As an african skeptic, I I can no longer tolerate when I hear people talk about their personal relationship with this god, how they feel his presence and yadi yada. So I am like, okay, god is in the US, for sure, based on these accounts (sarcasm here). He could not leave these women and men (who are very privileged right now) to go help some women being raped in the Congo? Entire villages are killed by machetes, and this god is getting warm and fuzzy with people who need him the least??? WTF???
Thanks for sharing. I've had these types of conversations, where you feel timid, and as though you have to defend yourself and explain how there is nothing wrong "with me." And how "sad" you are making someone else, just by being honest. These conversations are usually the beginning of the end of so many relationships I have found....Not on my part, but the believer becomes more and more distant and angry.
I did. And I owned my family in debate over the issue. I argued that there is insufficient evidence for the existence of God, and that the religious texts are in themselves immoral for a variety of reasons. Slavery etc.
My fam is pretty cool though and if anything, they respect me more. Not sayin you should, its obviously up to you. But i think that in order to live what some philosophers have called an authentic life, you should be true to ur convictions.
because the people who run our societies make decisions based NOT on logic, reason, sensibility and common sense, instead they base their policies and decisions on their belief in god, on their "faith"
that is why we are upset by it, imagine going to Saudi arabia and telling everyone that your not a muslim... trust me, live in the theocracy of another religion and you'll know EXACTLY why we get upset.
Atheists don't get upset about god because atheists don't believe in a god. We get upset at what people who DO believe in a god do and say to everyone else, and to their children. The Christian religion itself is intrinsically immoral, illogical and unreasonable.
@lebronjamesprince "Why do aithiest get so upset abt god?" It's not really about a god. Who can doubt that some kind of Incredible Event kick started life in the universe? My problem is with believers in the biblical god (of ANY religion). The god in the christian bible is a murderous, threatening entity full of contradicitons and inconsistencies. However, believers can read it for themselves and they still come away saying, "God is love and merciful and forgiving..." And that's just crap.
@Mikeybetts I think I chose the hard way and came clean to my dad (a really devoted christian). But, my whole family consists of devoted Christians ( myself included until a couple years ago). Literally one of the hardest things i've ever done and most hurtful times of my life. I'm not really close to my dad anymore. Still... its something that I know I had to do, and still don't regret to this day. You can never live your life for someone else.
There were a couple of times in the video that you said you should've gone in a different direction, said more about one thing or less about another, etc. With that in mind, it seems like you should've cut the lady a little more slack for not saying the right things. It's not easy to be quick on your feet when you're totally taken by surprise. You had some time to think about what you were going to say before you called her. She didn't.
There were a couple of times in the video that you said you should've gone in a different direction, said more about one thing or less about another, etc. With that in mind, it seems like you should've cut the lady a little more slack for not saying the right things. It's not easy to be quick on your feet when you're totally taken by surprise. You had some time to think about what you were going to say before you called her. She didn't.
religious people get so upset when people don't believe what they do because in order for it to be true for them, it has to be true for a bunch of others. If christianity didn't exist, and only one person believed in the book of genesis, the would be put away in a home.
The irony of this is that Christianity is supposedly a personal relationship with Jesus. As such, it technically only matters if one person believes. If it were just one person though, you can bet they'd be in a mental institution.
She seemed upset because she knows that by taking the path that you are taking, you are destined to end up in a not-so-nice place. That's what I was thinking anyways. They believe that nonbelievers go to hell. It makes me sick knowing that Christianity makes close friends and family members feel that way about the people they love. Excellent video.
Really loved this video. Could feel the emotion on both sides. I have had a few of these types of conversations since I have become an atheist myself. Must say you did very well. Definitely can identify with your feelings here,
This is really beautiful. I appreciate that you can recognize the aspects of your life which were enhanced by your faith and understand your friend's expressions of love for you even though they came in religious language.
"Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance." Sir Isaac Newton
What I find funny about people linking supernatural experiences (it it even really happened) to a god and to religious beliefs already held prior to the event is that those experiences indicate nothing beyond there being more than the physical, yet the person experiencing it assumes to know exactly what it is, what is behind it and it means.
I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleased to hear how the discussion went.
I believe in a creator and have had experiences that prove things to me (I say this only so you know what perspective I am coming from). I do have issues with allot of what is done by 'organised religion'.
This was a very mature conversation on your part. Keep thinking for yourself.
you really didnt have to justify yourself to this extent...she starts out happy and chirpy-then deflated as if you had cancer. Her tone and words are designed to make you feel bad. I wouldve ended the conversation 10 minutes earlier.
It is always sad that when we tell our loved ones that we aren't Christian any longer that we did not give God a chance. How do others know what we have thought through? I now I tried to be the best Catholic I could be, and did not stop do to bitterness or hate, but because it just did not work! I God loves us, you would think that "He" would communicate far more clearly!
Ahh, this brings back memories. 20 years ago, I worked for a fundamentalist christian who felt her religion was the default position, somehow I had to justify my atheism. I worked for her for 2 years, she spent that time trying to convert me. Many of the conversations sound like this one.
I find there are a lot of really good people who are Christian or religious. They WANT to be good people, but the truth is, no matter what religion, or lack of religion, they would still be good people. Sadly, instead being able to take credit for the good things they do, they give the credit to nonexistent gods, because they are so modest, but often take blame when it's really just the circumstances that are to blame, because they don't want to blame their god.
Its so hard to do what you did here. I think that you did the right thing. The grace and calm manner that you dealt with this lady was commendable. Follow your truth and what you know to be real and take pride in taking in my opinion is the harder road. You are awesome!
I can't explain why I was so scared, my hands were shaking and my heart thumping all the time I listened to this. It was all you and yet I felt as though it was me, I felt really sick all the way through. I am at the point that I might be discovered at any time, and the feeling sickens me. I souldn't be so frightened. I need to do what you did. If I am asked, I will tell people honestly.
@YetAnotherInfidel Remember that you should not be made to feel ashamed or nervous about your beliefs or lack of. To me that is one way to keep people in religion is guilt, scare tactics such as hell, ect. When your time comes you will be strong, don't worry. You will become comfortable in your Atheism and people who love you shouldn't base that love on if you have the same god or not. Sadly many people actually disown family for lack of belief, and to me that is sickening. Stay Strong!!
help!... I never told my family about my atheism. I've only told close friends. Sometimes I get really close to telling them, but I always coward out. I never seem to find the perfect moment >_<... How do you build up the courage to tell your strict catholic christian parents that you don't think the same way they do?....
dude are you fucken kidding me jusst because god didnt say yes to all your questions you gave up on him god gives you what you need not what you want girly damn im christian all they way i trully belive in god but i have never had an amazing approtunity like you ill give up everything for that you were lucky God has blessed you but i guess its true what they say the biggest sinner make the greatest saints think about it
See God did answer me he said NO. I just failed to understand why He said no. Now i thank Him that he did, Now I understand. Prayers get answered we just can't see everything in it's entirety. I am about to graduate from college and headed to graduate school. I am studying to become a psychologist, while he is suffering from all his wrong doing. Who knew God had this plan for my life. Thank God he's omniscient and knows the begining to the end.
