future and called it Ordained Prophecy by God and their descendants are using The Bible are using The Bible as a script for World Conquest which is why a large portion of Biblical Prophecies have cone true. Also The Catholic Clergy started teaching Rapture Theology as part of an agreement with The Government to keep The believing peasants sidelined waiting to be rescued from the sky Supernaturally instead of revolting against The Tyrannical Rule The Protestant Reformation of The Catholic Church that Martin Luther started in 1517 and led until his execution in 1546 was just a bandaid Because while Christians finally reading The Bible and interpreting it for themselves severely diminished The Power of The Pope and The Catholic Clergy because Christians either left The Faith or stayed but interpreted The Bible their own way The ones who stayed still clung to Martyrdom For The Faith Even when I was a Christian I found Martyrdom for The Christian Faith to be HIGHLY PROBLEMATIC If God is SO POWERFUL why does he need to lay down our lives and the lives of our family for his Eternal Glory. Christians for Centuries have been taught and continue to teach their descendants that the only way to win is to lose. I FUCKING HATE IT
Tbf, the ancient Israelites were thinking of a much more limited sort of deity akin to all the other city deities that were popular at the time. Bible god starts becoming a walking set of contradictions after disparate stories about it and the mythical forebears of Israel get combined into a single story. So it's more like the perceptions of the deity changed over time as a need to harmonize the contradictions arose. That is, nobody ever sat down to write about an infinite being. The infinite part was a result of conceptual changes over the course of centuries. Head canon becoming canon. Which, in my view, is somewhat more damning. Since the infinite deity of modern conception is nowhere in the text the defenders of said deity rely on for knowledge of their deity. They're making it up and their book proves it.
I just know you missed it with your comment..."All Scripture is God-breathed given by divine inspiration and is profitable for instruction, for conviction of sin, for correction of error and restoration to obedience, for training in righteousness..."(2 Timothy 3:16 Amp.) "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20-21) I would take the Word of God over the opinions of others any day.
It’s just weird that you could bargain with god by burning a small part of his creation, even weirder that he likes the smell of a small part of his creation burning… and kind of creepy!
Let me just drop one of my favourite quotes again. It's from the show "Lucifer" (which you definitely should check out, if you haven't already): Pastor: God always has a plan. Lucifer: Yeah, I know, but why does everyone always assume it's a good one?
@@ChiadikaobiExcellent Yep! There ares o many excellent quotes to pick from! Also with the pastor: "It's OK, I'm not afraid of dieing." "Well you should, it's really boring where you're going!"
I always thought about this fact that people seem to be able to change God’s mind for some reason. It sounded insane when I was a believer. Thanks for covering this point.
This show strikes a personal cord with me. I fasted for 14days at one point for a request that was extremely time sensitive. It was literally life or death. The result was discouraging but I did lose 12-14 lbs.
@@MindShift-Brandon A lot of your topics and takes are fairly unique within the world of atheist commentary as well. A lot of other channels, as much as I enjoy them, tend to go over the same material as several other channels. Yours is a unique and valuable voice within the fray!
@MindShiftSkeptic lol - I understand the fear, but for better or worse I think there will always be something in the world of religion to respond to. Even your videos bringing forward fresh takes from others have been interesting and valuable (e.g., your review of God: An Anatomy).
My aunt, who was a nun, doted on me. She told me she lit a votive candle in church and prayed for me every day. As a child, I found this heartening. However, as I got older, I told myself, “She’s trying to strike a deal with god, who can be immutable one moment and then flexible the next. What if I, at a relatively young age, die from a terminal disease? What if I was murdered? On top of that, I have a seizure disorder. What would happen if I seized up, collapsed on a street with moving traffic, or seized and fell off a train platform? How would my aunt have reacted? Would she have felt betrayed by god? Would she think she demanded too much from god? Would she have piled rationalization upon rationalization to exculpate god?” The thought of her experiencing that distress caused me distress and that my whole life hinged on her ritual votive prayers. At long last I couldn’t bear the stress and checked off one more reason to consider atheism. The idea of bargaining with god does not make you feel better or safer. It makes you feel more vulnerable and fearful. It also makes you feel you have betrayed a loved one’s prayers if you make the slightest unintended misstep. I could not see myself bartering with god for my wife or my mother or for anyone else. I may as well try bargaining with a tornado!
I think it feels different for different people. I am extremely sensitive. I get just as angry about injustice in ancient times as I do about injustice right now. Others don't feel that way. When I read a specific prayer that says, "Forgive us sinners, of whom I am the chief", it says YOU the reader are the worst of all. As a child, I absorbed that, believed that. As an adult, I know that its meant to inculcate mindfulness of your actions and the morality of them, but since I'm on the autistic spectrum, I take it too seriously. Human minds vary too much for religions to get a pass for trying to do this sort of mind control. The clumsiness is harmful, even when it isn't being harnessed for political power.
This was a knockout, and with quite fascinating implications. Personally, I remember when I was younger hearing how Moses interceded for the Hebrews and begged God to pump the brakes and thinking, "That doesn't seem to make much sense." But then you just cut that line of thinking off because I think a part of you knows it leads to unsettling conclusions. It's so important to read things critically.
I believe you missed the truth of the Moses intercession story before God. Firstly, it shows anyone that a relationship with the Creator and God of this universe is just that.... "a relationship" and not a one sided dictatorship. Secondly, it shows us that our prayers, our supplications, our intercessions, are the very form of communication that effects God like nothing else.
I feel so stupid and silly for all the prayers I ever uttered as a young Christian, especially since all the things I prayed for are even worse now (child abuse, trafficking, domestic violence, unethical and greedy corporations, drug abuse). We are having our rights stripped away, and our incomes raided with each passing year. I was just talking to MYSELF and wishing like an idiot. There was no invisible sky daddy listening to me. I am so grateful that I never brought another human being into this world to suffer.
You certainly don't have to think yourself as stupid. You were misled by people whom you trusted, but how where misled themself, and that's not their fault either. This is just how religion works.
Hugs. Keep processing. The anger and frustration you are experiencing are very legit, but thankfully continuing to look from the outside has helped take the fury down to a manageable level. We also got lied to about free market capitalism being a meritocracy. Infuriating, no question, but live and learn and breathe through it, is my motto. I am also glad you didn't start another iteration. I did, despite being entirely emotionally unsuited to the task, and my spawn are cool people, but we didn't play the religion game except for a year when I needed a place away from my kids and husband. A church building full of ppl who don't know me & don't care, daycare for an hour, and meditative music gave me some breathing space to be alone inside my head for an hour. Indoctrinated in Roman Catholicism, I opted for the local Episcopal church, since they were less dickish.
I'm in that kind of family right now. Deep pentecostal, speaking in toungs, running, screaming, spinning around like a tornado and dropping on the floor unconscious, "thanks to the holy spirit". The youngest member of the family is like 3 years old, and they are just indoctrinating him in this nonsense.
This is ALWAYS the first thing I go to. "If God's plan is perfect, he's all knowing, and immutable, then why even pray at all?" It may not be good of me to do so, but to me, that means something. The buck stops here. Thanks for the video I really appreciate it
Pray all you want but you are talking to yourself and quite often it helps to clarify a need. From the viewpoint of a god you have no free will and no way to alter a fixed plan designed by an all powerful god who is infinitely wiser than you.
so fascinating. Really, pointing out the absurdities and conflicting words and actions of the god doesn't even necessitate arguing that this deity is utterly human generated, ancient tribal nonsense. Great job, Brandon!
I really love that you brought up Gideon testing YHWH here because no one ever does, but I definitely see it as proof that god has been willing to be tested in order to provide reassurance to the believer. And we have to ask, why them and not us? Why won’t the lord make himself known, especially after promises like, “Knock and the door shall be opened, seek and ye shall find…” It may be better to believe without seeing, but I can’t believe without sufficient evidence, so why doesn’t he help me begin my journey of coming to a full knowledge of the truth and so be saved? There is no apologetic that can rescue this.
Oh there's a way to apologetics this one away, probably somewhere on the web. Maybe stuff like: Be patent and keep praying God will answer and reveal himself, so it be his will to do so. God ways are higher than our ways, beyond understanding. You'll know when he answers just keep paying attention. God speaks through other people so keep your ears open and when someone finally says something that kinda seems like God (this and that) it was him! Or the Bible is just some book that constantly contradicts itself
It's simple, you have to tempt Bible god first. It's right there in the story. Bible god loooooves raw goat meat. Gideon was smart and was like, "Hey, I'm not sure you're on the up and up. Lemme see if you're legit. There's some raw goat in it for ya if you stay here." Start mercing goats and building shrines everywhere and you'll be rolling in Bible god's blessings. I started keeping a herd just to find my car keys each morning. Why keep track of them myself when I can just kill a goat?
"but I can’t believe without sufficient evidence," ? You have all the evidence you need. It is called the new birth. Jesus said, "unless you are born again you can not SEE or ENTER the kingdom of God." (John 3:3,5) So until that becomes your experience you will only continue in denial and unbelief. Jesus said what He meant and He meant what He said. "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mr.1:15)
When you said "These concepts are absolutely fascinating", I feel the same because it also triggers extreme fascination inside my brain because I have fervently follow Christianity for 11 years and even became a seminarian. My brain is indeed still wired with that "Christian programming". It will probably never go away, sadly.
god never changes until “ oh but he’s not the same as in the old testament “ “ oh he doesn’t condone slavery anymore “ “ oh he doesn’t commit genocide anymore “ “ oh he doesn’t need blood sacrifice anymore “ PICK A LANE
Wow. This episode was packed with so many themes. Fantastic Bible verses, exposure of God’s humanness in spite of his claimed, omniscient, exposure of the Christian gymnastics to try to explain it. Just a fantastic episode, Brandon I mean that.
