0:00 Intro 9:04 Dennis-NY | Friends Claim God Cured Me! 25:05 Steve-VA | What is Lack of Belief? 47:23 Alex-FL | A Theist Who Defines God! Wow! 50:41 William-(AU) | Unexplained Events After Family Member’s Passing 57:12 Guillermo-CA | Why Not Believe Biblical History? 1:06:06 Mike-WA | How to Get Christians to Understand Biblical Hypocrisy 1:25:12 Austin-WI | You People Are Wasting Your Time
This show certainly isn't a waste of time like that caller said. It helped me to leave behind the insane ideology of traditional Catholicism. Keep doing what you're doing Matt & Co.
I was a non-believer at a very early age. Under 7 years old. I went to a chatholic school. Teachers, nuns, and priests focused their undivided attention upon me. Some of that attention was uncomfortable. It was because of that I was molested 4 times by 2 different (Men) of the cloth. By 10 years old I was running away from school. The police ended up taking me to school everyday. They dropped me off at the front door and I ran out the back. I got my education from the streets. Turned to drugs and alcohol at an extremely early age and was in prison before I was 20. This was a direct result of religion in my opinion. It's only when I befriended an atheist fellowship that I got 2 university degrees and became a network engineer. The chatholic church ruined my life literally.
@@chrisccc22 I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you, and i'm glad that there have been some improvements to your life since then. People that behave in this way towards children are truly the worst kind of scum on the planet, and the fact that the Catholic Church covers for them tells you all that you need to know about this disgusting organization. And according to the Church, you will go to hell for being an atheist, but those two priests can go to heaven if they simply confess their sins (regardless of whether they actually regret their actions or not). The Christian God and his bishops/priests can go fuck themselves. I hope that you have been/will be able to heal from this as much as possible, and I wish you all the best.
@@mark64105 I truly appreciate that. I get more empathy and sympathy from atheists than theists on this issue. My goal is to stand up in the very same church this abuse happened in, disrupt service, and tell my story. My atheist friends are rational, reasonable, and advise against it. I would assume they are correct but my desire and resentment always tell me to do it. Maybe one day.
@@chrisccc22 Yours could have been a post on its own, mind you KFY up there is now on 69 likes so I'm sure he's not fussed. I'm replying to you for 2 reasons. 1. What you went through as a child then rebel teen all the way to jail, although certainly no fault of your own, has made you the person you are today. IF you had not gone through such pain and horror and ended up meeting yourself, this supposedly well adjusted now man, you probably wouldn't like him that much as lets face it he wouldn't know shit. What I'm saying to you (that you must already know) is that the knowledge and overall wisdom you have is due to your hard life, and that you should look positively on this as not just bettering yourself with Network Engineer, but also by learning through those past horrific things you endured. Many years ago Psychologists use to speak to say rape victims. They'd say don't dwell on it, or don't even think about it at all, and try your best to forget it even happened, only looking at good things now. But this advice is now seen as wrong. We are now encouraged victims of abuse to know where they came from, the hardships they endured and every aspect of what happened. To discuss it openly (as you did) and not so much 'move on' , but recognize that this forms part of your entire life, your travels, the climb if you like. I'm not trying to downplay such horror, only that it should be encouraged and accepted as your life and openly communicated if you so desire. Which leads me to the 2nd reason of replying. 2. Your idea of going back to where this hell happened and telling your story is excellent. It will help you to fully accept what happened (especially being there) and fully accept yourself from then until now (although such a thing is not a requirement of everyone or possibly even you to do). It may make you a public speaker, or it may bring back some more horror memories. Either way, you'll know you better. It may also do nothing at all, except to add to your coping mechanisms. But as for THEM, the theists you will be telling the story too.. oh dear. A lot of people say to help Recover From Religion you merely need to question your beliefs. Others say its all about gaining knowledge or reasoning better. Some say its getting over irrational fears and misplaced love. Whilst others say it just dawned on them that this belief is nonsense. The amount of reasons for someone to lose their ridiculous beliefs are far and wide, and many won't ever recover! Your story should not assume that 1 or any will start to question. They may bog down harder in their beliefs and say: You see God loves you he made you come back to church! The point is you would only be doing it for yourself. Which is perfectly fine. (Of course I also hope you'd get through to someone, especially any youth that are there at the time).
Thank you for your extraordinary courage and strength of character in using logic and critical thinking to combat the cultural and religious indoctrination you suffered. Bravo!
@FEAR GOD!!!! Seeing things around me is evidence that there are things around me. That's all. Your leap from there to creator simply doesn't follow. So I remain unconvinced. No, I do not think that god believers are delusional, hence why I never said that.
I felt their pain when they spoke. The bright side is that the two people who died/are dying are such lovely people that made such a positive impact that people miss them dearly.
@@boatfloater67 Why would you say that? You obviously have a problem with Atheists. If you're a Christian/Religious saying something that disgusting it only Makes look Bad. You should represent Christians/Religious people better than that. It only gives Atheists more ammo. Maybe youre just an asshole.
I love all the religious super fans who watch and leave “Repent oh sinners” type of comments. I remember when I was religious and used to do the same. Until I realized the atheistic arguments were just so much better.
It doesn't take much to have better arguments than "a magical book told me an invisible, super-powered dictator loves me but created me so flawed I'll be tortured forever unless I believe in what the magical book tells me"
@Cool Beans Santa Claus has been around for decades too and will be for who knows how long and most know his name does that make him real. And how does your argument make any sense at all.
"God gives us free will, now stop using that free will and love my God or he will torture it forever" "Your God sounds like a dictator!" "Don't be silly he loves you, he's doing this for you, don't make him mad" "He never did anything for me, I prayed and my sister still died of cancer" "Well cancer is because we sin, it's our punishiment" "So I get punished HERE and forever in the afterlife?! What the fuck he died for then??" "For your sin" "WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. FUCK."
A little different for me, I used to leave hateful comments on any videos representing gays. I still don’t understand, how I was OK with hating someone like that.
@@will-i-am386 You forgot the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. The are more believable than jesus. One leaves money for a tooth and the other brings chocolate. Sounds like a better deal than the jesus drivel. Cool Beans is intellectually bankrupt.
*AAARRRGG* Every single time a caller responds with "riiight, right" or "yeah, yeah" it really means they didn't listen to a thing that was said, can't acknowledge the refute, and now want to address a new subject...
Wow Matt thanks so much for your words about our dear friend Ed. I hope that no matter what happens, he isn’t ever in any more pain. He’s an amazing human and I’m glad I was able to know about him. ❤️✌🏼
You should care more about the callers instead of using them to make yourselves feel better. I'm going to make a call-in show where God deniers call in and give their evidence for "atheism." "Atheism doesn't require any evidence." Neither do mythological gods.