People fail to understand the nature of God which is why they fail to accept the attributes of God. God answers all prayers with either yes, no, or wait, People think God suppose to say yes to every prayer. I once prayed for a guy that I wanted so bad at the time. I was young and naieve. God did not answer my prayers to bless me with this man. Or did he? ten years later the guy is on drugs dying of a deadly disease and that was the man i prayed for who God did now allow me to be with.
@Currahee506Infantry, God had nothing to do with the lifestyle he chose. Perhaps if he had prayed his life would have turned out better as well. And do not blame God for the way people's lives turn out. God gives freedom of choice you do with it what you please just don't blame him when you don't involve him and it turns out badly.
@Mschocolalicious God gives freedom of choice, that is not god, that is being human. But you thank god that you lived thru a tornado, but it killed the person next door and thier children. These are the things Im talking about. You can believe whatever, but you never to look around and say, "shit happens".
i think you handled the situation pretty well. i know it can be difficult sometimes talking to people that you know personally and having the subject of religion come up in a way that requires you to answer in a way that is contrary to their expectations.
That was quite brave of you. It's great to see you being truly honest. I happen to be a closeted atheist living with a Catholic family. I feel a need to come out, but I think I may have to wait. I also know that I need to ease into coming out and not turn it into a big debate. I like how you did just that. You took a gentle approach.
@ToastmachineIdiot I was in a similar situation. Ask yourself, if your family won't respect you just for having your own opinion, is their respect worth having?
One day, she will look back at this video production spectacle she attempted to make out of a quite mundane and meaningless event, and objectively (due to the passage of time) find her own actions to be an embarrassment to herself. When calling this woman, she was seeking VALIDATION. She needed to know she was stirring up a shit storm with a perceived authority figure. The BIG MOMENT for video girl was a first time hunt-attack on behalf of her NEW "un"religion sociopathically aimed at a weakling
Having watched this; I'm curious as this was months ago, are you in contact with any of the people from the church after this conversation, or has all contact with your "friend" ended?
My own assessment of my former religious friends is I could hang around and get preached at, to a tiresome degree. What did I really have in common with any of them outside of a few superstitions we shared? All the things I admired them for no longer seemed admirable to me.
Very well spoken, congratulations on having the courage to be so honest about it. It's a shame coming out as an athiest can be so very difficult, I'm very glad I grew up in an athiest family.
when you become an atheist, there's a period of a year or two when you do stupid stuff.
i understand your need to come out, did it too. bu now, these things seem now unnecessary. but that's what happens when you live in a world of religious discrimination
The fact that you are blatantly making fun of this woman. shows us all just how much of a "christian" you were this video teaches us just how selfish and hateful you are. you claim to know truth yet you act cruel to an innocent woman... all to get views on youtube...you are obviously whoring for fame. i know you are angry everyone gets angry sometimes. but sorry nobody gives a shit that GOD didn't make you famous.
we were busy thinking the other 50 percent of humans living in poverty
@bart666a I seriously doubt it. Y'know, on the contrary, I see it as just as likely that this person was bringing down a myth about militant atheism by showing the true nature of Christianity; one realizes an organization is a cult only once one tries to leave it, or watches someone try to leave it. This atheist was not cruel in this conversation. Your first words to her, however, are. Your head isn't filled with charity, it's filled with xenophobic malice. Now please stop attacking her.
I don't think I will ever "come out" to my family as an atheist. I know that their shock would not be my fault, but I just can't do it. They have even said to other people,right in front of me, "The only thing that our kids could do that would truly disappoint us would be to turn their back on God." They would take the news to mean that they have failed in their most important duty as parents. But they have been great parents. As a part of my thank you to them, I do not mind playing along.
@Requinix17 I understand what you are saying and don't "come out" till you are ready. I have come out as an Atheist to my family and my grandmother almost fell out of her chair yelling "What what". My mom doesn't what me to talk about it because she says I am militant which is true when I am challenged. What my mother means buy militant is my honest defense when asked way I am an Atheist. It seems to me that my mother and I still have somethings to work out and it will take time.
i've never understood "coming out" i used to be religious, then i wasn't. no need to "come out" at all. however at work many seemed surprised when i refuse to pray or state i don't believe. doesn't make me uncomfortable, if it does them, too bad.
Petitioning god is selfish? Ha. No one is as selfish as a deity that craves nothing but praise and glory (not to mention unquestioning obedience) from every human being. You shouldn't have had any guilt about debating her. You're not a blood-thirsty hound; she's a wolf in sheep's clothing
I honor your calmness. We get accused of being militant, and I find it hard not to be. The woman getting upset reminds me of my grandma. She doesn't like the fact I'm an atheist, because, according to what she's been told, I will spend an eternity in hell. At the same dinner conversations, I have my cousin saying, "At least I'm not dumb enough to not believe in god." It's these statements that provoke my "militant" responses, and make me sad for my grandmothers type.
my favorite is when ppl come out to "once saved allways saved" christians because then theyre left either saying they think an atheist who used to be a christian is still going to heaven OR denying that the person ever was a christian dispite the many years of dedicated faithfullness to the faith.
one of my old mormon friends found out that i had turned Atheist and she thought, automatically assumed, that i still believed in a god, but was having a hard time emotionally. she just couldnt comprehend that i simply didnt believe in a supernatural being. she is still a sweetheart but atheism is so alien to her experience of reality that it was incomprehensible to her.
I admire you for being able to have this kind of conversation. It was obviously really hard for you. It would have been even harder for me; I have a hard enough time just having this kind of conversation with my family. It's a really painful thing to do: to bare your heart to people who have grown to know you as a lover of a Christ.
I admit that I had to stop the video a couple of times, it was difficult to listen to something so sensitive and personal. I think you were very brave for putting this up, hope the two of you remained friends.
I find it pointless to have religious discussions with religious people. It freaks them out and their main concern is to force you back to conformity. They also try to make you feel like a "bad" person, which I hate most.
@goosed1 I can certainly understand that perspective. It's reasonable to have people all along the spectrum, from 'don't talk to me about religion' to 'I'll talk to anyone about religion.'
