I love this video. It very simply describes some of what religion "offers" to our world a lot better than I ever could; probably because I try not to do a lot of thinking in this matter...
I like this video. I knew all of these things, but have never had the uninterrupted opportunity to voice them in such a detailed way. My profound laziness and aquired cynicism are probably also a factor.
I love it that this video views socialism as an unnatural dependency as well. Humans, just like all other animals, must be free as adults- free of the mind controls of either government or religion, free to search for truth.
@mrgames4people You are very intelligent! Raised atheist, I have enjoyed the company of religious people at times during my life, but there always comes that point of frustration when I expect them to be rational, and they refuse to confront the facts. I love that video views socialism as an unnatural dependency as well.
I am 13 and this video says what I have been thinking since I was young. I was too dependent to think and make DES idioms for myself. All these questions I had about religion answered with a simple but angry "because". I have recently become self aware and realize what this video just told me. Thank you for this video
@theramintrees have you perhaps considered writing on this topic at book length? i would love to see that happen. someone with your professional background making the public speaking rounds would be immensely useful in showing what religion does to people without their even realizing it. plus i'd like to see you step into the ring with Bill Craig and give him what-for :P
@theramintrees have you perhaps considered writing on this topic at book length? i would love to see that happen. someone with your professional background making the public speaking rounds would be immensely useful in showing what religion does to people without their even realizing it. plus i'd like to see you step into the ring with Bill Craig and give him what-for :P
@theramintrees have you perhaps considered writing on this subject at book length? i would love to see that book made but also to see you making the rounds like harris, hitch and dawkins. someone with your professional background would be immensely useful in the discussion of what religion does to people without their even realizing it. i'd much appreciate a response, if only so i know this doesn't get lost amongst all the other comments.
@theramintrees have you perhaps considered writing on this subject at book length? i would love to see that book made but also to see you making the rounds like harris, hitch and dawkins. someone with your professional background would be immensely useful in the discussion of what religion does to people without their even realizing it. i'd much appreciate a response, if only so i know this doesn't get lost amongst all the other comments.
Keep in mind that if believers weren't so intent upon forcing their views upon the rest of society, most atheists wouldn't feel the need to be so vocal. Militant atheism is a natural reaction to militant theism.
Excellent video! I grew up in a Christian fundamentalist cult here in the US, so I know these structures extremely well, but I've never heard them put into words so eloquently.
Great series, thanks for making these. You say in the UK that religion has been a non-issue in adult life, are atheist politicians able to get in office in the UK? Have you ever had an atheist prime minister?
Bloody brilliant. And on the subject touched (even if by association) you gave me food for thought on other matters that touches onto social engineering, the state of matters at large (even beyond belief), dogmas that are our truths, even for us who deem ourselves freethinkers. Given this model I've never really thought of earlier, we can explain how people today can come to accept so many things that are contrary to what they really know to be right. Super job, and you got a new subscriber!
10:20 Yes we did evolve...in case you did not know, "evolution is not a straight line or one way street". There are dead ends. Like the Neanderthals for example. We are the surviving line, i.e. family tree in evolution. Apes like Chimps, Gorillas, Orangutans did not develop the cognitive skills that we did. But still exist in their own environment, but only because we allow so because we are atop the food chain and cognitive hierarchy. So that takes care of that quote, that apes would not exist.
im a christian, there are crazy Christians who think normal people have demons inside of them and some reason thinks god hates foreigners and gays and for some strange reason wants Christians working in the same office w/ each other. and the thing w/ the P\C thing is pretty strange to me because in my church community everyone is treated like full grown adults.i was taught to get someone to come to church was to get them to come out of love and kindness not fear and hate of hell and demons
I don't know about how it is in the UK, but documents older than 20 years are an exception to the hearsay rule in US federal courts =P
also, I think the history of the hearsay rule has more to do with the inability to cross examine the original declarant and less to do with the testifier's memory.
religion is not a bad parent, closed-mindedness and intolerance are the cause. You can be religious and then not be so conservative, some scientists who are religious are one example of this.
If you read I'm O.K. your O.K, you would know that the book speaks to same point that you have stated. However, it comes from a Xmas point of veiw. Yes, we are fine just the way we are. In the book it is explained as GRACE!!!!
@jesuskopp The concept of being fine just as we are runs right through much of the literature concerned with self, social contracts, therapy. personal development, etc etc etc — of which TA is a tiny part, let alone one specific TA book. But I'm not referring to any of those books when I make this point — I'm voicing my own feeling, in my own way, distilled from my own thoughts/experience. The word 'grace' isn't one I'd use — if others choose to, then that reflects their thoughts, not mine.
i generaly agree with you, but I would say that there are some atheist who use the same methods(intelectualy speaking) as any obnoxius chirstian preacher. wen ever I use the term 'fundamentalist Atheists" I am refering to such people, whith closed minds who want to talk down to me about beleaf.
@NeilSonOfNorbert I would never suggest that talking down/being closed is the exclusive province of the religious — that would be fatuous. It's a style that can be adopted by anyone — or rejected by anyone, if they want to look at it. But there are systems that actively foster these kinds of styles towards 'the other' — that's not just some religious systems, but also some political ideologies. To avoid them, I think we need to be aware of them.
@TheraminTrees thank you for responding, I ment no offence but there seemed to be an implication that Atheists don't do these things. As I said in my original comment, I generaly agree with you. we should be made aware of such systems and hopefuly strive towards equal adult relationships. I was fortunate inof to have been raised with regards to religion in an open and adult way, and I intend to do the same should I ever have children. finaly, nice reference to "Jesus Camp."
@NeilSonOfNorbert Btw, on the term 'fundamentalist atheism/ist', people are obviously free to use whatever words they want. To me, it's like calling someone a 'christian atheist', where 'christian' has come to be associated with aggressive dogmatism. What's inadequate about 'dogmatic', 'intolerant', etc.? Interesting that this bastardisation's arisen — says a lot about perceptions of fundamentalism that the attitude's eclipsed the beliefs. As Sam Harris noted, what about fundamentalist jains.
@TheraminTrees it is interesting to think aout how the meaning of words has mutated, as far as I as a first language english speaker "fundamentalism" seems to now meen and extreem and intolerant form of a movement or faith. and with that defenition it would seem the most consise term to describe the Atheists I was refering to. and should the day come that christian primarily meen dogmatic and intolerant(not an unrealistic prediction cosidering our present times) using it is fine.
@NeilSonOfNorbert '"fundamentalism" seems to now meen and extreem and intolerant form of a movement or faith'
—Problem with that is when it comes to atheism, you're not talking about an extreme/intolerant form of a movement. You're talking about individuals with an extreme/intolerant manner — not from strict adherence to any atheist 'tenets' but from personality. The ridiculousness of individual fundamentalism then emerges — some intolerant shopper in a store is now a 'fundamentalist shopper'.
He doesn't understand, because it may be over his head. English is my third language, and I believe to be able to write without spelling mistakes, except typos. That may be, because I'm reading a lot, in different languages. This may have led to an understanding of the read content, in a way, that allows for emphatically slip into another person's shoes. An ability he might lack?
@TheraminTrees How dare those people buy lettuce! They should move over to the more pure and morally correct vegetable, carrots. Salads are ruining us as s species!
I disagree with your statement that children should be taught about all religions, there are over 40k religions in the history of the world, id rather teach children about types of supernatural beliefs, like monotheism, polytheism, higher planes, reincarnation, ghosts, magic, and ancestor worship.
While informing them about the atheist and deistic options as well.
Pantheism is just a version of atheism with a reluctance to let go of the particular word "God" IMO.
@TheraminTrees It was my understanding that Christian fundamentalism (a term not originally coined by atheists) was taken to mean a literal interpretation scripture. Now it's possible for an atheist to be passionate, emotional, obsessive or any number of descriptors but "fundamentalist" has no context in it's application to an atheist and simply does not fit.