The worst part about praying is that no matter what there is an excuse to be given as to why your "prayer" turns out the way it does. Falls in line with narcissistic abuse by making excuses for the abuser, say you pray for anything "positive" like saving a loved one from dying to cancer yet they die. The "prayer" is always answered "just not in the way we want it to be", if they live and recover from cancer then the "prayer" was answered again by the remarkable miracle that happened, by the doctors medications etc etc. If they have surgery and the cancer is removed and everything is "fine" for a while, yet again the "prayer" was answered, yet if it comes back then more justification is made like "God was just giving you some more time with them". Always some kind of exuse or answer is made for such things by apologists in some way. The same thing applies to people who deconvert as well that "they weren't really believers", it's disgusting. As hypocritical as this is I do still pray since I find my life personally like a living hell and I am in torment but you know what does it matter even, that desperation inside or something I don't know anymore really.
i think prayer is still sacred because it’s like meditating, and grounding yourself for a second. just sitting in the energy of love and positive thinking, and that’s just healing. keep praying if you feel it is good for you!
Hey man excellent content. I remember being a Christian, reading all these, finding it appalling and yet, looking for excuses to justify all that bs. Now I can't read a couple of verses without my bs alarm goes off. So much jargon and inconsistencies contained in that book. Keep the good work man.
The friendly atheist on youtube read through the first five books of the bible (I recommend if like me you're not the biggest fan of reading) and when he was going through it I was genuinely shocked about how quick God was to anger and often moses had to be like remember your promise to us.
Again, need a LOT more Thumbs Up buttons. I remember hearing a sermon once where the pastor said, "The purpose of prayer isn't to ALTER God, it's to ALTAR the believer." Cute. But obviously not accurate.
Growing up my mother would punish us all (4 kids) if one of us didn't confess, she'd also punish us all if one of us did confess, but she didn't believe it. If this is bad parenting then collective punishment by an all knowing god is bad godleying and vastly worse than when a mere flawed mortal does it.
Parents who punish their children for telling the truth really do a big disservice to their children, by putting a twisted feeling of the necessity for lies.
I always liked the stories about humans arguing with God in the Hebrew Bible--or even engaging in a wrestling match in which God has to cheat to win, as in Jacob's encounter. It makes the relationship a process, a negotiation, rather than groveling before a tyrant.
It's so obvious the authors of bible stories are writing down their own thoughts and claiming they came from an imaginary god they invented. The arrogance.
Holey moley, you added perspectives I had never considered. I have long known that this whole business of bargaining with God did not make sense but you pretty much blew it out of the water with this video.
I could just give the George Carlin quote about the supposed divine plan and how a two-dollar prayer book could possibly change it, but I have a better one in mind: "Don't get me wrong. I believe in God. I just... hope he doesn't write stuff down. Because I've made a lot of deals with him over the years, and if I get audited... He's going to pull my file and send some leg-breaking angel down to collect. '[Mobster accent] 'Scuse me, Chuckle Boy. Let's review.' (Mimes opening book) 'Please don't let her be pregnant, and I'll never do it again!' (Mimes turning page) 'I'll never drink again!' (Mimes turning page) 'I'll never drink again!' (Mimes turning page) 'I'll never drink again!' (Mimes turning page) 'Please don't let her be pregnant, and I'll never drink again!'" - Adam Ferrara
@@matiassu5604 I was wondering the same thing. Who would write a book about being under the rule of such an evil dictator and the story doesn't end with them overthrowing their abuser?
@@matiassu5604 My take based on what I've learned so far, the "ancients" (we're actually talking about 3rd-4th cen. BCE priests using texts from the 7th-8th cen.) were just a set of societal elites trying to preserve texts and traditions amid regular intervals of political upheaval. That is, they were concerned with coherence but that was less of a priority than preservation. Because of their position within society, that of high ranking priests, their focus tended towards that domain of thought. So what was preserved was a bunch of rules and rituals and a bunch of stories which had the rhetorical goal of legitimating local power structures. None of this stuff ever seems to have left the temple complex until after Israel was conquered by Rome. So it was literally just a bunch of relatively wealthy dudes kinda... sitting in a literary circle jerk for several centuries until one ruler who was vassalized tried to cement his authority within his region by wiping out the rural religious practices and forcing the temple cult's bizarre stew of ideas onto everybody. In short, as with everything, politics is to blame.
@@CoolPixie I watched a video of a guitar being made from scratch the other day. The skill level was over the top, the instrument was beautiful in every way. When the craftsman handed over the guitar to the client, you could see on their face that is was almost painful to let go. They had put so much of themselves into building the guitar, that it had become part of them. It's quality was an expression of their effort and the love of their craft. I thought to myself, why don't I pour my passion into something like like? Why don't I create beauty like that? All I'm good for, is changing a lightbulb. As I thought about that, I realized that lightbulbs, though significantly less impressive, are still important. Without the lowly lightbulb, the electrician, the truck driver, the store clerk, how less comfortable our lives would be. It might have taken a year to build that guitar, but over that year, many lightbulbs get changed, from the hallway to the warning light on the tallest building. We understand the value of the guitar because of the incredible skill and effort put in, but we never look at a lightbulb like that, because it is common, easy to get, easy to replace, yet it too is a beautiful thing. The simplest of acts, the things we do, insignificant, common, everyday things, not important on the surface, but all of them are a beautiful thing and bring meaning to life. It's just that they are not 'guitar' level, so we don't see them that way. I do experience existential dread like everyone else, but I try and get out of my own way and see what an amazing place it is that we live in; that we all get to be part of it.
I thought when Abraham haggled with god, god said: Okay, if there are even 5 righteous, I wont destroy the city. (Sodom n Gommorah) and then he destroyed a righteous person anyway, lots wife.
" Back when I was in seminary school, someone raised the proposition that we can petition the Lord with prayer.... "PETITION THE LORD WITH PRAYER ? PETITION THE LORD WITH PRAYER ?" "YOU CANNOT PETITION THE LORD WITH PRAYER !! " The Doors: Soft Parade
Another well presented thought provoking subject. I love that these videos aren't just to hammer home a conclusion, but to encourage thought and discussion about the implications of the broader topic.
It amazes me that the God of the Bible was so interested in every little detail of certain peoples lives back then but we have seen no sigh of this God for thousands of years. It's as though the whole thing was just made up. So much to do over nothing.
" but we have seen no sigh of this God for thousands of years"?? Incorrect. God has revealed Himself to YOU. And God has revealed His will for YOU in His Word, The Holy Bible. You must have not been looking.
@@christophergibson7155 Which God?? No God has revealed anything to me. You would think that I would now if that happened. Your Bible is an old book of somebody said so. Tell me that you fall for Noah's ark. Believe what you want but do not tell me about a God that you have only read about!
@@danwhite1198 The One and only true living God. You are only deceiving yourself to believe that you have not known the existence of God. "because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:19-22) You are without excuse. The reason You will not acknowledge The Lord Jesus Christ is because you then would be morally accountable to Him then for your sinful ways. (John 3:19) You are at a serious place in your spiritual condition before a Holy, Righteous, and Just God.
@@userp176" but know that it seems to produce no effect on us who have known better about God, the Bible and its contradictions." YOU are not speaking on everyone's behalf on this channel. And you have shown yourself to have departed from faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, or you may just be a doubter and are deceived
I’m sure you are hitting a nerve in most people. Who has not bargained, begged, pleaded, cried and acted out in an attempt to get god’s attention? And this is of course, because there is no one there to hear us! So many years of so much hurt and frustration. I think that is the thing I am most angry about since deconverting. Every pastor, evangelist, teacher,and the Bible itself promises god will hear our prayers. That is the most blatant lie of all. 🤬 I am not angry at god since he does not exist but, I am angry with all those who lie to people and give them false hope. Very emotionally destructive. Thanks Brandon, for reminding us we are not alone in this struggle. ❤️ You teach the best Sunday School lessons!B 🏆
Perhaps even more destructive is, when you pray and don't hear from God, you are told that it is your fault- you're hiding secret sin, you haven't given yourself fully over to God, etc.
thanks for this! also omnipotence must be reckoned with. as the old line goes, "what do you get for the person who has everything?" if this god is truly all-powerful, anything it wants it could already have without offering anything in return
Blowing the lid off, so to speak, with this one, Brandon. Your work is paying off. It was informative and “eye-opening”I enjoyed the video, I’m glad you’re enjoying it too. There is little to no room left for my doubts to hide now, so to speak. Soon, all that will remain will be for me to live in reality 100% of the time and take action (without a delusion). I feel significantly less anxiety, which would be there because I would wonder whether God would accept my bargain, and if not, I’d wonder if it’d be because I did something wrong, or if that was an unchangeable situation… Clarity, this God lacks clarity. Mostly due to his inconsistency, and definitely due to his disputable communication skills and ability. I don’t usually comment on videos at all but if doing so helps your YT algorithm reach more people then I will, every-time. Your message may not be for everyone, per se, but it is DEFINITELY for the people that REQUIRE it!
The promises of God to make Israel great and let the nations know he is among them do not pan out. Israel is not a major nation today and needs protection from the West constantly. He is not seen to be with his people.
It’s always struck me as strange that people prayed, but it never quite clicked how sad it is that many genuinely plead only with the voice inside their head for salvation expecting that to somehow communicate with an omniscient being outside of the universe. Their cries go unanswered yet they irrationally hold hope that their pleas will be recognized… it genuinely breaks my heart.
Good morning Brandon! Listening to this video has caused some questions in my mind. If God created mankind, why is he so fanatical about foreskins? If the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, how did they aquire enough gold to melt down and make a golden calf? Did the Jews have a master race complex from being chosen as God's people? I remember hearing stories about how Jews would break their dishes rather than wash them if a gentile ate off them. This was part of the reason Europeans developed such a hatred for the Jews. Even recently I saw an interview with modern Jews in today's Israel, where they believed God gave them their land and the Philistines, ( I mean) Palestinians should be grateful that they are allowed to live in their land. These things seem to be the end result of following an Evil God. It will just go on and on.
@kerishannon775 I understand it was not a large idol like is shown in so many artist's renderings. Years ago, I had heard someone who had that opinion and based on the little gold they had with them.