@Rebecca Leeman I used a machine back in the 80's that adjusted the speed of audiotapes to twice the speed of the spoken voice, and over a number of years while people went to seminary and other colleges to get 4 your degrees, I learned the Bible better than David Koresh. I've read and listened to the New Covenant alone *four hundred times.* I had to pay attention because if I didn't read along each moment the tape was going at the speed college graduates read at silently, *I'd have lost my place.* My spatial awareness is also out of this world, for many years I trained as a professional juggler. I missed my shot at the tournaments because of financial issues. I previously spent all my money on Theology books, and Bibles. It's a great form of meditation and martial arts. No regrets Rebecca. The knowledge of God seems to be the whole rage of the internet, this and politics.
@Rebecca Leeman Yeah, we're all doing our own thing. It takes a really special kind of person to look on the things of others with more consideration than their own. There's this really great movie starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, _Notting Hill._ "I'm just a girl standing in front of a guy" is one of the most popular lines in fil him history (from the movie). My favorite scence is the dinner where they get down to the last brownie and each must tell their woes in order to deserve that brownie. The lady in the wheelchair I believe wins the brownie, but the moral of the story is that we don't pay out on the type of narrative you and your gang are constantly blowing out the wrong hole. You care about me? Then prove "atheism" exists to me, don't use some cop out, "You have to prove your case to me and I get to judge that while I never have to give you a reason why being _atheist_ is right for that reason." I like being able to present proofs, deductive ones, to stupid God deniers, and for them to realize they aren't any good at judging arguments, they've never really studied argumentation theory or propositional calculus, you're all the judges of me, but I don't give out brownies for that. See?
Good show! Love you guys! Jenna, you have the most engaging smile I've seen in recent history! And your intelligence outshines that smile! You and Matt together are a force to be reckoned with! If you add Vi into the mix what a great team!!! As usual, Matt, you rock! I've learned so much from you, much of which I surmised, but did not yet have the knowledge to complete it. Thanx to you both!
“Internet Atheists”?! Is this guy so young, he doesn’t realize there are millions of atheists who were atheists way before the Internet was even a gleam in anyone’s imagination?
Nah, he's just referring to youtuber who's an outspoken atheist and regularly post videos/posts about their belief. Doesn't refer to any time period, or the method how someone deconverted
Really appreciating the compassionate, and enlightened loving attitude you guys have that respects our right to decide when we are truly ready to finish our lives on our own terms. This is hard for many to understand, when we've been raised with the basic value of preserving life at all costs. And many of us were told that choosing when we die is a mortal sin and we'll be PUNISHED by some supernatural injustice system for daring to take our lives into our own hands. I value doing the very most to help everyone's life to be bearable, at the very least. But ultimately, what is the value of life without autonomy ? I feel for both of you and the special people you're grieving.
Great conversation. Unfortunately many people are dealing with death right now so this is a needed conversation. Sending out love to anyone that reads this. You are stronger than you think you are.
To the first caller Dennis: You lost your christians, you didn't lose your friends because they clearly never were. If someone would stop being friends because of your ideology, the ideology is clearly more important to them than you were. Glad you found your way out of religion and hope you get lots of real friends and that your health issues stay at a manageable level.
The older you get, the more death you'll see. The day you stop feeling it is the day you need to start worrying. Love to you both, and thank you for all you do.
I have chronic pain and Jenna was right the firsttime because pain is directly related to anxiety and gratitude diaries reduce anxiety. Don't doubt yourself so quickly.
Just finished watching this week's episode. The show is getting better and better each week. So whatever new or continued working system you have there, keep doing that.
It's logically impossible to improve on a single statement of "One position, one issue." IT's fully self contained and never leaves the world of sentences. Jourdain's Paradox on steroids.
You guys are incredible! Know that so many of us love you guys and love what you're doing so much. All my love to the beautiful Jenna, I'm sorry for your loss and love out to Ed and his family and also to Dennis, hope you can feel better in the future guys. To Matt is Awesome we all love you man, what you do is incredible, I've learned so much from you over the years and enjoy listening every week. So much so that I think I may have randomly coverted a Christian over Xbox live over the weekend using all your awesome techniques and analogies (hope you don't mind). It was a great conversation and I wouldn't have been to answer his questions half as well without AXP. Thanks again guys look forward to next week.
Matt looks over the caller list and says "wow" like he's looking over a smorgasbord of craziness. Luckily he starts off with the first caller before he dives in.
ED ... thank you so much for the person you was... you will be missed, but never be forgotten. My thoughts goes out to his lovedones, friends and collegues. Much love from The Netherlands.
I'm so sad to hear that Ed Brayton's health problems have gotten that serious. I was reading his blog, "Dispatches From the Culture Wars" before I started watching the ACA. I will miss his voice of reason.
That last caller was SO butthurt, he so desperately wanted Matt to just shut up and go home because he has no arguments that Matt won't tear apart so he wants Matt to just give up.
Grief is difficult under normal circumstances. Presently, there's so much more to deal with. I recently lost my mother and the emotions are still raw. But I looked for and found support and comfort from the atheist community before and after her death. Thank you.
I'm glad Matt addressed at 46:48 the use of the label 'Agnostic'. This is NOT a label for a safe middle ground for fence sitters; it is not some epistemological purgatory for those skeptics having trouble leaving their faith and is not a third option to Theism vs. Atheism (the prefix 'A' meaning 'without' in Latin). Perhaps an easy way for caller Steve to understand this would be to have him say the Latin words in English. Theist: someone WITH a belief in the existence of a god or gods. Atheist: someone WITHOUT a belief in the existence of a god or gods, and not someone WITH a belief that gods *don't* exist, which is Matt's Anti-theism. One more thing - self describes 'Agnostics' often claim they don't care about epistemological questions. That doesn't make them Agnostic, it makes them an Apatheist.
I love when they use the black swan analogy. I live in Western Australia, which is the only place in the world where black swans are native. It is a rare (and beautiful) sight to see a white swan here.
When Steve said "That's special pleading...", 37.20, I literally did something very unusual, I did a rotfl. I really did. And since I'm a cripple, it's even more astonishing. Thank you so much for that experience....altough the reason is so very very sad. But I did something today that I have never done before, so I'm a better person for it. :))) The atheist experience is good at a lot of different things. :)
NollÅtta Cykel “Steve” from VA is using the Steve McRae method. The method he and Aron Ra disagreed on. Steve is known for the “rocks are atheist“ meme as well as well agnostic proposition **p as in theism is false** (p and not p) he caller is presenting. Getting this from SEP regarding atheism being a psychological state. TBF Jenna was struggling too.