@goosed1 I actually believe in a creator and call myself a follower of the teachings of Jesus and find it pointless at times to have religious discussions with religious people sometimes. Most of them just believe certain things blindly and can only answer the hard questions by saying that's just the way God wanted it or that you just have to have faith. My whole life I have not been content to not have answers for the tough questions. It's sad that most run from challenging discussions.
im sorry but god this just sounds like an akward call to have to give as an atheist and recieve as a cristian im an atheist i used to be cristian i just never thought any of it made sense even when i was a cristian i feel like alot of people are cristians just so they can get into heaven as bad as that sounds cause alot of cristians are hypocrites and pick and choose the rules of the bible they want to follow
i feel so sorry for you lot over there in the states.....only losers go to church here in the uk and even the imported megachurches have a high turnover....it must be hideous and i think youare sooo brave to be atheist.
@ezmereldagreen I've heard many of the church-goers in the UK are primarily going for the social aspect... I think we (US) are the only "developed" nation that the majority claim to have religious faith. I say "claim" because while many Americans will say they are religious, I can tell you the vast majority of them don't go to church (except when they get married), and don't read their bible... More and more atheists in this country are coming out.
IMO, She really didn't give a crap about you, but was concerned about how you have failed "Christ". I would bet big money that her "nice and concerned" outlook to you turns rather catty and even evil when talking about you to her fellow Christians, which, of course, happened as soon as you hung up the phone.
You're quite fortunate, to have a friend that you can confess this sort of thing to, and have at least a civil discussion on the matter with. I have known people who, on a revelation of this magnitude, would forget everything that the other person had meant to them. Then attack them as though they had become the personification of this idea that terrifies them.
So fiercely will the human mind grip onto the convictions and ideas that it believes keep it secure.
Great video....I think she was sad in losing a great comrade not you losing your religion....for humans no matter what our beliefs are kinda selfish...it's normal and I am sure I would have felt the same...but this is why she was so hoping you would change your mind...she knew without that glue to tie you together the relationship would never be the same...:(
If you ever want to discuss religion with someone religious, make sure they are not someone whos feelings you consider too important. Because at some point, you're going to have to kick their emotional crutches away from beneath their feet to make a point. I'm not an absolutist, i dont think i have a completely defined model of reality set up. However, i find it hard to believe that in the whole universe, on a speck of dust floating on an endless ocean, hardly unique, one faith got it all right.
Thank you for sharing this with us all. You did the right thing, I too would have been honest about it.When you have been close to people in a tight nit community of sorts for so long, the least we can do is tell them, from our hearts, how we feel and try to explain our new thoughts. I was never really able to do this as an ex JW because they shun those that leave. I was never able to have this kind of conversation with the ones I loved and left behind because they would not listen to me. Xx
Hey there. I very much enjoy your calm, non-confrontational manner toward theists. I'm rarely capable of avoiding letting my snarky side out when confronted with what seem to me to be truly crazy beliefs, but I recognize your warm approach will likely gain more de-converts than my hard approach...though I do try to keep it as civil as possible, given the outrages I talk about.
All the junk about "don't give up on God, cause he won't give up on you", and a mature prayer warrior wouldn't petition God for themselves is dogging the real problem, prayer doesn't work, or better said, the God of the Bible doesn't keep his promise to answer prayer, and I, among many others, had the guts to question why?
I've realized there is just enough coincidence in life to give the illusion of some answered prayer, and that "God" is working in their life.
I don't know if I could agree that praying for what you want is immature in the Biblical sense, because that is exactly what the Bible says to do! The intercessory prayer model of praying for others, so God works for you isn't so Biblical, but is a practical application of love towards others. However, I've prayed for others for years with no results at all. It really is true that one person doing something is more productive than 10,000 on their knees in prayer.
The interesting thing about the Biblical God and prayer, is that if God is good, all powerful and all knowing, then prayer is superfluous, or should be. A good God will already be working in his all powerful ways through his all knowing capabilities for the good of people already, thus prayer should be rarely needed. However, the world doesn't match this view at all.
Awkward moment---but remember you are NOT responsible for her "grief and shock". Her feelings were the direct result of her own capture by the Christian belief system with it's dogmatic and blinkered intolerance towards any ideas or thoughts that don't conform.
Born again Christianity is in essence a totalitarian belief system requiring unquestioning, obedient submission. I'm glad you found reason instead.
@sweetsweatyfeet I couldn't agree more, and I'm now seeing, as I rethink what the Bible teaches, is the whole book from beginning to end is against real knowledge, inquiry and questioning. It was the desire of the "knowledge of good and evil" which brought on the "curse" and death. Abraham's unquestioning loyalty to offer up his son to God, is to be our example also. That God has chosen the "foolish things" to confound the wise (1Cor 1:27), is nothing more than saying the Bible is foolishness.
Wow! This video is one of a kind as far as I know; capturing an actual 'coming out moment,' and some of the emotions and thought processes involved (aside from the classic "no christmas presents for you!" vid). Fascinating. However, I'm a bit concerned about possible complications arising from posting such a conversation, and wondering if altering your friend's voice might be/have been a good idea? I hope this gets many more thousands of views.
@jcsump - Awesome. I commend you for your honesty and bravery! Facing the 'demons' of societal pressure is one of the hardest things humans have to do. How did it go? Were you telling an acquaintance, friend, family member?
I'm actually glad that there is an environment forming in which unbelievers are able to come out of the church. Pretending to be something you're not is never good.
Weeds removing themselves from the flower bed... who would have thought?
@ReligiousFiction I'm not quite there yet,I live with my father.I have no job and I'm going to school.I go to a superstitious church that believes in demons .Ive seen so called people so called possed but it really was something else.The dogma about being imperfect weights alot pain on human psyche.Eventually these people have a struggle with being perfect and the mind breaks down.Ive watched people cry so much from the guilt so much that they vomited.They said it was demons,I knew better.
You're a lot nicer about it than I could ever be. I could never honestly tell someone that I appreciated them "praying for me" because I failed to fall for their emotional blackmail.
"God loves you. How could you not believe in him?" I can appreciate honest kindness, but dogma wrapped in kind words is like crap with perfume sprayed on it. It somehow comes off worse than just plain crap, because now it's crap AND deception.
@supermagicmilk Ha! "God loves you. How could you not believe in him?" That's a succinct way of putting the sort of emotional blackmail that can come out of a conversation like this. The thing is, to her, what she said is absolutely true, no two ways about it. She doesn't feel deceptive. She, like so many people, thinks she has a handle on truth, and I've strayed from it.
I think she was mostly deceiving herself (deception towards you was a side effect). A lot of what she said was for her own sake. Her redefinition of you as an "immature christian" and hope that you "stay open" to a god you don't even believe in is just a sign of her self denial of what you had just told her. I have conversations like this with my family members all the time, so I've lost tolerance for it. I can't just hang up a phone and fix the fact that I don't respect them.