Hi Theramin. First of all I'd like to say, I think you're videos are brilliant and I am really glad you do what you do.
I wish to ask for some advice. I can't seem to escape this state of existential panic I'm in. There's no one in my life I trust. I'm not exactly falling to pieces, but I just can't seem to find a way to grow up and I'm 28 already. Any advice? What's your opinion of professional counselling?
@tazidevl Hey. Having no one to trust can leave us carrying a lot sometimes. My opinion on professional counselling is that it all hinges on finding someone you work well with — so the client ends up feeling more in touch with him/herself, more self-aware — metaphorically, better able to drive their own car, rather than feel like a constant passenger. If you want to talk further, do feel free to PM me. All the best.
I love this video, and I'm a Christian. There are so many jerks out there--Christian and otherwise--who try to shove their extreme beliefs down others throats. I don't understand how they can rationalize it, but I guess it is Doublethink, just as you said.
As a christian i feel horrible for you. My parents told me about god, but never were forcing and allowed complete free choice. Im sorry some people really dont get that forcing opinions is wrong.
I'm sorry you still believe in the invisible fairy in the sky. How can you even substantiate your claim?? How can you tell whether or not it's God or Allah?? You can't.
@jemborg I don't know if we've been regressing, or just never really grown up. I think there are considerable deterrents in place in many cultures, against the attributes we might associate with the Adult state. I suspect they're often about the retention of individual or group power, but also I'd suggest there's a strong streak of actively wanting to be 'looked after' in various ways — wanting others to sort things out for us. Hence, by carrot or stick or both, we often submit.
@TheraminTrees When I was young science seemed that it was going to create some sort of utopian future. Perhaps it's also a knee-jerk reaction to that promise failing us... so it seems.
Good old Transactional Analysis... there is some truth to it.
I've been accosted on public transport. Some patronising youth banging on about how wonderfully happy mega-churches made him feel. "Life isn't about being happy all the time, too much importance is placed on it", I grumpily replied feeling affronted...haha.
He was horrified.... yelling he'd "pray for me" as I alighted at my stop. :)
A brilliant conclusion to a brilliant series. This videos are my favorite of the kind, and from them I've learned a new way to look at social interaction. Thank you, TT.
I've tried sharing these with a number of people, and I think it'd help if you supplied captions for each video - written words are, in some ways, clearer than spoken words. If you need someone to do the transcription, let me know - I wouldn't mind watching all of these videos again.
@airandfingers Thank you. I'm planning to have captions for as many videos as possible — many are scripted, which makes things easier, and the timings are being organised.
This one is brilliant. I think the best part about the way these brothers present these ideas is they're not angry, or insulting or condescending. They just state their case in such a clear and organized way that is incredibly difficult to find fault with. These guys are the antidote to the angry ranting atheist that pretty much can only get through to like minded people.
@GoDrex Thanks. Though there are many, many criticisms to be made of religions, I think this video expresses what remains, for me personally, the core problem.
I've really enjoyed discovering (and sharing!) these compelling little films-I actually come from quite a psycho-dynamic background but I still love person centred theory and the two can work together (I often think existentialism has elements of both) There is a real appetite at the moment for people finding their own way and their own voice more than ever before (the occupy movement is inspiring!) To close,if anyone hasn't yet read "The Selfish Society" by Sue Gerhardt please consider it! : )
@SonicSisterUK Thank you. Funnily enough, I'm currently doing some concentrated psychodynamic study — and I think an injection of person-centred qualities can be a very useful one: helps to tame the kind of forceful and potentially alienating 'interpretations' that some practitioners can find themselves falling into.
@TheraminTrees Freudian theory is fascinating,but we need to find a way of making it relevant to people today (start explaining the oedipus complex and you tend to get powerful responses "WHAT? You're saying I want to SLEEP with my MOTHER!!?") My own journey towards atheism began aged 10 or 11.At school we'd had a sex education lesson and when the local vicar came in to talk about the nativity I asked how Mary became pregnant without a sperm.I was told emphatically never to question the Bible!
@SonicSisterUK And I'd agree with many sceptics of psychodynamic theorists — swathes of deeply interesting ideas, but often poorly evidenced, if evidenced at all. I think concepts like the defence mechanisms are easier to grasp and see in action. The Controlling Parent thrust seen in responses like your vicar's is a potent but risky strategy isn't it — it can pull folks into submissive Adapted Child, or push them into rebellious AC, or hopefully Adult. Glad it had the undesired effect with you!
@TheraminTrees Thank you!Though mostly in my Adult these days I'm aware of elements of the rebellious Child still within me : )The drives Freud identified-aggression,sex,narcissism are undoubtably powerful but they're secondary drives.The primary human drive is to attach isn't it-infants seem hardwired from birth to internalise family rules and mimic their carers (stick your tongue out at a newborn and he'll copy you)-Religious views/prejudices get embedded in those early yrs hence hard to shift
While I agree with you on the point of there not being enough people who put the teachings of the Bible into action, I do believe there to be evidences of a God. However, you may say "You see what you want to see." Examples, We the only species with morals. Think about evoultion, coming from particles that formed a single cell and then that one cell evolves to continously divide. Those cells then specialize to form organs and organ systems. Then the organism. Hard to believe.
@Kazenic1 I think that it's even harder to believe that Man was made by dust via a magical and supernatural process, and that Woman was made from the Man's rib via also a supernatural process. Both of which have no defined mechanism.
Also, you've just described not only just evolution, but embryological development of virtually all multicelluar organisms, which happens on a daily basis. Embryos grow from a single cell, and then differentiate into specialized tissues, and then into organs.
@Kazenic1 'However, you may say "You see what you want to see." '
—Nope, I'd probably say, 'What standards of evidence are you proposing?' Because when you lower the threshold for what's considered 'evidence', you don't only let your divine beliefs in — you let a load of other people's in, that conflict with yours diametrically. They can't all be right. But that's the road we inevitably go down. Then everyone's gods — and their demands — are 'validated'. I worked that out when I was a christian.
—I said there's no evidence for gods. You claim there is. I don't see agreement.
'Everyone will have their views. I will stick to mine and you will stick to yours.'
—Nope, I won't 'stick' to mine. I'll change them if they're unsound. You're of course free not to discuss your views, and to stick to them. Your assertion of a god therefore remains unsubstantiated.
'Your video was well organized by the way. I wish you a good day.'
Well unfortunately the video shows the preacher telling in the wrong way. Many people are instantly turned off by this, instead of preaching the God of love that he is.
@Kazenic1 What would be even nicer is if there was no preaching at all about beings for which there's absolutely no evidence — no dishonest propagation of belief as fact, but an acknowledgement of belief as belief. It would be also great if instead of that preaching, the bits that actually mattered were practiced instead — just the getting on with people, the love and understanding — without any sales pitch coming in, where folks have to believe some specific religion's supernatural dogma too.
Really enjoyed your videos and was great to see TA put into practise in such a personal way. Firstly it made me understand TA so much better and helped me to understand how I can use it and identify mindsets & also understand my own mindsets. There are many times when I am confused why I am not getting anywhere or when I cannot say no & when others can't say no to me. I think I am starting to understand how I can adapt my state to enable this.
In my town the 'bad parent' is our government this week. We are hosting the queen and other Commonwealth heads of government this week (CHOGM) in sleepy little Perth. OH 'the awkward moment when' all the people you democratically elect start treating their own community members as simultaneous children and enemies that must be controlled and silenced. Its not protesters that mark these events, its the governments abuse of power...throwing rights out the window 'for our own good'.
The Household of God is about a relationship not a religion. You do know that since you are made in his image and likeness that means you are related to God. Child of God come on inside the household of God. God, the Father is waiting there just to have a relationship with you.
@Nabahood23 'You do know that since you are made in his image and likeness that means you are related to God.'
—Nope — I don't share any part of your belief. From what you've written, you seem to be a monotheist, and in your particular creation fantasy, your male deity made humans in its likeness. If you're talking physical likeness, prove it — show me the giant liver, appendix, penis, etc.. If mental, please provide evidence of this disembodied — yet gender-specific — 'father' mind.