@@MMAGamblingTips Yep, a common strategy to keep the discussion about atheism and how it's a logical fallacy. It's a distraction from the real issue and I believe it's aimed at theist listeners. If the discussion is about atheism and dishonestly misinterpret *p all the time, listeners will think atheism is abnormal. EDIT: I think he made a poor job, I hardly believe very many listerners were convinced by his BS.
RDE Lutherie is Right, I agree with Steve’s epistemological framework re: theism/atheism but going the SEP route muddies the waters IMO which is why I just prefer the colloquial usage unless of course you’re engaging with other logicians on the subject. Moreover, though a fair argument, his usage of the word 'atheist', it is not the current normative usage, nor is it useful for the general population. While normally used in academic philosophy, very few people are interested in academic philosophy. Furthermore, I’m not convinced that it is an airtight argument even philosophically. Take for instance The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s first sentence, it reads: The term “atheist” describes a person who does not believe that God or a divine being exists. Worldwide there may be as many as a billion atheists, although social stigma, political pressure, and intolerance make accurate polling difficult. And while it’s not pertaining to this subject, I have to address the claim that Steve McRae has a sharp mind. At one point I would have agreed with you, but that’s before he started defending rapists, harassing women and going on channels other than his own -with trailer trash bigots- to get around the RO he had from said harassment. As someone who followed Steve for a long time, it’s extremely disappointing.
I thought it sounded like Mike in WA said "snackrifice", which made me think of how that could be like a Monty Python bit. "You feeling hungry?" "Yeah, I could go for a bite...let's grab a chicken and go up to the altar and whip up a little snackrifice."
Steve from VA was that slow kid from everyone's class in school that kept raising his hand and asking the stupidest questions, then would go home and eat paint chips. I've never heard anyone be told the same thing so many times and be unable to comprehend it. Possibly related to Ray Comfort Just embarrassing.
I'm sorry for your loss Jenna, I hope that your friend or loved one lives on through others in a positive way. Matt, it's a difficult situation for you my friend. I hope that you find solice in knowing that his impact has reached your following and that we care about your feelings and hope that his ideas and thoughts live on through you. Love you guys.
I'm 39 and have 24/7 pain, Parkinson stiffness, corneal disease, arthritis, brain damage, degenerative dissc, ptsd and moore. Lost career, no community, loss of waking, my precious nature. The worst part is my dark, prison, low income apartment. No yard . Nobody to suffer for wish I had the courage to end my. Suffering can't even afford medical contacts without which I'm legally blind. I'm so stiff at age 39, I can't crack an egg . I wish I could believe in something better after I die. Suicide Waunakee courage. Although I don't believe in hell, my childhood indoctrination still makes me scared to end this hell existence, madde worse since covid. Been isolated since i was left for dead overseas at age 30. Lost my mind when I got my degenerative eye disease 3 years ago . Poverty kills money buys health. My psychiatrist was silent when I begged for. Her to give me a reason not kill myself
My brother's ex-in-laws, who boast about how Christian they supposedly are (which is a problem in itself), once told me they lit candles at church for my mother and me (who had and have, respectively, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and end-stage renal disease... I need a new kidney ASAP) because "God is punishing us for having premarital sex (*not together, LOL) by giving us comorbidity". Were they THERE? How do they know?
Best part was 1:04:50 when Guillermo from Cali says, "oh ok, then I guess you caught me..again" I was just casually listening to this shit playin smash bros and started dying. I replayed it like 3 times. Instant classic
If Austin from WI really thought that it is a waste of time, then he wouldn't have called in because, well, it's a waste of time. But people like him are A) Aware and afraid that talks like this are changing peoples mind. And B) He himself is faced with the questions and holes being poked into his own belief this talks engender. And that frightens him even more, enough to compel him to call. Poor Austin, he lies, but mostly to himself.
The call with Guillermo was fucking awesome, my favorite call in a long time. In my mind there is a small chance he is the dude from Jimmy Kimmel Live lol
"do you believe that knowledge is a subset of belief?" I had to hold back my laughter while listening at work because I've heard Matt say that exact phrasing countless times...
Concerning Mike’s call. Why would a god who supposedly says... “he who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart. If your eye causes you to lust, gouge it out. Better you lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” Send a woman to walk past 2 teenagers. So they will think she’s beautiful and walk back too stare at her more. To save them from a traffic accident. He could have just prevented the accident from happening. Instead of causing them to lust after an angel (kinda like people did with the angels at Lots house). I know the answer is that you can reach any interpretation when you cherry pick any story.
acari27 it’s very strange. Lust just means strong sexual attraction. As you say who hasn’t done this. But I guess that might be the point. Find a basic human feeling then call it a sin that you’ll go to hell for. So you have to pray to god for forgiveness. It’s a manipulative tactic to get you to feel guilty and shameful about something completely normal about yourself. Then offer you the cure for it. Sounds like an abusive relationship. Where the abuser will convince someone they’re useless and nobody would want them. But then say “But I love you. So you better stay with me because no one else would”.
Love you Matt & Jenna, and of course the crew who makes this all possible and run smoothly. I quit believing little by little over the past 10-15 years! I married an atheist back then and well, I was already pretty much sure there was no god by then. I’ve just been learning more and knowing more and I no longer believe. Period. My story is on the “donation” side of this page as I’m trying to tell someone who told us atheists that we “might want to check Jesus out” and read the Bible because all the history in there is PROVEN to be true! She consequently erased her comment, so you can’t even tell now who I’m talking to, but I left it there anyway. I am so damn grateful for atheists, particularly the atheists on this channel because you have helped me immensely just by my listening to you and the callers. There is still some mental “trauma” or guilt inside some of us who’ve been believers for years and years, and your show really helps us get over it. Whether it’s guilt, trauma or whatever, your show is fantastic. And I know it’s helping lots of people all over the world! Don’t EVER feel you’re wasting your time. You’re not! You’re SAVING some of us from being sheep burdened with guilt, sin, and questions without answers. I love you guys and appreciate each & every one of you giving of your time; it’s definitely NOT a waste of time! I found you about 3 weeks ago and you are my church/cathedral/mosque et. al now! I learn so much from every show and enjoy you all! Thank you so much! See you soon! (on here)😘
Not all the shows opened my eyes. But they keep my eyes open. I was an atheist more than 10 years ago when I first used the internet and RUclips. But it gave me more strength and support to know I wasn't alone. The more I learn on here the more I realize much that I overlooked.
