These spiritual deconstruction episodes are what brought me from being a casual GMM viewer to a die-hard mythical beast. I love that you do these updates once a year. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I've been randomly watching their funny clips for years and just stumbled across this whole deconversion thing. So proud of these two loveable nuts for being so open and honest about it at the risk of losing a lot of their fanbase. Rationality, reason, reality and honesty is prevailing. Slowly 😊
I love listening to Rhett talk about religion and philosophy. I think he approaches these concepts with both tact and a level of self-reflection not often seen. He expresses himself very articulately.
Does anyone else notice a renewed sense of love and relaxing energy between Rhett & Link lately? Both here and GMM there seems to be more compassion and support between them. There was a time last year that seemed very strained and I’m glad to see where they’re at now.
Definitely very strained I was worried about them possibly not getting things worked through, but very recently there’s support and love shown towards eachother, it’s great to see 🥰
Yeah! Seems like, in their mid 40s wisdom, they are accepting the things about each other that they will never be able to change and staying detached from frustration about it
I am consistently proud of Rhett for being so transparent, and telling his story. As someone who grew up the same way, I can relate to literally everything he says. It is NOT an easy thing to process or deal with. I am a bit earlier in my journey than he and Link are, but I have so much respect for him and sharing his journey.
@@foodforthought8308 There is zero evidence that such a god exists, and that’s all that matters. No one should accept the claim that this god exists since it isn’t supported with any evidence.
@@bailee7696that's just what you need to tell yourself to cope. If they had stayed heavily Christian it would have been very beneficial for their careers.
As a hardcore evangelical Christian who went to school for ministry & had a very bad childhood- my faith was my everything. The HARDEST journey I EVER went through was my religious deconstruction because ur faith is so integral to who u r, the way u think, feel, see the world etc. it’s been so insanely hard! I can’t tell u how much these videos have meant to me personally. I felt less alone in that deeply hard & dark place. I also agree I am a person of faith. I still hold to some tenets of Christianity but I am open to being wrong. I also choose to see things & step outside myself without seeing them as threats to my faith anymore. Sending u both love on ur journey! I just wish we as a human race could offer each other more grace, love & support in the process/journey. ❤
I was actually thinking about the first videos a few days ago. They were quite helpful in my own journey towards faith as a Muslim from Pakistan who grew up in similar structures where society and family are quite religious. Thank you for your open and honest conversations around something so personal to all of us.
I'm from Pakistan too! I could relate the culture here to what they talked about in their original spiritual deconstruction videos so much. It can be such a relief to know people have gone through their own journeys and come out better people.
Pakistanis unite. I’m a proud Pakistani and Muslim but very averse to cultural influences impacting the way we perceive our connection with what is out there and what we owe our creator and each other from an obligation standpoint
I am so happy you are giving these updates. I had been out of the Mormon church for 6 years when you dropped the first set of episodes, and they helped me grapple with many of the feelings I was having at the time. You both played a big role in me leaving a lot of baggage and trauma in the past. Thank you.
As a fellow former Mormon (out for 8 years), I’ve found these discussions from Rhett and Link to be very powerful by way of showing that we’re not alone in the struggles that come with leaving a faith and a community.
Hi… hello former Mormon here… I feel this in my bones… I’m pagan now 😅 and finding a connection the old gods gave me a lot of clousure im still working through a lot of damage the church did to me but… hearing other peoples stories gives me strength to keep pushing
As someone that is still finding where I stand in faith, this podcast has definitely highlighted the challenges/questions I have been pondering on for a while.
I might just be projecting my own experience, but I feel like a lot of Mythical Beasts are/were also deconstructing when you first talked about it, so hearing about your deconstruction stories way back when was some of the most unexpected relief. I feel like the Mythical Beasts and Rhett and Link follow sort of a parallel path in one way or another (spiritually, personality, interests, hobbies, etc.) and that's why we've stuck around for so long, compared to other fanbases. A lot of us sort of gravitated towards each other and grew together with you guys.
Yes! Same here. I was deconstructing around 2019-2020 and felt the timing was incredibly coincidental and perfect. :’) we all were in it together lolol. Very relieving for sure
I loved watching ya'll while growing up in a doomsday cult. Then when I started questioning my faith (and growing out my hair), Rhett and Link put out the most helpful videos I've ever watched. They still help me three years later. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart🖤
I love how respectful you are towards everyone else's faith/position/path. You don't push your stance which is very refreshing within the realm of religion/spirituality. I definitely agree that faith follows what one wants to believe is true.
I don't listen to Ear Biscuits regularly but when the first of these came out I was at the very beginning of my deconstruction journey and this episode came out the month I started estrogen. I really appreciate you both being open and honest about a very personal part of your lives, and something that effects so many people's lives 🧡
Thank you both for this!!! As someone who also grew up evangelical Christian is as a scary journey having all of your beliefs shaken from the core! I’m glad to know that you all are on the same journey. Can’t wait for next year’s episode!
Love these convos. As a lifelong non-religious person, there is a whole world of wonder out there that you can appreciate without the need to explain it. I think tapping into the well of creativity once you’ve shattered the lens you were told to view everything through opens an entirely new dimension of thought. You don’t have to define a thing or even believe in a specific thing to appreciate the symbiosis and coalescence of creative energy and how our shared empathy allows us to vibe with one another and create together. The most freeing phrase in the world is “I don’t know.”
I totally agree OP. I came from a Christian home, never church-goers or ritualists, but I was taught to believe and pray. I've since floated away from those beliefs for multiple reasons. I don't believe there is a higher power, and I've fallen in love with the beauty of the world, science, humanity, and creativity that doesn't need explanation. The most freeing thing is "I don't know," and I've come to love myself more than I ever did when I had faith in my life. I am so much more confident, as contradicting as that may sound to people who believe. "The God of the Gaps" is very real, imo, but not everything can be explained. At least not yet! We may or may not ever find answers to our questions, and that's okay.
i am a new EB listener, and i just finished (days ago, literally) your lost years series that was followed up by your deconstruction talk. i had been wanting to dip my toes back into church and religion, and after i watched your videos, it made me come to a realization that i was craving structure and not necessarily religion. thank you for updating.
Im 4 years into my deconstruction. Right now I identify as an agnostic theist and a secular humanist. Its a tough and hurtful journey. Letting go of so many things you thought true is like a grief. Idk what my faith will look like in the future but its interesting. Thank you for sharing ❤ this is very awesome to hear that one is not alone in their faith journey.
As somebody who was raised completely without faith, this series has been really interesting to me as a window into your thought processes, especially Rhett's. [I think he'd be a great "guy at a party" you meet and have a three-hour conversation about existence with.] He and I approach things from a very similar way, where we want to dig and discover every aspect we can before truly making a judgement. Over the last few years, I've definitely gone on a similar journey into believing there's some kind of connection out there. I don't necessarily believe it's a spiritual or supernatural thing, but I think it's there. I don't really know what it is, and I've learned that I actively don't want to know. It's the ineffable humanity of our shared existence, and I don't think there's a fundamental difference if you call it God, human connection, synchronicity, the Universe, or even Mythicality. It's all the same thing at the core, so how it gets expressed to each person matters less than that it is expressed.
I think everyone (or most) has gone through a transformation of a sort in the past few years. When something drastic happens, I think it gets hard to not* look at yourself. and I do think it's led most to question their belief systems, or at least, I don't know many who haven't in the past few years. (Not to discredit you at all and with the most heartfelt intentions )
@@dankplaylistsntsnts8024 did you guys know kavkav (allegedly) faked a memo about his former partner sexually assaulting someone so he wouldn’t have to buy him out of his company !!! Lol
first time i've properly watched ear biscuits, love seeing this other more insightful side of rhett and link. their personalities are incredibly comforting and soothing to me, i've been watching them since i was a kid. GMM always puts a smile on my face, i watched while i was having a horrible time in the hospital and it cheered me up and made me feel less lonely cause i could laugh along with two familiar faces, and it's just always fun watching two great guys who are best friends have a silly time together. they just feel so safe, i can always trust that their content is going to make me feel less stressed. definitely going to watch more ear biscuits because hearing them speak more deeply about different topics is honestly what i've been missing :)
As a guy who was never brought up to believe any specific thing, it’s so interesting to see how people leave their church and come into their own understanding. It’s amazing to see and it’s great that this happens. We know there’s a lot of people who just hide it and don’t say anything but you guys are honest with yourself and the world, which is awesome.
