I've always had confidence in my atheism, but I know that you've helped others who needed that push! Good job! Keep the videos coming! They brighten up my day!
My wife and I had friends for just about our entire lives, they always knew I was atheist but after they got heavily wrapped up in their church they apparently decided they didn't want anything to do with me the atheist in favor of the new Holy Roller cult they got involved with. It shows you that when relationships end for religious reasons it's always the the religious people that ends those relationships not the atheists, it's proof that their friendship with anyone they know is dependent on if you believe what they do and isn't rooted in anything real.
Something similar happened to me in reverse. I had a group of friends for many years before I became a Christian and a member of the Church of Christ. I was advised that the only reason I should stay friends with that wonderful group of people was if I witnessed to them and tried to lead them to Christ There was no way I was going to do that, so I broke off with them, choosing my new religious beliefs over very dear friends. I have regretted that decision for a long time, and have since apologized to them, but the damage was done.
I enjoyed this, it's comforting to hear that despite the blind conviction of many whom turned away from the idea that god exists, many whom they knew from that creed remained to support or even followed in their footsteps. Humanity must overcome spirituality, one must live for themselves and not a group of people or an ideal of blank, imaginary divinity. And believe me, my family doesn't enjoy that I'm an atheist, but they get over it.
I really enjoyed the podcast, I myself recently identified with being Atheist. I was raised to be catholic but I never felt any connection with a god. I just went to CCD and church because I was supposed to, I never felt a personal connection with religion. And of course as my schooling went on I became more concerned with intellect as opposed to spirituality. So I finally made the jump to calling myself an Atheist. It's good to hear of other conversion stories.
A girl I work with just tried debating with me that humans co-existed with dinasaurs. And gloabl warming isn't happening... ugh...America, Please for the sake of humanity, and the our planet...get educated.
Our atheist group here in Jaysusville, TX is talking about putting up billboards--several years ago somebody smashed up a "graven image" on a new highway overpass, so I can't wait to see what happens.
When he was still a preacher, Dan Barker lived in my small town. I don't know anybody who calls himself / herself an atheist, only those who waffle on the issue.
@MagisterPridgen I live in Tennessee, and I have had some pretty severe family and friend problems due to my leaving religion. I was raised in the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church.
@Delinexwow I rarely default to the abrahamic warLord. I still don't think it would be a pleasant thing. Consider some of its implications. What if two individuals have conflicting interests? Would one be granted their wish while the other stands no possible means of achieving theirs? Or what if both are 'in favor'?
Here is a bit of profound truth. Those that think Evolution can't be responsible for what we see cannot conceive what 3.5 billion years means. If you're one of those, look up (if you don't know what it is) what a billion is and then quietly contemplate how very very very VERY old the Earth is. This place has been around for a length of time that is impossible to imagine. So gradual improvement by Evolution isn't hard to imagine at all.
@AngelicFerret I don't even think it is half of that. They are losing members left and right. When I sent in my resignation letter, the local authorities called me and said to be patient with them, they had about 15 other resignations they were processing.
@MrSwedenik Not yet, anyway. But Lubbock was recently found to be the 2nd-most conservative city in the US (after Provo, Utah), so if the Baptists, Catholics, and Mormons can get along for a few minutes, who knows? We do have a Buda, Texas.
@ericleb01 for example, i am an agnostic atheist. i dont know, have no idea, and i dont think it can be known, thats the part that makes me agnostic. my atheism comes from simply rejecting claims that have been made thus far of a god. this defines my beliefs clearly overall, and also why it works the way it does. if we remove that as it is there, what happens to gnostic? can someone be gnostic instead of theist/atheist? do we trash that entire word now?
I have to admit, I was never religious in the first place, but I used to be a deist like some of my friends were. Then I became agnostic and, through RUclips, became more atheist. I'm still agnostic, but I sway more towards atheism, since I understand now that atheism is the neutral viewpoint.
@FluffyFeralMarmot I like to have as many true beliefs as possible. Right now, my irrational belief scale is pretty nil. Where did this "Waiting for the heavens to split open with a big neon sign" bit come from?