@kerishannon775 Christianity is founded on the idea that Jews, especially educated Jews, got their religion and traditions completely wrong. The gospels consistently depict Jewish religious scholars as stupid, ignorant and blind to the 'obvious' nature of Jesus' divinity. Jesus is depicted as stumping religious scholars with his non-answers, while gentiles often recognise Jesus as special (such as the magi, the centurion, etc.). Christianity even goes so far as to entirely rewrite the concept of messiah from an exceptionally long-lived human who brings world peace (among a varying list of other things. I recommend looking up what Judaism traditionally considers that messiah ought to accomplish) to a sacrificed god-man. John is particularly egregious, as it blames the Jewish people for the death of Jesus, going so far as to minimise the role of the Roman state apparatus. Jesus' death is depicted as being pursued by Jewish religious authorities, with the Romans not particularly concerned. Christianity lays the groundwork for Jew-hating tropes like Jews being stupid and ignorant of obvious Christian 'truth', yet also as conniving schemers waiting to strike good Christians from the shadows. Jews are simply one people among many. They span all religious affiliations (and lack thereof) and the entire ideological spectrum. And, even though you might not guess so now, even Zionism has spanned the entire ideological spectrum, from far-left to far-right, with Jewish anti-Zionism being just as diverse (the Bundists being an interesting far-left grouping).
"If the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, how did they aquire enough gold to melt down and make a golden calf? Answer: "Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians." (Exodus 12:35-36) "If God created mankind, why is he so fanatical about foreskins?" It was a sign of separating Israel from all the other wicked nations around them. And it involved also a hygienic law. God gave the land of present day Israel through a covenant with Abraham, the father of faith. What God promised He will keep. (Genesis 13:14-15)
The greatest bargain has to be salvation. Why is sin inherited, but salvation isn’t? If the sin of one man systematically cursed all of mankind, then why didn’t the payment of sin by one man systematically redeem all of mankind from the curse? Why do we continue to be born into sin, unless the arbitrary sin of one human was greater than the sacrifice of a God? If Jesus paid our debt, then why isn’t it paid? If Jesus gave His life to save us from death and Hell, how is He alive and well, as men continue to die and go to Hell? If we owe nothing, then what kind of convoluted sacrificial justice system would still apply terms and conditions to the debt that He paid in full?
I remember being 10 years old and offering god my entire stuffed animal collection to save my dying dog and all I got was radio silence, it started to make me question my faith. Thank you for this video!
I get that and while some people may laugh, they should consider the absolute faith of a child, the love for the kid's dog, and the sacrifice of a doubtlessly loved collection - and not just part of it, but the whole thing. What purer prayer can match that?
The fact that "god" supposedly spoke face to face with Moses on occasion, but then later had to hide his face has for decades puzzled me. The thing I was told about the earlier chats was it was an angel of "god," not "god" himself, but that is nonsense on the face of it. Beam me up, Mr. Scott.
Yeah, like why was Moses so special? Or any of the prophets? Why would God reveal himself to a select few prophets in order to speak to them instead of just appearing to everyone, which would eliminate the middle man and clear up all confusion because we would know what God actually said. If those prophets can see God and live why can't everyone else? So much for God showing no favoritism.
@@leonticonderoga-h6i Interesting. Apparently his "glory" would not have harmed Adam and Eve when he went looking for them. And what about when "god" went to see the Tower of Babel? Was he not radiating his "glory" then? Inconsistent, to say the least.
You did an excellent job in showing the ways is negotiating, and even changing, in the bible. I think there is an ever deeper problem in all this, that being how transactional all this is. I suppose that is somewhat obvious in the bargaining examples. But it extends to God's forgiveness, and probably even God's love. When I hear some Christian speaking of how Jesus for our sins, it really bothers me.
I hope you’ll excuse the expression, but you’re doing god’s work Brandon! I am so glad I “found” your amazing work, your masterful eloquence and articulation of language is truly beautiful art. I’ve been a huge fan of Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, Matt Dillahunty, Stephen Woodford, Alex O’Connor & Andrew McCoy for ages now and I’m ecstatic to add your channel to my favorites as well Brandon. Thank you so, so much sir, this is exactly the encouragement and source of good arguments I seek and you’ve made a huge impact in my mindset on the 1st video I watched of yours (God’s Hypocrisy) and I can’t wait to see your channel soar! Much love from Texas
You are amazing for your dedication to this. I respect you so much for how much effort you put into these videos. I came from your hell recovery videos and wow it has been amazing.
The idea that God already knows what's gonna happen in the future is one of the major reasons why I lost my faith about 2 years ago. I mean if he already knows after this life I will go to hell, why create me in the first place? seems rather cruel to me. If that's the case, given a choice, I wouldn't want to be born at all. We are told to pray for something we want, so it's God's will when we pray and get it. If we don't get it, it's not what God wanted for us. How convenient really. I prayed for a full-time job for 3 solid years after graduating but my prayer was not answered. Upon deeply thinking, i decided to stop praying and just come up with well-thought plans/ goals and work extra harder, things started working out perfectly though there are ups and downs here and there but that's just life being life.
My main reason for not believing is zero evidence. My other reasons for not believing are collective punishment and generational curses.i couldn't worship something that thinks these things are ok. Also the fact that it doesn't matter what kind of person you are as long as you worship Jesus that's all that matters.
Brandon you are the only RUclipsr I don’t need to listen at a faster speed 😅, and it’s so impressive that you reply to SO many of the comments personally. It must take you ages! I really appreciate your commitment to enlightening and helping people! I always wondered why pray if God has the perfect plan and will for our lives. If our prayers can change god’s mind then what would that mean! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, again, Brandon for another thoughtful and thought-provoking presentation! From my previous posts, you know I’m a big ‘Star Trek’ fan - I’ve realized that ‘Q’ in Next Generation resembles the representation of God in Scripture - his/their dealings with the Enterprise crew, Jean-Luc Picard in particular. Q/The Q Continuum are immortal beings with powers that humans would consider Godlike - they also toy with other beings, are very arbitrary as to whether will intervene or not, are rather judgmental of humankind - very familiar
The episode of Voyager with the Q that wants euthanasia is a good analogy for the problem of heaven, at least to me. I've been the dog, the pinball machine, and the newspaper. I'm bored and would really like nothing more than to not exist.
Hey Carlos! If you were the one who commented on exodus 32 on my Amos video then yes in part! After i titled the Amos video can a prophet bargain with god, i knew i wanted to make a larger video on it but i included your verse as a tribute for the great comment. Thanks for being here.
@@MindShift-Brandon yup. I was talking about haggling culture in the middle east and how haggling with god in the ot may have been encouraged in israelite religion.
Another good video. Thank you! Although that text in Exodus, where God wants to kill Moses, is somewhat vague, I used to learn that it was because Moses refused to circumcise his son. And because of that his wife zipper did it. Although it's still a crazy thing, it almost seems as if we're missing a fragment of text here...
Thanks and yes but thats still a problem for two big reasons. 1. Its simply s guess thats why as its not in the bible. And if this holy bible is missing a fragment. Its probably missing more. How do we know what we can trust or couldnt. I know its not your excuse so not saying anything against you, but its just such a bad defense.
@@MindShift-Brandon I agree it's a bad defense, but it's probably the best one apologist can give. When I was a fundamentalist I always used the MacArthur Study Bible. I think I remembered it from that bible.
This channel is essential for the refined and improved dignity of mankind, I am becoming conditioned to craving your ongoing refutations of ALL of the Bible inconsistencies and contradictions and absurdities that I myself have sensed and encountered and been forced to uncomfortably accept in my 51 years of being a Christian. I LOVE your disclosures - accurately and honestly using the Bible itself as ammunition against God - of the pathetic faults of the personality of the God of the Bible - his pettiness, his hair-trigger wrath and rage, his arbitrariness, his oppressive requirements of servitude to himself, his love and demand of being worshipped and strictly obeyed, his stupidity and ignorance and aloofness about the needs of the human heart for a secure and nurturing and fun-filled childhood experience of love and caring and attention from one's parents and primary caregivers, his frustrating hiddeness, his breaking of his own rules whenever it conveniently suits him, his weakness and failure at vigorously answering the prayers for healing power in the lives of needy people. Your work is a ray of knowledge and insight against chains of restriction that come from dark elements in the Bible itself. The God of the Bible is NOT what I consider or feel to be my ideal image of what I want my father or saviour or best friend to be like and you are helpfully making that image clearer.
I always find it frustrating when I point out these contradictions to my friend and he sums it up as a “difficult concept to understand.”To me it sounds more flawed than anything
My wife and I loved this one! I know you don’t really do social media, but have you considered TikTok? Taking some strong points from your videos and putting them in short clips would do so well on TikTok and reach even more people.
One New Testament example that’s always kinda got under my skin is Thomas. He didn’t believe Jesus was back just based on word of mouth, and set very clear and specific standards for what *would* convince him. Jesus showed up, and gave him exactly the evidence he asked for, and even said he wouldn’t hold it against him that he needed proof (with the caveat that he would have had a “greater blessing” if he had believed without seeing but I digress). So why is it such a problem when I ask God for some proof?
Since the Old Testament prophets referred to the Messiah as both the Lamb of God , suffering servant and the Lion of Judah yet seen together Jesus revealed to all his disciples He rose from the grave to verify He is indeed the Son of God. He was now to send them out to start the church age. All the disciples thought Jesus was going to save them from the Romans and not save the Romans. Until Israel rejected their King the church wasn't yet set in stone. This is why Jesus told his disciples at first the kingdom of God is at hand. If the church age was set in stone then Jesus wasn't truly offering the Kingdom of God to Israel. He indeed was. Even atheist attacked Jesus because judgement of the gentiles didn't happen in the 1st century and thus begin the church age. God have outsmarted modern day atheist and have already address the atheist complaint God already knows what will happen which is why He allows men to judge themselves by their own judgement. This answers the hiddenness of God as atheist cry God already knows everything so God works in the shadows and allow man be involved in his own judgements.
@@smidlee7747 Jesus wasn't the kind of Messiah that his chosen people were expecting (based on their holy texts, what we call the Old Testament), so it's no wonder why they rejected him as the Messiah. God, if he is real, hides himself from everyone, so it's no wonder why many don't believe he exists.