Listening to rhett and link going through phases like this do help me alot. I come from a Buddhist family, my parents never really push religion thoughts to me but i do go to buddhist sunday school. At the same time my aunt brought me to Christian Sunday school, trying to convert me to Christian. Now that im in my mid 20s, going through some mid life crisis, trying to find faith, but i fail. But i end up finding faith in myself. Theres still a long process and i dont reject the idea of welcome those thoughts. But listening to you guys help me through what im going through and im grateful for it 😊 thank you Rhett and link for coming out with these podcast.
Literally searched Rhett and Link Deconstruction because I wanted to rewatch it and was suprised when this popped up. Had no idea there was another. These are my favourite videos from them!
Every year I want to do this but I never do, so now I am. Thank you for sharing these. It's going to sounds nuts but it was you, Rhett and Link, with your original stories, that kickstarted my own deconstruction - or rather, you were saying all the things my brain had been trying to make me listen to for years, if that makes sense. Since then I've watched and read and listened to so many more deconstruction stories, and done so much of my own processing, but it's still a little nuts to me that it all started with two random guys whose main claim to fame is the insane shit they'll subject themselves to online, just talking about life, and me finding excuses to take long drives so I could hear the whole of both stories in peace. PS, deconstructing was a critical part of me feeling I was allowed to leave an abusive marriage, so you can take a heaping tablespoon of credit for helping end that disaster as well.
Got to hear this on a podcast app first and it's gotten me pretty interested in how Rhett and Link approach everything they do this year. I know last year Link seemed almost concerned about where Rhett was heading with getting a Bible around this time last year, but it's nice to know that direction he took practically failed at launch. Can't wait hear how Link's been doing next week. And Rhett, Link, Stevie, anyone on the Mythical crew reading this: please bring back the vlogs this year :(
You can definitely still see the DNA in Rhet''s evangelical history. A lot of his mannerisms and the way he speaks remind me vividly of a lot of church sermons.
I deconstructed from Islam. I'm still dealing with trauma but this freedom of not being bogged down by religion is amazing still waiting for my whole brain to catch up.
I feel the same, it makes sense to me. There’s something beyond us humans we can’t understand or prove. The experiences we have are more than coincidences. I had this exact conversation the other day. Thank you for being so open and honest.
listening to these podcast episodes is unlike anything else in the best way possible. No matter what it is they're talking about the fact that they're older and more experienced than essentially all the other content creators I personally consume is so insightful and provides me with perspectives that truly no other podcast does... No matter what the topic is I always seem to connect to what they're saying in some level and since I've been listening to these guys for literally all my teenage years until now, it feels like family advice and there's no other corner on the internet where I feel this level of safe and heard
I love Rhett’s vulnerability here. He’s is a genuinely Great person (as is Link of course) and has my full respect.✌🏻☮️ These guys are *Good Mythical Greatness* 💯💪🏻
I went through a deconstruction of my faith as well. However I did eventually reconstruct over time. I always find it interesting that, I myself included when someone is deconstructing there’s often still a desire for a higher power yet no desire to be accountable to it or to any authority over us. Which is what I feel Rhett is explaining in 1:00:00. In my personal journey I had to choose to let that go and allow faith to be what guided me through the areas of my heart that didn’t want to be accountable to a God. So much so that I’m now being propelled into ministry when I thought I would NEVER go back into that space. ❤ I just want to encourage anyone listening that if you have deconstructed and are in a place of not knowing where or what to turn to, remember that your faith can be something you can turn back to & trust in again. ♥️ It takes rebuilding but it’s possible. My prayer after having gone through this myself is that love would come and fill the spaces in our hearts that are calloused to the world and to what our interpretations have made God to be.
❤️ I’ve watched you guys since practically the beginning, I’ve seen almost everything you’ve done, and I can’t begin to explain to you how connected I feel to you, the crew and other mythical beasts. Or how many times you’ve gotten me through some of the worst moments of my entire life with my health or grief. If that’s not a kind of magic, then I don’t know what is ❤️ love to you all
i was watching them while having an awful time in the hospital recently, they never fail to make you smile and laugh even in the worst times. they're just such a safe zone.
I appreciate you sharing this - as someone who grew up similarly in VA and has religious trauma… Your growth and journey is comforting and affirming to my own. ❤
I came from a religious background not too dissimilar to the one you guys came from and have been relistening to all of the deconstruction episodes since this year's were released. I am so grateful for the vunerability you all have put out into the world as it has helped me to move forward in my journey and my own convictions. Thank you for being your mythical best.
This wonderful discussion brought three things to mind: Tolkien’s essay On Fairy-Story, simultaneous discoveries in math and science (like calculus), and convergent evolution (like crabs). Thanks for this inspiring stuff!
These kinds of discussions are important to document. Learning how others resolve and rationalize internal conflict can help grow ourselves. I find the deconstructing and thought process map to be very fulfilling. There are many stops along the way.
fwiw, being able to hear about your journeys and how they’ve paralleled, diverged, and overlapped with my own deconstructions has been healing thanks guys
I'm curious...are you young? Your identification of them as dads and not just people has me intrigued. I'm not sure if this discussion of faith has some tie-in to parenting or if they're just old to you, lol.
What does believing in faith got to do with growing up. There is still zero factual evidence behind religion or any god. So they have grown up being able to believe fairy tales? I'm curious because you make no sense.
I've been thinking about this episode a lot since Monday. My work is also creative, and sometimes the inspiration just comes out of the blue, and those moments are kinda spiritual. Same with when the beauty of the surrounding nature moves me to tears. I don't believe in a higher power, but I do believe all living creatures are connected, and the bigger purpose of human existence for me is in living a life which is good for me, other creatures and the nature. Instead of something above, I believe in something within us all, like a need for harmony and kindness.
I do wonder if we might all just be shattered remnants of a higher form of intelligence and we are trying to piece ourselves together through love, understanding and learning from our experiences how to get better at it.
This is a very eastern philosophy. The idea of harmony amongst all living things and how we shape our reality with that. As a Christian man myself I totally agree with you!
@ItsfreshItsAnne I have been wondering the same thing, that we are all unique and on our own path, but at the same time we are all connected on a higher level, we are all one. I feel like so much good can come from tapping into that connection. Whether it is spiritual in nature or some sort of emergent property of humanity I don't know
This sums up how I feel. Living my life, striving to be a good person and create relationships with other people. I think human interaction is what gives us life. Love this, great insight
The book excerpt from 39:55 is so thought-provoking. As someone with basically an agnostic view, I feel like ive become dogmatic almost about logic and rationality and only believing what can be proven. I relate a lot to Rhett’s skepticism for things that lie outside of that. But there’s definitely truth to that excerpt that says there is much less creativity allowed for in that type of thinking. Makes me consider in what ways am I allowing for faith, open-mindedness, and creativity. So good
I love this subject - but I’m so distracted by the white line down the middle! 😩 I prefer just watching you guys chat naturally - as if I was the 3rd person at the table 😁
Tbh, that is a strange editing choice because you can make them look like they are sitting next to each other without that white line. Idk why they chose to add that really.