@@markburch6253 Yeah it makes totally no sense that he would be flippant about selfish people that act without a care for potential harm to others out of ignorance, it´s a total mystery to me how one could get emotional over wasted human potential or indirectly inflicted harm on others coming from narcissists at the cost of the rest of humanities wellbeing while they actively disregard and use emotional arguments against rationality and logic. P.S. It should be very obvious that this was fluent sarcasm, also do you think before you type something? I hope you at least think before you speak
Jenna Belk, and many other atheists, use the term "agnostic atheist" to describe someone who "doesn't claim to know if god exists, but doesn't think so". However, if "atheism" is conceived of as being an expression of the "extent to which a person is convinced by evidence for god", then the the term "agnostic" doesn't add anything to the idea of "atheism". The "agnostic" qualifier is unnecessary as the "atheist" makes no claims to "knowledge", only to "conviction" which in turn is defined by reference to "evidence". i.e. there is nothing to be "agnostic" about. It is important for atheists to "debunk" the term "agnostic" in this way and show that it is unnecessary, if not outright meaningless, for two reasons - the first is to achieve logical clarity in their own ideas as to enable a more precise expression of those ideas. We don't want unnecessary and ill-defined terminology to cloud our thinking or our message. The second is because the term "agnostic" is, in my experience, a term favored by theists. Theists favor the term because, if I allow theists to conceive of me as "agnostic" as opposed to "atheist" then I am enabling and implicitly condoning their mis-understanding and mis-representation of my message. I allow them to think that "all atheists are saying is that they don't know if there is a god - they are really agnostic". Which is, of course, true, but only in a trivial sense. But that is not what atheists are saying. We are saying that theists are making errors in their interpretation of the evidence that need to be corrected. It is important to maintain a sharp focus on this message if we are to use atheism to advance social progress and bring about a better world as, I believe, most atheists want to do.
@Hilmar Zonneveld Yes, I agree on the meaning of the words as you describe. However, my point is that if a person uses the term "atheist" in the modern sense of "being unconvinced", then the notion of "not knowing for sure" is already "built-in" to the notion of "atheist". i.e. simply saying I am "unconvinced by evidence" is not a knowledge (or belief) claim on the original proposition (that god exists) so there is nothing to be "agnostic" about. Thus, while I understand what someone is trying to say when they identify as "agnostic atheist", if I identify as "atheist", then further identifying as "agnostic" while certainly not "wrong" is superfluous and unnecessary. Which really wouldn't matter if we were only speaking to each other. But we are trying to share our ideas with others who don't understand or agree with what we are saying. As such, it is important that we are clear and precise in how we express ourselves. When we use the term "agnostic" unnecessarily then we allow theists to misrepresent our message. And, lets be frank, deliberately misrepresenting messages is a favorite theist pass-time. Thus, for most atheists, in most contexts, I submit that the term "agnostic" is a hindrance and should generally be avoided as it doesn't help the atheist either clarify their own ideas or express them to others.
@Hilmar Zonneveld That's certainly up to you. I would not presume to tell you otherwise. I would however suggest that using the word "agnostic" is not doing either yourself or the advancement of atheism any favors.
To Austin-WI the last caller I can answer (almost ) in the the words of Sir Winston Churchill: "We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in all countries all over the world, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island of logic and reasoning, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.“ Keep on running that great show, Jenna and Matt!
0:00 Intro
9:04 Dennis-NY | Friends Claim God Cured Me!
25:05 Steve-VA | What is Lack of Belief?
47:23 Alex-FL | A Theist Who Defines God! Wow!
50:41 William-(AU) | Unexplained Events After Family Member’s Passing
57:12 Guillermo-CA | Why Not Believe Biblical History?
1:06:06 Mike-WA | How to Get Christians to Understand Biblical Hypocrisy
1:25:12 Austin-WI | You People Are Wasting Your Time
Is Jenna Belk the little sister of Alanis Morissette?
I really missed timestamp guy on the last video. whoever does it, you are very appreciated.
Why do human beings think they are the arbiters of the rules applying to god?
@@markburch6253 because they are, we made god up, we get to make the rules
@@2gointruth no atheist is going to read that wall of text nonsense.
This show certainly isn't a waste of time like that caller said. It helped me to leave behind the insane ideology of traditional Catholicism. Keep doing what you're doing Matt & Co.
I was a non-believer at a very early age. Under 7 years old. I went to a chatholic school. Teachers, nuns, and priests focused their undivided attention upon me. Some of that attention was uncomfortable. It was because of that I was molested 4 times by 2 different (Men) of the cloth. By 10 years old I was running away from school. The police ended up taking me to school everyday. They dropped me off at the front door and I ran out the back. I got my education from the streets. Turned to drugs and alcohol at an extremely early age and was in prison before I was 20. This was a direct result of religion in my opinion. It's only when I befriended an atheist fellowship that I got 2 university degrees and became a network engineer. The chatholic church ruined my life literally.
@@chrisccc22 I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you, and i'm glad that there have been some improvements to your life since then. People that behave in this way towards children are truly the worst kind of scum on the planet, and the fact that the Catholic Church covers for them tells you all that you need to know about this disgusting organization. And according to the Church, you will go to hell for being an atheist, but those two priests can go to heaven if they simply confess their sins (regardless of whether they actually regret their actions or not). The Christian God and his bishops/priests can go fuck themselves.
I hope that you have been/will be able to heal from this as much as possible, and I wish you all the best.
@@mark64105 I truly appreciate that. I get more empathy and sympathy from atheists than theists on this issue. My goal is to stand up in the very same church this abuse happened in, disrupt service, and tell my story. My atheist friends are rational, reasonable, and advise against it. I would assume they are correct but my desire and resentment always tell me to do it. Maybe one day.
@@chrisccc22 Yours could have been a post on its own, mind you KFY up there is now on 69 likes so I'm sure he's not fussed.
I'm replying to you for 2 reasons.
1. What you went through as a child then rebel teen all the way to jail, although certainly no fault of your own, has made you the person you are today. IF you had not gone through such pain and horror and ended up meeting yourself, this supposedly well adjusted now man, you probably wouldn't like him that much as lets face it he wouldn't know shit.
What I'm saying to you (that you must already know) is that the knowledge and overall wisdom you have is due to your hard life, and that you should look positively on this as not just bettering yourself with Network Engineer, but also by learning through those past horrific things you endured.
Many years ago Psychologists use to speak to say rape victims. They'd say don't dwell on it, or don't even think about it at all, and try your best to forget it even happened, only looking at good things now.
But this advice is now seen as wrong. We are now encouraged victims of abuse to know where they came from, the hardships they endured and every aspect of what happened. To discuss it openly (as you did) and not so much 'move on' , but recognize that this forms part of your entire life, your travels, the climb if you like.
I'm not trying to downplay such horror, only that it should be encouraged and accepted as your life and openly communicated if you so desire. Which leads me to the 2nd reason of replying.
2. Your idea of going back to where this hell happened and telling your story is excellent. It will help you to fully accept what happened (especially being there) and fully accept yourself from then until now (although such a thing is not a requirement of everyone or possibly even you to do). It may make you a public speaker, or it may bring back some more horror memories. Either way, you'll know you better. It may also do nothing at all, except to add to your coping mechanisms.
But as for THEM, the theists you will be telling the story too.. oh dear.
A lot of people say to help Recover From Religion you merely need to question your beliefs. Others say its all about gaining knowledge or reasoning better. Some say its getting over irrational fears and misplaced love. Whilst others say it just dawned on them that this belief is nonsense. The amount of reasons for someone to lose their ridiculous beliefs are far and wide, and many won't ever recover!
Your story should not assume that 1 or any will start to question. They may bog down harder in their beliefs and say: You see God loves you he made you come back to church! The point is you would only be doing it for yourself. Which is perfectly fine. (Of course I also hope you'd get through to someone, especially any youth that are there at the time).
I wish i had access to it in the late 90's and early 2000's
Would have helped me immensely. I still got there though.
God: “I knew you before you were born.”
Me: “So, you *knew* I was going to be an atheist.”
God: ...
Alex: "I want to start by defining God..."
Matt: 😃
Alex: "So let's start with the Big Bang"
Matt: 🙄
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I laughed out loud when the dude started with the big bang
I am ex muslim. I am Atheist now. I love you . From Azerbaijan
stay safe brodi much love to you.. 👊👊
Cheers
Legend😁
Thank you for your extraordinary courage and strength of character in using logic and critical thinking to combat the cultural and religious indoctrination you suffered. Bravo!
You are free!
Not a single one of you is wasting your time. The ACA are making a difference and changing the world for the better. Good luck to all of you.
@FEAR GOD!!!! So your argument is how words are spelled...seriously? Do I even have to point out the dumb logic behind that?
@FEAR GOD!!!! Seeing things around me is evidence that there are things around me. That's all. Your leap from there to creator simply doesn't follow. So I remain unconvinced.
No, I do not think that god believers are delusional, hence why I never said that.
Brilliant sign off by Matt - we should all applaud his wise words. Thank you guys, I'm so pleased I found you all a year or so ago.
The opening with Matt and Jenna sharing a loss was real and heartfelt. Thank you for allowing us into your world for a moment.
I felt their pain when they spoke. The bright side is that the two people who died/are dying are such lovely people that made such a positive impact that people miss them dearly.
It was those fake eyelashes making her tear up
@@boatfloater67 Why would you say that? You obviously have a problem with Atheists. If you're a Christian/Religious saying something that disgusting it only Makes look Bad. You should represent Christians/Religious people better than that. It only gives Atheists more ammo. Maybe youre just an asshole.
I love the question “Do you think we just find history books and then try and verify what’s in them?”
Jenna is great.
Ed Brayton. Heartfelt thoughts and respect. Hang in there Jenna, time really is a great healer.
I have not known him, but his message announcing that he had 'given up', really hit me in the feels. Such a difficult decision to make.
I love all the religious super fans who watch and leave “Repent oh sinners” type of comments. I remember when I was religious and used to do the same. Until I realized the atheistic arguments were just so much better.
It doesn't take much to have better arguments than "a magical book told me an invisible, super-powered dictator loves me but created me so flawed I'll be tortured forever unless I believe in what the magical book tells me"
@Cool Beans Santa Claus has been around for decades too and will be for who knows how long and most know his name does that make him real. And how does your argument make any sense at all.
"God gives us free will, now stop using that free will and love my God or he will torture it forever"
"Your God sounds like a dictator!"
"Don't be silly he loves you, he's doing this for you, don't make him mad"
"He never did anything for me, I prayed and my sister still died of cancer"
"Well cancer is because we sin, it's our punishiment"
"So I get punished HERE and forever in the afterlife?! What the fuck he died for then??"
"For your sin"
"WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. FUCK."
A little different for me, I used to leave hateful comments on any videos representing gays. I still don’t understand, how I was OK with hating someone like that.
@@will-i-am386 You forgot the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. The are more believable than jesus. One leaves money for a tooth and the other brings chocolate. Sounds like a better deal than the jesus drivel. Cool Beans is intellectually bankrupt.
Happy to finally see Jenna back, sad to see all the pain in her eyes. I hope she's well, and if she's not, I hope she gets well soon.
That last part choked me up. We’re on your team, Matt & everyone else at ACA
*AAARRRGG* Every single time a caller responds with "riiight, right" or "yeah, yeah" it really means they didn't listen to a thing that was said, can't acknowledge the refute, and now want to address a new subject...
Sending my love to Jenna, Matt AND Ed at this difficult time 🧡❤🏴
Wow Matt thanks so much for your words about our dear friend Ed. I hope that no matter what happens, he isn’t ever in any more pain. He’s an amazing human and I’m glad I was able to know about him. ❤️✌🏼
Loved the end of the show. When Matt talks from his heart it's powerful. Thank you. And Jenna, so sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear about your friend Matt and Jenna. We love you all and support you!
You should care more about the callers instead of using them to make yourselves feel better. I'm going to make a call-in show where God deniers call in and give their evidence for "atheism." "Atheism doesn't require any evidence." Neither do mythological gods.
@@oursecretlord9008 Since were talking about what others should do. You should learn to shut your fucking mouth sometimes.
@Rebecca Leeman I used a machine back in the 80's that adjusted the speed of audiotapes to twice the speed of the spoken voice, and over a number of years while people went to seminary and other colleges to get 4 your degrees, I learned the Bible better than David Koresh.
I've read and listened to the New Covenant alone *four hundred times.* I had to pay attention because if I didn't read along each moment the tape was going at the speed college graduates read at silently, *I'd have lost my place.*
My spatial awareness is also out of this world, for many years I trained as a professional juggler. I missed my shot at the tournaments because of financial issues. I previously spent all my money on Theology books, and Bibles. It's a great form of meditation and martial arts.
No regrets Rebecca. The knowledge of God seems to be the whole rage of the internet, this and politics.
@Rebecca Leeman Yeah, we're all doing our own thing. It takes a really special kind of person to look on the things of others with more consideration than their own.
There's this really great movie starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, _Notting Hill._ "I'm just a girl standing in front of a guy" is one of the most popular lines in fil him history (from the movie).
My favorite scence is the dinner where they get down to the last brownie and each must tell their woes in order to deserve that brownie. The lady in the wheelchair I believe wins the brownie, but the moral of the story is that we don't pay out on the type of narrative you and your gang are constantly blowing out the wrong hole.
You care about me? Then prove "atheism" exists to me, don't use some cop out, "You have to prove your case to me and I get to judge that while I never have to give you a reason why being _atheist_ is right for that reason."
I like being able to present proofs, deductive ones, to stupid God deniers, and for them to realize they aren't any good at judging arguments, they've never really studied argumentation theory or propositional calculus, you're all the judges of me, but I don't give out brownies for that. See?
Good show! Love you guys! Jenna, you have the most engaging smile I've seen in recent history! And your intelligence outshines that smile! You and Matt together are a force to be reckoned with! If you add Vi into the mix what a great team!!! As usual, Matt, you rock! I've learned so much from you, much of which I surmised, but did not yet have the knowledge to complete it. Thanx to you both!
Ed & Jenna - I'm sending you all the love I can!!!
Wishing the best for Ed. I'm really touched by Matt's words.
“Internet Atheists”?! Is this guy so young, he doesn’t realize there are millions of atheists who were atheists way before the Internet was even a gleam in anyone’s imagination?
Yes...exactly
Nah, he's just referring to youtuber who's an outspoken atheist and regularly post videos/posts about their belief. Doesn't refer to any time period, or the method how someone deconverted
I’m 53 and have never believed in God. Even as an 8 year old we had to do bible class at school. I didn’t believe it then and still don’t now.
K H A B I B * T I M E I’ve never flown an aeroplane into a building in the name of atheism. Never heard of anyone that has!
@K H A B I B * T I M E Evolution made us a social animal.
Crew, Matt and beloved Jenna, you all Rock!!!!
Condolences to you both,from a member of the atheist community
Really appreciating the compassionate, and enlightened loving attitude you guys have that respects our right to decide when we are truly ready to finish our lives on our own terms.
This is hard for many to understand, when we've been raised with the basic value of preserving life at all costs. And many of us were told that choosing when we die is a mortal sin and we'll be PUNISHED by some supernatural injustice system for daring to take our lives into our own hands.
I value doing the very most to help everyone's life to be bearable, at the very least.
But ultimately, what is the value of life without autonomy ?
I feel for both of you and the special people you're grieving.
So true
Beautiful words at the end Matt.
Great conversation. Unfortunately many people are dealing with death right now so this is a needed conversation. Sending out love to anyone that reads this. You are stronger than you think you are.
So happy to see Jenna again!
After watching, I'm sorry for your loss.
To the first caller Dennis: You lost your christians, you didn't lose your friends because they clearly never were. If someone would stop being friends because of your ideology, the ideology is clearly more important to them than you were. Glad you found your way out of religion and hope you get lots of real friends and that your health issues stay at a manageable level.
Nailed it.
So far, the best episode of the Atheist Experience. I enjoyed listening to both Jenna and Matt's views on atheism.
Thanks Jenna and Matt and callers for the show. And thanks Matt for the COVID-19 talk.
Steve wasn't confused. He was trying to squeeze in a burden of truth argument.
Hugs and thanks to the Crew.
The older you get, the more death you'll see. The day you stop feeling it is the day you need to start worrying. Love to you both, and thank you for all you do.
Oh Jenna and Matt, I’m so sorry for your loss and pain. 💕
I have chronic pain and Jenna was right the firsttime because pain is directly related to anxiety and gratitude diaries reduce anxiety. Don't doubt yourself so quickly.
🙂
Thank you for a beautiful ending to the episode, it meant a lot to me. Thanks for the great show, all!
Jenna, my thoughts are with you.
Just finished watching this week's episode. The show is getting better and better each week. So whatever new or continued working system you have there, keep doing that.
It's logically impossible to improve on a single statement of "One position, one issue." IT's fully self contained and never leaves the world of sentences. Jourdain's Paradox on steroids.
That last part with Matt was powerful, I agree 100% with everything he said.
Sorry about Your friend Ed, Matt, and the loss of Your friend Jenna (HUGS)
Hugs to both of you. I used to visit Ed Brayton's blog regularly some years ago. He had a good angle on the political side of atheism.
Great show today and I always appreciate learning more about why I'm an atheist.
I was waiting for Guilleemo to reply
"If they weigh the same as a duck"
Missed opportunities.
An overweight or anorexic duck?
Brother Maynard ??
or Bedevere
A big call out to Katie and the other screen callers. Great show today. Thanks Jenna and Matt.
celebrate people's lives and honor them in death.
You guys are incredible! Know that so many of us love you guys and love what you're doing so much. All my love to the beautiful Jenna, I'm sorry for your loss and love out to Ed and his family and also to Dennis, hope you can feel better in the future guys.
To Matt is Awesome we all love you man, what you do is incredible, I've learned so much from you over the years and enjoy listening every week. So much so that I think I may have randomly coverted a Christian over Xbox live over the weekend using all your awesome techniques and analogies (hope you don't mind). It was a great conversation and I wouldn't have been to answer his questions half as well without AXP. Thanks again guys look forward to next week.
Matt looks over the caller list and says "wow" like he's looking over a smorgasbord of craziness. Luckily he starts off with the first caller before he dives in.
smörgåsbord... now im getting hungry
ED ... thank you so much for the person you was... you will be missed, but never be forgotten.
My thoughts goes out to his lovedones, friends and collegues.
Much love from The Netherlands.
I'm so sad to hear that Ed Brayton's health problems have gotten that serious. I was reading his blog, "Dispatches From the Culture Wars" before I started watching the ACA. I will miss his voice of reason.
Very sorry for your loss, Jenna. I hope you find peace beyond your grief.
That last caller was SO butthurt, he so desperately wanted Matt to just shut up and go home because he has no arguments that Matt won't tear apart so he wants Matt to just give up.
Great episode. Keep it up, and thanks for all you do.
Dennis: People who don't want you to think are NOT your friends. (Or, even their own friend)
Grief is difficult under normal circumstances. Presently, there's so much more to deal with. I recently lost my mother and the emotions are still raw. But I looked for and found support and comfort from the atheist community before and after her death. Thank you.
I had a good laugh along with Jenna at the end of Guillermo's call. It's great to see her on here again, I like her very much.
Mike sounds like an atheist in the making. He's almost there, keep going Mike!
@FEAR GOD!!!! Inserts watchmaker fallacy here.
the grandmother story matt told was just so sweet
Non believers aren't driven by fear of others and magical thinking. That helps one be better.
I'm glad Matt addressed at 46:48 the use of the label 'Agnostic'. This is NOT a label for a safe middle ground for fence sitters; it is not some epistemological purgatory for those skeptics having trouble leaving their faith and is not a third option to Theism vs. Atheism (the prefix 'A' meaning 'without' in Latin).
Perhaps an easy way for caller Steve to understand this would be to have him say the Latin words in English. Theist: someone WITH a belief in the existence of a god or gods. Atheist: someone WITHOUT a belief in the existence of a god or gods, and not someone WITH a belief that gods *don't* exist, which is Matt's Anti-theism.
One more thing - self describes 'Agnostics' often claim they don't care about epistemological questions. That doesn't make them Agnostic, it makes them an Apatheist.
I love when they use the black swan analogy. I live in Western Australia, which is the only place in the world where black swans are native. It is a rare (and beautiful) sight to see a white swan here.