@leonticonderoga-h6i Exactly. Jesus came as a poor man the exact opposite of sinful men would do. The reality of God is not based on your opinion as man is not the center of the universe. Since God is unlike us it makes sense if He came down as a poor man we would crucify him.
@@smidlee7747 I'm just saying that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, yet did nothing that the Messiah was supposed to do- defeat the Romans, put the Jews in power, establish world peace, etc. Instead, Jesus talked about establishing a spiritual kingdom in Heaven which is found nowhere in the Old Testament. God didn't communicate clearly to the Jews what was to come when Jesus came down, so it's no wonder that the Jews didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah.
Happy Sunday, all! Thanks so much for watching. Hope you all find this as interesting as i do.
I love your channel! I've been watching so many of your videos. It has been so helpful. I walked away from Christianity for what I hope is the last time. It's been hard in some ways. My old Christian friends have been upset. Gaslighting and I even lost a friend last weekend. She doesn't want to talk to someone who is "under the devil's influence". I have people trying to send me Christian books and I keep getting announcements that they are praying for me. They said I will have no direction without god and I am choosing to send myself to hell. Lovely. I don't believe anymore for the same reasons you do. The evidence ain't there and the Abrahamic god is evil in my opinion. I'm just trying to move on and your channel has helped me with that. ❤
Hey did you watch that movie frailty.? I watched it again last night...it's so well done for 2001.
@@PurpleHeart99i am so glad to hear that i am helping! I hate how so many christians can treat those that leave the faith with such little care and love. Stay strong and keep learning!
@@E.a.Z.S.e.n.Talmost got to it last night but nit yet. Its on the list though
The idea that God supposedly knows everything reminds me of the dunning Kruger effect
When a Christian says "I'll pray for you" during your time of personal crisis, two things can happen: If your crisis remains or gets worse, they will just move on. If your crisis goes away, they will remind you that they prayed for you and will take partial credit for your recovery. 😆
@johnhollingsworth8953 and like Brandon has said (I think he did) that if things don't get better, or if the person in question dies from illness or accident, "you didn't pray hard enough" or variations of the theme. Oy veh!
@johntiggleman4686 Or it was God's Will and he works in mysterious ways. WHAT A LOAD OF GODDAMN BULLSHIT
Or it was God's Will and he works in mysterious ways WHAT A LOAD OF F****** BULLSHIT
Right lol
I didn't want to admit this when I came across it at the time, but someone put this very well:
Prayer is not a substitute for action. It's an excuse for inaction.
"Yahweh, I've come to bargain." - Doctor Moses
I understood that reference.😂
😂🤣🤣
Funniest comment of the day
Dr Moses and the Bible verses of madness.
😂😂😂that’s awesome
Even when I was a Christian, I couldn't wrap my mind around the idea that people were able to change the mind of an unchanging god.
It just doesnt work!
This was one of the things that started my deconversion. A christian friend didn't believe me when I told him this happens in the Bible.
I think the unchanging god aspect is more like the fact it's a concept wholly restricted to human imagination
@@roeliethegoatif only Christians spent more time actually reading it smh
Greek tales come to mind. People were outsmarting the gods at times. Sisyphus cheated death more than once. I wondered why this happened. The gods weren't very smart.
Christian: “I watched the news last night and I heard about an entire family of 6 who were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver and burned alive in their car. No survivors. It’s just SO awful. I prayed for them last night”.
Also Christian: “I prayed to God this morning to help me find my lost car keys and he personally stopped what he was doing and helped me find them!!! GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!”.
The personification of hubris.
100%!
@roc5291 EXCELLENT comment! That's EXACTLY how the evangelicals talk- literally word for word!
Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure that family that died horribly in that car accident, had a bible in their car, AND THE BIBLE DIDN’T BURN!
GOD’S WORD ENDURES!
PRASIE BE!
Barf! 🤮
@DrumWild
:) haha
The last part of your comment reminded me of the boss from Office Space:
"Hey, God?
Yeah, if you could just drop what you're doing and answer my prayers and protect my family, that would be great.
Thanks a buuunch." :)
Christians, the negotiators.....
I've been asked quite a few times why I walked away from Christianity. I tell my story, and often I will describe when I asked god to show up in any meaningful way to show me he is real. At least a couple of times, they have quoted "You shall not test the lord your god" and my response is roughly "Have you like, read the old testament?"
I agree 100%
Lee Strobel has a story about how he was a "hardcore atheist" until one day he prayed "God, I'm not sure if you're there. In fact, I'm convinced you're not. But if you are, I would like to know you." And according to him, God answered this prayer. My prayer was similar, but from the perspective of a lifetime believer: "God, I'm losing my faith and I'm terrified! I don't want this. Please, if you're there, do something to calm my heart and assure me you're there. God I want this to be something I can't explain any other way. I can't get by on just a strong feeling or coincidence. Please let this be something unmistakable. I don't know what that would look like, but you do, and I need you to do it!" I have been told by umpteen Christians to whom I've told this story that I was "asking in the wrong spirit", "putting God to the test" and "bargaining with God". In what way was Lee Strobel NOT doing all three of these?
... because he landed on the side they like?
I literally just had a conversation with a Christian friend a few days ago about prayer.
I asked "why does he pray? Do you think you have the ability thru prayer to control God's will?" He kept answering by telling random stories that avoided giving any sort of direct answers but I continued to press for a simple yes or no. Eventually he said "yes".
I could tell that the thought of claiming to have some sort of influence over an all knowing God made him uncomfortable, especially when I mentioned unanswered prayers, but his beliefs in prayer forced him to acknowledge that without the potential influence over his all knowing God's plan then prayer is completely worthless.
The dichotomies between religious dogmas vs beliefs vs real life experiences is truly staggering.
Please note: I want to be clear that this conversation was done very respectfully and I was very patient to listen to all of his nonsensical Bible quotations and unrelated stories. I simply responded by politely repeating my questions. If we want to actually help people free themselves from the bonds of broken religions then it should be done with patience and sympathy.
The bargaining becomes frightening when you realize that Abraham jumps right up and heads out to murder his son but pleads and barters with God for Sodom.
God asked Abraham to be like a soldier of a righteous C.O.in a just war to follow what seems unthinkable.
God knew Isaac would not die.Do you think that Jesus understood the Abraham story, that his Father was going to allow him to be murdered for a greater good?
READ JOHN CHAPTER 3 Vs 16 very slow please, Have a good day take care
@@theodoreritola7641so it’s righteous to ask a human man to commit the same feat as a god? Except even harder, because a human son won’t come back. A human son won’t understand why you’re betraying him and hurting him.
You're the one not excepting the FREE Gift of salvation. you hate God and he loves u ,whose the evil ONE
@@theodoreritola7641 Free gift of salvation lmao. You're completely full of crap. If there is a creator they are a sadist and should be rejected. You are evil for suggestion otherwise.
Any god willing to punish mortals for finite crimes is not a just god. But an IMMORAL MONSTER.
So says the sinner who will not come to the light. Jesus said that He was the light of the world. And whoever follows Him shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life." (John 8:12) Who are you then in the light of your own sinful nature to judge God? That is just hypocrisy.
@@christophergibson7155 me: Zzzzzz you: jesus me: thats nice dear i can have evidence? You: .... Jesus
Me: .....okay go worship Allah then ... similar book .. similar jesus ... You dont believe that ...when you meet allah in heaven we can both go to hell together
Everyone here is morally superior to your god. None of us here would commit genocide, massacre women and children, condone rape and slavery...but your god does. Everyone I know is morally superior to the corrupt and incompetent non-existent deity you worship.
He does not. You misunderstood Him if you believe that.
Compare Mohammad and Jesus, ( or what the apostles say about Him) any difference?
The God you scoff at is your conception of what others say about God.
Let's examine the science which proves both God's creative power and His intellect:
ruclips.net/video/IvJrDsRuWxQ/видео.htmlsi=jH7gz90PnTx0qf7F
Dawkins admits everything you see is encoded for later copying and then created anew from that code, and it is digitally encoded information in megabyte quantities even in bacteria.
14:45 _"I hope that you guys are enjoying this as much as I'm enjoying talking about it"_
Can't talk for anyone else, but I absolutely do 👍
Same!
Same 💯
Missed this the other day. Thank you so much!
💯
Agreed
He turned to the wrong verse and found another usable example! That is just perfect!
I couldnt believe it. Love when the bible is so full of something problematic that i want to point out that a good ol open and point will do.
@@MindShift-BrandonHoly Spirit eh.😏
Imagine if this had happened in reverse to a pastor. That random slip-up suddenly becomes a subtle act of God, leading you to a verse you weren't thinking about that proves the point doubly that God is great. Well if they can claim that random things are acts of God, why can't we? :P I propose that Brandon's slip-up was the act of a God that's fed up with believers misrepresenting him and his Word, and is helping Brandon tell people what's really up.
Don't believe it? Think it really was just random chance? Cool, now you know why we say what we do when you try to claim that YOUR random slips were acts of God. Welcome to the club :D
Haha so perfect!
@@MindShift-BrandonJust wanted to add that coming from a JW background, it's been an eye-opener watching your videos (& Kristi's too). We were always taught that only JWs really know the Bible and they are the only ones who sincerely preach the gospel. But I've seen that there are so many devout, sincere Christians out there, who truly love God(Jesus) and study their Bible and spread the Word with zeal (like you both did). And then so many who've come to feel that it doesn't really make sense after all...
As a Christian, I never knew that God wanted to kill Moses. What the heck!!
Have you tried reading your own book for once in your life?
If you believe that the bible is the word of your god then shouldnt you as a believer know what's in your holy books?
It's impossible to remember everything but how many years do you have that book and how often did you re:read it during those years to know what it says and understand it beter then somebody who isnt of your faith?
Shouldnt it be embarrasing that others who dont share the same faith as you know your own book and by default your god beter then you do as a believer?
How braindead must you be to call yourself a believer and dont even read their own book?