There’s something courageous about questioning your beliefs. I really respect how they analyze and search for the truth that aligns with them. This is fascinating to listen to especially how well educated they are, the books they read, the research they do on the subject. This podcast have opened my eyes to a new ground and made me feel more secure about my own faith (you should read journey of souls by Michael newton)
I HIGHLY recommend watching all of them. I was raised in one of those families whose life revolved around church. This whole series has been extremely cathartic for me.
i was raised mormon and 2 serpeaste years in my young life i tried to believe and follow it and i was always more miserable. i don’t believe in god and i know there’s nothing wrong with that because i’m happy and overall a good person……all of our journeys are and should be different because we are not all the same person, i fully support you and link with whatever definition of the world and spirituality keeps you a happy/good person🖤🖤 love your truth always
These videos are so helpful for me as college student who grew up in a Christian household and graduated from a conservative Christian high school. Before I graduated and since I’ve left home, I’ve done a lot of thinking and have come to some similar conclusions. There’s a lot of healing to do, but we’re on the way💪
Thank you both for continuing this series. This deconstruction series is what set me free. You don't need religion to feel inner peace... you can find that within yourself.Thank you guys
I’m surprised that there aren’t more comments about the video format! I’m my opinion, this format (side by side) is way better than last week’s, but still not as good as it used to be. For me, it’s distracting to always see both of them onscreen at once - but like I said, still way better than last week, so many thanks to the crew for listening to our feedback!
Probably my favorite content to listen to while driving now from the first episode. Please keep updating us with your philosophical journey! An interesting thing to note is that I feel like Link's largest fear is Rhett delving more into Christianity after the deconstruction. This is just an observation based on his comments and reactions from when Rhett got the bible, established his presence, and etc.
The problem I have with how they talk about atheism is that they assume it is dogmatic. As an atheist, I have met at least one atheist that disagrees with me on everything.... except that we both don't believe God exists. Notice... I did not say, we were both convinced that God does not exist. The first is being unconvinced of the proposition "God exists". The second is being convinced of the proposition "God does not exist". Think of it like the difference between a Not Guilty verdict and being innocent.
I really enjoyed and appreciated this. As a visual artist, it was very refreshing to hear your perspective on creativity, faith and the antenna thing, which I think is a great way of putting it. I would add to that a small (but relevant to me) detail which is the determination and devotion to the pursuit of being the best antenna that you can. And there's a sort of boring professionalism to that. The inspiration of the muses may always be around us, but if we were to only respond to the call to create when a magical moment happens, we would not become the great artists that we could be, at least in my opinion. Much like in sports, I feel like the successful tuning of our creative antennae is a matter of consistent training. The more often we train, the more likely it is for the magical moments to happen - and they get more frequent, too. The antenna is like a muscle - some of us may have been born with better predisposition, others have built it from scratch, in some others it may have atrophied. We create and build ourselves into the best antennae that we can in order to receive as fully and openly as possible. The way I see it, as fantastic as that sounds, the building of ourselves in this way is a result of a devoted showing up. Every day, as much as you can. Sounds great, right? It is. But sometimes you don't feel like having faith in your work. Sometimes you're tired. The point I'm trying to make is that the showing up, and showing up badly, showing up pissed and tired, showing up in any shape and form for your work is a witness of your faith in it. And along the way, the growing relationship of mutual trust and love between you and your work deepens and flourishes steadily.
I needed to read this today ❤ I have so much self doubt and I'm such a perfectionist that even on the occasion when I do make art and get compliments on it, I still find myself putting down my own work because it isn't as good as it COULD be. But I don't put in that consistent effort due to the fear of being faced by my own inadequacy, and it's exactly that fear and avoidance that keeps me from growing and building the talent and ability and confidence that only comes through practice, especially since my favorite art medium is watercolour which can't be fussed over and fixed the way something like acrylic paintings can and part of the charm of it is that it has an organic sense of imperfection 😅
@@Alex-fc8xn I'm very glad you found something for yourself in my words. Sounds like watercolour is the perfect medium for you - exactly a kind of medium that puts you squarely in the space of less control. The way I see it, striving for more is a good thing when you channel it into a creative drive, but it can be just as paralyzing if it is too demanding that it stops you from growing. Maybe ask why. Why does it need to be better? And when is better, better enough? What does that mean to you? Why is it important? I personally always gain some perspective around that when looking at kids. They create because they just do. There's a wisdom to that, they just don't know it yet. And for us who have grown, it's a matter of practicing becoming a kid again in that regard. It's not wrong that you want your work to be better. There's probably really good reasons why you would want that. But for the health of your work and for your own health, acceptance and compassion for where you are right now can be a great remedy. Best of luck to you. I believe you'll do just fine.
I really enjoyed this. It doesn’t make you any less credible in my opinion. You’re not claiming to have all the answers, you’re just opening up a conversation about things that many people want to explore but are too scared.
I think that one of the large aspects that keeps people locked in faith is the community aspect. For a lot of people their religious community is their ONLY community and how could they ever let that go for a mayyybee belief change. And then i wonder if your guys broader connection to a community at large due to being internet personalities creates the community you needed to support you through a spiritual transition.
I find it so interesting that I've landed in a similar place in terms of faith. I don't know what's out there or any of the why's but I can't shake the feeling that there is something beyond. Thanks for being so open.
It's interesting that Rhett keeps going back to what he wants to be true. I find myself in the opposite boat. I am an atheist, but I am very jealous of those with faith. I want to believe in an afterlife and I want to think everything happens for a reason, but I struggle to. I think that I, as a person, need proof in order to believe, and I haven't found it. I don't actively look for faith, but I am always in awe of people that can just believe without proof.
Can't speak for everyone, but I found proof when I went looking unbiasedly. I don't need to believe without proof now. But I understand, just believing for beliefs sake isn't something I would have ever done.
I recently encountered the same kind of jealousy in my life. I opened up to faith after hobby studying the universe ironically enough. I hope you find your faith.
i love the way you both articulate things!!! you are both so incredibly talented and intelligent. thank you for all that you do, even if you don’t read this comment just know you have made an immense impact on my deconstruction process. Peace and love❤️🤟🏽
Those synchronicities/coincidences happen all the time in my friend group and even in my family, we're all pretty tightly knit. If we say what the other is thinking, have a tune stuck in our head from no where, come up with the same idea, knowing what the other person is about to do, etc, we just sum it up to be in the "collective conscious" of our group of people. Saying "must've been in the collective" to write it off half-jokingly. Whether or not we all believe it to actually be a real thing remains to be seen, but it's fun to think about.
Beautiful fellas. Had to catch up from last year's deconstruction and I just love these conversations. Was so glad to see the new ones out this year! I absolutely have to say I've always felt a resonance with Rhett and his thinking, and I really felt it in this conversation. To me, he said a lot this episode without really saying a lot! Onto Link's new deconstruction!
38:08 @Rhett I am freaking out!!! I just bought this book today!!! But I need to back up - I started listening to this podcast yesterday and stopped before I got to this point in the show - today, after a rough morning, I found a bookstore I’d never been to before and happened upon and bought this book! There are many other threads of synchronicities here that I can’t even get into - but I actually have this book sitting in my lap and decided to finish the podcast before diving in. Let’s just stay that I’m shook! Freaking shook!!!
Beautiful show y’all! I read an essay that Tolkien wrote about the creative act. He talked about every act of creativity unfurls a leaf on the tree of creativity. I think it was called Leaf by Niggle. I have also deconstructed and moved to a deeper place in nature and the ruthenium of the earth!
Rhett's new spiritual bridge at the 52 minute area resonates with me a lot. I wont say what my belief system is, because it doesn't matter, but his new experiences are in line enough with my own and of those in my community that i hope he can make the most of the these tethers if he is meant to do so. Regardless i always look forward to these follow ups, thank you for sharing.
Up until a couple of weeks ago I had never watched anything involving these two. I recently started binge watching both GMM shows. It’s so interesting to get to know the two of them on a different level. Getting to know what’s beneath all the jokes and competition and production. I had no idea they were both heavily religious and finding this out and following the journey has been fascinating. I did not grow up with any religious background so to me hearing this is it’s hard to relate. Regardless I still teared up during some of what Rhett had to say. He’s is so incredibly well spoken and I’m happy he’s able to safely, slowly, comfortably find his footing in the world through his personal life, beliefs, relationships and work. ❤
I love seeing you guys on the journey of faith you’ve been taking. Does having kids who are growing and heading towards college/freedom to experiment with religion affect your beliefs?
Y’all should collab with Matt Baker from the channel Useful Charts. He has a very interesting religious history (fundamentalist upbringing, temporary atheist, Reform Judaism convert) and had advanced degrees in this area. I believe his phd was in something like Psychology of Religion. He also breaks down basically all of the factors Rhett mentions about understanding the contexts of the resurrection and it’s from a historical perspective it’s fascinating
I went from criticizing your deconversion the first year to deconstructing my own evangelical Christian faith the fallowing year. Thank you for sharing your stories.