Hi! I wanted to listen to this live but I could not for the life of me find the link. Is there a live broadcast? Can you put up a link on the facebook or homepage to it if there is? Thanks!
I would love to know what scripture was Dan Barker's favorite? Or if he even could repeat a scripture in full without opening a Bible or without taking only a few words here and there? Greek and Hebrew experts are used for to than translate the meaning to English, for obvious dialectical reasons to get the fullness. It is that way with any language, certain languages allow certain parameters. -Implementation of the Constitution was built on the premise of Christianity. USA practices Atheism.
@emperorkang Making a day of Prayer "national", is giving it the seal of state approval. If you are an atheist or your religious beliefs don't include prayer then the underlying message is that you are a lesser part of the nation. If people want to pray that's their business.
These podcasts have really given me a wealth of information, sometimes "READ THIS BOOK IDORT" because I've never bothered looking into books relating to Atheism itself, or just great comebacks and additional information to counter god arguments. PS: My History 101 teacher is convinced Atheism is a religion, what do?
Try pointing out that Atheism does *not* have a set doctrine. We do not bow down to some unseen impossible deity that does not exist. We have no rituals, code of dress, or places of worship. God was created by mankind, and there is no evidence to prove otherwise. An atheist does not need prayer to solve any problems. An atheist lives in reality, not in some fantasy world described by an out of date, poorly written, book of fairytales that describes a god who really does not not deserve any worship or praise at all...
@FluffyFeralMarmot What's that? I hear the passive-aggressive sounds of defeat on the theist side as he gives up. Is that a spike of "reverse psychology" in there?
@SpecialElisa I'm suggesting that you can't dismiss the idea of experiencing the divine for yourself if you don't follow the methods people have used in the past. It's entirely experiential. You can read all the books you want about mountain climbing. Would you think then that you actually know what it feels like to summit Mt. Everest?
It sounds just as weird to me, and I live in America! Born and raised in Tennessee, and never encountered this phenomenon (atheists being afraid to 'come out' for fear rejection). Most of the people I grew up with were church-going Christians, but disbelief was *certainly* not taboo. I know that for a fact, because I was a self-proclaimed atheist for the first twenty years of my life, and not once did I feel uncomfortable about saying so. From my experience, it's the complete opposite.
@WavegirlThinks yes again, prayer is a FORM of meditation. just like apples are a type of fruit. however to say that this means apples are the same as fruit is not true. fruits hold many more attributes than just apples, meaning they are indeed different. thats my argument. just because prayer is a form meditation doesnt mean you can put every attribute of meditation onto prayer.
@Pleblian I thought it was a little strange as he didn't clearly took a stance. He rather provided some related information without stating his own opinion on the issue.
@ericleb01 you just told fluffy they would be an agnostic theist if they thought that it couldnt be known for sure...yet you are in a debate with me that the term should not be used in this manner?
Christians talk about courage; You wanna try courage? Try in this society, standing up and saying you no longer believe in a God. The real is to stand up and follow the evidence no matter where it leads, even if I don't like where it leaves. -Dan Barker Perfect statement =)
All in all the good nature of what any person should want- is to question always for seeking an answer. But when we come to the conclusion that the answer is you or I, here. What kind of answer is that? Albert Einstein who had been a fervent agnostic through his life in throwing-up his arms for all he studied and said, "God doesn't play dice with the Universe." Me' I am a Hebrew Christian. Skepticism is what brings resolve, cynicism begs reason, question should question. I like Dan Barker.
@LisaPie81 That most of your friends are in another religion is very unfortunate. I feel like I've been blessed (hehe) in that regard, as most of my original circle of friends are now atheist. Are you familiar with the saying that "faith is like a little seed?" The trick is to plant a few little seeds of doubt. But unlike seeds of faith, my seeds do not need nourishment. Also, it never helps to overwhelm your potential converts. Just plant seeds. That's what worked the best for me. :)
@WavegirlThinks yes, it is, however not all fruits are apples. that is the idea. a fruit is not the same thing as an apple because it includes all fruits. apples only include apples.