@TheraminTrees I believe that God, as neuroscience suggests we are, is made up of three major parts: mental, physical and spiritual. The physical manifestation of God is Jesus, the spiritual is the Holy Spirit and God the Father (parent) is the mind or conscience that flows through them both.
There are many arguments for and against the existence of a creator God, but physics postulates that something can't come from nothing, so is it so unreasonable to think something had to create it all?
@IamRyanD Of course something made us and something caused this to happen, but this is all based on the science that nothing can be created and destroyed, only transferred.
This to me sounds like there has always been the same amount of matter/energy in the universe. To believe and worship the religion is to be a little ignorant in my eyes. The teachings of the bible are mostly good but should not be treated as fact. I doubt there is an all seeing god or diety
@Nabahood23 I think the existence of apes like orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas kind of kills the idea that there is anything sacred about our form.
@yrohedrymle That response is exactly why you need to do your own work. You'd only argue with me if I gave you anything. Good luck. You're probably going to need it.
@yrohedrymle The irony of these transactions is that you have been pulled into a game. This video is using TA to discount religion, something the author himself states is a warning that a game has begun. This atheist is using TA to defend his position against religion. The intellectual atheist is looking for proof, and any that is presented will be discounted as unreliable. This is a game (perhaps we can call it the believer/atheist game). Time to go Adult and end the game.
@tcorris Credit for giving what appears, superficially, to be a TA-based criticism. But no, your criticism doesn't hold. This video is not a mere discount — it's a reasoned case made with specific examples to make specific points. And for my part, nope I don't just 'discount' other assertions of proof either — again, I would give reasons where I find proof claims is inadequate. So your statement about any proof present being discounted is wrong — and in fact a personalised discount itself.
@yrohedrymle Churches are subserviant to the ruling elite dumb fucker. Tax exempt status, numbing down moronic minds like yours to not even know they are being manipulated. THere is not a shred of truth in any religion today. It's all maniputlation and you my idiotic asshole are one of the big time sheeple. Baaaa.
Baaaaa. Defending the church. Wow, you're in fine company there. Your'e on a losing team ..... Ever been skammed before? no? Well, you have been now.
@yrohedrymle It'll be a pleasure to sign you off. You should go to your mommy and have your mouth washed out with soap for your foul mouth. I can honestly say you are the biggest cock sucker I've ever come across.
@yrohedrymle I can see you have bought into the religious dogma hook line and sinker. Just keep putting that 10% check of your income in the offering plate. It's obvious you have not done your homework on this subject. Nothing worse than a religious zealot prick who doesn't have a clue what he believes and where his religious dogma came from Perfectly ripe to be controlled by priestcraft. Clueless. You deserve to be lost in your crap.
@yrohedrymle I always know when I'm talking to someone who has lost an argument because they resort to name calling and well, sounding exactly like you do. Try sticking to facts if you can be a little more careful with the words you send along to me. You see, I have a brain and you are pretending that I don't.
@yrohedrymle I guess my ideas are conspiracy theories and yours are fact because you read a book. If you think anything on this earth is happening without the consent/control of the those that control the religions, you had buy a new book series.
@yrohedrymle Perhaps it could work that way, if the wars were actually based on ideology. But, in my understanding, the Islamist situation is just being used as a cover for manipulations which have been planned far in advance to establish a one world government. This is taken from the mouths of those planning this, so if you haven't heard this, please don't use the conspiracy theory card. It is actually happening. Islam is just the excuse for the masses.
@yrohedrymle One reason religion should be discouraged is that when one is held by beliefs, he/she tends to quit searching for the real truth in life. That alone is reason enough for me to condemn it whole-heartedly.
BTW, I don't care how you rationalize it, your first sentence is total insanity.
Your videos are wonderful, their clarity and fact-based style refreshing. It seems to me that you have put a lot of time and effort into creating them, and it is all too rare to see someone so openly and generously shed light into the darkness of humanity's slavery to superstition. I hope that everyone with the opportunity takes time to hear you out with an open mind. Thank you so much for what you are doing.
That was a great video. I especially liked how you set up the Parent-Adult-Child system, and you put a lot of ideas that lead me to agnosticism into words that would have been difficult to phrase so eloquently for me. You got yourself another subscriber today. ; )
Interesting video but I find the psychology pill a lot harder to swallow than a lot of other things. Early in your video you talk about faith and have a rather weird understanding of it. I suggest reading some modern Christian philosophers to really attempt to understand and grasp what it is about. Alvin Plantinga and William Lane Craig are two great places to start.
YOU'VE SAID A MOUTHFUL OF GOOD FACTS . BUT I STILL SENSE , AND I WAS RAISED THE WAY YOU INDICATE AS GOOD , THAT THERE IS INTELLIGENT DESIGN WORKING IN THE BACKGROUND .
i enjoy your videos. I am a christian myself. But, there is a difference between bible bashing and God loving. I am 100% believer that conversation and relationship are reaching in love. Criticism and shouting isn't a correct way to reach people. Judging isn't what Christ is about. I cannot except blanket statements for anyone because it is a unrealistic few of a group of people.
Saying religion is a bad parent is a view that isn't entirely true. In fact, I don't find it true most of the time
I think that if religion is presented in a fair way that it can be good. If it actually allows you to question it and doesnt treat you like an ignorant child then I believe for many it is good. However that happens rarely, so I believe i got lucky in not being taught those problems you speak of
i love your videos, they are the truth, my family personally has never pushed religion on to me but i had friends that had parents like that, i feel bad for them :(
Awesome video. I'm not an atheist, but I don't think that any organized religion is necessary at all. Ever. I do believe that there is an energy, a connection if you will, between all things and I guess that's what qualifies as my Deity. I see it as something to guide my moral compass to do right by others (you could say that it's my mechanism of warding off the id in me) I don't judge by race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. I judge by character. Thanks for posting such great vids.
@ZombieDro Spinozism is interesting if for nothing else because the man that created it was so incredible. I however am an atheist and totally disagree with your belief. But I will say that even though it is not totally rational, I don't think all beliefs need to be. You have an emotion need for a god and you are fulfilling it without embracing dogmas or force teaches from an old book. We all can learn form you, and might be the best belief to hold. Possibly best of all worlds.
@thesparitan Everything in moderation I guess lol.If everyone could just get over needing to push their beliefs on others the world would be so much better man... It depresses me when I have religious people tell me that I'm such a "nice guy" or a "good person" but I should be in their religion because all the good a person does doesn't count unless they are with the "one true religion" (which of course is the one of the person that I'm speaking to @ that particular time) Sucks...
@ZombieDro Religion stifles the willingness to learn new things in many ppl (at least warps it bc they are always referencing to their religion to tell them what to make of a new bit of information) I've actually had people say that fossils are put on Earth by God to test their faith in Him. They 100% believe that Dinosaurs are fake and God is testing them with misinformation to see if they still believe the Bible even when confronted with a contradicting fact.That is a very dangerous thing...
when i try to explain this to my father, and i have felt this way for a while now, he ask me what should a parent do? just not even tell their kids their religion.
now i have an answer. Also i feel like most other of my young christian friends do realize this issue and they end up doing the same thing
@TheraminTrees I'm 14 and a huge fan of your vids.They're so beautifully done, and are incredibly honest and easy to relate to, especially the Instruction Manual for Life. I haven't come out as an Atheist to my parents yet, and I'm unsure how to do so or how they'll react, but your vids definitely helped me put many of my beliefs into words, without being insulting,accusing or angry,which is where most of the hate for Atheists comes from. You're an inspiration, thanks!
@TheraminTrees I am 28 and only recently gave up belief in magic within the past 2 years. Your videos and others like QualiaSoup are allways on my playlist.