@@bailee7696 lol no, that was completely separate circumstances. Although if that had been all it took for me to deconvert, my faith would have been so shallow that it wasn’t worth having anyway.
5 years into deconstruction and I chose to just not believe in any of it. I admire and learn different concepts along the way and I take information or insight from different sources. But In my opinion we can’t even begin to grasp the reality of this existence or what is true. We may never know honestly! Knowing that, I just decided to take things less seriously, have fun, treat people well and just experience what ever this is haha. I would love more content like this from you guys.
I laughed when Rhett said he went through his anti religion phase and did the same at first. But as decades went on it was surprising how little religion and faith affected me at all. Beyond some court case readings. Its one of those let live and not really care after awhile, of course as long as your not hurting anyone. It some times seems strange how spirituality can dominate some people's life and to some one like it tends to be after thought like the weather.
Yeah. I agree you should strive for truth, but also realize you won't ever find any ultimate truth in your life time. And the fact that he found meaning in his life and still needs more is kinda ridiculous. He found the meaning, the universe having a meaning is something he will never find, just like I will never find your meaning in life, it's not for me to find. It is not something we can discover, if it ever had a meaning, which I highly doubt. Is there a meaning to where the sand falls which I threw in the air? Without intention there is no meaning.
@@Nordicsz isn't your statement, "we may never find ultimate truth" and ultimate truth statement? Can't have it both ways. There is ultimate truth whether you want it to be that way or not.
@@jasonfoss9492 you not knowing the difference between "striving for truth" and "knowing the ultimate truth" tells me your thinking is fundamentally flawed. It's about wanting something and getting as close as you can to it, knowing you will never reach it. You think there is anything perfect out there? There might be, but you sure ain't it.
I enjoy these videos so much It's a very intetesting topic..that is part of maaany people's life at some point in time Doubt, change, memories, new types of lifestyle, new points of view..lots of autoanalysis. It's a life long process 💟 Be always strong, open-minded, coerent and curious..it's the only way to evolve and become the best version of ourselves! Don't let others' opinions dictate how to live your life
I enjoy watching these (as a Christian). It bothers me when I see Christians who are too afraid to put their faith to the test. Of course there are quite a few things that Rhett says that I'd disagree with, but I still enjoy listening and thinking about it.
This was a fascinating conversation! As children, we definitely count on our elders to teach us how to survive in the world, which is why most people share their parents' views throughout much, if not all, of their childhoods. We are predisposed to trust adults unless experience teaches us that the adults in our lives are untrustworthy.
Haven't started yet but Link's jacket is awesome. Is it true vintage or just retro? Love it. Eta: it's modern retro and I need to get it for hubby. (It's a Marine Layer Puffer Jacket for anyone like me who needs to know this stuff, lol.)
You guys are seriously an inspiration. In so many ways. Actually just started crying as I type this. It’s Overwhelming! Life really is a beautiful journey and I am really glad to have you two and the mythical crew around almost every day. I’m proud of guys. Thank you for sharing your truths with us. Incredibly powerful impact on our collective consciousness. ❤
I identify myself as agnostic 'cause I recognise my insignificance before the universe. I don't know everything, I don't know if there is a god or not, I don't know all the science behind all things that exist. Life is about uncertainty and that's ok, I just try to lean into the experieces all those things bring to my life, I don't necesserely need to try to understend all of it.
Rhett, the experience you are speaking of in the creative process is what I call the creator's high. It can be euphoric but also punishing if you don't set up the right boundaries with it.
I think Rhett's expressed confusion/ambivalence relies fundamentally on his commitment to moral relativity. It's why he feels like he can't land on exactly what he's trying to say because there isn't any ground to stand on once objective truth is forgone. He sees the evidence all around him, in the inherent meaning of creation and life, however he can't "land the plane" because he won't concede that some people may be objectively wrong in their belief. Belief "as long as it serves personal benefit" is a fatal quicksand to the foundation of any religious claim, which will always incorporate moral and ethical parameters in its makeup. Being "Good" is meaningless unless an objective "Good" can be defined. This is where "faith" becomes apparent, but should be digestible and compatible with axiomatic truths about reality (ie. the philosophical definition of nature).
I don't think this topic gets less interesting each year. I loved the original videos 3 years ago, especially since I was going through a similar time in my life. Although I wasnt raised Evangelical, I was raised Mormon. But there are a lot of similarities between my journey leaving the Mormon church, and you guys, and other people who have left deeply held beliefs by their peers.
I think it's interesting, that I remember watching Rhett's first deconstruction video at the time where I was also deconstructing. Now, 3 years later, I've reconstructed from that point and an even stronger faith in God than ever before. For me it wasn't a matter of abandoning the things I didn't like, it was RELEARNING everything, and getting a better, untainted perspective of faith, Christ, God. I do not need my faith or my belief to make me desire to be a good person. I inherently want to be that, but my faith and belief can and does inform certain ways in which I can be a better person in ways that are not as instinctual. But that is such a surface level explanation and doesn't even begin to cover it all.
@@joshuatovar3668 What about my comment makes you think I was being negative? I'm legitimately sorry to hear that this person is still indoctrinated into the religion that they're parents convinced them is the one true religion despite there being thousands of fictitious deities and religious sects. Link literally said to Rhett that he was happy to hear that Rhett didn't fall back into his religion after he bought that bible last year. Calling out religion isn't negative. Holding any belief up on a pedestal above criticism is the real negativity.
These spiritual deconstruction episodes are what brought me from being a casual GMM viewer to a die-hard mythical beast. I love that you do these updates once a year. Thank you for sharing this with us.
same!!
Tragic.
I've been randomly watching their funny clips for years and just stumbled across this whole deconversion thing. So proud of these two loveable nuts for being so open and honest about it at the risk of losing a lot of their fanbase.
Rationality, reason, reality and honesty is prevailing. Slowly 😊
Without God there is no basis for believing in anything immaterial and objective like reason. It's just physical particles banging around.
@@Eloign that's your own personal opinion. That is absolutely not true for those of us who don't believe in a God. Stfu
I love listening to Rhett talk about religion and philosophy. I think he approaches these concepts with both tact and a level of self-reflection not often seen. He expresses himself very articulately.
I would love him to have his own podcast to talk about anything he finds interesting
I do enjoy it to, but I wish Rhett would just get to whatever point he is trying to make lol. it takes him so long to get there.
Does anyone else notice a renewed sense of love and relaxing energy between Rhett & Link lately? Both here and GMM there seems to be more compassion and support between them. There was a time last year that seemed very strained and I’m glad to see where they’re at now.
Actually no
Yeaghhhhh I thought I was the only one that noticed a slight distain between the two. Especially Rhett toward link.
Yeah, I thought the same thing too and have noticed a difference lately too. It seems like Rhett is having fun with it again.
Definitely very strained I was worried about them possibly not getting things worked through, but very recently there’s support and love shown towards eachother, it’s great to see 🥰
Yeah! Seems like, in their mid 40s wisdom, they are accepting the things about each other that they will never be able to change and staying detached from frustration about it
I am consistently proud of Rhett for being so transparent, and telling his story. As someone who grew up the same way, I can relate to literally everything he says. It is NOT an easy thing to process or deal with. I am a bit earlier in my journey than he and Link are, but I have so much respect for him and sharing his journey.
It all boils down to the identity of Yeshua. If he is the Christ, then their stories are not so much a "journey" as much as a tragic fall from Glory
@@foodforthought8308 I disagree. But if that’s how you view it, then cool.
This is fake reflection. They just want to stay relevant
@@foodforthought8308
There is zero evidence that such a god exists, and that’s all that matters. No one should accept the claim that this god exists since it isn’t supported with any evidence.
@@bailee7696that's just what you need to tell yourself to cope. If they had stayed heavily Christian it would have been very beneficial for their careers.
These are the only episodes I won't ever miss.
💯
We’ve never been religious so this is always super interesting!