They dont preach that on Sunday, thats for sure
@@youtubestudiosucks978 I think I know where you are coming from here but I dont think you are helping by going into personal attacks like this. This might be a persons first time starting a deconversion or deconstruction journey and I dont think this is helping. all I am saying is maybe be a bit more civil? things like this might be the confirmation bias they need to go back to their faith and maybe never get free or free much later. but of course you have your right to your opinion and you have a freedom of speech :) I might be a lovey dovey person so I might be way off. have a good one :)
My Q to you is. What is a REAL Christian ?
@theodoreritola7641 Even a Christian can't answer that question lol. Aslo, I'm not a Christian anymore.
Just more evidence that men with finite minds attempted to write a coherent story describing an infinite being, and fell way short of the goal. Thanks for all the passion and energy you put into this.
My pleasure and well said!
It wasn't just men who wrote The Bible in an attempt to understand the world and their place in it. The Ancient Jewish Leaders wrote The Bible in an attempt to keep lower class Jews and Gentiles under their thumb. They even telegraphed us their plans for World Conquest millenia into the future and called it Ordained Prophecy by God and their descendants are using The Bible are using The Bible as a script for World Conquest which is why a large portion of Biblical Prophecies have cone true. Also The Catholic Clergy started teaching Rapture Theology as part of an agreement with The Government to keep The believing peasants sidelined waiting to be rescued from the sky Supernaturally instead of revolting against The Tyrannical Rule The Protestant Reformation of The Catholic Church that Martin Luther started in 1517 and led until his execution in 1546 was just a bandaid Because while Christians finally reading The Bible and interpreting it for themselves severely diminished The Power of The Pope and The Catholic Clergy because Christians either left The Faith or stayed but interpreted The Bible their own way The ones who stayed still clung to Martyrdom For The Faith Even when I was a Christian I found Martyrdom for The Christian Faith to be HIGHLY PROBLEMATIC If God is SO POWERFUL why does he need to lay down our lives and the lives of our family for his Eternal Glory. Christians for Centuries have been taught and continue to teach their descendants that the only way to win is to lose. I FUCKING HATE IT
Tbf, the ancient Israelites were thinking of a much more limited sort of deity akin to all the other city deities that were popular at the time.
Bible god starts becoming a walking set of contradictions after disparate stories about it and the mythical forebears of Israel get combined into a single story.
So it's more like the perceptions of the deity changed over time as a need to harmonize the contradictions arose. That is, nobody ever sat down to write about an infinite being. The infinite part was a result of conceptual changes over the course of centuries. Head canon becoming canon.
Which, in my view, is somewhat more damning. Since the infinite deity of modern conception is nowhere in the text the defenders of said deity rely on for knowledge of their deity. They're making it up and their book proves it.
Its suggested *God is actually the Governor in ancient Israel area* . The Bible makes sense with this context
I just know you missed it with your comment..."All Scripture is God-breathed given by divine inspiration and is profitable for instruction, for conviction of sin, for correction of error and restoration to obedience, for training in righteousness..."(2 Timothy 3:16 Amp.) "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20-21) I would take the Word of God over the opinions of others any day.
It’s just weird that you could bargain with god by burning a small part of his creation, even weirder that he likes the smell of a small part of his creation burning… and kind of creepy!
Let me just drop one of my favourite quotes again. It's from the show "Lucifer" (which you definitely should check out, if you haven't already):
Pastor: God always has a plan.
Lucifer: Yeah, I know, but why does everyone always assume it's a good one?
Yeah also this scene
God: it's all going to be alright.
Lucifer: that's what you said about the dinosaurs.
@@ChiadikaobiExcellent Yep! There ares o many excellent quotes to pick from!
Also with the pastor: "It's OK, I'm not afraid of dieing."
"Well you should, it's really boring where you're going!"
Lucifer is a great show! Tom Ellis nailed it ☺️
Good morning thinkers!
Love that. Love this community!
Are there any real thinkers here besides me?
Good morning,we are here, some of us need more coffee than others.
morning!
@@VictoriousCatholic
Don’t know….hadn’t really thought about it. 🤔🧐
I always thought about this fact that people seem to be able to change God’s mind for some reason. It sounded insane when I was a believer. Thanks for covering this point.
Same and my pleasure!
This show strikes a personal cord with me. I fasted for 14days at one point for a request that was extremely time sensitive. It was literally life or death. The result was discouraging but I did lose 12-14 lbs.
Oh do i hear you. I fasted for 200 hours for my son when my wife was pregnant.
We were Magical Thinkers then. We literally thought if we followed the formula, the Magical Sky Genie would grant our wishes.
Once again, I appreciate how you're able to bring out nuances in these texts that tend to be overlooked and get to the heart of the issue.
Appreciate that. I think much of what i cover seems nuanced because so many churches and preachings and studies have skipped over it completely ha.
@@MindShift-Brandon A lot of your topics and takes are fairly unique within the world of atheist commentary as well. A lot of other channels, as much as I enjoy them, tend to go over the same material as several other channels. Yours is a unique and valuable voice within the fray!
@@carlasmith9093glad to hear that but i do fear how long i can find unique ways of covering these topics ha.
@MindShiftSkeptic lol - I understand the fear, but for better or worse I think there will always be something in the world of religion to respond to. Even your videos bringing forward fresh takes from others have been interesting and valuable (e.g., your review of God: An Anatomy).
@MindShiftSkeptic I'll try to help if you need anymore ideas to debunk religion. lol👍
My aunt, who was a nun, doted on me. She told me she lit a votive candle in church and prayed for me every day. As a child, I found this heartening. However, as I got older, I told myself, “She’s trying to strike a deal with god, who can be immutable one moment and then flexible the next. What if I, at a relatively young age, die from a terminal disease? What if I was murdered? On top of that, I have a seizure disorder. What would happen if I seized up, collapsed on a street with moving traffic, or seized and fell off a train platform? How would my aunt have reacted? Would she have felt betrayed by god? Would she think she demanded too much from god? Would she have piled rationalization upon rationalization to exculpate god?” The thought of her experiencing that distress caused me distress and that my whole life hinged on her ritual votive prayers. At long last I couldn’t bear the stress and checked off one more reason to consider atheism. The idea of bargaining with god does not make you feel better or safer. It makes you feel more vulnerable and fearful. It also makes you feel you have betrayed a loved one’s prayers if you make the slightest unintended misstep. I could not see myself bartering with god for my wife or my mother or for anyone else. I may as well try bargaining with a tornado!
Great example! Thank you for sharing it
I think it feels different for different people. I am extremely sensitive. I get just as angry about injustice in ancient times as I do about injustice right now. Others don't feel that way. When I read a specific prayer that says, "Forgive us sinners, of whom I am the chief", it says YOU the reader are the worst of all. As a child, I absorbed that, believed that. As an adult, I know that its meant to inculcate mindfulness of your actions and the morality of them, but since I'm on the autistic spectrum, I take it too seriously.
Human minds vary too much for religions to get a pass for trying to do this sort of mind control. The clumsiness is harmful, even when it isn't being harnessed for political power.
This was a knockout, and with quite fascinating implications. Personally, I remember when I was younger hearing how Moses interceded for the Hebrews and begged God to pump the brakes and thinking, "That doesn't seem to make much sense." But then you just cut that line of thinking off because I think a part of you knows it leads to unsettling conclusions. It's so important to read things critically.
Yes! How many times i knew better and dripped it quickly.
I believe you missed the truth of the Moses intercession story before God. Firstly, it shows anyone that a relationship with the Creator and God of this universe is just that.... "a relationship" and not a one sided dictatorship.
Secondly, it shows us that our prayers, our supplications, our intercessions, are the very form of communication that
effects God like nothing else.
I feel so stupid and silly for all the prayers I ever uttered as a young Christian, especially since all the things I prayed for are even worse now (child abuse, trafficking, domestic violence, unethical and greedy corporations, drug abuse). We are having our rights stripped away, and our incomes raided with each passing year. I was just talking to MYSELF and wishing like an idiot. There was no invisible sky daddy listening to me. I am so grateful that I never brought another human being into this world to suffer.
Its so hard to look back and see how duped we were. I get it
You certainly don't have to think yourself as stupid. You were misled by people whom you trusted, but how where misled themself, and that's not their fault either. This is just how religion works.
You know who runs most of that The Club that made this EVIL PSYCHO BOOK.. Say there is Sky Fairy HE IS AN EVIL, PSYCHO MANIAC.
Hugs. Keep processing. The anger and frustration you are experiencing are very legit, but thankfully continuing to look from the outside has helped take the fury down to a manageable level. We also got lied to about free market capitalism being a meritocracy. Infuriating, no question, but live and learn and breathe through it, is my motto.
I am also glad you didn't start another iteration. I did, despite being entirely emotionally unsuited to the task, and my spawn are cool people, but we didn't play the religion game except for a year when I needed a place away from my kids and husband. A church building full of ppl who don't know me & don't care, daycare for an hour, and meditative music gave me some breathing space to be alone inside my head for an hour. Indoctrinated in Roman Catholicism, I opted for the local Episcopal church, since they were less dickish.
Having children is an amazing thing and such a joy of life. I'm bringing #5 at the moment.
Scary stuff. I grew up deep in pentecostal. Speaking in toungs, no mixed bathing, women in long dresses and never cut their hair, etc.
That is deep indeed. How crazy that theres such a vast spectrum of how people worship this god and understand these scriptures
I'm in that kind of family right now. Deep pentecostal, speaking in toungs, running, screaming, spinning around like a tornado and dropping on the floor unconscious, "thanks to the holy spirit". The youngest member of the family is like 3 years old, and they are just indoctrinating him in this nonsense.
But did you understand why you had to do the things you did? And what happened to your love for Jesus?
I was told that I can’t quote from the Bible! They KNOW the Bible disproves itself. Keep teaching in love. It encourages TRUTH seeking.❤😀☮️
Thank you so much for this kindness and generosity!
This is ALWAYS the first thing I go to.
"If God's plan is perfect, he's all knowing, and immutable, then why even pray at all?"
It may not be good of me to do so, but to me, that means something.
The buck stops here.
Thanks for the video
I really appreciate it
Pray all you want but you are talking to yourself and quite often it helps to clarify a need.