@Delinexwow Were you a converted, born-again christian for 20 years or did you just grew up in a christian household and decided you were an atheist when you turned 20? There's a difference. I'm not saying "people" don't read the bible enough, I'm saying that if YOU want to understand better, then YOU need to try it. You can read stories about lots of things, but YOU won't really know how it feels until YOU do it. Nothing can replace personal experience.
@GodofCider No... It's "I don't know, but you're the one making the claim. So give the evidence for your claim. Cause thus far even with my searching, there isn't any evidence, and until evidence is provided, I have no reason to believe your claim.".
@sabertooth1980 Hmm, I suppose I was using agnosticism in the strictest literal sense possible. Help me out here if you would; how is an agnostic not an atheist?
Dan said the following about closet Atheists "...maybe they don't want to hurt their grandma's feelings and are waiting for her to die to become outspoken..." That's me exactly...and I want to come out so badly, but it would kill my entire family, especially my dad, grandma, and aunt/uncle. My mom was a Sunday school teacher and she died three years ago. I feel like I'm in a prison. I've come out to all my friends, but my family doesn't know and I'm scared. I wish I had the courage...
@sabertooth1980 Kind of a cop out in my eyes; the agnostic position works rather well for many other areas as well: "I don't know, and I'm not going to devote any time to the matter when it arises."
@AngelicFerret Yes I am always trying to plant seeds. However you know Mormons like I do. My brother is determined to believe I have this agenda. So I told him we will just not discuss it. Because he likes to think he is taking a "high road" and not insulting me because he is "RIGHT" and I am "WRONG" and he has the truth and he "KNOWS" and I am misled. I do try with other people but I have the same result as with my brother. So I just plant my seeds in my own ways :)
@LuigiPeach : I don't think you are getting TTA's point. Why would anyone care if TTA interviewed someone completely at random? Being a known quantity helps sell the validity of what he's doing. Personally, I am quite happy that he's interviewing people like AronRa and Dan Barker whose depth exceeds their celebrity, but are not completely unknown. I vote for Pascal Boyer next. :)
@LisaPie81 I think you are correct, a third perhaps? fourth? Most of the people I grew up with left the church already. The internet is really destroying that church, hardly anyone I know can remain a member for very long after seeing the evidence regarding the Book of Abraham. What worries me is how much more obsessed the remaining members are. I don't think that church will go out without a fight.
@Delinexwow It was directed towards you in regards to a comment made by Marmot; it works well in verbal conversations, however written out it doesn't really make much sense.
@Delinexwow It's "a" prescribed method, not "the" prescribed method. Prayer is a form of meditation, which is why it works. I don't know about the god part or asking for miracles. If that's how you view it, as some sort of magic spell, then maybe that's the problem. People seem to get hung up on the part about talking to yourself. Maybe that's all it is -- who knows? -- but what does it matter if it works?
@Delinexwow Well, its just at the end you say "PRAYER is NOT meditation" then say "are different, just as an apple and fruit are". But apples are a type of fruit, suggesting prayer is a type of meditation. Essentially, that prayer IS meditation. Except you say prayer isnt meditation. Its confusing. So I thought maybe you thought apples werent a type of fruit.
@SpecialElisa Fairies do exist...you do just have to search hard enough for them. You might have been raised a christian and taken the doctrine at face value. That's not the same as actively applying it to your life. You kind of have to do the legwork to get anywhere in any activity, religion included. I was an atheist for a few decades. Not sure how you interpret my belief as fear of non-belief.
Does Dan Barker ever say *why* he stopped believing in God? He said he used to be a Christian, felt (what seemed to be) the Holy Spirit in his life and so on, but then "decided" not to believe? He seems to suggest that it was because he realized that Christians presuppose God's existence, and have no proof. (if that's how justification works, Barker should also give up his belief in other minds, in the external world, and the reliability of his cognitive faculties, just to name a few).
actually, i'm not attacking you, but thats not true. Happiness is a common by product of religion, and sometimes i wish i was still a believer, but organized religion is used to control. The system is used to use people as pawns, and feed on their fears. There is NOTHING positive coming from religion that can't be gained without it! All the great people who are putting their efforts in religion, imagine how wonderful the world would be if they would put their efforts into something actually productive!