@IlovemyGlock21 You gave up a belief in magic? Well I have to say to you is CONGRATULATIONS. And welcome to the club, you will never have to agree with any of us again about anything. Its pretty freeing actually I find. I to was a believer not long ago(I hate to admit that)
The stupid conservative rightwing pseudo-libertarians are so brainwashed by the coal industry: these hypocrites preach endlessly against the Federal Reserve and bankster financial terrorists, like they should, but then they hypocritically NEVER condemn the military for being a brainwashing religion, which it is. And they are too stupid to see that their worship of endless consumption and capitalism is the religion, not the proven fact of anthropogenic global warming.
Theramin Trees. I like your answer/thinking - I mean the bit it is possible to be all three (again, because of the way I think/feel/explore/dig my way through stuff I would say why has it to be three. Three being the number of trinity (in Christianity) and three also being a bit of an unfortunate number in 'triangulation. Can it be four (we currently can experience 4dimensional space). So can it be four? What could the fourth be? I am serious, not just playing with numbers.
search for definitions, models of god(s) or godlessness or semi-godness or other-godness. I think that concepts of god and gods are just metaphors that have left metaphorical place and that IS THE PROBLEM. I am interested (also because of my work) in god(s) and fear of god(s) and god (in the monotheistic 3religion group) being something like an implanted alien superego (Freudian, perhaps look for a better term) that has become like a parasite (have to think this through, too. ... Stop now ..
That means that it can (only?) have space/motion within this confined system = theology. Or?
I just found agnostic atheism or atheist agnosticism in wikipedia (apparently forbidden territory for a good researcher). This can become like maths ....
Perhaps ignostic atheism (that must be hard), ignostic agnosticism, etc.
There are many different definitions for god, and historically and culturally they are interesting. Though, sometimes I think it is a waste of time to go so deeply into the
@artbielz I think it's interesting getting to explore the different definitions around ideas about gods — it often helps us clarify what we're really talking about, where we stand, and why we think what we think. Even though ignosticism questions the meaningfulness of the other terms, I'd suggest it's possible to be all three — to see gods as a meaningless pursuit until adequately defined (ig), to not believe in any gods (ath), and to acknowledge that definitions given make them unknowable (ag).
Theramin Trees. Thanks for this. This is logical and really different thinking. I think that I feel/experience my thinking, if this makes sense. Hence for me ag and at would cause friction. I have to think this through. Ignosticism is new to me. I read up a bit and it is a theological position. If it is so, is it not confined to the boundaries of its discipline/philosophy? I want to say, isn't it a bit like something inherent in the system. (Running out of characters again)
Theramin trees. So I would rather prefer (for the personality I am) to say I am an atheist, agnostic, polytheist, nontheist -- to give myself a chance not to be caught in this friction. I do understand where you are coming from with the agnostic, as we do not know for certain and possibly will never know, as this quest will cease to exist when we are a different form of matter (object). I have to say I am an atheist. And against all logical thinking I am (forgive my French) cock-sure about this.
Interesting that you should describe yourself as quote: I don't believe in any gods — atheist — and I believe the definitions put forward for some gods makes them unknowable — agnostic - Quote end. I do understand this small shift (I am a spatial person, this uncertainty to abuse/perhaps use Heisenberg) - This mini dichotomy --- Isn't it hard to live with this friction between these both definitions. Running out of characters for this reply.
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Yea. It's hard not to look down on theists, with hubris
Domzdream 4 days ago
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Domzdream 4 days ago
thumbs up for using "doublethink" and a good video
BjornSeverinLarsen 1 week ago
6:15.
*probably them selves*
great stuff, man.
UpToEleven11 2 weeks ago
I love this video. It very simply describes some of what religion "offers" to our world a lot better than I ever could; probably because I try not to do a lot of thinking in this matter...
xTipshedax 2 weeks ago
I like this video. I knew all of these things, but have never had the uninterrupted opportunity to voice them in such a detailed way. My profound laziness and aquired cynicism are probably also a factor.
Snakepliskinist 3 weeks ago
Not kill them shoot but like dang
Mxellison36 3 weeks ago
Shoot those people because I can't say bad words
Mxellison36 3 weeks ago
aaaaaaaaannnndd....... subscribed.
mchandler2112 3 weeks ago
Thank you for this video!
falsebaroness 3 weeks ago
I love it that this video views socialism as an unnatural dependency as well. Humans, just like all other animals, must be free as adults- free of the mind controls of either government or religion, free to search for truth.
runr100 3 weeks ago
@mrgames4people You are very intelligent! Raised atheist, I have enjoyed the company of religious people at times during my life, but there always comes that point of frustration when I expect them to be rational, and they refuse to confront the facts. I love that video views socialism as an unnatural dependency as well.
runr100 3 weeks ago
hmm 8:10 sounds like something Westboro Baptist Church would say
Stephie2007 4 weeks ago
I am 13 and this video says what I have been thinking since I was young. I was too dependent to think and make DES idioms for myself. All these questions I had about religion answered with a simple but angry "because". I have recently become self aware and realize what this video just told me. Thank you for this video
mrgames4people 1 month ago
@mrgames4people
"I am 13 and this video says what I have been thinking since I was young."
You're still young.
Pundead 4 weeks ago
fabulous
brazy321 1 month ago
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@theramintrees have you perhaps considered writing on this topic at book length? i would love to see that happen. someone with your professional background making the public speaking rounds would be immensely useful in showing what religion does to people without their even realizing it. plus i'd like to see you step into the ring with Bill Craig and give him what-for :P
Agnosgnosia 1 month ago
@theramintrees have you perhaps considered writing on this topic at book length? i would love to see that happen. someone with your professional background making the public speaking rounds would be immensely useful in showing what religion does to people without their even realizing it. plus i'd like to see you step into the ring with Bill Craig and give him what-for :P
Agnosgnosia 1 month ago
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@theramintrees have you perhaps considered writing on this subject at book length? i would love to see that book made but also to see you making the rounds like harris, hitch and dawkins. someone with your professional background would be immensely useful in the discussion of what religion does to people without their even realizing it. i'd much appreciate a response, if only so i know this doesn't get lost amongst all the other comments.
Agnosgnosia 1 month ago
@theramintrees have you perhaps considered writing on this subject at book length? i would love to see that book made but also to see you making the rounds like harris, hitch and dawkins. someone with your professional background would be immensely useful in the discussion of what religion does to people without their even realizing it. i'd much appreciate a response, if only so i know this doesn't get lost amongst all the other comments.
Agnosgnosia 1 month ago
Aha seems like Atheists are just as 'in your face' about their beliefs as Christians, if more.
WazzooSam 1 month ago
@WazzooSam
Keep in mind that if believers weren't so intent upon forcing their views upon the rest of society, most atheists wouldn't feel the need to be so vocal. Militant atheism is a natural reaction to militant theism.
ClumsyRoot 1 month ago
Awesome video with exquisite illustrations.
XenoPredDragon 1 month ago
Thoughtful and capatious, hard to watch this video until the end without being distracted by my own internal mind connections...
Thank you for this video!!
TheMrGoncharov 1 month ago
Excellent video! I grew up in a Christian fundamentalist cult here in the US, so I know these structures extremely well, but I've never heard them put into words so eloquently.
JoeWantsCake 1 month ago
Great series, thanks for making these. You say in the UK that religion has been a non-issue in adult life, are atheist politicians able to get in office in the UK? Have you ever had an atheist prime minister?
mattpolofka 2 months ago in playlist transactional analysis
Bloody brilliant. And on the subject touched (even if by association) you gave me food for thought on other matters that touches onto social engineering, the state of matters at large (even beyond belief), dogmas that are our truths, even for us who deem ourselves freethinkers. Given this model I've never really thought of earlier, we can explain how people today can come to accept so many things that are contrary to what they really know to be right. Super job, and you got a new subscriber!