Same. I find this fascinating
Why?
Interesting. Pushes your buttons, perhaps?
As a hardcore evangelical Christian who went to school for ministry & had a very bad childhood- my faith was my everything. The HARDEST journey I EVER went through was my religious deconstruction because ur faith is so integral to who u r, the way u think, feel, see the world etc. it’s been so insanely hard! I can’t tell u how much these videos have meant to me personally. I felt less alone in that deeply hard & dark place. I also agree I am a person of faith. I still hold to some tenets of Christianity but I am open to being wrong. I also choose to see things & step outside myself without seeing them as threats to my faith anymore. Sending u both love on ur journey! I just wish we as a human race could offer each other more grace, love & support in the process/journey. ❤
Absolutely.
I was actually thinking about the first videos a few days ago. They were quite helpful in my own journey towards faith as a Muslim from Pakistan who grew up in similar structures where society and family are quite religious. Thank you for your open and honest conversations around something so personal to all of us.
I'm from Pakistan too! I could relate the culture here to what they talked about in their original spiritual deconstruction videos so much. It can be such a relief to know people have gone through their own journeys and come out better people.
Pakistanis unite. I’m a proud Pakistani and Muslim but very averse to cultural influences impacting the way we perceive our connection with what is out there and what we owe our creator and each other from an obligation standpoint
I am so happy you are giving these updates. I had been out of the Mormon church for 6 years when you dropped the first set of episodes, and they helped me grapple with many of the feelings I was having at the time. You both played a big role in me leaving a lot of baggage and trauma in the past. Thank you.
As a fellow former Mormon (out for 8 years), I’ve found these discussions from Rhett and Link to be very powerful by way of showing that we’re not alone in the struggles that come with leaving a faith and a community.
Hi… hello former Mormon here… I feel this in my bones… I’m pagan now 😅 and finding a connection the old gods gave me a lot of clousure im still working through a lot of damage the church did to me but… hearing other peoples stories gives me strength to keep pushing
@@nevanightshade Pagan? L
@@NotReallyYak What an articulate and tactful argument.
Ex-mo here too! Out for 13 years. Glad to be out, happy to be an apostate 😂
As someone that is still finding where I stand in faith, this podcast has definitely highlighted the challenges/questions I have been pondering on for a while.
I might just be projecting my own experience, but I feel like a lot of Mythical Beasts are/were also deconstructing when you first talked about it, so hearing about your deconstruction stories way back when was some of the most unexpected relief. I feel like the Mythical Beasts and Rhett and Link follow sort of a parallel path in one way or another (spiritually, personality, interests, hobbies, etc.) and that's why we've stuck around for so long, compared to other fanbases. A lot of us sort of gravitated towards each other and grew together with you guys.
Yes! Same here. I was deconstructing around 2019-2020 and felt the timing was incredibly coincidental and perfect. :’) we all were in it together lolol. Very relieving for sure
I think the politics of the time made a lot of people reconsider who they were spending time with and what they believe.
I loved watching ya'll while growing up in a doomsday cult. Then when I started questioning my faith (and growing out my hair), Rhett and Link put out the most helpful videos I've ever watched. They still help me three years later. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart🖤
I love how respectful you are towards everyone else's faith/position/path. You don't push your stance which is very refreshing within the realm of religion/spirituality. I definitely agree that faith follows what one wants to believe is true.
Actually he does. He has blasted Christian’s multiple times and conservatives
I don't listen to Ear Biscuits regularly but when the first of these came out I was at the very beginning of my deconstruction journey and this episode came out the month I started estrogen. I really appreciate you both being open and honest about a very personal part of your lives, and something that effects so many people's lives 🧡
Thank you both for this!!! As someone who also grew up evangelical Christian is as a scary journey having all of your beliefs shaken from the core! I’m glad to know that you all are on the same journey. Can’t wait for next year’s episode!
Interesting to watch y’all’s spiritual deconstruction.
My faith has gotten stronger, but I love watching these.
Love these convos. As a lifelong non-religious person, there is a whole world of wonder out there that you can appreciate without the need to explain it. I think tapping into the well of creativity once you’ve shattered the lens you were told to view everything through opens an entirely new dimension of thought. You don’t have to define a thing or even believe in a specific thing to appreciate the symbiosis and coalescence of creative energy and how our shared empathy allows us to vibe with one another and create together. The most freeing phrase in the world is “I don’t know.”
I believe that one day you will
I totally agree OP. I came from a Christian home, never church-goers or ritualists, but I was taught to believe and pray. I've since floated away from those beliefs for multiple reasons. I don't believe there is a higher power, and I've fallen in love with the beauty of the world, science, humanity, and creativity that doesn't need explanation. The most freeing thing is "I don't know," and I've come to love myself more than I ever did when I had faith in my life. I am so much more confident, as contradicting as that may sound to people who believe. "The God of the Gaps" is very real, imo, but not everything can be explained. At least not yet! We may or may not ever find answers to our questions, and that's okay.
i am a new EB listener, and i just finished (days ago, literally) your lost years series that was followed up by your deconstruction talk. i had been wanting to dip my toes back into church and religion, and after i watched your videos, it made me come to a realization that i was craving structure and not necessarily religion. thank you for updating.
Im 4 years into my deconstruction. Right now I identify as an agnostic theist and a secular humanist. Its a tough and hurtful journey. Letting go of so many things you thought true is like a grief. Idk what my faith will look like in the future but its interesting. Thank you for sharing ❤ this is very awesome to hear that one is not alone in their faith journey.
What are your thoughts on Yeshua?
God often speaks in a whisper
God doesn't ever speak at all actually, let alone often. @@ClearlyClarence
As somebody who was raised completely without faith, this series has been really interesting to me as a window into your thought processes, especially Rhett's. [I think he'd be a great "guy at a party" you meet and have a three-hour conversation about existence with.] He and I approach things from a very similar way, where we want to dig and discover every aspect we can before truly making a judgement. Over the last few years, I've definitely gone on a similar journey into believing there's some kind of connection out there. I don't necessarily believe it's a spiritual or supernatural thing, but I think it's there. I don't really know what it is, and I've learned that I actively don't want to know. It's the ineffable humanity of our shared existence, and I don't think there's a fundamental difference if you call it God, human connection, synchronicity, the Universe, or even Mythicality. It's all the same thing at the core, so how it gets expressed to each person matters less than that it is expressed.
I think everyone (or most) has gone through a transformation of a sort in the past few years. When something drastic happens, I think it gets hard to not* look at yourself. and I do think it's led most to question their belief systems, or at least, I don't know many who haven't in the past few years. (Not to discredit you at all and with the most heartfelt intentions )
Wow it doesn’t feel like it’s been three years! Congrats! Also, ear biscuits is such a cozy podcast for me 😊
Shouldn't you be editing KavKav's wiki page!? Get back to work!
🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶
@@dankplaylistsntsnts8024 did you guys know kavkav (allegedly) faked a memo about his former partner sexually assaulting someone so he wouldn’t have to buy him out of his company !!! Lol
you have no clue how much i value these episodes and DEEPLY resonate with both of you, thank you for sharing
first time i've properly watched ear biscuits, love seeing this other more insightful side of rhett and link. their personalities are incredibly comforting and soothing to me, i've been watching them since i was a kid. GMM always puts a smile on my face, i watched while i was having a horrible time in the hospital and it cheered me up and made me feel less lonely cause i could laugh along with two familiar faces, and it's just always fun watching two great guys who are best friends have a silly time together. they just feel so safe, i can always trust that their content is going to make me feel less stressed. definitely going to watch more ear biscuits because hearing them speak more deeply about different topics is honestly what i've been missing :)
As a guy who was never brought up to believe any specific thing, it’s so interesting to see how people leave their church and come into their own understanding. It’s amazing to see and it’s great that this happens. We know there’s a lot of people who just hide it and don’t say anything but you guys are honest with yourself and the world, which is awesome.
Listening to rhett and link going through phases like this do help me alot. I come from a Buddhist family, my parents never really push religion thoughts to me but i do go to buddhist sunday school. At the same time my aunt brought me to Christian Sunday school, trying to convert me to Christian.