@supermagicmilk Coming from someone who is a relative of devout Christians most of them don't mean you bad. They honestly think that you're depressed or something and that's why you've decided to turn your back from God. Or that a great comfort in your life has been removed or something. My grandmother gave me a half-hour lecture on how drug addicts are atheists and how I'm too beautiful to go to Hell. They only mean the best for you; they're just ill-guided.
you're being so gracious. its SO difficult when someone does not want to accept your non-belief and it sounds like she doesn't want to. i needed to hear this though. with as much as i loathe religion at this point i need much more patience with people.
@lambchopxoxo Thank you for your comments. In some ways I was gracious for the wrong reasons, but sometimes the light touch is helpful. I was probably too light, but patience is ultimately helpful in winning people over to the understanding that atheism is not about denying religion, but embracing reason.
It's just dawned on me what a heartstring puller the old "god wants to be in your life" line is - it's easy to imagine how tear jerking the tale of an estranged human parent who wanted badly to be with their child could be. We are programmed to want to reach out to our family in that way. He won't give up on you!
@wearealltubes You're right! "what a heartstring puller the old 'god wants to be in your life' line is"... "how tear jerking the tale of an estranged human parent who badly wanted to be with their child could be". Well said. And the thing is, it wrenches her heart because she is a parent and she believes god is that perfect parent. The forgiving father in the prodigal son story. Yet how silly when you realize there is no parent, and I'm not prodigal at all...
@ReligiousFiction Not to mention the irony of the poor parent, separated from their child, wanting only to be with them - except, of course, if their child doesn't want to be with them, the parent will be so sad that they will have no choice but to burn them forever.
Reason Rally 2012! Fastest growing demographic in America baby! And for a good reason!
F8sassassin 11 hours ago
As an african skeptic, I I can no longer tolerate when I hear people talk about their personal relationship with this god, how they feel his presence and yadi yada. So I am like, okay, god is in the US, for sure, based on these accounts (sarcasm here). He could not leave these women and men (who are very privileged right now) to go help some women being raped in the Congo? Entire villages are killed by machetes, and this god is getting warm and fuzzy with people who need him the least??? WTF???
Alineniz 1 week ago
Thanks for sharing. I've had these types of conversations, where you feel timid, and as though you have to defend yourself and explain how there is nothing wrong "with me." And how "sad" you are making someone else, just by being honest. These conversations are usually the beginning of the end of so many relationships I have found....Not on my part, but the believer becomes more and more distant and angry.
MsPaula46 1 week ago
I just got back from Emmaus yesterday! Still an atheist!! So suck it church!
lilswifty10 2 weeks ago
Honest Ed's!
TheSomnambulist06 2 weeks ago
I havent come out as an athiest yet
TheCaptainjuicy 3 weeks ago
@TheCaptainjuicy
I did. And I owned my family in debate over the issue. I argued that there is insufficient evidence for the existence of God, and that the religious texts are in themselves immoral for a variety of reasons. Slavery etc.
My fam is pretty cool though and if anything, they respect me more. Not sayin you should, its obviously up to you. But i think that in order to live what some philosophers have called an authentic life, you should be true to ur convictions.
DcEatsItsYoung 5 days ago
Why do aithiest get so upset abt god?
lebronjamesprince 1 month ago
@lebronjamesprince
because the people who run our societies make decisions based NOT on logic, reason, sensibility and common sense, instead they base their policies and decisions on their belief in god, on their "faith"
that is why we are upset by it, imagine going to Saudi arabia and telling everyone that your not a muslim... trust me, live in the theocracy of another religion and you'll know EXACTLY why we get upset.
Mikeybetts 1 month ago
@lebronjamesprince
Atheists don't get upset about god because atheists don't believe in a god. We get upset at what people who DO believe in a god do and say to everyone else, and to their children. The Christian religion itself is intrinsically immoral, illogical and unreasonable.
TheTexanCanadian 3 weeks ago
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@lebronjamesprince "Why do aithiest get so upset abt god?" It's not really about a god. Who can doubt that some kind of Incredible Event kick started life in the universe? My problem is with believers in the biblical god (of ANY religion). The god in the christian bible is a murderous, threatening entity full of contradicitons and inconsistencies. However, believers can read it for themselves and they still come away saying, "God is love and merciful and forgiving..." And that's just crap.
Jiggerj01830 1 week ago
as an atheist who hasnt come out i was so tense and nervous during this phone call
trivium57 1 month ago
@trivium57
i'd reccomend finding the least religious member of your family
i came out to my dad first, since he couldnt give 2 shits about religion unless people are motivated by it to do violence.
then my brother, who is a bit more religious but very understanding about it.
then to my mom, and with my dad and brother on my side, she was outnumbered and had to accept it :)
and dont come out directly, keep asking "what if..." then eventually "what if there is no god?..."
Mikeybetts 1 month ago
@Mikeybetts I think I chose the hard way and came clean to my dad (a really devoted christian). But, my whole family consists of devoted Christians ( myself included until a couple years ago). Literally one of the hardest things i've ever done and most hurtful times of my life. I'm not really close to my dad anymore. Still... its something that I know I had to do, and still don't regret to this day. You can never live your life for someone else.
Trevman1801 1 month ago
Lol, cut to the business chase
ZachWulf 1 month ago
If only Christians and Atheists had more peaceful encounters like these.
Acquiesce116 1 month ago
@Acquiesce116 I wish, it would be a very nice place.
nocliper101 1 month ago
Well handled. Emmaus is really heavy. You did the right thing. I couldn't have done it either. Your friend seems very cool as well.
BillofRightsBrutus 2 months ago
"What in the world brought you to this belief?"= Common Sense perhaps?
627apache 2 months ago
good work!
fmanh 2 months ago
I approve this message.
JanK10000 2 months ago
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This was really interesting. Thanks for posting.
There were a couple of times in the video that you said you should've gone in a different direction, said more about one thing or less about another, etc. With that in mind, it seems like you should've cut the lady a little more slack for not saying the right things. It's not easy to be quick on your feet when you're totally taken by surprise. You had some time to think about what you were going to say before you called her. She didn't.
philochristos 2 months ago
This was really interesting. Thanks for posting.
There were a couple of times in the video that you said you should've gone in a different direction, said more about one thing or less about another, etc. With that in mind, it seems like you should've cut the lady a little more slack for not saying the right things. It's not easy to be quick on your feet when you're totally taken by surprise. You had some time to think about what you were going to say before you called her. She didn't.
philochristos 2 months ago
I stopped at 1:30...please get on with it.
mindsprawl 3 months ago
Your awseome, I love that you are strong enough to do this.
dalhar20 3 months ago
religious people get so upset when people don't believe what they do because in order for it to be true for them, it has to be true for a bunch of others. If christianity didn't exist, and only one person believed in the book of genesis, the would be put away in a home.
rightnearthebeachboy 3 months ago
@rightnearthebeachboy
The irony of this is that Christianity is supposedly a personal relationship with Jesus. As such, it technically only matters if one person believes. If it were just one person though, you can bet they'd be in a mental institution.