From the viewpoint of a god you have no free will and no way to alter a fixed plan designed by an all powerful god who is infinitely wiser than you.
so fascinating. Really, pointing out the absurdities and conflicting words and actions of the god doesn't even necessitate arguing that this deity is utterly human generated, ancient tribal nonsense. Great job, Brandon!
Always appreciate your comments!
I really love that you brought up Gideon testing YHWH here because no one ever does, but I definitely see it as proof that god has been willing to be tested in order to provide reassurance to the believer. And we have to ask, why them and not us? Why won’t the lord make himself known, especially after promises like, “Knock and the door shall be opened, seek and ye shall find…”
It may be better to believe without seeing, but I can’t believe without sufficient evidence, so why doesn’t he help me begin my journey of coming to a full knowledge of the truth and so be saved?
There is no apologetic that can rescue this.
Could not agree more!!
Word salad apologetics can. 😉😄
Oh there's a way to apologetics this one away, probably somewhere on the web. Maybe stuff like:
Be patent and keep praying God will answer and reveal himself, so it be his will to do so.
God ways are higher than our ways, beyond understanding. You'll know when he answers just keep paying attention.
God speaks through other people so keep your ears open and when someone finally says something that kinda seems like God (this and that) it was him!
Or the Bible is just some book that constantly contradicts itself
It's simple, you have to tempt Bible god first. It's right there in the story.
Bible god loooooves raw goat meat. Gideon was smart and was like, "Hey, I'm not sure you're on the up and up. Lemme see if you're legit. There's some raw goat in it for ya if you stay here."
Start mercing goats and building shrines everywhere and you'll be rolling in Bible god's blessings. I started keeping a herd just to find my car keys each morning. Why keep track of them myself when I can just kill a goat?
"but I can’t believe without sufficient evidence," ? You have all the evidence you need. It is called the new birth.
Jesus said, "unless you are born again you can not SEE or ENTER the kingdom of God." (John 3:3,5) So until that becomes your experience you will only continue in denial and unbelief. Jesus said what He meant and He meant what He said. "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mr.1:15)
When you said "These concepts are absolutely fascinating", I feel the same because it also triggers extreme fascination inside my brain because I have fervently follow Christianity for 11 years and even became a seminarian. My brain is indeed still wired with that "Christian programming". It will probably never go away, sadly.
All we can do is enjoy the silver linings.
god never changes until “ oh but he’s not the same as in the old testament “ “ oh he doesn’t condone slavery anymore “ “ oh he doesn’t commit genocide anymore “ “ oh he doesn’t need blood sacrifice anymore “ PICK A LANE
Wow. This episode was packed with so many themes. Fantastic Bible verses, exposure of God’s humanness in spite of his claimed, omniscient, exposure of the Christian gymnastics to try to explain it. Just a fantastic episode, Brandon I mean that.
So glad to hear it, my friend! Thank you so much for all the constant support!
Excellent indeed.
Whoo hoo 🙌🏻 a two-parter!! Sundays have meaning again LOL
Ha! Thanks man!
The worst part about praying is that no matter what there is an excuse to be given as to why your "prayer" turns out the way it does. Falls in line with narcissistic abuse by making excuses for the abuser, say you pray for anything "positive" like saving a loved one from dying to cancer yet they die. The "prayer" is always answered "just not in the way we want it to be", if they live and recover from cancer then the "prayer" was answered again by the remarkable miracle that happened, by the doctors medications etc etc. If they have surgery and the cancer is removed and everything is "fine" for a while, yet again the "prayer" was answered, yet if it comes back then more justification is made like "God was just giving you some more time with them". Always some kind of exuse or answer is made for such things by apologists in some way. The same thing applies to people who deconvert as well that "they weren't really believers", it's disgusting. As hypocritical as this is I do still pray since I find my life personally like a living hell and I am in torment but you know what does it matter even, that desperation inside or something I don't know anymore really.
i think prayer is still sacred because it’s like meditating, and grounding yourself for a second. just sitting in the energy of love and positive thinking, and that’s just healing. keep praying if you feel it is good for you!
Hey man excellent content. I remember being a Christian, reading all these, finding it appalling and yet, looking for excuses to justify all that bs. Now I can't read a couple of verses without my bs alarm goes off. So much jargon and inconsistencies contained in that book. Keep the good work man.
Thanks so much!
The friendly atheist on youtube read through the first five books of the bible (I recommend if like me you're not the biggest fan of reading) and when he was going through it I was genuinely shocked about how quick God was to anger and often moses had to be like remember your promise to us.
Again, need a LOT more Thumbs Up buttons. I remember hearing a sermon once where the pastor said, "The purpose of prayer isn't to ALTER God, it's to ALTAR the believer." Cute. But obviously not accurate.
Growing up my mother would punish us all (4 kids) if one of us didn't confess, she'd also punish us all if one of us did confess, but she didn't believe it. If this is bad parenting then collective punishment by an all knowing god is bad godleying and vastly worse than when a mere flawed mortal does it.
Parents who punish their children for telling the truth really do a big disservice to their children, by putting a twisted feeling of the necessity for lies.
I always liked the stories about humans arguing with God in the Hebrew Bible--or even engaging in a wrestling match in which God has to cheat to win, as in Jacob's encounter.
It makes the relationship a process, a negotiation, rather than groveling before a tyrant.
Dang! I 100% had intended to out the jacob wrestling story in the mix. So mad i forgot too.
It's so obvious the authors of bible stories are writing down their own thoughts and claiming they came from an imaginary god they invented. The arrogance.
@@MindShift-Brandon I know the feeling, but as I say about unread books, a topic not included is hope for the future.
@@gregcampwriter 100%, I'm sure Brandon could do a whole video on that one event as a companion piece to this vid. The epitome of the concept.
Holey moley, you added perspectives I had never considered. I have long known that this whole business of bargaining with God did not make sense but you pretty much blew it out of the water with this video.
So glad! Its my favorite thing to zoom in on a particular issue and try to hit it as hard as possible. So glad it delivered!
Hallo hallo hallo family happy Sunday afternoon lets get our mind shift gloves 🧤 on and learn 💪🏽
Ha! Thanks for being here
I could just give the George Carlin quote about the supposed divine plan and how a two-dollar prayer book could possibly change it, but I have a better one in mind:
"Don't get me wrong. I believe in God. I just... hope he doesn't write stuff down. Because I've made a lot of deals with him over the years, and if I get audited... He's going to pull my file and send some leg-breaking angel down to collect. '[Mobster accent] 'Scuse me, Chuckle Boy. Let's review.' (Mimes opening book) 'Please don't let her be pregnant, and I'll never do it again!' (Mimes turning page) 'I'll never drink again!' (Mimes turning page) 'I'll never drink again!' (Mimes turning page) 'I'll never drink again!' (Mimes turning page) 'Please don't let her be pregnant, and I'll never drink again!'"
- Adam Ferrara
Lol love that!
😂😂😂
It makes so much sense when you realize Yahweh is just basically like Zeus and every other asshole god that existed back then.
For sure!
It's actually several Zeuses combined, hence the contradictions. What were the ancients even thinking?
Zeus was much nicer.
@@matiassu5604 I was wondering the same thing. Who would write a book about being under the rule of such an evil dictator and the story doesn't end with them overthrowing their abuser?
@@matiassu5604 My take based on what I've learned so far, the "ancients" (we're actually talking about 3rd-4th cen. BCE priests using texts from the 7th-8th cen.) were just a set of societal elites trying to preserve texts and traditions amid regular intervals of political upheaval.
That is, they were concerned with coherence but that was less of a priority than preservation. Because of their position within society, that of high ranking priests, their focus tended towards that domain of thought. So what was preserved was a bunch of rules and rituals and a bunch of stories which had the rhetorical goal of legitimating local power structures.
None of this stuff ever seems to have left the temple complex until after Israel was conquered by Rome. So it was literally just a bunch of relatively wealthy dudes kinda... sitting in a literary circle jerk for several centuries until one ruler who was vassalized tried to cement his authority within his region by wiping out the rural religious practices and forcing the temple cult's bizarre stew of ideas onto everybody.
In short, as with everything, politics is to blame.
As someone who has never believed in a god, I find it utterly fascinating that people buy into these stories.
How do you deal with existential dread?
@@CoolPixie I watched a video of a guitar being made from scratch the other day. The skill level was over the top, the instrument was beautiful in every way. When the craftsman handed over the guitar to the client, you could see on their face that is was almost painful to let go. They had put so much of themselves into building the guitar, that it had become part of them. It's quality was an expression of their effort and the love of their craft. I thought to myself, why don't I pour my passion into something like like? Why don't I create beauty like that? All I'm good for, is changing a lightbulb. As I thought about that, I realized that lightbulbs, though significantly less impressive, are still important. Without the lowly lightbulb, the electrician, the truck driver, the store clerk, how less comfortable our lives would be. It might have taken a year to build that guitar, but over that year, many lightbulbs get changed, from the hallway to the warning light on the tallest building. We understand the value of the guitar because of the incredible skill and effort put in, but we never look at a lightbulb like that, because it is common, easy to get, easy to replace, yet it too is a beautiful thing. The simplest of acts, the things we do, insignificant, common, everyday things, not important on the surface, but all of them are a beautiful thing and bring meaning to life. It's just that they are not 'guitar' level, so we don't see them that way.
I do experience existential dread like everyone else, but I try and get out of my own way and see what an amazing place it is that we live in; that we all get to be part of it.
I thought when Abraham haggled with god, god said: Okay, if there are even 5 righteous, I wont destroy the city. (Sodom n Gommorah) and then he destroyed a righteous person anyway, lots wife.
" Back when I was in seminary school, someone raised the proposition that we can petition the Lord with prayer.... "PETITION THE LORD WITH PRAYER ? PETITION THE LORD WITH PRAYER ?"
"YOU CANNOT PETITION THE LORD WITH PRAYER !! "
The Doors: Soft Parade
Another well presented thought provoking subject. I love that these videos aren't just to hammer home a conclusion, but to encourage thought and discussion about the implications of the broader topic.