Now that im in my mid 20s, going through some mid life crisis, trying to find faith, but i fail. But i end up finding faith in myself. Theres still a long process and i dont reject the idea of welcome those thoughts. But listening to you guys help me through what im going through and im grateful for it 😊 thank you Rhett and link for coming out with these podcast.
I left islam 2 years ago at the age of 36. Believing in myself is something I'm still working on.
Literally searched Rhett and Link Deconstruction because I wanted to rewatch it and was suprised when this popped up. Had no idea there was another. These are my favourite videos from them!
Every year I want to do this but I never do, so now I am. Thank you for sharing these. It's going to sounds nuts but it was you, Rhett and Link, with your original stories, that kickstarted my own deconstruction - or rather, you were saying all the things my brain had been trying to make me listen to for years, if that makes sense. Since then I've watched and read and listened to so many more deconstruction stories, and done so much of my own processing, but it's still a little nuts to me that it all started with two random guys whose main claim to fame is the insane shit they'll subject themselves to online, just talking about life, and me finding excuses to take long drives so I could hear the whole of both stories in peace. PS, deconstructing was a critical part of me feeling I was allowed to leave an abusive marriage, so you can take a heaping tablespoon of credit for helping end that disaster as well.
Got to hear this on a podcast app first and it's gotten me pretty interested in how Rhett and Link approach everything they do this year. I know last year Link seemed almost concerned about where Rhett was heading with getting a Bible around this time last year, but it's nice to know that direction he took practically failed at launch. Can't wait hear how Link's been doing next week.
And Rhett, Link, Stevie, anyone on the Mythical crew reading this: please bring back the vlogs this year :(
You can definitely still see the DNA in Rhet''s evangelical history. A lot of his mannerisms and the way he speaks remind me vividly of a lot of church sermons.
I deconstructed from Islam. I'm still dealing with trauma but this freedom of not being bogged down by religion is amazing still waiting for my whole brain to catch up.
Me too, the hooks and roots start to go away. We'll be truly free from it one day, just knowing I'm not alone really helps
I feel the same, it makes sense to me.
There’s something beyond us humans we can’t understand or prove. The experiences we have are more than coincidences. I had this exact conversation the other day.
Thank you for being so open and honest.
based on what evidence? I just don't see how you guys feel this to be true in any way.
listening to these podcast episodes is unlike anything else in the best way possible. No matter what it is they're talking about the fact that they're older and more experienced than essentially all the other content creators I personally consume is so insightful and provides me with perspectives that truly no other podcast does... No matter what the topic is I always seem to connect to what they're saying in some level and since I've been listening to these guys for literally all my teenage years until now, it feels like family advice and there's no other corner on the internet where I feel this level of safe and heard
I love Rhett’s vulnerability here. He’s is a genuinely Great person (as is Link of course)
and has my full respect.✌🏻☮️ These guys are *Good Mythical Greatness* 💯💪🏻
i love how link listens and doesnt interject his own opinions or values, just letting rhett share his beliefs
I went through a deconstruction of my faith as well. However I did eventually reconstruct over time. I always find it interesting that, I myself included when someone is deconstructing there’s often still a desire for a higher power yet no desire to be accountable to it or to any authority over us. Which is what I feel Rhett is explaining in 1:00:00.
In my personal journey I had to choose to let that go and allow faith to be what guided me through the areas of my heart that didn’t want to be accountable to a God.
So much so that I’m now being propelled into ministry when I thought I would NEVER go back into that space.
❤ I just want to encourage anyone listening that if you have deconstructed and are in a place of not knowing where or what to turn to, remember that your faith can be something you can turn back to & trust in again. ♥️
It takes rebuilding but it’s possible.
My prayer after having gone through this myself is that love would come and fill the spaces in our hearts that are calloused to the world and to what our interpretations have made God to be.
Incredibly well said.
❤️ I’ve watched you guys since practically the beginning, I’ve seen almost everything you’ve done, and I can’t begin to explain to you how connected I feel to you, the crew and other mythical beasts. Or how many times you’ve gotten me through some of the worst moments of my entire life with my health or grief. If that’s not a kind of magic, then I don’t know what is ❤️ love to you all
i was watching them while having an awful time in the hospital recently, they never fail to make you smile and laugh even in the worst times. they're just such a safe zone.
Thanks for uploading! This is going to be so interesting, I can already tell ❤
These updates are so helpful and I'm happy to see you've overcome a rough patch in your friendship and are enjoying your friendship again.
I appreciate you sharing this - as someone who grew up similarly in VA and has religious trauma… Your growth and journey is comforting and affirming to my own. ❤
I came from a religious background not too dissimilar to the one you guys came from and have been relistening to all of the deconstruction episodes since this year's were released. I am so grateful for the vunerability you all have put out into the world as it has helped me to move forward in my journey and my own convictions. Thank you for being your mythical best.
This wonderful discussion brought three things to mind: Tolkien’s essay On Fairy-Story, simultaneous discoveries in math and science (like calculus), and convergent evolution (like crabs). Thanks for this inspiring stuff!
that was 3 years ago??? damn. time flies. can't wait for the update!
These kinds of discussions are important to document. Learning how others resolve and rationalize internal conflict can help grow ourselves. I find the deconstructing and thought process map to be very fulfilling. There are many stops along the way.
fwiw, being able to hear about your journeys and how they’ve paralleled, diverged, and overlapped with my own deconstructions has been healing
thanks guys
i love these two dads,they’ve grown so so much.
I'm curious...are you young? Your identification of them as dads and not just people has me intrigued. I'm not sure if this discussion of faith has some tie-in to parenting or if they're just old to you, lol.
What does believing in faith got to do with growing up. There is still zero factual evidence behind religion or any god. So they have grown up being able to believe fairy tales? I'm curious because you make no sense.
@@catfeatherss i mean i’m 17, so i guess so. i identify them as dads because i think it’s funny, not really any other reason
@@Kentucky81 ??
@@Kentucky81did you reply to the right comment
I've been thinking about this episode a lot since Monday. My work is also creative, and sometimes the inspiration just comes out of the blue, and those moments are kinda spiritual. Same with when the beauty of the surrounding nature moves me to tears. I don't believe in a higher power, but I do believe all living creatures are connected, and the bigger purpose of human existence for me is in living a life which is good for me, other creatures and the nature. Instead of something above, I believe in something within us all, like a need for harmony and kindness.
I do wonder if we might all just be shattered remnants of a higher form of intelligence and we are trying to piece ourselves together through love, understanding and learning from our experiences how to get better at it.
This is a very eastern philosophy. The idea of harmony amongst all living things and how we shape our reality with that. As a Christian man myself I totally agree with you!
@ItsfreshItsAnne I have been wondering the same thing, that we are all unique and on our own path, but at the same time we are all connected on a higher level, we are all one. I feel like so much good can come from tapping into that connection. Whether it is spiritual in nature or some sort of emergent property of humanity I don't know
This sums up how I feel. Living my life, striving to be a good person and create relationships with other people. I think human interaction is what gives us life. Love this, great insight
The book excerpt from 39:55 is so thought-provoking. As someone with basically an agnostic view, I feel like ive become dogmatic almost about logic and rationality and only believing what can be proven. I relate a lot to Rhett’s skepticism for things that lie outside of that. But there’s definitely truth to that excerpt that says there is much less creativity allowed for in that type of thinking. Makes me consider in what ways am I allowing for faith, open-mindedness, and creativity. So good
I love this subject - but I’m so distracted by the white line down the middle! 😩 I prefer just watching you guys chat naturally - as if I was the 3rd person at the table 😁
Tbh, that is a strange editing choice because you can make them look like they are sitting next to each other without that white line. Idk why they chose to add that really.
This single episode has opened up for me so many ideas and interesting conversations with friends. Love this content. Please keep doing these.
There’s something courageous about questioning your beliefs. I really respect how they analyze and search for the truth that aligns with them. This is fascinating to listen to especially how well educated they are, the books they read, the research they do on the subject. This podcast have opened my eyes to a new ground and made me feel more secure about my own faith (you should read journey of souls by Michael newton)
This is the first reconstruction ep that I've been here for.