Krappman 2 months ago
Yes, Agreed to most of this.... but I am not Atheism, I am Spiritual! I don't go to Church...Its not about that? Its Personal....Thank You
SteeleHorse45 2 months ago
@SteeleHorse45 What does that mean?
thinkingguy87 1 month ago
10:20 Yes we did evolve...in case you did not know, "evolution is not a straight line or one way street". There are dead ends. Like the Neanderthals for example. We are the surviving line, i.e. family tree in evolution. Apes like Chimps, Gorillas, Orangutans did not develop the cognitive skills that we did. But still exist in their own environment, but only because we allow so because we are atop the food chain and cognitive hierarchy. So that takes care of that quote, that apes would not exist.
jakey3887 2 months ago
im a christian, there are crazy Christians who think normal people have demons inside of them and some reason thinks god hates foreigners and gays and for some strange reason wants Christians working in the same office w/ each other. and the thing w/ the P\C thing is pretty strange to me because in my church community everyone is treated like full grown adults.i was taught to get someone to come to church was to get them to come out of love and kindness not fear and hate of hell and demons
tommio337 2 months ago
superbe vidéo.
chiropra1 2 months ago
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gibsonfan871 2 months ago
Fantastic! I love your videos.
thirtysilver 2 months ago
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thirtysilver 2 months ago
Brilliant presentation...
mjbailey25 2 months ago
I don't know about how it is in the UK, but documents older than 20 years are an exception to the hearsay rule in US federal courts =P
also, I think the history of the hearsay rule has more to do with the inability to cross examine the original declarant and less to do with the testifier's memory.
darris321 3 months ago
12:32 "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." --Benjamin Franklin
TheHeidelbergKid 3 months ago
6:40 Worship is a crutch for a man with two healthy legs.
TheHeidelbergKid 3 months ago
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religion is not a bad parent, closed-mindedness and intolerance are the cause. You can be religious and then not be so conservative, some scientists who are religious are one example of this.
MrBigEnchilada 3 months ago
I've been subbed for months and not a single one of your videos has EVER shown up in my video queue.
bamboo4tameshigiri 3 months ago
@bamboo4tameshigiri
google for the filter bubble and the relevance paradoxon, that might help.
XmarkedSpot 3 months ago
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@XmarkedSpot I've heard about the bubble.
bamboo4tameshigiri 3 months ago
Amazing and admirable video. Very thought-provoking and insightful. Fantastic job.
AngryRantingNerd 3 months ago
@AngryRantingNerd Thanks
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
If you read I'm O.K. your O.K, you would know that the book speaks to same point that you have stated. However, it comes from a Xmas point of veiw. Yes, we are fine just the way we are. In the book it is explained as GRACE!!!!
jesuskopp 3 months ago
@jesuskopp The concept of being fine just as we are runs right through much of the literature concerned with self, social contracts, therapy. personal development, etc etc etc — of which TA is a tiny part, let alone one specific TA book. But I'm not referring to any of those books when I make this point — I'm voicing my own feeling, in my own way, distilled from my own thoughts/experience. The word 'grace' isn't one I'd use — if others choose to, then that reflects their thoughts, not mine.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
i generaly agree with you, but I would say that there are some atheist who use the same methods(intelectualy speaking) as any obnoxius chirstian preacher. wen ever I use the term 'fundamentalist Atheists" I am refering to such people, whith closed minds who want to talk down to me about beleaf.
NeilSonOfNorbert 3 months ago
@NeilSonOfNorbert I would never suggest that talking down/being closed is the exclusive province of the religious — that would be fatuous. It's a style that can be adopted by anyone — or rejected by anyone, if they want to look at it. But there are systems that actively foster these kinds of styles towards 'the other' — that's not just some religious systems, but also some political ideologies. To avoid them, I think we need to be aware of them.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
@TheraminTrees thank you for responding, I ment no offence but there seemed to be an implication that Atheists don't do these things. As I said in my original comment, I generaly agree with you. we should be made aware of such systems and hopefuly strive towards equal adult relationships. I was fortunate inof to have been raised with regards to religion in an open and adult way, and I intend to do the same should I ever have children. finaly, nice reference to "Jesus Camp."
NeilSonOfNorbert 3 months ago
@NeilSonOfNorbert 'I ment no offence'
—I didn't take any.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
@NeilSonOfNorbert Btw, on the term 'fundamentalist atheism/ist', people are obviously free to use whatever words they want. To me, it's like calling someone a 'christian atheist', where 'christian' has come to be associated with aggressive dogmatism. What's inadequate about 'dogmatic', 'intolerant', etc.? Interesting that this bastardisation's arisen — says a lot about perceptions of fundamentalism that the attitude's eclipsed the beliefs. As Sam Harris noted, what about fundamentalist jains.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
@TheraminTrees it is interesting to think aout how the meaning of words has mutated, as far as I as a first language english speaker "fundamentalism" seems to now meen and extreem and intolerant form of a movement or faith. and with that defenition it would seem the most consise term to describe the Atheists I was refering to. and should the day come that christian primarily meen dogmatic and intolerant(not an unrealistic prediction cosidering our present times) using it is fine.
NeilSonOfNorbert 3 months ago
@NeilSonOfNorbert '"fundamentalism" seems to now meen and extreem and intolerant form of a movement or faith'
—Problem with that is when it comes to atheism, you're not talking about an extreme/intolerant form of a movement. You're talking about individuals with an extreme/intolerant manner — not from strict adherence to any atheist 'tenets' but from personality. The ridiculousness of individual fundamentalism then emerges — some intolerant shopper in a store is now a 'fundamentalist shopper'.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
@TheraminTrees poor @NeilSonOfNorbert said "I as a first language english speaker".. that reveals so much ;-)
He doesn't understand, because it may be over his head. English is my third language, and I believe to be able to write without spelling mistakes, except typos. That may be, because I'm reading a lot, in different languages. This may have led to an understanding of the read content, in a way, that allows for emphatically slip into another person's shoes. An ability he might lack?
dawoderpfeffer 2 months ago
@dawoderpfeffer And your grammar isn't that bad for not being a native speaker. Much better than most internet trolls who speak English natively.
shagoosty 2 months ago
@TheraminTrees How dare those people buy lettuce! They should move over to the more pure and morally correct vegetable, carrots. Salads are ruining us as s species!
f00tstep 2 months ago
I disagree with your statement that children should be taught about all religions, there are over 40k religions in the history of the world, id rather teach children about types of supernatural beliefs, like monotheism, polytheism, higher planes, reincarnation, ghosts, magic, and ancestor worship.
While informing them about the atheist and deistic options as well.
Pantheism is just a version of atheism with a reluctance to let go of the particular word "God" IMO.
EVERYVERSER 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
@TheraminTrees It was my understanding that Christian fundamentalism (a term not originally coined by atheists) was taken to mean a literal interpretation scripture. Now it's possible for an atheist to be passionate, emotional, obsessive or any number of descriptors but "fundamentalist" has no context in it's application to an atheist and simply does not fit.
socksumi 2 weeks ago
other then that, good video.
EVERYVERSER 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
@NeilSonOfNorbert Your forgetting that talking down has nothing to do with whether your right or wrong.
lmaso99xx 2 months ago
Hi Theramin. First of all I'd like to say, I think you're videos are brilliant and I am really glad you do what you do.
I wish to ask for some advice. I can't seem to escape this state of existential panic I'm in. There's no one in my life I trust. I'm not exactly falling to pieces, but I just can't seem to find a way to grow up and I'm 28 already. Any advice? What's your opinion of professional counselling?
tazidevl 3 months ago
@tazidevl Hey. Having no one to trust can leave us carrying a lot sometimes. My opinion on professional counselling is that it all hinges on finding someone you work well with — so the client ends up feeling more in touch with him/herself, more self-aware — metaphorically, better able to drive their own car, rather than feel like a constant passenger. If you want to talk further, do feel free to PM me. All the best.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
@tazidevl Save up your money and go on a solo backpaking trip, living on next to nothing, for as long as you can.
thinkingguy87 1 month ago
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tazidevl 3 months ago
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tazidevl 3 months ago
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tazidevl 3 months ago
I love this video, and I'm a Christian. There are so many jerks out there--Christian and otherwise--who try to shove their extreme beliefs down others throats. I don't understand how they can rationalize it, but I guess it is Doublethink, just as you said.