@TheThinkingAtheist that is real sweet, Dan Barker is a standard, he is that important and that known. But some friendly advice from a friend. If you want to rise above average, that won't do.
I've always had confidence in my atheism, but I know that you've helped others who needed that push! Good job! Keep the videos coming! They brighten up my day!
This was WONDERFUL! Almost EXACTLY what I have been going through! Thank you for your honesty and bravery! Thanks for sharing! More podcast please...
I love the Freedom From Religion Foundation. I'm subscribed to the RUclips channel. It confirms every day what I've believed my whole life.
YAAAA!! Another podcast. These are great, and what a treat to have Dan Barker. The author of a Great book...."Godless". Highly recommened.
Yes, there is a shift - and it's thanks to people like you , Dan Barker, Dawkins, Hitchens. Thank you so much for what you've done.
Going to hear Dan speak tonight...looking forward to it!
I just got The God Delusion from the library last week. Loving it so far. I'll have to look into reading Godless for sure.
Great podcast as usual.
I live in the Bible Belt and feel so alone sometimes. Thank you for this...
Atheists and Freethinkers of the U.S.A. keep going! A better future is waiting - in science you trust! :-)
My wife and I had friends for just about our entire lives, they always knew I was atheist but after they got heavily wrapped up in their church they apparently decided they didn't want anything to do with me the atheist in favor of the new Holy Roller cult they got involved with. It shows you that when relationships end for religious reasons it's always the the religious people that ends those relationships not the atheists, it's proof that their friendship with anyone they know is dependent on if you believe what they do and isn't rooted in anything real.
Something similar happened to me in reverse. I had a group of friends for many years before I became a Christian and a member of the Church of Christ. I was advised that the only reason I should stay friends with that wonderful group of people was if I witnessed to them and tried to lead them to Christ There was no way I was going to do that, so I broke off with them, choosing my new religious beliefs over very dear friends. I have regretted that decision for a long time, and have since apologized to them, but the damage was done.
I enjoyed this, it's comforting to hear that despite the blind conviction of many whom turned away from the idea that god exists, many whom they knew from that creed remained to support or even followed in their footsteps. Humanity must overcome spirituality, one must live for themselves and not a group of people or an ideal of blank, imaginary divinity. And believe me, my family doesn't enjoy that I'm an atheist, but they get over it.
It's always great to see new podcasts.... audio quality could be better though...
thanks!
I really enjoyed the podcast, I myself recently identified with being Atheist. I was raised to be catholic but I never felt any connection with a god. I just went to CCD and church because I was supposed to, I never felt a personal connection with religion. And of course as my schooling went on I became more concerned with intellect as opposed to spirituality. So I finally made the jump to calling myself an Atheist. It's good to hear of other conversion stories.
These podcasts are great, keep them up
@TheThinkingAtheist lookin foward to more of these great videos. i for one love the interview videos
A girl I work with just tried debating with me that humans co-existed with dinasaurs. And gloabl warming isn't happening... ugh...America, Please for the sake of humanity, and the our planet...get educated.
loving it, keep doing these.
interesting conversation sir, thanks for sharing!
Fantastic show.
GJ love listening to your podcast.
Another awesome show
Love Dan Barker.
This is awesomeness!
Our atheist group here in Jaysusville, TX is talking about putting up billboards--several years ago somebody smashed up a "graven image" on a new highway overpass, so I can't wait to see what happens.
Great interview!
@SpecialElisa
Very well argued and thanks for finishing him off for me, many thanks! :)
I love the podcasts, and 'Godless' is a winner of a book
I grew up with educated people who treated each other with unconditional respect. I can't imagine living any other way.
When he was still a preacher, Dan Barker lived in my small town. I don't know anybody who calls himself / herself an atheist, only those who waffle on the issue.
@MagisterPridgen I live in Tennessee, and I have had some pretty severe family and friend problems due to my leaving religion. I was raised in the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church.
This guy/group needs a radio station.