Gotta say, thank you.
I HIGHLY recommend watching all of them. I was raised in one of those families whose life revolved around church. This whole series has been extremely cathartic for me.
I’m going through something very similar to Rhett and Link so being able to hear their stories and experiences is very comforting
i was raised mormon and 2 serpeaste years in my young life i tried to believe and follow it and i was always more miserable. i don’t believe in god and i know there’s nothing wrong with that because i’m happy and overall a good person……all of our journeys are and should be different because we are not all the same person, i fully support you and link with whatever definition of the world and spirituality keeps you a happy/good person🖤🖤 love your truth always
These videos are so helpful for me as college student who grew up in a Christian household and graduated from a conservative Christian high school. Before I graduated and since I’ve left home, I’ve done a lot of thinking and have come to some similar conclusions. There’s a lot of healing to do, but we’re on the way💪
Thank you both for continuing this series. This deconstruction series is what set me free. You don't need religion to feel inner peace... you can find that within yourself.Thank you guys
I’m surprised that there aren’t more comments about the video format! I’m my opinion, this format (side by side) is way better than last week’s, but still not as good as it used to be. For me, it’s distracting to always see both of them onscreen at once - but like I said, still way better than last week, so many thanks to the crew for listening to our feedback!
Agreed
The new format is a good compromise
This new format is absolutely appalling. It ruins the entire vibe of the video.
@@nicholas_laws Why do we have to compromise? What changed? It is not beneficial at all.
I dont know why we have to see them both at all times? Is it just to edit less? Is this cost saving? lol
Probably my favorite content to listen to while driving now from the first episode. Please keep updating us with your philosophical journey!
An interesting thing to note is that I feel like Link's largest fear is Rhett delving more into Christianity after the deconstruction. This is just an observation based on his comments and reactions from when Rhett got the bible, established his presence, and etc.
The problem I have with how they talk about atheism is that they assume it is dogmatic. As an atheist, I have met at least one atheist that disagrees with me on everything.... except that we both don't believe God exists. Notice... I did not say, we were both convinced that God does not exist. The first is being unconvinced of the proposition "God exists". The second is being convinced of the proposition "God does not exist". Think of it like the difference between a Not Guilty verdict and being innocent.
I really enjoyed and appreciated this. As a visual artist, it was very refreshing to hear your perspective on creativity, faith and the antenna thing, which I think is a great way of putting it. I would add to that a small (but relevant to me) detail which is the determination and devotion to the pursuit of being the best antenna that you can. And there's a sort of boring professionalism to that. The inspiration of the muses may always be around us, but if we were to only respond to the call to create when a magical moment happens, we would not become the great artists that we could be, at least in my opinion. Much like in sports, I feel like the successful tuning of our creative antennae is a matter of consistent training. The more often we train, the more likely it is for the magical moments to happen - and they get more frequent, too. The antenna is like a muscle - some of us may have been born with better predisposition, others have built it from scratch, in some others it may have atrophied. We create and build ourselves into the best antennae that we can in order to receive as fully and openly as possible. The way I see it, as fantastic as that sounds, the building of ourselves in this way is a result of a devoted showing up. Every day, as much as you can. Sounds great, right? It is. But sometimes you don't feel like having faith in your work. Sometimes you're tired. The point I'm trying to make is that the showing up, and showing up badly, showing up pissed and tired, showing up in any shape and form for your work is a witness of your faith in it. And along the way, the growing relationship of mutual trust and love between you and your work deepens and flourishes steadily.
I needed to read this today ❤ I have so much self doubt and I'm such a perfectionist that even on the occasion when I do make art and get compliments on it, I still find myself putting down my own work because it isn't as good as it COULD be. But I don't put in that consistent effort due to the fear of being faced by my own inadequacy, and it's exactly that fear and avoidance that keeps me from growing and building the talent and ability and confidence that only comes through practice, especially since my favorite art medium is watercolour which can't be fussed over and fixed the way something like acrylic paintings can and part of the charm of it is that it has an organic sense of imperfection 😅
@@Alex-fc8xn I'm very glad you found something for yourself in my words. Sounds like watercolour is the perfect medium for you - exactly a kind of medium that puts you squarely in the space of less control. The way I see it, striving for more is a good thing when you channel it into a creative drive, but it can be just as paralyzing if it is too demanding that it stops you from growing. Maybe ask why. Why does it need to be better? And when is better, better enough? What does that mean to you? Why is it important?
I personally always gain some perspective around that when looking at kids. They create because they just do. There's a wisdom to that, they just don't know it yet. And for us who have grown, it's a matter of practicing becoming a kid again in that regard.
It's not wrong that you want your work to be better. There's probably really good reasons why you would want that. But for the health of your work and for your own health, acceptance and compassion for where you are right now can be a great remedy.
Best of luck to you. I believe you'll do just fine.
I really enjoyed this. It doesn’t make you any less credible in my opinion. You’re not claiming to have all the answers, you’re just opening up a conversation about things that many people want to explore but are too scared.
I think that one of the large aspects that keeps people locked in faith is the community aspect. For a lot of people their religious community is their ONLY community and how could they ever let that go for a mayyybee belief change. And then i wonder if your guys broader connection to a community at large due to being internet personalities creates the community you needed to support you through a spiritual transition.
I find it so interesting that I've landed in a similar place in terms of faith. I don't know what's out there or any of the why's but I can't shake the feeling that there is something beyond. Thanks for being so open.
It's interesting that Rhett keeps going back to what he wants to be true. I find myself in the opposite boat. I am an atheist, but I am very jealous of those with faith. I want to believe in an afterlife and I want to think everything happens for a reason, but I struggle to. I think that I, as a person, need proof in order to believe, and I haven't found it. I don't actively look for faith, but I am always in awe of people that can just believe without proof.
Can't speak for everyone, but I found proof when I went looking unbiasedly. I don't need to believe without proof now.
But I understand, just believing for beliefs sake isn't something I would have ever done.
I recently encountered the same kind of jealousy in my life. I opened up to faith after hobby studying the universe ironically enough. I hope you find your faith.
If you’re someone who feels they need proof, would you not be agnostic instead of atheist?
Try looking into science in Islam and videos about the Quran
@@Cassieopia109 No belief that there's a god is atheism. You can be an agnostic atheist/theist.
One of the most interesting podcasts I’ve ever listened to!
I always look forward to these episodes! My Mormon deconstruction has a lot of similarities. Thank you!
i love the way you both articulate things!!! you are both so incredibly talented and intelligent. thank you for all that you do, even if you don’t read this comment just know you have made an immense impact on my deconstruction process. Peace and love❤️🤟🏽
Those synchronicities/coincidences happen all the time in my friend group and even in my family, we're all pretty tightly knit. If we say what the other is thinking, have a tune stuck in our head from no where, come up with the same idea, knowing what the other person is about to do, etc, we just sum it up to be in the "collective conscious" of our group of people. Saying "must've been in the collective" to write it off half-jokingly. Whether or not we all believe it to actually be a real thing remains to be seen, but it's fun to think about.
Beautiful fellas. Had to catch up from last year's deconstruction and I just love these conversations. Was so glad to see the new ones out this year! I absolutely have to say I've always felt a resonance with Rhett and his thinking, and I really felt it in this conversation. To me, he said a lot this episode without really saying a lot! Onto Link's new deconstruction!
This gets MORE interesting every year. It’s beautiful.
I’ve been looking forward to these since your first update!
38:08 @Rhett I am freaking out!!! I just bought this book today!!! But I need to back up - I started listening to this podcast yesterday and stopped before I got to this point in the show - today, after a rough morning, I found a bookstore I’d never been to before and happened upon and bought this book! There are many other threads of synchronicities here that I can’t even get into - but I actually have this book sitting in my lap and decided to finish the podcast before diving in. Let’s just stay that I’m shook! Freaking shook!!!
I always look forward to these updates!
I was brought up fundamental independent Baptist. I'm still deconstructing at age 43.