Thanks for the video :)
TheLeeMD 3 months ago
becoming an atheist was the best thing that every happened to me
Jiaxis 3 months ago
As a christian i feel horrible for you. My parents told me about god, but never were forcing and allowed complete free choice. Im sorry some people really dont get that forcing opinions is wrong.
TheCrazyass1000 3 months ago
I'm sorry you still believe in the invisible fairy in the sky. How can you even substantiate your claim?? How can you tell whether or not it's God or Allah?? You can't.
MetalxXxMayhem 3 months ago
I stumbled across your videos a Christian... sometimes change is good. Thank you for giving me the tools to have a more open mind.
SmokingKills1993 3 months ago
I like how you made GOD on the parent level look like a black hole or something.
Clearie552 3 months ago in playlist More videos from TheraminTrees
A celebration of clear, rational thinking.
CommanderFey 3 months ago
@CommanderFey Thanks
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
Why have we been regressing do you think?
jemborg 3 months ago
@jemborg I don't know if we've been regressing, or just never really grown up. I think there are considerable deterrents in place in many cultures, against the attributes we might associate with the Adult state. I suspect they're often about the retention of individual or group power, but also I'd suggest there's a strong streak of actively wanting to be 'looked after' in various ways — wanting others to sort things out for us. Hence, by carrot or stick or both, we often submit.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
@TheraminTrees When I was young science seemed that it was going to create some sort of utopian future. Perhaps it's also a knee-jerk reaction to that promise failing us... so it seems.
jemborg 3 months ago
Good old Transactional Analysis... there is some truth to it.
I've been accosted on public transport. Some patronising youth banging on about how wonderfully happy mega-churches made him feel. "Life isn't about being happy all the time, too much importance is placed on it", I grumpily replied feeling affronted...haha.
He was horrified.... yelling he'd "pray for me" as I alighted at my stop. :)
jemborg 3 months ago
@HelFKiernan Cheers ;8)
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
A brilliant conclusion to a brilliant series. This videos are my favorite of the kind, and from them I've learned a new way to look at social interaction. Thank you, TT.
I've tried sharing these with a number of people, and I think it'd help if you supplied captions for each video - written words are, in some ways, clearer than spoken words. If you need someone to do the transcription, let me know - I wouldn't mind watching all of these videos again.
Thanks again for your insight and sharing.
airandfingers 3 months ago
@airandfingers Thank you. I'm planning to have captions for as many videos as possible — many are scripted, which makes things easier, and the timings are being organised.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
This one is brilliant. I think the best part about the way these brothers present these ideas is they're not angry, or insulting or condescending. They just state their case in such a clear and organized way that is incredibly difficult to find fault with. These guys are the antidote to the angry ranting atheist that pretty much can only get through to like minded people.
GoDrex 3 months ago
Thank you again for these videos. You're doing something great here.
GoDrex 3 months ago
@GoDrex Thanks. Though there are many, many criticisms to be made of religions, I think this video expresses what remains, for me personally, the core problem.
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
I've really enjoyed discovering (and sharing!) these compelling little films-I actually come from quite a psycho-dynamic background but I still love person centred theory and the two can work together (I often think existentialism has elements of both) There is a real appetite at the moment for people finding their own way and their own voice more than ever before (the occupy movement is inspiring!) To close,if anyone hasn't yet read "The Selfish Society" by Sue Gerhardt please consider it! : )
SonicSisterUK 4 months ago
@SonicSisterUK Thank you. Funnily enough, I'm currently doing some concentrated psychodynamic study — and I think an injection of person-centred qualities can be a very useful one: helps to tame the kind of forceful and potentially alienating 'interpretations' that some practitioners can find themselves falling into.
TheraminTrees 4 months ago
@TheraminTrees Freudian theory is fascinating,but we need to find a way of making it relevant to people today (start explaining the oedipus complex and you tend to get powerful responses "WHAT? You're saying I want to SLEEP with my MOTHER!!?") My own journey towards atheism began aged 10 or 11.At school we'd had a sex education lesson and when the local vicar came in to talk about the nativity I asked how Mary became pregnant without a sperm.I was told emphatically never to question the Bible!
SonicSisterUK 3 months ago
@SonicSisterUK And I'd agree with many sceptics of psychodynamic theorists — swathes of deeply interesting ideas, but often poorly evidenced, if evidenced at all. I think concepts like the defence mechanisms are easier to grasp and see in action. The Controlling Parent thrust seen in responses like your vicar's is a potent but risky strategy isn't it — it can pull folks into submissive Adapted Child, or push them into rebellious AC, or hopefully Adult. Glad it had the undesired effect with you!
TheraminTrees 3 months ago
@TheraminTrees Thank you!Though mostly in my Adult these days I'm aware of elements of the rebellious Child still within me : )The drives Freud identified-aggression,sex,narcissism are undoubtably powerful but they're secondary drives.The primary human drive is to attach isn't it-infants seem hardwired from birth to internalise family rules and mimic their carers (stick your tongue out at a newborn and he'll copy you)-Religious views/prejudices get embedded in those early yrs hence hard to shift
SonicSisterUK 3 months ago
@TheraminTrees
While I agree with you on the point of there not being enough people who put the teachings of the Bible into action, I do believe there to be evidences of a God. However, you may say "You see what you want to see." Examples, We the only species with morals. Think about evoultion, coming from particles that formed a single cell and then that one cell evolves to continously divide. Those cells then specialize to form organs and organ systems. Then the organism. Hard to believe.
Kazenic1 4 months ago
@Kazenic1 I think that it's even harder to believe that Man was made by dust via a magical and supernatural process, and that Woman was made from the Man's rib via also a supernatural process. Both of which have no defined mechanism.
Also, you've just described not only just evolution, but embryological development of virtually all multicelluar organisms, which happens on a daily basis. Embryos grow from a single cell, and then differentiate into specialized tissues, and then into organs.
kenn714 4 months ago
Embryological development happens everyday, not very hard to believe.
Even if evolution failed to explain the diversity of life, positing a supernatural cause for life is only a failure of explanation. "
kenn714 4 months ago
@Kazenic1 'However, you may say "You see what you want to see." '
—Nope, I'd probably say, 'What standards of evidence are you proposing?' Because when you lower the threshold for what's considered 'evidence', you don't only let your divine beliefs in — you let a load of other people's in, that conflict with yours diametrically. They can't all be right. But that's the road we inevitably go down. Then everyone's gods — and their demands — are 'validated'. I worked that out when I was a christian.
TheraminTrees 4 months ago
@Kazenic1 'Well good sir, I see your agreement.'
—I said there's no evidence for gods. You claim there is. I don't see agreement.
'Everyone will have their views. I will stick to mine and you will stick to yours.'
—Nope, I won't 'stick' to mine. I'll change them if they're unsound. You're of course free not to discuss your views, and to stick to them. Your assertion of a god therefore remains unsubstantiated.
'Your video was well organized by the way. I wish you a good day.'
—Thanks. Good day.
TheraminTrees 4 months ago
@Kazenic1 Just because something is hard to believe, doesn't make it untrue or imposslb.e
medicca 3 months ago
Well unfortunately the video shows the preacher telling in the wrong way. Many people are instantly turned off by this, instead of preaching the God of love that he is.
Kazenic1 4 months ago
@Kazenic1 What would be even nicer is if there was no preaching at all about beings for which there's absolutely no evidence — no dishonest propagation of belief as fact, but an acknowledgement of belief as belief. It would be also great if instead of that preaching, the bits that actually mattered were practiced instead — just the getting on with people, the love and understanding — without any sales pitch coming in, where folks have to believe some specific religion's supernatural dogma too.
TheraminTrees 4 months ago
Lol, some sad sap made 53 accounts to dislike this on.