@Delinexwow I rarely default to the abrahamic warLord. I still don't think it would be a pleasant thing. Consider some of its implications. What if two individuals have conflicting interests? Would one be granted their wish while the other stands no possible means of achieving theirs? Or what if both are 'in favor'?
Here is a bit of profound truth. Those that think Evolution can't be responsible for what we see cannot conceive what 3.5 billion years means. If you're one of those, look up (if you don't know what it is) what a billion is and then quietly contemplate how very very very VERY old the Earth is. This place has been around for a length of time that is impossible to imagine. So gradual improvement by Evolution isn't hard to imagine at all.
A thank you, from Europe, for trying and succeeding in ridding the USA of these awful laws.
Loved it.
Love the opening
@AngelicFerret I don't even think it is half of that. They are losing members left and right. When I sent in my resignation letter, the local authorities called me and said to be patient with them, they had about 15 other resignations they were processing.
good stuff! how is the registration to iTunes working out?
@Forkroute I've never seen an interview with Dan Barker, and I've been watching videos and debates on youtube for years now.
great interview with dan barker! i just looked and can't seem to find your podcast on itunes. . . are you there?
Wow, you're really putting out these PodCasts quite frequently now.
@MrSwedenik Not yet, anyway. But Lubbock was recently found to be the 2nd-most conservative city in the US (after Provo, Utah), so if the Baptists, Catholics, and Mormons can get along for a few minutes, who knows?
We do have a Buda, Texas.
@ericleb01 for example, i am an agnostic atheist. i dont know, have no idea, and i dont think it can be known, thats the part that makes me agnostic. my atheism comes from simply rejecting claims that have been made thus far of a god. this defines my beliefs clearly overall, and also why it works the way it does. if we remove that as it is there, what happens to gnostic? can someone be gnostic instead of theist/atheist? do we trash that entire word now?
@FluffyFeralMarmot Larf. Show us the source. For all we know is empirical. How do you describe something "non-physical"?
I have to admit, I was never religious in the first place, but I used to be a deist like some of my friends were. Then I became agnostic and, through RUclips, became more atheist. I'm still agnostic, but I sway more towards atheism, since I understand now that atheism is the neutral viewpoint.
how do I get this podcast on iTunes? can't find a website.
@FluffyFeralMarmot I like to have as many true beliefs as possible. Right now, my irrational belief scale is pretty nil.
Where did this "Waiting for the heavens to split open with a big neon sign" bit come from?
I had the pleasure of seeing a live debate between him & a theist.
Hi! I wanted to listen to this live but I could not for the life of me find the link. Is there a live broadcast? Can you put up a link on the facebook or homepage to it if there is? Thanks!
Where do I sign up for the billboard thing!
another good podcast
you just have to love the intro
@Jesse2K12 He got it from a poster. I've seen it before, too.
@Halldor1994 really which country ? because i thought in nearly every country a large majority is of some religous faith.
I would love to know what scripture was Dan Barker's favorite? Or if he even could repeat a scripture in full without opening a Bible or without taking only a few words here and there? Greek and Hebrew experts are used for to than translate the meaning to English, for obvious dialectical reasons to get the fullness. It is that way with any language, certain languages allow certain parameters. -Implementation of the Constitution was built on the premise of Christianity.
USA practices Atheism.
Great!
Yarg. I always forget to watch your podcast or the League of Reason's when no one posts about them prior to them >
@emperorkang Making a day of Prayer "national", is giving it the seal of state approval. If you are an atheist or your religious beliefs don't include prayer then the underlying message is that you are a lesser part of the nation. If people want to pray that's their business.
Awesome
i do care for podcasts! Make this podcast more !!!!!
These podcasts have really given me a wealth of information, sometimes "READ THIS BOOK IDORT" because I've never bothered looking into books relating to Atheism itself, or just great comebacks and additional information to counter god arguments.
PS: My History 101 teacher is convinced Atheism is a religion, what do?
Try pointing out that Atheism does *not* have a set doctrine. We do not bow down to some unseen impossible deity that does not exist. We have no rituals, code of dress, or places of worship. God was created by mankind, and there is no evidence to prove otherwise. An atheist does not need prayer to solve any problems. An atheist lives in reality, not in some fantasy world described by an out of date, poorly written, book of fairytales that describes a god who really does not not deserve any worship or praise at all...