Thank you so much!
It amazes me that the God of the Bible was so interested in every little detail of certain peoples lives back then but we have seen no sigh of this God for thousands of years. It's as though the whole thing was just made up. So much to do over nothing.
Indeed!
" but we have seen no sigh of this God for thousands of years"?? Incorrect. God has revealed Himself to YOU.
And God has revealed His will for YOU in His Word, The Holy Bible. You must have not been looking.
@@christophergibson7155 Which God?? No God has revealed anything to me. You would think that I would now if that happened. Your Bible is an old book of somebody said so. Tell me that you fall for Noah's ark. Believe what you want but do not tell me about a God that you have only read about!
@@danwhite1198 The One and only true living God. You are only deceiving yourself to believe that you have not known the existence of God. "because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools."
(Romans 1:19-22) You are without excuse. The reason You will not acknowledge The Lord Jesus Christ is because you then would be morally accountable to Him then for your sinful ways. (John 3:19) You are at a serious place in your spiritual condition before a Holy, Righteous, and Just God.
If God is there i think we are seen as more of an entertainment nothing more.
Thanks! keep on exposing the truth bro.
Always a pleasure. Thanks for the support!
I think you mean "departing from the truth".
@@userp176 Are you a forgiven or non-forgiven sinner? That seems to make a difference...
@@userp176 From what I have read He is not a loving or merciful God...
@@userp176" but know that it seems to produce no effect on us who have known better about God, the Bible and its contradictions." YOU are not speaking on everyone's behalf on this channel. And you have shown yourself to have departed from faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, or you may just be a doubter and are deceived
I’m sure you are hitting a nerve in most people. Who has not bargained, begged, pleaded, cried and acted out in an attempt to get god’s attention? And this is of course, because there is no one there to hear us! So many years of so much hurt and frustration. I think that is the thing I am most angry about since deconverting. Every pastor, evangelist, teacher,and the Bible itself promises god will hear our prayers. That is the most blatant lie of all. 🤬 I am not angry at god since he does not exist but, I am angry with all those who lie to people and give them false hope. Very emotionally destructive. Thanks Brandon, for reminding us we are not alone in this struggle. ❤️ You teach the best Sunday School lessons!B 🏆
Yes the frustration is so real looking back. Its so much wasted time and energy!
Perhaps even more destructive is, when you pray and don't hear from God, you are told that it is your fault- you're hiding secret sin, you haven't given yourself fully over to God, etc.
Samson and company sounds pretty much like how we get superhero stories today.
The strongman trope that every single culture creates. Good ol redundant bible.
thanks for this! also omnipotence must be reckoned with. as the old line goes, "what do you get for the person who has everything?" if this god is truly all-powerful, anything it wants it could already have without offering anything in return
Blowing the lid off, so to speak, with this one, Brandon. Your work is paying off. It was informative and “eye-opening”I enjoyed the video, I’m glad you’re enjoying it too.
There is little to no room left for my doubts to hide now, so to speak.
Soon, all that will remain will be for me to live in reality 100% of the time and take action (without a delusion).
I feel significantly less anxiety, which would be there because I would wonder whether God would accept my bargain, and if not, I’d wonder if it’d be because I did something wrong, or if that was an unchangeable situation…
Clarity, this God lacks clarity. Mostly due to his inconsistency, and definitely due to his disputable communication skills and ability.
I don’t usually comment on videos at all but if doing so helps your YT algorithm reach more people then I will, every-time. Your message may not be for everyone, per se, but it is DEFINITELY for the people that REQUIRE it!
Thank you so much for such a kind and thoughtful comment. I am thrilled and honored to be helping you in your process of deconversion!
Very well said. This God needs to be ashamed of himself.
Thanks for the Sunday service.
My pleasure. Thanks for being here for it!
The promises of God to make Israel great and let the nations know he is among them do not pan out. Israel is not a major nation today and needs protection from the West constantly. He is not seen to be with his people.
I found your channel last week or so and I've been going through your backlog.
Appreciate that! Hope you are finding it worthwhile
@@MindShift-Brandon Definitely! I grew up Church of God so I understand the belief structure you come from, which strikes a chord with me.
It’s always struck me as strange that people prayed, but it never quite clicked how sad it is that many genuinely plead only with the voice inside their head for salvation expecting that to somehow communicate with an omniscient being outside of the universe. Their cries go unanswered yet they irrationally hold hope that their pleas will be recognized… it genuinely breaks my heart.
Brandon. Brilliant stuff. Thank you for breaking these subjects down like nobody else does
Lovely to hear! Thanks very much
Well said.
Good morning Brandon! Listening to this video has caused some questions in my mind.
If God created mankind, why is he so fanatical about foreskins?
If the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, how did they aquire enough gold to melt down and make a golden calf?
Did the Jews have a master race complex from being chosen as God's people? I remember hearing stories about how Jews would break their dishes rather than wash them if a gentile ate off them. This was part of the reason Europeans developed such a hatred for the Jews.
Even recently I saw an interview with modern Jews in today's Israel, where they believed God gave them their land and the Philistines, ( I mean) Palestinians should be grateful that they are allowed to live in their land.
These things seem to be the end result of following an Evil God. It will just go on and on.
All good questions! I have so many thoughts lol. Videos to come!
you can see it through the whole bible, the evil of god. He is all about an eye for an eye, the sad part is that that leaves the world blind.
@kerishannon775 I understand it was not a large idol like is shown in so many artist's renderings. Years ago, I had heard someone who had that opinion and based on the little gold they had with them.
@kerishannon775
Christianity is founded on the idea that Jews, especially educated Jews, got their religion and traditions completely wrong. The gospels consistently depict Jewish religious scholars as stupid, ignorant and blind to the 'obvious' nature of Jesus' divinity. Jesus is depicted as stumping religious scholars with his non-answers, while gentiles often recognise Jesus as special (such as the magi, the centurion, etc.). Christianity even goes so far as to entirely rewrite the concept of messiah from an exceptionally long-lived human who brings world peace (among a varying list of other things. I recommend looking up what Judaism traditionally considers that messiah ought to accomplish) to a sacrificed god-man.
John is particularly egregious, as it blames the Jewish people for the death of Jesus, going so far as to minimise the role of the Roman state apparatus. Jesus' death is depicted as being pursued by Jewish religious authorities, with the Romans not particularly concerned.
Christianity lays the groundwork for Jew-hating tropes like Jews being stupid and ignorant of obvious Christian 'truth', yet also as conniving schemers waiting to strike good Christians from the shadows.
Jews are simply one people among many. They span all religious affiliations (and lack thereof) and the entire ideological spectrum. And, even though you might not guess so now, even Zionism has spanned the entire ideological spectrum, from far-left to far-right, with Jewish anti-Zionism being just as diverse (the Bundists being an interesting far-left grouping).
"If the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, how did they aquire enough gold to melt down and make a golden calf?
Answer: "Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians." (Exodus 12:35-36)
"If God created mankind, why is he so fanatical about foreskins?" It was a sign of separating Israel from all the other wicked nations around them. And it involved also a hygienic law. God gave the land of present day Israel through a covenant with Abraham, the father of faith. What God promised He will keep. (Genesis 13:14-15)
The greatest bargain has to be salvation. Why is sin inherited, but salvation isn’t? If the sin of one man systematically cursed all of mankind, then why didn’t the payment of sin by one man systematically redeem all of mankind from the curse? Why do we continue to be born into sin, unless the arbitrary sin of one human was greater than the sacrifice of a God? If Jesus paid our debt, then why isn’t it paid? If Jesus gave His life to save us from death and Hell, how is He alive and well, as men continue to die and go to Hell? If we owe nothing, then what kind of convoluted sacrificial justice system would still apply terms and conditions to the debt that He paid in full?
I remember being 10 years old and offering god my entire stuffed animal collection to save my dying dog and all I got was radio silence, it started to make me question my faith.
Thank you for this video!
I get that and while some people may laugh, they should consider the absolute faith of a child, the love for the kid's dog, and the sacrifice of a doubtlessly loved collection - and not just part of it, but the whole thing. What purer prayer can match that?
Yep it sucks badly, but according to Christians there's always an excuse and more often than not it's our fault. Just sick!!!
Listening. Million likes already.
So kind. Thanks!
The fact that "god" supposedly spoke face to face with Moses on occasion, but then later had to hide his face has for decades puzzled me. The thing I was told about the earlier chats was it was an angel of "god," not "god" himself, but that is nonsense on the face of it. Beam me up, Mr. Scott.
So many freaking non biblical excuses for clear biblical problems. Just guessing at a possibility to dismiss the issue. Good ol apologetics
Yeah, like why was Moses so special? Or any of the prophets? Why would God reveal himself to a select few prophets in order to speak to them instead of just appearing to everyone, which would eliminate the middle man and clear up all confusion because we would know what God actually said. If those prophets can see God and live why can't everyone else? So much for God showing no favoritism.
@@leonticonderoga-h6i Interesting. Apparently his "glory" would not have harmed Adam and Eve when he went looking for them. And what about when "god" went to see the Tower of Babel? Was he not radiating his "glory" then? Inconsistent, to say the least.
You did an excellent job in showing the ways is negotiating, and even changing, in the bible.
I think there is an ever deeper problem in all this, that being how transactional all this is. I suppose that is somewhat obvious in the bargaining examples. But it extends to God's forgiveness, and probably even God's love. When I hear some Christian speaking of how Jesus for our sins, it really bothers me.
Agreed. Great point.
Loved it! Thank you, Brandon!
Thank you!
I hope you’ll excuse the expression, but you’re doing god’s work Brandon!
I am so glad I “found” your amazing work, your masterful eloquence and articulation of language is truly beautiful art.
I’ve been a huge fan of Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, Matt Dillahunty, Stephen Woodford, Alex O’Connor & Andrew McCoy for ages now and I’m ecstatic to add your channel to my favorites as well Brandon.
Thank you so, so much sir, this is exactly the encouragement and source of good arguments I seek and you’ve made a huge impact in my mindset on the 1st video I watched of yours (God’s Hypocrisy) and I can’t wait to see your channel soar!