SkeetYaOnFace9 4 months ago
Excellent! very good approach, thanks for sharing.
radelgratereaux 4 months ago
Really enjoyed your videos and was great to see TA put into practise in such a personal way. Firstly it made me understand TA so much better and helped me to understand how I can use it and identify mindsets & also understand my own mindsets. There are many times when I am confused why I am not getting anywhere or when I cannot say no & when others can't say no to me. I think I am starting to understand how I can adapt my state to enable this.
Secondly, this video puts my thoughts into words
wired84 4 months ago
Billiant!
gatoryak 4 months ago
In my town the 'bad parent' is our government this week. We are hosting the queen and other Commonwealth heads of government this week (CHOGM) in sleepy little Perth. OH 'the awkward moment when' all the people you democratically elect start treating their own community members as simultaneous children and enemies that must be controlled and silenced. Its not protesters that mark these events, its the governments abuse of power...throwing rights out the window 'for our own good'.
SoloMumDotCom 4 months ago
Huh...
I like this guy. I'll go check out your other vids & see if I want to sub. I'm guessing I will.
Zentz29 4 months ago
Hey I just want to say that your videos are a big inspiration and I thoroughly enjoy watching them - I learn a lot!
kenn714 4 months ago
@kenn714 Much appreciated, thanks ;8)
TheraminTrees 4 months ago
The Household of God is about a relationship not a religion. You do know that since you are made in his image and likeness that means you are related to God. Child of God come on inside the household of God. God, the Father is waiting there just to have a relationship with you.
Nabahood23 5 months ago
@Nabahood23 'You do know that since you are made in his image and likeness that means you are related to God.'
—Nope — I don't share any part of your belief. From what you've written, you seem to be a monotheist, and in your particular creation fantasy, your male deity made humans in its likeness. If you're talking physical likeness, prove it — show me the giant liver, appendix, penis, etc.. If mental, please provide evidence of this disembodied — yet gender-specific — 'father' mind.
TheraminTrees 5 months ago
@TheraminTrees I believe that God, as neuroscience suggests we are, is made up of three major parts: mental, physical and spiritual. The physical manifestation of God is Jesus, the spiritual is the Holy Spirit and God the Father (parent) is the mind or conscience that flows through them both.
There are many arguments for and against the existence of a creator God, but physics postulates that something can't come from nothing, so is it so unreasonable to think something had to create it all?
IamRyanD 4 months ago
@IamRyanD Of course something made us and something caused this to happen, but this is all based on the science that nothing can be created and destroyed, only transferred.
This to me sounds like there has always been the same amount of matter/energy in the universe. To believe and worship the religion is to be a little ignorant in my eyes. The teachings of the bible are mostly good but should not be treated as fact. I doubt there is an all seeing god or diety
wired84 4 months ago
@Nabahood23 I think the existence of apes like orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas kind of kills the idea that there is anything sacred about our form.
georgek19 4 months ago
You make great videos, I do very much appreciate your efforts.
Moontanman 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle That response is exactly why you need to do your own work. You'd only argue with me if I gave you anything. Good luck. You're probably going to need it.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle Waaaaa, waaaaaaaaaa, waaaaaaaaaaaaaa. I don't care if you ever find out. Leave me alone.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle I think you should do your own research.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle The irony of these transactions is that you have been pulled into a game. This video is using TA to discount religion, something the author himself states is a warning that a game has begun. This atheist is using TA to defend his position against religion. The intellectual atheist is looking for proof, and any that is presented will be discounted as unreliable. This is a game (perhaps we can call it the believer/atheist game). Time to go Adult and end the game.
tcorris 5 months ago
@tcorris Credit for giving what appears, superficially, to be a TA-based criticism. But no, your criticism doesn't hold. This video is not a mere discount — it's a reasoned case made with specific examples to make specific points. And for my part, nope I don't just 'discount' other assertions of proof either — again, I would give reasons where I find proof claims is inadequate. So your statement about any proof present being discounted is wrong — and in fact a personalised discount itself.
TheraminTrees 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle Churches are subserviant to the ruling elite dumb fucker. Tax exempt status, numbing down moronic minds like yours to not even know they are being manipulated. THere is not a shred of truth in any religion today. It's all maniputlation and you my idiotic asshole are one of the big time sheeple. Baaaa.
Baaaaa. Defending the church. Wow, you're in fine company there. Your'e on a losing team ..... Ever been skammed before? no? Well, you have been now.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle It'll be a pleasure to sign you off. You should go to your mommy and have your mouth washed out with soap for your foul mouth. I can honestly say you are the biggest cock sucker I've ever come across.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle I can see you have bought into the religious dogma hook line and sinker. Just keep putting that 10% check of your income in the offering plate. It's obvious you have not done your homework on this subject. Nothing worse than a religious zealot prick who doesn't have a clue what he believes and where his religious dogma came from Perfectly ripe to be controlled by priestcraft. Clueless. You deserve to be lost in your crap.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle I always know when I'm talking to someone who has lost an argument because they resort to name calling and well, sounding exactly like you do. Try sticking to facts if you can be a little more careful with the words you send along to me. You see, I have a brain and you are pretending that I don't.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle I guess my ideas are conspiracy theories and yours are fact because you read a book. If you think anything on this earth is happening without the consent/control of the those that control the religions, you had buy a new book series.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
12:15 has a flaw/typo, it says infantising, but you say "infantilising".
M3t4lManiac 5 months ago
Yours and your brother's videos are among my absolute favourite videos on Youtube.
M3t4lManiac 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle Perhaps it could work that way, if the wars were actually based on ideology. But, in my understanding, the Islamist situation is just being used as a cover for manipulations which have been planned far in advance to establish a one world government. This is taken from the mouths of those planning this, so if you haven't heard this, please don't use the conspiracy theory card. It is actually happening. Islam is just the excuse for the masses.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
@yrohedrymle One reason religion should be discouraged is that when one is held by beliefs, he/she tends to quit searching for the real truth in life. That alone is reason enough for me to condemn it whole-heartedly.
BTW, I don't care how you rationalize it, your first sentence is total insanity.
rovingdesertfox 5 months ago
Your videos are wonderful, their clarity and fact-based style refreshing. It seems to me that you have put a lot of time and effort into creating them, and it is all too rare to see someone so openly and generously shed light into the darkness of humanity's slavery to superstition. I hope that everyone with the opportunity takes time to hear you out with an open mind. Thank you so much for what you are doing.
gwennafyr 5 months ago
Given that you are open-minded, I suggest that you watch a video on youtube entitled " the collapse of atheism" by Harun Yahya.
Amrphd 5 months ago
That was a great video. I especially liked how you set up the Parent-Adult-Child system, and you put a lot of ideas that lead me to agnosticism into words that would have been difficult to phrase so eloquently for me. You got yourself another subscriber today. ; )
SecretSm0ke 6 months ago in playlist More videos from TheraminTrees
Interesting video but I find the psychology pill a lot harder to swallow than a lot of other things. Early in your video you talk about faith and have a rather weird understanding of it. I suggest reading some modern Christian philosophers to really attempt to understand and grasp what it is about. Alvin Plantinga and William Lane Craig are two great places to start.
hrobertb 6 months ago
Excellent
zorro3201 6 months ago
YOU'VE SAID A MOUTHFUL OF GOOD FACTS . BUT I STILL SENSE , AND I WAS RAISED THE WAY YOU INDICATE AS GOOD , THAT THERE IS INTELLIGENT DESIGN WORKING IN THE BACKGROUND .
GIANFRANCO FRONZI SEPTEMBER /6/ 2011
9493760 6 months ago
@9493760 well then, if you SENSE it, then it's got to be true!
userduuude 5 months ago
i enjoy your videos. I am a christian myself. But, there is a difference between bible bashing and God loving. I am 100% believer that conversation and relationship are reaching in love. Criticism and shouting isn't a correct way to reach people. Judging isn't what Christ is about. I cannot except blanket statements for anyone because it is a unrealistic few of a group of people.