Everyone at their pace
Beautiful show y’all! I read an essay that Tolkien wrote about the creative act. He talked about every act of creativity unfurls a leaf on the tree of creativity. I think it was called Leaf by Niggle. I have also deconstructed and moved to a deeper place in nature and the ruthenium of the earth!
there we go! much better camera work here, love this! thanks for listening team!
Rhett's new spiritual bridge at the 52 minute area resonates with me a lot. I wont say what my belief system is, because it doesn't matter, but his new experiences are in line enough with my own and of those in my community that i hope he can make the most of the these tethers if he is meant to do so. Regardless i always look forward to these follow ups, thank you for sharing.
Coincidentally enough I rewatched the others just a few days ago and discovered “James and the Shame” a week ago, how aptly timed ☺️
Up until a couple of weeks ago I had never watched anything involving these two. I recently started binge watching both GMM shows. It’s so interesting to get to know the two of them on a different level. Getting to know what’s beneath all the jokes and competition and production. I had no idea they were both heavily religious and finding this out and following the journey has been fascinating. I did not grow up with any religious background so to me hearing this is it’s hard to relate. Regardless I still teared up during some of what Rhett had to say. He’s is so incredibly well spoken and I’m happy he’s able to safely, slowly, comfortably find his footing in the world through his personal life, beliefs, relationships and work. ❤
Man... This is good stuff. Thank you Rhett.
So deeply relatable and insightful as always, thank you.
I love seeing you guys on the journey of faith you’ve been taking. Does having kids who are growing and heading towards college/freedom to experiment with religion affect your beliefs?
Y’all should collab with Matt Baker from the channel Useful Charts. He has a very interesting religious history (fundamentalist upbringing, temporary atheist, Reform Judaism convert) and had advanced degrees in this area. I believe his phd was in something like Psychology of Religion. He also breaks down basically all of the factors Rhett mentions about understanding the contexts of the resurrection and it’s from a historical perspective it’s fascinating
I went from criticizing your deconversion the first year to deconstructing my own evangelical Christian faith the fallowing year. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Congrats on being an apostate because and Internet personality told u so
@@bailee7696 lol no, that was completely separate circumstances. Although if that had been all it took for me to deconvert, my faith would have been so shallow that it wasn’t worth having anyway.
I literally just finished your other videos today~ your journeys are eerily similar to mine and my partner's
5 years into deconstruction and I chose to just not believe in any of it. I admire and learn different concepts along the way and I take information or insight from different sources. But In my opinion we can’t even begin to grasp the reality of this existence or what is true. We may never know honestly! Knowing that, I just decided to take things less seriously, have fun, treat people well and just experience what ever this is haha. I would love more content like this from you guys.
I laughed when Rhett said he went through his anti religion phase and did the same at first. But as decades went on it was surprising how little religion and faith affected me at all. Beyond some court case readings. Its one of those let live and not really care after awhile, of course as long as your not hurting anyone. It some times seems strange how spirituality can dominate some people's life and to some one like it tends to be after thought like the weather.
Yeah. I agree you should strive for truth, but also realize you won't ever find any ultimate truth in your life time. And the fact that he found meaning in his life and still needs more is kinda ridiculous. He found the meaning, the universe having a meaning is something he will never find, just like I will never find your meaning in life, it's not for me to find. It is not something we can discover, if it ever had a meaning, which I highly doubt. Is there a meaning to where the sand falls which I threw in the air? Without intention there is no meaning.
@@Nordicsz isn't your statement, "we may never find ultimate truth" and ultimate truth statement? Can't have it both ways. There is ultimate truth whether you want it to be that way or not.
@@jasonfoss9492 you not knowing the difference between "striving for truth" and "knowing the ultimate truth" tells me your thinking is fundamentally flawed.
It's about wanting something and getting as close as you can to it, knowing you will never reach it. You think there is anything perfect out there? There might be, but you sure ain't it.
I never thought we’d get another one of these videos but I’m so not complaining!
This was an hour and 17 minutes of them not specifically saying they tripped on mushrooms and it was life changing
I enjoy these videos so much It's a very intetesting topic..that is part of maaany people's life at some point in time Doubt, change, memories, new types of lifestyle, new points of view..lots of autoanalysis. It's a life long process
💟 Be always strong, open-minded, coerent and curious..it's the only way to evolve and become the best version of ourselves! Don't let others' opinions dictate how to live your life
I enjoy watching these (as a Christian). It bothers me when I see Christians who are too afraid to put their faith to the test. Of course there are quite a few things that Rhett says that I'd disagree with, but I still enjoy listening and thinking about it.
Listening to the beliefs of others isn't a test on your faith 💀
@@pepperypeppers2755 definitely
This was a fascinating conversation! As children, we definitely count on our elders to teach us how to survive in the world, which is why most people share their parents' views throughout much, if not all, of their childhoods. We are predisposed to trust adults unless experience teaches us that the adults in our lives are untrustworthy.
Haven't started yet but Link's jacket is awesome. Is it true vintage or just retro? Love it.
Eta: it's modern retro and I need to get it for hubby. (It's a Marine Layer Puffer Jacket for anyone like me who needs to know this stuff, lol.)
Can't wait for the next one. 1 month to go!
It seems quite a few people have started a deconstruction within the last few year. I love this 👏🏾👏🏾
You guys are seriously an inspiration. In so many ways. Actually just started crying as I type this. It’s Overwhelming! Life really is a beautiful journey and I am really glad to have you two and the mythical crew around almost every day. I’m proud of guys. Thank you for sharing your truths with us. Incredibly powerful impact on our collective consciousness. ❤
I identify myself as agnostic 'cause I recognise my insignificance before the universe. I don't know everything, I don't know if there is a god or not, I don't know all the science behind all things that exist. Life is about uncertainty and that's ok, I just try to lean into the experieces all those things bring to my life, I don't necesserely need to try to understend all of it.
Rhett, the experience you are speaking of in the creative process is what I call the creator's high. It can be euphoric but also punishing if you don't set up the right boundaries with it.
Hmm creators high never heard that
I think Rhett's expressed confusion/ambivalence relies fundamentally on his commitment to moral relativity. It's why he feels like he can't land on exactly what he's trying to say because there isn't any ground to stand on once objective truth is forgone. He sees the evidence all around him, in the inherent meaning of creation and life, however he can't "land the plane" because he won't concede that some people may be objectively wrong in their belief. Belief "as long as it serves personal benefit" is a fatal quicksand to the foundation of any religious claim, which will always incorporate moral and ethical parameters in its makeup. Being "Good" is meaningless unless an objective "Good" can be defined. This is where "faith" becomes apparent, but should be digestible and compatible with axiomatic truths about reality (ie. the philosophical definition of nature).
I don't think this topic gets less interesting each year. I loved the original videos 3 years ago, especially since I was going through a similar time in my life. Although I wasnt raised Evangelical, I was raised Mormon. But there are a lot of similarities between my journey leaving the Mormon church, and you guys, and other people who have left deeply held beliefs by their peers.
I think it's interesting, that I remember watching Rhett's first deconstruction video at the time where I was also deconstructing. Now, 3 years later, I've reconstructed from that point and an even stronger faith in God than ever before. For me it wasn't a matter of abandoning the things I didn't like, it was RELEARNING everything, and getting a better, untainted perspective of faith, Christ, God. I do not need my faith or my belief to make me desire to be a good person. I inherently want to be that, but my faith and belief can and does inform certain ways in which I can be a better person in ways that are not as instinctual. But that is such a surface level explanation and doesn't even begin to cover it all.
Me too.
Sorry to hear that you rebrainwashed yourself.
@@Wolfie-gj9chdon’t think Rhett and link would want ur type of negativity in the comments lol
@@Wolfie-gj9chtake it somewhere else
@@joshuatovar3668 What about my comment makes you think I was being negative? I'm legitimately sorry to hear that this person is still indoctrinated into the religion that they're parents convinced them is the one true religion despite there being thousands of fictitious deities and religious sects. Link literally said to Rhett that he was happy to hear that Rhett didn't fall back into his religion after he bought that bible last year. Calling out religion isn't negative. Holding any belief up on a pedestal above criticism is the real negativity.
So grateful for these :)
Link is a great listener.