TheTexanCanadian 3 weeks ago
@Philosophydebater please do not insult newton he was absolutely amazing
rightnearthebeachboy 3 months ago
@rightnearthebeachboy as a scientist yes, but he was not someone you would want to have a cup of tea with to say the least
wearestarstuffsagan 3 months ago
@wearestarstuffsagan Right, he was a nasty, evil piece of work with his peers
salerio61 2 months ago
Nice job girl! Still think you should've pointed out that she went against the bible.
MoviesFromG 3 months ago
Welcome to the logical side of the force xD
linkuei83 3 months ago
At least it ended ok...Some people react in a "burn the witch!" way.
But you managed to go through the talk with no casualties =P
You should consider being a diplomat!!! =D
Wharwulif 3 months ago
you do good work here.
Chimpdecheese 3 months ago
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She seemed upset because she knows that by taking the path that you are taking, you are destined to end up in a not-so-nice place. That's what I was thinking anyways. They believe that nonbelievers go to hell. It makes me sick knowing that Christianity makes close friends and family members feel that way about the people they love. Excellent video.
manazoa 3 months ago
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manazoa 3 months ago
Really loved this video. Could feel the emotion on both sides. I have had a few of these types of conversations since I have become an atheist myself. Must say you did very well. Definitely can identify with your feelings here,
caribatheist 3 months ago
Cool ★★★★★
Katalyzt 3 months ago
I am le impressed, happy for you. Now give yourself a treat and watch through all the Hitchens video's you can find on youtube =]
Plus, now you could in theory have a chance to be my gf since you're not a christian.
So impressed you managed to realize and pull out, and the courage to stand up for yourself. Respect.
ImDrizzt 4 months ago
"what do you mean, you don't have any supernatural beliefs?" I was like "ooooooh here we go..."
Xellith 4 months ago
@Xellith haha same reaction here
tonyisdashiz 2 months ago
I'm really proud for you.
Great job for standing up for yourself.
Stevoukos 4 months ago
This is really beautiful. I appreciate that you can recognize the aspects of your life which were enhanced by your faith and understand your friend's expressions of love for you even though they came in religious language.
jajarachel 4 months ago
I enjoyed this video and learnt some stuff from it - Thanks for sharing
Uberlaser 4 months ago
I liked how u put it..."I don't believe in anything supernatural." Well done!
julzabro 4 months ago
Well done! I'm proud of you.
tapesquare 4 months ago
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"Atheism is so senseless. When I look at the solar system, I see the earth at the right distance from the sun to receive the proper amounts of heat and light. This did not happen by chance." Sir Isaac Newton
rom116rom 4 months ago
What I find funny about people linking supernatural experiences (it it even really happened) to a god and to religious beliefs already held prior to the event is that those experiences indicate nothing beyond there being more than the physical, yet the person experiencing it assumes to know exactly what it is, what is behind it and it means.
Seymour13 4 months ago
i've had too many times when god has intervened in my life 07:22
ReallyIni 4 months ago
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ReallyIni 4 months ago
holy shit this made me nervous like i was the one coming out!
915headbanger1992 4 months ago
Very good video.
CaptainGreen2008 4 months ago
I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleased to hear how the discussion went.
I believe in a creator and have had experiences that prove things to me (I say this only so you know what perspective I am coming from). I do have issues with allot of what is done by 'organised religion'.
This was a very mature conversation on your part. Keep thinking for yourself.
jrmaximus 5 months ago
you really didnt have to justify yourself to this extent...she starts out happy and chirpy-then deflated as if you had cancer. Her tone and words are designed to make you feel bad. I wouldve ended the conversation 10 minutes earlier.
roobyduuby 5 months ago
I think my mother would prefer that I was on drugs, to not being a Christian anymore.
MissLoveTantei91 5 months ago
@MissLoveTantei91 I honestly think my mother would rather have me shoot heroin and buy it for me, as long as I wasn't an Atheist.
BrandonStover 4 months ago
i hate that its like we have to hide our beliefs(non beliefs). its as though we're doing somthin iilegal.
sehru89 5 months ago
It is always sad that when we tell our loved ones that we aren't Christian any longer that we did not give God a chance. How do others know what we have thought through? I now I tried to be the best Catholic I could be, and did not stop do to bitterness or hate, but because it just did not work! I God loves us, you would think that "He" would communicate far more clearly!
tmv1972 5 months ago
Good for you!
enalopez26 5 months ago
Ahh, this brings back memories. 20 years ago, I worked for a fundamentalist christian who felt her religion was the default position, somehow I had to justify my atheism. I worked for her for 2 years, she spent that time trying to convert me. Many of the conversations sound like this one.
tcsam9202 5 months ago
Thank you, thank you! You inspire me, you don't even know. I have done this a few times and it is hard as hellllllll! No pun intended
miljo34 5 months ago
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miljo34 5 months ago
@ReligiousFiction
This whole conversation was very well handled, by both parties. I'm happy for you :)
pruedence110588 5 months ago
I find there are a lot of really good people who are Christian or religious. They WANT to be good people, but the truth is, no matter what religion, or lack of religion, they would still be good people. Sadly, instead being able to take credit for the good things they do, they give the credit to nonexistent gods, because they are so modest, but often take blame when it's really just the circumstances that are to blame, because they don't want to blame their god.
DandAinTac 5 months ago
My Respects... My step-grandmother cried when I told her I didn't believe any more. I do feel liberated now tho.
chepenudo 5 months ago
@chepenudo Nothing feels so much liberating than knowing you are being true to yourself and true to the rest of the world. Good for you.
enalopez26 5 months ago
Its so hard to do what you did here. I think that you did the right thing. The grace and calm manner that you dealt with this lady was commendable. Follow your truth and what you know to be real and take pride in taking in my opinion is the harder road. You are awesome!
elwood173 5 months ago
I can't explain why I was so scared, my hands were shaking and my heart thumping all the time I listened to this. It was all you and yet I felt as though it was me, I felt really sick all the way through. I am at the point that I might be discovered at any time, and the feeling sickens me. I souldn't be so frightened. I need to do what you did. If I am asked, I will tell people honestly.
THANK YOU.