Much love from Texas
What an honor to be in the same sentence as those men. Thanks for the love!
He is doing the opposite of God’s work
@@rhymerlegend2717 I apologize, I assumed that point was obvious…that’s what made the expression hyperbolic and funny.
You are amazing for your dedication to this. I respect you so much for how much effort you put into these videos. I came from your hell recovery videos and wow it has been amazing.
Oh wow. Thats so kind. Thank you very much!
I really appreciate your logic and articulation. You are so easy to listen to and you’ve been helping me in my deconstruction from Christianity.
Thanks for the kind words. So glad to hear!
Yoh B!! ...another banger man!!😉
Thanks for the love!
This was a great episode because your point was always at the back of my head but I couldn’t articulate my confusion. Good job pointing that out!
So glad to help vocalize. Thanks for being here!
The idea that God already knows what's gonna happen in the future is one of the major reasons why I lost my faith about 2 years ago. I mean if he already knows after this life I will go to hell, why create me in the first place? seems rather cruel to me. If that's the case, given a choice, I wouldn't want to be born at all.
We are told to pray for something we want, so it's God's will when we pray and get it. If we don't get it, it's not what God wanted for us. How convenient really. I prayed for a full-time job for 3 solid years after graduating but my prayer was not answered. Upon deeply thinking, i decided to stop praying and just come up with well-thought plans/ goals and work extra harder, things started working out perfectly though there are ups and downs here and there but that's just life being life.
“Anytime….any place….you invade my space….you consume me”
Lol "invade my space" seems way worse now than it did to 12 year old Brandon.
@@MindShift-Brandon 😂 definitely lost it’s polish over time
i’m about to go insane with the prayer app ads that keep coming up when i’m about to watch videos like this
To bad you can't just pray for to go them away.
My main reason for not believing is zero evidence. My other reasons for not believing are collective punishment and generational curses.i couldn't worship something that thinks these things are ok. Also the fact that it doesn't matter what kind of person you are as long as you worship Jesus that's all that matters.
Brandon you are the only RUclipsr I don’t need to listen at a faster speed 😅, and it’s so impressive that you reply to SO many of the comments personally. It must take you ages! I really appreciate your commitment to enlightening and helping people! I always wondered why pray if God has the perfect plan and will for our lives. If our prayers can change god’s mind then what would that mean! Keep up the good work!
Exactly! And thank you so much. You are one of the few then that doesnt mind the faster speaking! Appreciate your kindness here.
Thanks, again, Brandon for another thoughtful and thought-provoking presentation!
From my previous posts, you know I’m a big ‘Star Trek’ fan - I’ve realized that ‘Q’ in Next Generation resembles the representation of God in Scripture - his/their dealings with the Enterprise crew, Jean-Luc Picard in particular.
Q/The Q Continuum are immortal beings with powers that humans would consider Godlike - they also toy with other beings, are very arbitrary as to whether will intervene or not, are rather judgmental of humankind - very familiar
OMG! I have never though about that! that is such a good analogy! now i need to re watch the series again with this perspective, thank you!
The episode of Voyager with the Q that wants euthanasia is a good analogy for the problem of heaven, at least to me. I've been the dog, the pinball machine, and the newspaper. I'm bored and would really like nothing more than to not exist.
@@Hitoshura844 again I have never thought about it like that! But now I need to watch voyager again too, I got my work cut out for me
watching your videos, I have never been disappointed. Your videos are so great 🙂
Now that is an amazing compliment. Thank you!
Excellent work! Very insightful.
Thanks so much, Susan!
I'm early and I'm ready!
Love it! Thanks
Welcome to Sunday Mass! 😉🥳
Great observations Brandon, interesting and insightful content as usual!
Much appreciated, Doug!
Another fantastic job. Well done, sir.
Many thanks!
This is a really informative, encouraging series. Thank you!
You are so welcome! Glad to hear it
Well, this sounds familiar. Did my comment inspire a video?!
Hey Carlos! If you were the one who commented on exodus 32 on my Amos video then yes in part! After i titled the Amos video can a prophet bargain with god, i knew i wanted to make a larger video on it but i included your verse as a tribute for the great comment. Thanks for being here.
@@MindShift-Brandon yup. I was talking about haggling culture in the middle east and how haggling with god in the ot may have been encouraged in israelite religion.
All intercessory prayer is basically, "I know better than the divine plan."
Another great video.
Thank you Brandon.
Another good video. Thank you! Although that text in Exodus, where God wants to kill Moses, is somewhat vague, I used to learn that it was because Moses refused to circumcise his son. And because of that his wife zipper did it. Although it's still a crazy thing, it almost seems as if we're missing a fragment of text here...
Thanks and yes but thats still a problem for two big reasons. 1. Its simply s guess thats why as its not in the bible. And if this holy bible is missing a fragment. Its probably missing more. How do we know what we can trust or couldnt. I know its not your excuse so not saying anything against you, but its just such a bad defense.
@@MindShift-Brandon I agree it's a bad defense, but it's probably the best one apologist can give. When I was a fundamentalist I always used the MacArthur Study Bible. I think I remembered it from that bible.
If this actually happened as written, it's not a god, it's an extra terrestrial with advanced technology playing a god.
Well said.
@rboland2173
Interesting quote. What's it from?
The aliens created religion as part of their agenda to control us
Always on point!
Many many thanks!
This channel is essential for the refined and improved dignity of mankind, I am becoming conditioned to craving your ongoing refutations of ALL of the Bible inconsistencies and contradictions and absurdities that I myself have sensed and encountered and been forced to uncomfortably accept in my 51 years of being a Christian. I LOVE your disclosures - accurately and honestly using the Bible itself as ammunition against God - of the pathetic faults of the personality of the God of the Bible - his pettiness, his hair-trigger wrath and rage, his arbitrariness, his oppressive requirements of servitude to himself, his love and demand of being worshipped and strictly obeyed, his stupidity and ignorance and aloofness about the needs of the human heart for a secure and nurturing and fun-filled childhood experience of love and caring and attention from one's parents and primary caregivers, his frustrating hiddeness, his breaking of his own rules whenever it conveniently suits him, his weakness and failure at vigorously answering the prayers for healing power in the lives of needy people. Your work is a ray of knowledge and insight against chains of restriction that come from dark elements in the Bible itself. The God of the Bible is NOT what I consider or feel to be my ideal image of what I want my father or saviour or best friend to be like and you are helpfully making that image clearer.
Far too kind, Chuck. But i do thank you for your wonderfully thoughtful and complimentary words. Thanks for being here!
Fun fact Brandon, my buddy and I did a remix of a DC talk song back when we use to be believers lol.
Lol which one
@@MindShift-Brandon you got an email?
Mindshiftskeptic@gmail.com
@@MindShift-Brandon I’ll send you an email with the link
The book itself is terrible and then when you finally realize it was all made up and has no credibility, it becomes vile and contemptuous.
Out of all the sacred texts, Abrahamism stands out in the worst ways
Great insights
Thanks!
Fantastic one, thanks Brandon!
Thanks so much, Jon!
I always find it frustrating when I point out these contradictions to my friend and he sums it up as a “difficult concept to understand.”To me it sounds more flawed than anything
It’s such a cop-out. Ugg
Time for church
With every head up and every brain open!
@@MindShift-Brandon amen and women too
Terrific video
Thanks so much!
Good way to start a sunday, was expecting that one video you mentioned about Zooming Out, but this is probably be thoughtfull as well
Thanks man. The zooming out one might be a while. I want to it justice and might do it in a different form.
Nailed it again 👍
Thanks, Gary!
You're knowledge of the bible is astounding. Thank you!
My wife and I loved this one! I know you don’t really do social media, but have you considered TikTok? Taking some strong points from your videos and putting them in short clips would do so well on TikTok and reach even more people.
Man its always in the back of my head nagging me that i should do tiktok but i have just no desire to learn a new platform lol. Maybe someday!
One New Testament example that’s always kinda got under my skin is Thomas. He didn’t believe Jesus was back just based on word of mouth, and set very clear and specific standards for what *would* convince him. Jesus showed up, and gave him exactly the evidence he asked for, and even said he wouldn’t hold it against him that he needed proof (with the caveat that he would have had a “greater blessing” if he had believed without seeing but I digress). So why is it such a problem when I ask God for some proof?
Since the Old Testament prophets referred to the Messiah as both the Lamb of God , suffering servant and the Lion of Judah yet seen together Jesus revealed to all his disciples He rose from the grave to verify He is indeed the Son of God. He was now to send them out to start the church age. All the disciples thought Jesus was going to save them from the Romans and not save the Romans.
Until Israel rejected their King the church wasn't yet set in stone. This is why Jesus told his disciples at first the kingdom of God is at hand. If the church age was set in stone then Jesus wasn't truly offering the Kingdom of God to Israel. He indeed was.
Even atheist attacked Jesus because judgement of the gentiles didn't happen in the 1st century and thus begin the church age.
God have outsmarted modern day atheist and have already address the atheist complaint God already knows what will happen which is why He allows men to judge themselves by their own judgement.
This answers the hiddenness of God as atheist cry God already knows everything so God works in the shadows and allow man be involved in his own judgements.
@@smidlee7747 Jesus wasn't the kind of Messiah that his chosen people were expecting (based on their holy texts, what we call the Old Testament), so it's no wonder why they rejected him as the Messiah. God, if he is real, hides himself from everyone, so it's no wonder why many don't believe he exists.
@leonticonderoga-h6i Exactly. Jesus came as a poor man the exact opposite of sinful men would do. The reality of God is not based on your opinion as man is not the center of the universe.
Since God is unlike us it makes sense if He came down as a poor man we would crucify him.
@@smidlee7747 I'm just saying that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, yet did nothing that the Messiah was supposed to do- defeat the Romans, put the Jews in power, establish world peace, etc. Instead, Jesus talked about establishing a spiritual kingdom in Heaven which is found nowhere in the Old Testament. God didn't communicate clearly to the Jews what was to come when Jesus came down, so it's no wonder that the Jews didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah.