Introduction to My Atheism - Let's talk...

[SCOTT0623B]

ok, answer me one question, where did all physical matter come from ? the 'big bang' doesn't explain anything because matter existed before it exploded and started pushing everything outward. what i'm saying is there is something that exists separately from physical matter, which created matter.

[yayitsmangakasami]

i completely respect you for this

it got me thinking about what i believe, or don't believe. i mean i'm around people who are either intesly christian or people who only mock religion

neither one makes much sense to me

i would love to see more videos, and mayhaps i'll even upload one =]

[Stircrazyy]

i'm really interested in what you have to say. i myself am an atheist. but i DO NOT beleive there is in any way a higher power. so what exactly DO you beleive? do you beleive there is a higher power, you just dont know what it is? Let me know.

[notNECESSARILYgod]

Hi nice to meet you. Well first of all, I think I should clear up the position you are asserting for yourself. By the statement "i DO NOT believe..." do you mean to say the same as "i believe there is NOT"? Because, like you, I do not believe there is. But do I believe there is not? No. And that's the confusion. To NOT believe is passive. To "believe there is NOT" is active. And an active belief deserves support, of which I have none. Does that clarify anything at all?

[notNECESSARILYgod]

However, an interesting counter example to my position would be the following:

You say I am wearing a silly magic hat. If I try to touch it, it flies away instantly. If I look in the mirror, it becomes invisible. If I ask for anyone's advice, it uses mind control to make them tell me I'm not wearing a hat. The question now is, do I not believe there is a hat because there isn't evidence, or do I believe there is NOT a hat?

[COCOONFABULA]

I'm sorry asking you this 'cause it's completly off the topic but have you got a sister called Juliette ?

[notNECESSARILYgod]

No, I do not actually. that was a unique comment, haha.

[COCOONFABULA]

Oh OK... really sorry for the off topic Q ^^'... I just thought I knew you

[MyLegendarySelf]

Sweet afro.

[javorites]

First, I admire your use of the camera & your words. You are intelligent and have a real gift at hand. Second, I am encouraged by the message underlying your story. You are a seeker. You are a fellow co-existor reaching. But the wrong kind of applied stress can destroy a plant, person...thing. So I urge you to be careful with yur attempt to know and/or explain that which is, to put it politely, a real headache at times.

Now a Q: Wt allows/imposes any kind of continuity in life?

[notNECESSARILYgod]

sorry could you rephrase your question?

[KAITLINMCKNIGHT]

So you are 100% sure that that is the definition of atheism? Because I may be an atheist then....

[notNECESSARILYgod]

Yes and no, haha. I am sure that I am comfortable with that term for atheism. And I am sure that the forefront atheist authors use that definition. And I am sure that most atheists I talk to adhere to that definition (because most people who profess atheism do not completely deny the possiblity of God, but just don't happen to have belief)

Many theists don't consider it the proper definition, as well as many dictionaries. Google weak atheism and study the controversy

[xleax]

Atheism is more of a rejection of theism. If you don't know then agnostic would be a more accurate desription.

You see these militant atheists who outright reject a God, and you don't seem to reject a belief you just lack a belief because you don't know. So therefore it would be fair to pronounce you an agnostic! hehe Well I consider you an agnostic, unless you prove otherwise.

[Katalyzt]

Interesting de-conversion story. ★★★★★

Katalyzt

[Celticking36]

In order to inspire someone to start a debate with you must present a premise that they will undoubtedly disagree with & hammer the point home so much that it will infuriate them into action.Like morality comes from human speciation.We have been on this plant for approx. 150,000 years,what did we do for the 144,000 years when we had no "god or jesus"?

Good vid btw

[marmalade214]

Sounds great. I'll be keeping an eye out.

[marmalade214]

I hate that there is so much violence for the sake of religion. I think that would be the prime example of "the dog getting into trouble." And no it's not reasonable, I'll consent to that. But that's why it's religion and and not a history textbook. To be honest, I'm still trying to figure out what I believe in just like you were. And you bring up a lot of points that I don't know I can argue with.

[notNECESSARILYgod]

its nice to hear from someone who is also searching so honestly. its quite rare to get people who will admit to what they don't know. I hope your search continues to prove fruitful. I also hope that you don't fear what you may find. I'll be posting a new video soon which presents an argument I haven't really heard anyone else put out there. The argument leaves the option for theology, but only if a particular kind of evidence emerges. I'd be curious as to what your thoughts are on it.

[marmalade214]

Maybe the whole point of having religion is so you can have faith in something outside of yourself. Early man developed religion to explain things they couldn't. The universe, life, love. Maybe it's just because when your mom dies or you best friend gets diagnosed with leukemia it's comforting to believe that things happen for a reason. Bad things happen to good people, good things happen to bad people. Sometimes you just have to go along with the current and surrender to someone else's justice.

[notNECESSARILYgod]

It is a good question: even if religion is false, should be acknowledge it? or let sleeping dogs lie?

Then the question is: is this dog sleeping? or is the dog getting into trouble? This is also something worth investigating.

And then, inevitably, it comes down to what people can believe in. Is it even possible to believe in something you think is false? Is it reasonable to believe in things without a good reason?

And if we choose faith, what else can we believe in without a reason?

[jesusistheglorious1]

Please i am not judgng just wonderng as a Christian wht it is tht ppl can't see

[HMBLjewATurSRVC]

that's about all there is to it. we don't see it.  and honestly, seeing it doesn't even cut it. the reason this isn't quite enough is because Christians aren't the only ones.

Jews see it. Muslims see it. Christians see it. Buddhists see it. Hindus see it. etc. Do you see my point? Its not about seeing something, its about proving that this something is what you say it is. Until then, the "it" could be a characteristic of the human condition.

Your nonjudgement is much appreciated :)

[jesusistheglorious1]

I don't want 2 judge u bcause 4 God does not call for us 2 judge but i see ur reasoning to not hav a God but jw hav u ever put your heart all in to know wht it is like to have an amazng love such as God,&well idk where i am goin with this really but well God is here with us all& puts us all here on earth for a purpose&we have a calling and i just wnt 2 know if you were just acting the religions or giving it all to God to see wht it really is about?

[HMBLjewATurSRVC]

It is extremely difficult to give yourself to something you have never found reasonable.

Did you ever give everything you had to Buddhism? If not, would you care to explain why? For me, the transition came from the awareness of competetive religions. And if I was supposed to choose one, then one should stand out as having evidence. That's what I'm looking for by going on youtube. Lots of theists say they have the answer, but their logic is bad time after time. atheist till proven otherwise

[stereosnuttan]

i grew up in sweden where religion is concidered lame by most people only 4% of the population is church goers.

allthough i went to church as a kid none of my parents are churchgoes nowadays, i am an atheist like my brother allthough i belive in goodness and evil.

[notNECESSARILYgod]

I have read about Sweden! As you know, this is such a strange concept for Americans: 4%!!

I'm curious about your beliefs on good and evil. Do you find that you can define things as good and evil in the human sense based on human morality, or still in the ultimate sense as in transcending human opinion?

[CamdenBloke]

That's a pretty solid video, actually.

You might enjoy my new 'Hi There!- Rejecting Religion' video. I'd post it as a reply but I just posted it as a reply to some Christian's video and I want him to see it before posting it elsewhere.

[julzabro]

AND ur STILL open to growing further...learning more. Geesh, y can't more b like u. Sigh....I'm just so proud of u!!

[notNECESSARILYgod]

Thank you so much for your very encouraging words. Its very liberating and validating to have people comment positively about such a personal story. Youtube is a place where we can really come together for the first time in history.

[julzabro]

I'm very greatful 4 YT especiallt 4 these types of topics (altho not all r fruitful) becuz it's intrinsically important 4 beliefs 2b examined held up to scrutiny on a regularly basis! As far as my compliment 2 u...I just call 'em like I see 'em...;) I was very touched by ur ability 2 question things. Keep the videos comin and I will b watchin!..;)

[julzabro]

LOL, ur very funny! I hope more atheists do this. I may have to...it's great way to communicate our position! U had a double whammy considering your parents' religions...whew! But YOU, sir, are a free thinker! KUDOS 2 U!

[BethRN74]

nice video I wish I had embraced atheism at your age..I am glad I finally did though. I think debating Christians is like beating a dead horse...just my 2 cents :)

[Sciferas77]

You sir, earned my 6 stars.

My stars are more selfish than most.

[notNECESSARILYgod]

I'm honored :)

[GataAgressiva411]

very interesting.

[IC1101]

Great rant : )

[ByeCruelWorld]

Good video.

However, I've been 'debating' with these religious asswipes for twenty years. Their beliefs don't deserve the recognition of 'debate'. You can spend days carefully and diligently arguing them into a corner from which there is no reasonable logical escape, at which point they will ALWAYS exclaim 'god did it, and it doesn't make sense to us because we can't understand the mind of god'.

So all I have left is anger and ridicule. I'm also considering physical violence and arson.

[notNECESSARILYgod]

Haha, yes I know. Its kind of a no win. But for a lot of reasonable theists I seem to strike a cord. The best method I've found is to agree with them in as many ways as possible. I go to a college bible study. Its helps to understand where they come from.

haha, arson, hmm? how devilish of you

[InfinxRegres]

Yay jew fro! lol

Nice video.

I'm jellous. six comments. my videos aren't that popular...

welcome to youtube and goodluck.

[ChevyDoucheBag]

hey man, definitely interesting. I've got a few similar ideas. I'll be sure to make a video response to this within the next week coming.

[notNECESSARILYgod]

thanks for the sub! i am anxious to view them as well :)  feel free to interject

[scottintulsa]

I usually find atheists just havent been introduced to the one true god. Look up FSM, and may you be touched by His Noodley Appendage. RAmen.

[GodToldMeToHateU]

It was being exposed to different religions which turned me to atheism also. They can't all be right, so maybe none of them are right.

Anyway, welcome to the freethought world and the debate on YT!

[Fated2u]

Nice story of self awareness and the need to know more then you are spoon fed in life from those that think they know better :)

[askegg]

Interesting story and nicely presented. Welcome aboard :)