YetAnotherInfidel 5 months ago
@YetAnotherInfidel Remember that you should not be made to feel ashamed or nervous about your beliefs or lack of. To me that is one way to keep people in religion is guilt, scare tactics such as hell, ect. When your time comes you will be strong, don't worry. You will become comfortable in your Atheism and people who love you shouldn't base that love on if you have the same god or not. Sadly many people actually disown family for lack of belief, and to me that is sickening. Stay Strong!!
BrandonStover 4 months ago
I love this.
ShaelRiley 5 months ago
good for you, i wish i was able to due the same. Down here in "loser-anna" its a little different story though.
romad20000 5 months ago
Thanks for that.
It reminded me of telling my brother-in-law I was divorcing his wife's sister.
calmreason 5 months ago
help!... I never told my family about my atheism. I've only told close friends. Sometimes I get really close to telling them, but I always coward out. I never seem to find the perfect moment >_<... How do you build up the courage to tell your strict catholic christian parents that you don't think the same way they do?....
XQslayer 6 months ago
I have that painting in the end
MrAdwolfe1 6 months ago
This is great!
MrAdwolfe1 6 months ago
dude are you fucken kidding me jusst because god didnt say yes to all your questions you gave up on him god gives you what you need not what you want girly damn im christian all they way i trully belive in god but i have never had an amazing approtunity like you ill give up everything for that you were lucky God has blessed you but i guess its true what they say the biggest sinner make the greatest saints think about it
TheSusietv 6 months ago
See God did answer me he said NO. I just failed to understand why He said no. Now i thank Him that he did, Now I understand. Prayers get answered we just can't see everything in it's entirety. I am about to graduate from college and headed to graduate school. I am studying to become a psychologist, while he is suffering from all his wrong doing. Who knew God had this plan for my life. Thank God he's omniscient and knows the begining to the end.
Mschocolalicious 6 months ago
People fail to understand the nature of God which is why they fail to accept the attributes of God. God answers all prayers with either yes, no, or wait, People think God suppose to say yes to every prayer. I once prayed for a guy that I wanted so bad at the time. I was young and naieve. God did not answer my prayers to bless me with this man. Or did he? ten years later the guy is on drugs dying of a deadly disease and that was the man i prayed for who God did now allow me to be with.
Mschocolalicious 6 months ago
@Mschocolalicious lol....wow your god really helped out the guy you wanted to bang...
Currahee506Infantry 6 months ago
@Currahee506Infantry, God had nothing to do with the lifestyle he chose. Perhaps if he had prayed his life would have turned out better as well. And do not blame God for the way people's lives turn out. God gives freedom of choice you do with it what you please just don't blame him when you don't involve him and it turns out badly.
Mschocolalicious 6 months ago
@Mschocolalicious God gives freedom of choice, that is not god, that is being human. But you thank god that you lived thru a tornado, but it killed the person next door and thier children. These are the things Im talking about. You can believe whatever, but you never to look around and say, "shit happens".
Currahee506Infantry 6 months ago
@Mschocolalicious people just want to everything they are selfish and they wont God to say yes all the time i think you are right
TheSusietv 6 months ago
I think she sounds like a warm, sincere person. Hopefully you can stay in touch somehow, though her beliefs might make it hard!
flaze3 6 months ago
An inspiration! Job well done. =)
btrflykisis 6 months ago
i think you handled the situation pretty well. i know it can be difficult sometimes talking to people that you know personally and having the subject of religion come up in a way that requires you to answer in a way that is contrary to their expectations.
cristophershaffer 7 months ago
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i like that last picture.. may i ask where you got it?
Rudy727 8 months ago
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Rudy727 8 months ago
lol the way women talk is just ... fascinating. it's so strange
SanguineBullet667 8 months ago
Amazing video, your comments are poetic.
cydonia21 8 months ago
That was quite brave of you. It's great to see you being truly honest. I happen to be a closeted atheist living with a Catholic family. I feel a need to come out, but I think I may have to wait. I also know that I need to ease into coming out and not turn it into a big debate. I like how you did just that. You took a gentle approach.
ToastmachineIdiot 8 months ago
@ToastmachineIdiot I was in a similar situation. Ask yourself, if your family won't respect you just for having your own opinion, is their respect worth having?
DORproductions117 7 months ago
hahah i swear if she said "journey" ONE MORE TIME....
mzguitarock 8 months ago
@livin4jesus0225 Wow. I only have one comment to judge you on but based on this one comment I really like your view. Good for you.
wkrepelin 8 months ago
she came out better than i did GOOD JOB GIRL
FutureScience2012 8 months ago
You are very well spoken and i feel so proud of you.Good job!
Katekazoo 8 months ago
One day, she will look back at this video production spectacle she attempted to make out of a quite mundane and meaningless event, and objectively (due to the passage of time) find her own actions to be an embarrassment to herself. When calling this woman, she was seeking VALIDATION. She needed to know she was stirring up a shit storm with a perceived authority figure. The BIG MOMENT for video girl was a first time hunt-attack on behalf of her NEW "un"religion sociopathically aimed at a weakling
TheKasper8204 9 months ago
Having watched this; I'm curious as this was months ago, are you in contact with any of the people from the church after this conversation, or has all contact with your "friend" ended?
My own assessment of my former religious friends is I could hang around and get preached at, to a tiresome degree. What did I really have in common with any of them outside of a few superstitions we shared? All the things I admired them for no longer seemed admirable to me.
Kindertautenleider 9 months ago
Very well spoken, congratulations on having the courage to be so honest about it. It's a shame coming out as an athiest can be so very difficult, I'm very glad I grew up in an athiest family.
FFFlay 9 months ago
when you become an atheist, there's a period of a year or two when you do stupid stuff.
i understand your need to come out, did it too. bu now, these things seem now unnecessary. but that's what happens when you live in a world of religious discrimination
De4sher 9 months ago
The fact that you are blatantly making fun of this woman. shows us all just how much of a "christian" you were this video teaches us just how selfish and hateful you are. you claim to know truth yet you act cruel to an innocent woman... all to get views on youtube...you are obviously whoring for fame. i know you are angry everyone gets angry sometimes. but sorry nobody gives a shit that GOD didn't make you famous.
we were busy thinking the other 50 percent of humans living in poverty
bart666a 9 months ago
@bart666a I seriously doubt it. Y'know, on the contrary, I see it as just as likely that this person was bringing down a myth about militant atheism by showing the true nature of Christianity; one realizes an organization is a cult only once one tries to leave it, or watches someone try to leave it. This atheist was not cruel in this conversation. Your first words to her, however, are. Your head isn't filled with charity, it's filled with xenophobic malice. Now please stop attacking her.
KMallinson 9 months ago
There is no door marked exit in the Church. Once you are a believer you can't get out without throwing a chair through the window.
Even worse it is sort of an ethical bankruptcy in the eyes of a community you are close to.
SamWiseGingy 10 months ago
I don't think I will ever "come out" to my family as an atheist. I know that their shock would not be my fault, but I just can't do it. They have even said to other people,right in front of me, "The only thing that our kids could do that would truly disappoint us would be to turn their back on God." They would take the news to mean that they have failed in their most important duty as parents. But they have been great parents. As a part of my thank you to them, I do not mind playing along.
Requinix17 10 months ago
@Requinix17 I understand what you are saying and don't "come out" till you are ready. I have come out as an Atheist to my family and my grandmother almost fell out of her chair yelling "What what". My mom doesn't what me to talk about it because she says I am militant which is true when I am challenged. What my mother means buy militant is my honest defense when asked way I am an Atheist. It seems to me that my mother and I still have somethings to work out and it will take time.
christinepeace 9 months ago
Awesome video, thank you for posting.
gotitans999 10 months ago
i've never understood "coming out" i used to be religious, then i wasn't. no need to "come out" at all. however at work many seemed surprised when i refuse to pray or state i don't believe. doesn't make me uncomfortable, if it does them, too bad.
carllarsen 10 months ago
"I've had too many times when God has intervened in my life..."
Just in case you were confused about what she had said there.
Clatterpinch 10 months ago
I just wanted to say that this was damn well played.
ZiggyOsiris 10 months ago
you inspired me to tell my best friend who i grew up with that i deconverted. it turns out he deconverted as well.
RoyalMessup 10 months ago
Petitioning god is selfish? Ha. No one is as selfish as a deity that craves nothing but praise and glory (not to mention unquestioning obedience) from every human being. You shouldn't have had any guilt about debating her. You're not a blood-thirsty hound; she's a wolf in sheep's clothing
ghostofdayinperson 10 months ago
I honor your calmness. We get accused of being militant, and I find it hard not to be. The woman getting upset reminds me of my grandma. She doesn't like the fact I'm an atheist, because, according to what she's been told, I will spend an eternity in hell. At the same dinner conversations, I have my cousin saying, "At least I'm not dumb enough to not believe in god." It's these statements that provoke my "militant" responses, and make me sad for my grandmothers type.
raider6504 11 months ago
@raider6504 If you burned your hand on a stove, would your grandmother sit there and laugh? She sounds like a sociopath
ghostofdayinperson 10 months ago
beautiful video
PracticeMakesAwesome 11 months ago
my favorite is when ppl come out to "once saved allways saved" christians because then theyre left either saying they think an atheist who used to be a christian is still going to heaven OR denying that the person ever was a christian dispite the many years of dedicated faithfullness to the faith.
Keenanville09 11 months ago
Have you since got permission to use your friend's voice in this? Legally I don't know where you stand but morally this is plain wrong.
ChannelMirror 1 year ago
one of my old mormon friends found out that i had turned Atheist and she thought, automatically assumed, that i still believed in a god, but was having a hard time emotionally. she just couldnt comprehend that i simply didnt believe in a supernatural being. she is still a sweetheart but atheism is so alien to her experience of reality that it was incomprehensible to her.
mathdude28 1 year ago
I admire you for being able to have this kind of conversation. It was obviously really hard for you. It would have been even harder for me; I have a hard enough time just having this kind of conversation with my family. It's a really painful thing to do: to bare your heart to people who have grown to know you as a lover of a Christ.
colossus999 1 year ago
I admit that I had to stop the video a couple of times, it was difficult to listen to something so sensitive and personal. I think you were very brave for putting this up, hope the two of you remained friends.
larodem 1 year ago
"what brought you to this belief?"
"mostly just thinking about it"
lol... damn that free-will...
dangle66 1 year ago
I find it pointless to have religious discussions with religious people. It freaks them out and their main concern is to force you back to conformity. They also try to make you feel like a "bad" person, which I hate most.
goosed1 1 year ago
@goosed1 I can certainly understand that perspective. It's reasonable to have people all along the spectrum, from 'don't talk to me about religion' to 'I'll talk to anyone about religion.'
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@goosed1 I actually believe in a creator and call myself a follower of the teachings of Jesus and find it pointless at times to have religious discussions with religious people sometimes. Most of them just believe certain things blindly and can only answer the hard questions by saying that's just the way God wanted it or that you just have to have faith. My whole life I have not been content to not have answers for the tough questions. It's sad that most run from challenging discussions.
jrmaximus 5 months ago
Great Video, thnx heaps for sharing
shandcunt 1 year ago
Very touching story friend.
kailabreece 1 year ago
Which one is better? The "True Christian" or "Mature Christian"
AgentCROCODILE 1 year ago
im sorry but god this just sounds like an akward call to have to give as an atheist and recieve as a cristian im an atheist i used to be cristian i just never thought any of it made sense even when i was a cristian i feel like alot of people are cristians just so they can get into heaven as bad as that sounds cause alot of cristians are hypocrites and pick and choose the rules of the bible they want to follow
highonfire3653 1 year ago
Great video. I only wish ONE of my 'coming out' conversations had gone this well.
sheri226 1 year ago
When I came out to my mom (who is a minister) she asked me to "stay open" too. I told her I would but I knew I'd never be a Christian again.
arock2008 1 year ago
i feel so sorry for you lot over there in the states.....only losers go to church here in the uk and even the imported megachurches have a high turnover....it must be hideous and i think youare sooo brave to be atheist.
ezmereldagreen 1 year ago
@ezmereldagreen I've heard many of the church-goers in the UK are primarily going for the social aspect... I think we (US) are the only "developed" nation that the majority claim to have religious faith. I say "claim" because while many Americans will say they are religious, I can tell you the vast majority of them don't go to church (except when they get married), and don't read their bible... More and more atheists in this country are coming out.
dangle66 1 year ago
Not against your decision but you could have just said no
and the supernatural belief thing could have been worded better.
but whatever floats your metaphorical boat.
1ZombieRob 1 year ago
IMO, She really didn't give a crap about you, but was concerned about how you have failed "Christ". I would bet big money that her "nice and concerned" outlook to you turns rather catty and even evil when talking about you to her fellow Christians, which, of course, happened as soon as you hung up the phone.
Serpent257 1 year ago
You're quite fortunate, to have a friend that you can confess this sort of thing to, and have at least a civil discussion on the matter with. I have known people who, on a revelation of this magnitude, would forget everything that the other person had meant to them. Then attack them as though they had become the personification of this idea that terrifies them.