Saying religion is a bad parent is a view that isn't entirely true. In fact, I don't find it true most of the time
cryglory 6 months ago
I think that if religion is presented in a fair way that it can be good. If it actually allows you to question it and doesnt treat you like an ignorant child then I believe for many it is good. However that happens rarely, so I believe i got lucky in not being taught those problems you speak of
saxaphonedude 6 months ago
Someone please explain why the more I watch these videos the more respect I have for law and court rules?
Maybe its the fact that these same rules should be applied in regular life or even better politics.
thesparitan 6 months ago
Wow! This gives voice to many of my internal notions with regard to religious fundamentalism. Well done!
justinlwerner 6 months ago
thank you for teaching me to think more critically! i can honestly say that you improved my cuality of life, cheers from argentina
shreder89 6 months ago
@shreder89 muchas gracias ;8)
TheraminTrees 6 months ago
Excellent work.
drdeveril 6 months ago
i love your videos, they are the truth, my family personally has never pushed religion on to me but i had friends that had parents like that, i feel bad for them :(
MASTERLINKX1 6 months ago
Liked, favorite
MrJivePirate 6 months ago
Awesome video. I'm not an atheist, but I don't think that any organized religion is necessary at all. Ever. I do believe that there is an energy, a connection if you will, between all things and I guess that's what qualifies as my Deity. I see it as something to guide my moral compass to do right by others (you could say that it's my mechanism of warding off the id in me) I don't judge by race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. I judge by character. Thanks for posting such great vids.
ZombieDro 7 months ago
@ZombieDro "I do believe that there is an energy, a connection if you will, between all things" You mean Spinozism?
replay0018 7 months ago
@replay0018 I had never heard of this before. I'll be doing a lot of reading thanks to you. Thanks very much for bringing this up.
ZombieDro 7 months ago
@ZombieDro Spinozism is interesting if for nothing else because the man that created it was so incredible. I however am an atheist and totally disagree with your belief. But I will say that even though it is not totally rational, I don't think all beliefs need to be. You have an emotion need for a god and you are fulfilling it without embracing dogmas or force teaches from an old book. We all can learn form you, and might be the best belief to hold. Possibly best of all worlds.
thesparitan 6 months ago
@thesparitan Everything in moderation I guess lol.If everyone could just get over needing to push their beliefs on others the world would be so much better man... It depresses me when I have religious people tell me that I'm such a "nice guy" or a "good person" but I should be in their religion because all the good a person does doesn't count unless they are with the "one true religion" (which of course is the one of the person that I'm speaking to @ that particular time) Sucks...
ZombieDro 5 months ago
@ZombieDro Religion stifles the willingness to learn new things in many ppl (at least warps it bc they are always referencing to their religion to tell them what to make of a new bit of information) I've actually had people say that fossils are put on Earth by God to test their faith in Him. They 100% believe that Dinosaurs are fake and God is testing them with misinformation to see if they still believe the Bible even when confronted with a contradicting fact.That is a very dangerous thing...
ZombieDro 5 months ago
This is a lovely video. Beautiful voice, too. :D
QueenAnime99 7 months ago
when i try to explain this to my father, and i have felt this way for a while now, he ask me what should a parent do? just not even tell their kids their religion.
now i have an answer. Also i feel like most other of my young christian friends do realize this issue and they end up doing the same thing
gradsssara 7 months ago
@TheraminTrees I'm 14 and a huge fan of your vids.They're so beautifully done, and are incredibly honest and easy to relate to, especially the Instruction Manual for Life. I haven't come out as an Atheist to my parents yet, and I'm unsure how to do so or how they'll react, but your vids definitely helped me put many of my beliefs into words, without being insulting,accusing or angry,which is where most of the hate for Atheists comes from. You're an inspiration, thanks!
LoverElephant97 7 months ago
@LoverElephant97 Thanks. And good luck as you consider how you wish to proceed with your family.
TheraminTrees 7 months ago
@TheraminTrees I am 28 and only recently gave up belief in magic within the past 2 years. Your videos and others like QualiaSoup are allways on my playlist.
IlovemyGlock21 7 months ago
@IlovemyGlock21 You gave up a belief in magic? Well I have to say to you is CONGRATULATIONS. And welcome to the club, you will never have to agree with any of us again about anything. Its pretty freeing actually I find. I to was a believer not long ago(I hate to admit that)
thesparitan 6 months ago
@TheraminTrees Brilliant videos.
thesparitan 6 months ago
@thesparitan Thanks ;8)
TheraminTrees 6 months ago
This video should be mandatory viewing, especially in the USA. It should be shown on all their channels, 24/7.
Pastor9764 7 months ago
The stupid conservative rightwing pseudo-libertarians are so brainwashed by the coal industry: these hypocrites preach endlessly against the Federal Reserve and bankster financial terrorists, like they should, but then they hypocritically NEVER condemn the military for being a brainwashing religion, which it is. And they are too stupid to see that their worship of endless consumption and capitalism is the religion, not the proven fact of anthropogenic global warming.
mphello 7 months ago
Theramin Trees. I like your answer/thinking - I mean the bit it is possible to be all three (again, because of the way I think/feel/explore/dig my way through stuff I would say why has it to be three. Three being the number of trinity (in Christianity) and three also being a bit of an unfortunate number in 'triangulation. Can it be four (we currently can experience 4dimensional space). So can it be four? What could the fourth be? I am serious, not just playing with numbers.
artbielz 7 months ago
search for definitions, models of god(s) or godlessness or semi-godness or other-godness. I think that concepts of god and gods are just metaphors that have left metaphorical place and that IS THE PROBLEM. I am interested (also because of my work) in god(s) and fear of god(s) and god (in the monotheistic 3religion group) being something like an implanted alien superego (Freudian, perhaps look for a better term) that has become like a parasite (have to think this through, too. ... Stop now ..
artbielz 7 months ago
That means that it can (only?) have space/motion within this confined system = theology. Or?
I just found agnostic atheism or atheist agnosticism in wikipedia (apparently forbidden territory for a good researcher). This can become like maths ....
Perhaps ignostic atheism (that must be hard), ignostic agnosticism, etc.
There are many different definitions for god, and historically and culturally they are interesting. Though, sometimes I think it is a waste of time to go so deeply into the
artbielz 7 months ago
@artbielz I think it's interesting getting to explore the different definitions around ideas about gods — it often helps us clarify what we're really talking about, where we stand, and why we think what we think. Even though ignosticism questions the meaningfulness of the other terms, I'd suggest it's possible to be all three — to see gods as a meaningless pursuit until adequately defined (ig), to not believe in any gods (ath), and to acknowledge that definitions given make them unknowable (ag).
TheraminTrees 7 months ago
Theramin Trees. Thanks for this. This is logical and really different thinking. I think that I feel/experience my thinking, if this makes sense. Hence for me ag and at would cause friction. I have to think this through. Ignosticism is new to me. I read up a bit and it is a theological position. If it is so, is it not confined to the boundaries of its discipline/philosophy? I want to say, isn't it a bit like something inherent in the system. (Running out of characters again)
artbielz 7 months ago
Theramin trees. So I would rather prefer (for the personality I am) to say I am an atheist, agnostic, polytheist, nontheist -- to give myself a chance not to be caught in this friction. I do understand where you are coming from with the agnostic, as we do not know for certain and possibly will never know, as this quest will cease to exist when we are a different form of matter (object). I have to say I am an atheist. And against all logical thinking I am (forgive my French) cock-sure about this.
artbielz 7 months ago
Interesting that you should describe yourself as quote: I don't believe in any gods — atheist — and I believe the definitions put forward for some gods makes them unknowable — agnostic - Quote end. I do understand this small shift (I am a spatial person, this uncertainty to abuse/perhaps use Heisenberg) - This mini dichotomy --- Isn't it hard to live with this friction between these both definitions. Running out of characters for this reply.
artbielz 7 months ago