@sabertooth1980 Where are you coming from?
@FluffyFeralMarmot What's that? I hear the passive-aggressive sounds of defeat on the theist side as he gives up. Is that a spike of "reverse psychology" in there?
@SpecialElisa I'm suggesting that you can't dismiss the idea of experiencing the divine for yourself if you don't follow the methods people have used in the past. It's entirely experiential.
You can read all the books you want about mountain climbing. Would you think then that you actually know what it feels like to summit Mt. Everest?
It sounds just as weird to me, and I live in America! Born and raised in Tennessee, and never encountered this phenomenon (atheists being afraid to 'come out' for fear rejection). Most of the people I grew up with were church-going Christians, but disbelief was *certainly* not taboo. I know that for a fact, because I was a self-proclaimed atheist for the first twenty years of my life, and not once did I feel uncomfortable about saying so.
From my experience, it's the complete opposite.
@GodofCider that's an awesome statement. pure gold.
@tctheunbeliever please tell me there isnt actually a city in texas called Jaysusville, haha
@ericleb01 ...and? How does that invalidate experience of the divine?
@WavegirlThinks yes again, prayer is a FORM of meditation. just like apples are a type of fruit. however to say that this means apples are the same as fruit is not true. fruits hold many more attributes than just apples, meaning they are indeed different. thats my argument. just because prayer is a form meditation doesnt mean you can put every attribute of meditation onto prayer.
@Pleblian I thought it was a little strange as he didn't clearly took a stance. He rather provided some related information without stating his own opinion on the issue.
@ericleb01 you just told fluffy they would be an agnostic theist if they thought that it couldnt be known for sure...yet you are in a debate with me that the term should not be used in this manner?
Christians talk about courage; You wanna try courage? Try in this society, standing up and saying you no longer believe in a God. The real is to stand up and follow the evidence no matter where it leads, even if I don't like where it leaves.
-Dan Barker
Perfect statement =)
All in all the good nature of what any person should want- is to question always for seeking an answer. But when we come to the conclusion that the answer is you or I, here.
What kind of answer is that? Albert Einstein who had been a fervent agnostic through his life in throwing-up his arms for all he studied and said, "God doesn't play dice with the Universe." Me' I am a Hebrew Christian. Skepticism is what brings resolve, cynicism begs reason, question should
question.
I like Dan Barker.
love ya man
@LisaPie81 That most of your friends are in another religion is very unfortunate. I feel like I've been blessed (hehe) in that regard, as most of my original circle of friends are now atheist.
Are you familiar with the saying that "faith is like a little seed?" The trick is to plant a few little seeds of doubt. But unlike seeds of faith, my seeds do not need nourishment.
Also, it never helps to overwhelm your potential converts. Just plant seeds. That's what worked the best for me. :)
Dan Barker's conversion sounds exactly like mine.
@mikerodeman come out man, we need you.
@WavegirlThinks yes, it is, however not all fruits are apples. that is the idea. a fruit is not the same thing as an apple because it includes all fruits. apples only include apples.
@GodofCider haha got lost in the text my bad =/
@Forkroute I guess I'll just have to look him up and see what he has to say.
@Delinexwow Were you a converted, born-again christian for 20 years or did you just grew up in a christian household and decided you were an atheist when you turned 20? There's a difference.
I'm not saying "people" don't read the bible enough, I'm saying that if YOU want to understand better, then YOU need to try it. You can read stories about lots of things, but YOU won't really know how it feels until YOU do it. Nothing can replace personal experience.
@GodofCider No... It's "I don't know, but you're the one making the claim. So give the evidence for your claim. Cause thus far even with my searching, there isn't any evidence, and until evidence is provided, I have no reason to believe your claim.".
@tctheunbeliever And isnt there some place called corpuscristi or something?
@sabertooth1980 Hmm, I suppose I was using agnosticism in the strictest literal sense possible. Help me out here if you would; how is an agnostic not an atheist?