Say hi to the quokkas 😎
Oggy Oggy yay! Apparently since Covid they (the quokkas) are really pining for human company 😢
When Steve said "That's special pleading...", 37.20, I literally did something very unusual, I did a rotfl. I really did. And since I'm a cripple, it's even more astonishing. Thank you so much for that experience....altough the reason is so very very sad. But I did something today that I have never done before, so I'm a better person for it. :))) The atheist experience is good at a lot of different things. :)
Steve, VA seems to be very confused with atheism. Trying to get a gotcha does nothing to validate theism.
NollÅtta Cykel
“Steve” from VA is using the Steve McRae method. The method he and Aron Ra disagreed on. Steve is known for the “rocks are atheist“ meme as well as well agnostic proposition **p as in theism is false** (p and not p) he caller is presenting. Getting this from SEP regarding atheism being a psychological state.
TBF Jenna was struggling too.
@@MMAGamblingTips Yep, a common strategy to keep the discussion about atheism and how it's a logical fallacy. It's a distraction from the real issue and I believe it's aimed at theist listeners. If the discussion is about atheism and dishonestly misinterpret *p all the time, listeners will think atheism is abnormal.
EDIT: I think he made a poor job, I hardly believe very many listerners were convinced by his BS.
It highlights their weak arguments for their god. They resort to lame attempts at making disbelief look illogical
RDE Lutherie is
Right, I agree with Steve’s epistemological framework re: theism/atheism but going the SEP route muddies the waters IMO which is why I just prefer the colloquial usage unless of course you’re engaging with other logicians on the subject. Moreover, though a fair argument, his usage of the word 'atheist', it is not the current normative usage, nor is it useful for the general population. While normally used in academic philosophy,
very few people are interested in academic philosophy.
Furthermore, I’m not convinced that it is an airtight argument even philosophically. Take for instance The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s first sentence, it reads: The term “atheist” describes a person who does not believe that God or a divine being exists. Worldwide there may be as many as a billion atheists, although social stigma, political pressure, and intolerance make accurate polling difficult.
And while it’s not pertaining to this subject, I have to address the claim that Steve McRae has a sharp mind. At one point I would have agreed with you, but that’s before he started defending rapists, harassing women and going on channels other than his own -with trailer trash bigots- to get around the RO he had from said harassment. As someone who followed Steve for a long time, it’s extremely disappointing.
@FEAR GOD!!!! Fear god? I thought god was love. Which god are you referring to? How do you know it's the right one?
I thought it sounded like Mike in WA said "snackrifice", which made me think of how that could be like a Monty Python bit.
"You feeling hungry?"
"Yeah, I could go for a bite...let's grab a chicken and go up to the altar and whip up a little snackrifice."
Steve from VA was that slow kid from everyone's class in school that kept raising his hand and asking the stupidest questions, then would go home and eat paint chips. I've never heard anyone be told the same thing so many times and be unable to comprehend it. Possibly related to Ray Comfort
Just embarrassing.
Ooh man 😂🤣😂🤣
Damn, nice 🔥
A bag of paint chips and a Coke seem to have been the after school snack for a lot of YT believers.
I'm sorry for your loss Jenna, I hope that your friend or loved one lives on through others in a positive way. Matt, it's a difficult situation for you my friend. I hope that you find solice in knowing that his impact has reached your following and that we care about your feelings and hope that his ideas and thoughts live on through you. Love you guys.
Matt:"Why should anybody believe your wife"?
Me: I'm DEAD!!!!
😀😁😂✊💪👍✌️
Haha, yeah that sounded mean and necessary to say :)
@Barthelemy Bc they provide the kind of goods you're ironically using to speak to the rest of the world and try to discredit them, you fool.
Guillermo sounding like Consuella 'no, noo..' 1:00:35 lmao
I'm 39 and have 24/7 pain, Parkinson stiffness, corneal disease, arthritis, brain damage, degenerative dissc, ptsd and moore. Lost career, no community, loss of waking, my precious nature. The worst part is my dark, prison, low income apartment. No yard . Nobody to suffer for wish I had the courage to end my. Suffering can't even afford medical contacts without which I'm legally blind. I'm so stiff at age 39, I can't crack an egg . I wish I could believe in something better after I die. Suicide Waunakee courage. Although I don't believe in hell, my childhood indoctrination still makes me scared to end this hell existence, madde worse since covid. Been isolated since i was left for dead overseas at age 30. Lost my mind when I got my degenerative eye disease 3 years ago . Poverty kills money buys health. My psychiatrist was silent when I begged for. Her to give me a reason not kill myself
Please go to an emergency room ASAP. I think you need a different psychiatrist, too.
dystoniaify
There are people that can help. If you want, I will try and get you some help. If you need contacts or glasses that can be set up.
"If you don't know, then you are not convinced" -Jenna. That is perfect for people to use with science. Would help a lot with creationists.
Circle gets the square, I miss that show.
Woo! Welcome back Jenna
My brother's ex-in-laws, who boast about how Christian they supposedly are (which is a problem in itself), once told me they lit candles at church for my mother and me (who had and have, respectively, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and end-stage renal disease... I need a new kidney ASAP) because "God is punishing us for having premarital sex (*not together, LOL) by giving us comorbidity".
Were they THERE? How do they know?
I hope Jenna and Matt can get some support for doing the show with that start. And Dennis, I hope your dogs and fsmily give you some relief.
RIP Ed Brayton. Such an unfortunate loss
Best part was 1:04:50 when Guillermo from Cali says, "oh ok, then I guess you caught me..again" I was just casually listening to this shit playin smash bros and started dying. I replayed it like 3 times. Instant classic
If Austin from WI really thought that it is a waste of time, then he wouldn't have called in because, well, it's a waste of time. But people like him are A) Aware and afraid that talks like this are changing peoples mind. And B) He himself is faced with the questions and holes being poked into his own belief this talks engender. And that frightens him even more, enough to compel him to call. Poor Austin, he lies, but mostly to himself.
The call with Guillermo was fucking awesome, my favorite call in a long time. In my mind there is a small chance he is the dude from Jimmy Kimmel Live lol
I think we can sum it up pretty easily;
Rocks are rocks.
What a lovely tribute Matt.
"Austin" wins the douche of the day award. Austin, did they teach you that in bible study or does it come naturally?
What a cunt he was
"Waste of time" lol yet he spent how long on hold... what a fucking loser😂💀🤡🤡
"do you believe that knowledge is a subset of belief?"
I had to hold back my laughter while listening at work because I've heard Matt say that exact phrasing countless times...
Matt and Jenna do so well in explaining it as a team!
The poor guy around the 1:00:00 mark... The mental gymnastics are so plus ultra!
Jennas face the whole time too!!!
I remember ED, great guy.
Man, that intro. Who left all these onions out?