Dan said the following about closet Atheists "...maybe they don't want to hurt their grandma's feelings and are waiting for her to die to become outspoken..." That's me exactly...and I want to come out so badly, but it would kill my entire family, especially my dad, grandma, and aunt/uncle. My mom was a Sunday school teacher and she died three years ago. I feel like I'm in a prison. I've come out to all my friends, but my family doesn't know and I'm scared. I wish I had the courage...
@sabertooth1980 You're not listening. Why should I keep talking?
@Delinexwow
Isn't an apple a fruit?
@sabertooth1980 Kind of a cop out in my eyes; the agnostic position works rather well for many other areas as well: "I don't know, and I'm not going to devote any time to the matter when it arises."
@AngelicFerret Yes I am always trying to plant seeds. However you know Mormons like I do. My brother is determined to believe I have this agenda. So I told him we will just not discuss it. Because he likes to think he is taking a "high road" and not insulting me because he is "RIGHT" and I am "WRONG" and he has the truth and he "KNOWS" and I am misled. I do try with other people but I have the same result as with my brother. So I just plant my seeds in my own ways :)
@LuigiPeach : I don't think you are getting TTA's point. Why would anyone care if TTA interviewed someone completely at random? Being a known quantity helps sell the validity of what he's doing. Personally, I am quite happy that he's interviewing people like AronRa and Dan Barker whose depth exceeds their celebrity, but are not completely unknown. I vote for Pascal Boyer next. :)
@LisaPie81 I think you are correct, a third perhaps? fourth?
Most of the people I grew up with left the church already. The internet is really destroying that church, hardly anyone I know can remain a member for very long after seeing the evidence regarding the Book of Abraham.
What worries me is how much more obsessed the remaining members are. I don't think that church will go out without a fight.
@SpecialElisa Reality can be confusing. Jumping into the middle of someone else's conversation can be too.
@Delinexwow It was directed towards you in regards to a comment made by Marmot; it works well in verbal conversations, however written out it doesn't really make much sense.
@Delinexwow
It's "a" prescribed method, not "the" prescribed method.
Prayer is a form of meditation, which is why it works. I don't know about the god part or asking for miracles. If that's how you view it, as some sort of magic spell, then maybe that's the problem. People seem to get hung up on the part about talking to yourself. Maybe that's all it is -- who knows? -- but what does it matter if it works?
@DefenderOfAllMankind If you made videos explaining this concept more and gave us examples, I'd subscribe.
@Delinexwow
Well, its just at the end you say "PRAYER is NOT meditation" then say "are different, just as an apple and fruit are". But apples are a type of fruit, suggesting prayer is a type of meditation. Essentially, that prayer IS meditation. Except you say prayer isnt meditation. Its confusing. So I thought maybe you thought apples werent a type of fruit.
@SpecialElisa Fairies do exist...you do just have to search hard enough for them.
You might have been raised a christian and taken the doctrine at face value. That's not the same as actively applying it to your life. You kind of have to do the legwork to get anywhere in any activity, religion included.
I was an atheist for a few decades. Not sure how you interpret my belief as fear of non-belief.
Does Dan Barker ever say *why* he stopped believing in God? He said he used to be a Christian, felt (what seemed to be) the Holy Spirit in his life and so on, but then "decided" not to believe? He seems to suggest that it was because he realized that Christians presuppose God's existence, and have no proof. (if that's how justification works, Barker should also give up his belief in other minds, in the external world, and the reliability of his cognitive faculties, just to name a few).
What're the target of all religions? It's happiness.
Freedom. In the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual sense.
They have no idea what makes me happy.
Their targets are their pocket book.
actually, i'm not attacking you, but thats not true. Happiness is a common by product of religion, and sometimes i wish i was still a believer, but organized religion is used to control. The system is used to use people as pawns, and feed on their fears. There is NOTHING positive coming from religion that can't be gained without it! All the great people who are putting their efforts in religion, imagine how wonderful the world would be if they would put their efforts into something actually productive!
@TheThinkingAtheist that is real sweet, Dan Barker is a standard, he is that important and that known. But some friendly advice from a friend. If you want to rise above average, that won't do.