Concerning Mike’s call. Why would a god who supposedly says...
“he who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery in his heart. If your eye causes you to lust, gouge it out. Better you lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell”
Send a woman to walk past 2 teenagers. So they will think she’s beautiful and walk back too stare at her more. To save them from a traffic accident.
He could have just prevented the accident from happening. Instead of causing them to lust after an angel (kinda like people did with the angels at Lots house).
I know the answer is that you can reach any interpretation when you cherry pick any story.
acari27 it’s very strange. Lust just means strong sexual attraction. As you say who hasn’t done this. But I guess that might be the point. Find a basic human feeling then call it a sin that you’ll go to hell for. So you have to pray to god for forgiveness.
It’s a manipulative tactic to get you to feel guilty and shameful about something completely normal about yourself. Then offer you the cure for it. Sounds like an abusive relationship. Where the abuser will convince someone they’re useless and nobody would want them. But then say
“But I love you. So you better stay with me because no one else would”.
acari27 I was agreeing with and adding that shaming people for normal human emotions is a manipulation tactic.
acari27 no problem
I watch callers like Steve, and I wonder how this can be so monumentally difficult for them.
"Sorry, you can't donate in this country or region yet."
:(
Dennis, I have chronic pain also, and I hear you loud and clear !
Steve-VA the "what if, what if, what if, man.
Jenna looks like she’s taking a county jail mugshot lol
Love you Matt & Jenna, and of course the crew who makes this all possible and run smoothly. I quit believing little by little over the past 10-15 years! I married an atheist back then and well, I was already pretty much sure there was no god by then. I’ve just been learning more and knowing more and I no longer believe. Period. My story is on the “donation” side of this page as I’m trying to tell someone who told us atheists that we “might want to check Jesus out” and read the Bible because all the history in there is PROVEN to be true! She consequently erased her comment, so you can’t even tell now who I’m talking to, but I left it there anyway. I am so damn grateful for atheists, particularly the atheists on this channel because you have helped me immensely just by my listening to you and the callers. There is still some mental “trauma” or guilt inside some of us who’ve been believers for years and years, and your show really helps us get over it. Whether it’s guilt, trauma or whatever, your show is fantastic. And I know it’s helping lots of people all over the world! Don’t EVER feel you’re wasting your time. You’re not! You’re SAVING some of us from being sheep burdened with guilt, sin, and questions without answers. I love you guys and appreciate each & every one of you giving of your time; it’s definitely NOT a waste of time! I found you about 3 weeks ago and you are my church/cathedral/mosque et. al now! I learn so much from every show and enjoy you all! Thank you so much! See you soon! (on here)😘
Katie from the crew is so cute ❤❤❤
Aw, shucks ☺️
I think the same thing every week.
Casa Mufasa
Haha, it is true! 👍🏼
I love Matt and Jenna’s good cop bad cop mode. Lol
It’s not a waste of time to try and mitigate the damage to individuals and humanity done by religions by things like The Atheist Experience.
Not all the shows opened my eyes. But they keep my eyes open. I was an atheist more than 10 years ago when I first used the internet and RUclips. But it gave me more strength and support to know I wasn't alone. The more I learn on here the more I realize much that I overlooked.
If there was a word of truth to your comment matt wouldn't be so flippant
Mark Burch I’m not sure why you think Matt is so flippant or even what that has to do with my comment.
@@markburch6253 Yeah it makes totally no sense that he would be flippant about selfish people that act without a care for potential harm to others out of ignorance, it´s a total mystery to me how one could get emotional over wasted human potential or indirectly inflicted harm on others coming from narcissists at the cost of the rest of humanities wellbeing while they actively disregard and use emotional arguments against rationality and logic.
P.S. It should be very obvious that this was fluent sarcasm, also do you think before you type something? I hope you at least think before you speak
Jenna rocking this. Again!
Jenna Belk, and many other atheists, use the term "agnostic atheist" to describe someone who "doesn't claim to know if god exists, but doesn't think so". However, if "atheism" is conceived of as being an expression of the "extent to which a person is convinced by evidence for god", then the the term "agnostic" doesn't add anything to the idea of "atheism". The "agnostic" qualifier is unnecessary as the "atheist" makes no claims to "knowledge", only to "conviction" which in turn is defined by reference to "evidence". i.e. there is nothing to be "agnostic" about.
It is important for atheists to "debunk" the term "agnostic" in this way and show that it is unnecessary, if not outright meaningless, for two reasons - the first is to achieve logical clarity in their own ideas as to enable a more precise expression of those ideas. We don't want unnecessary and ill-defined terminology to cloud our thinking or our message.
The second is because the term "agnostic" is, in my experience, a term favored by theists. Theists favor the term because, if I allow theists to conceive of me as "agnostic" as opposed to "atheist" then I am enabling and implicitly condoning their mis-understanding and mis-representation of my message. I allow them to think that "all atheists are saying is that they don't know if there is a god - they are really agnostic". Which is, of course, true, but only in a trivial sense.
But that is not what atheists are saying. We are saying that theists are making errors in their interpretation of the evidence that need to be corrected. It is important to maintain a sharp focus on this message if we are to use atheism to advance social progress and bring about a better world as, I believe, most atheists want to do.
@Hilmar Zonneveld Yes, I agree on the meaning of the words as you describe. However, my point is that if a person uses the term "atheist" in the modern sense of "being unconvinced", then the notion of "not knowing for sure" is already "built-in" to the notion of "atheist". i.e. simply saying I am "unconvinced by evidence" is not a knowledge (or belief) claim on the original proposition (that god exists) so there is nothing to be "agnostic" about. Thus, while I understand what someone is trying to say when they identify as "agnostic atheist", if I identify as "atheist", then further identifying as "agnostic" while certainly not "wrong" is superfluous and unnecessary.
Which really wouldn't matter if we were only speaking to each other. But we are trying to share our ideas with others who don't understand or agree with what we are saying. As such, it is important that we are clear and precise in how we express ourselves. When we use the term "agnostic" unnecessarily then we allow theists to misrepresent our message. And, lets be frank, deliberately misrepresenting messages is a favorite theist pass-time.
Thus, for most atheists, in most contexts, I submit that the term "agnostic" is a hindrance and should generally be avoided as it doesn't help the atheist either clarify their own ideas or express them to others.
@Hilmar Zonneveld That's certainly up to you. I would not presume to tell you otherwise. I would however suggest that using the word "agnostic" is not doing either yourself or the advancement of atheism any favors.
Right on, Dennis. Great caller.
i love jenna.....and matt..!!!
To Austin-WI the last caller I can answer (almost ) in the the words of Sir Winston Churchill:
"We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in all countries all over the world, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island of logic and reasoning, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.“
Keep on running that great show, Jenna and Matt!