So fiercely will the human mind grip onto the convictions and ideas that it believes keep it secure.
kazen2 1 year ago
Great video....I think she was sad in losing a great comrade not you losing your religion....for humans no matter what our beliefs are kinda selfish...it's normal and I am sure I would have felt the same...but this is why she was so hoping you would change your mind...she knew without that glue to tie you together the relationship would never be the same...:(
heikkala2797 1 year ago
If you ever want to discuss religion with someone religious, make sure they are not someone whos feelings you consider too important. Because at some point, you're going to have to kick their emotional crutches away from beneath their feet to make a point. I'm not an absolutist, i dont think i have a completely defined model of reality set up. However, i find it hard to believe that in the whole universe, on a speck of dust floating on an endless ocean, hardly unique, one faith got it all right.
sagephil 1 year ago
@sagephil that last line rolls off the tongue
AnonymousComrade 1 year ago
Thank you for sharing this with us all. You did the right thing, I too would have been honest about it.When you have been close to people in a tight nit community of sorts for so long, the least we can do is tell them, from our hearts, how we feel and try to explain our new thoughts. I was never really able to do this as an ex JW because they shun those that leave. I was never able to have this kind of conversation with the ones I loved and left behind because they would not listen to me. Xx
summersun2828 1 year ago
Religion can be very emotional and deeply rooted. Well handled. Good quality of recording too.
I think honestly triumphs everything. Reality is what it is, best to get used to it as soon as possible.
ergoTheVenusProject 1 year ago
You are so so so sooooooo brave! Major props!
thefourthcumming 1 year ago
Hey there. I very much enjoy your calm, non-confrontational manner toward theists. I'm rarely capable of avoiding letting my snarky side out when confronted with what seem to me to be truly crazy beliefs, but I recognize your warm approach will likely gain more de-converts than my hard approach...though I do try to keep it as civil as possible, given the outrages I talk about.
Nicely done.
Underlings 1 year ago
All the junk about "don't give up on God, cause he won't give up on you", and a mature prayer warrior wouldn't petition God for themselves is dogging the real problem, prayer doesn't work, or better said, the God of the Bible doesn't keep his promise to answer prayer, and I, among many others, had the guts to question why?
I've realized there is just enough coincidence in life to give the illusion of some answered prayer, and that "God" is working in their life.
IntelligentProbe 1 year ago
I don't know if I could agree that praying for what you want is immature in the Biblical sense, because that is exactly what the Bible says to do! The intercessory prayer model of praying for others, so God works for you isn't so Biblical, but is a practical application of love towards others. However, I've prayed for others for years with no results at all. It really is true that one person doing something is more productive than 10,000 on their knees in prayer.
IntelligentProbe 1 year ago
The interesting thing about the Biblical God and prayer, is that if God is good, all powerful and all knowing, then prayer is superfluous, or should be. A good God will already be working in his all powerful ways through his all knowing capabilities for the good of people already, thus prayer should be rarely needed. However, the world doesn't match this view at all.
IntelligentProbe 1 year ago
I don't know that I ever had real supernatural beliefs.
I know that I used the institutions of religion as crutches to keep me from dealing with real things.
Retrieverman1 1 year ago
She seems like a wonderful person. Truly one of the good ones. "Beliefs" aside.
Nakedwow 1 year ago
Awkward moment---but remember you are NOT responsible for her "grief and shock". Her feelings were the direct result of her own capture by the Christian belief system with it's dogmatic and blinkered intolerance towards any ideas or thoughts that don't conform.
Born again Christianity is in essence a totalitarian belief system requiring unquestioning, obedient submission. I'm glad you found reason instead.
sweetsweatyfeet 1 year ago
@sweetsweatyfeet I couldn't agree more, and I'm now seeing, as I rethink what the Bible teaches, is the whole book from beginning to end is against real knowledge, inquiry and questioning. It was the desire of the "knowledge of good and evil" which brought on the "curse" and death. Abraham's unquestioning loyalty to offer up his son to God, is to be our example also. That God has chosen the "foolish things" to confound the wise (1Cor 1:27), is nothing more than saying the Bible is foolishness.
IntelligentProbe 1 year ago
Wow! This video is one of a kind as far as I know; capturing an actual 'coming out moment,' and some of the emotions and thought processes involved (aside from the classic "no christmas presents for you!" vid). Fascinating. However, I'm a bit concerned about possible complications arising from posting such a conversation, and wondering if altering your friend's voice might be/have been a good idea? I hope this gets many more thousands of views.
LazySundayClub 1 year ago
Thanks for uploading this. Have you met the lady since the call and how was that interaction?
SpookyFan 1 year ago
are you able to send me the photo/link to the photo used at 7:30?? i'd really like to use it on a paper on depression/lonliness that im writing x
Myster36 1 year ago
I have tons of respect for you for being honest. I recently did the same, and I am stronger for it.
jcsump 1 year ago
@jcsump - Awesome. I commend you for your honesty and bravery! Facing the 'demons' of societal pressure is one of the hardest things humans have to do. How did it go? Were you telling an acquaintance, friend, family member?
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction Well.. My family members thought I lost my mind while some of my friends turned away. That's the life of a free thinker...
jcsump 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction
I'm actually glad that there is an environment forming in which unbelievers are able to come out of the church. Pretending to be something you're not is never good.
Weeds removing themselves from the flower bed... who would have thought?
FillTheirVoid 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction I'm not quite there yet,I live with my father.I have no job and I'm going to school.I go to a superstitious church that believes in demons .Ive seen so called people so called possed but it really was something else.The dogma about being imperfect weights alot pain on human psyche.Eventually these people have a struggle with being perfect and the mind breaks down.Ive watched people cry so much from the guilt so much that they vomited.They said it was demons,I knew better.
vain911 1 year ago
You're a lot nicer about it than I could ever be. I could never honestly tell someone that I appreciated them "praying for me" because I failed to fall for their emotional blackmail.
"God loves you. How could you not believe in him?" I can appreciate honest kindness, but dogma wrapped in kind words is like crap with perfume sprayed on it. It somehow comes off worse than just plain crap, because now it's crap AND deception.
supermagicmilk 1 year ago
@supermagicmilk Ha! "God loves you. How could you not believe in him?" That's a succinct way of putting the sort of emotional blackmail that can come out of a conversation like this. The thing is, to her, what she said is absolutely true, no two ways about it. She doesn't feel deceptive. She, like so many people, thinks she has a handle on truth, and I've strayed from it.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction
I think she was mostly deceiving herself (deception towards you was a side effect). A lot of what she said was for her own sake. Her redefinition of you as an "immature christian" and hope that you "stay open" to a god you don't even believe in is just a sign of her self denial of what you had just told her. I have conversations like this with my family members all the time, so I've lost tolerance for it. I can't just hang up a phone and fix the fact that I don't respect them.
supermagicmilk 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction You are so nice and kind.
UrukEngineer 7 months ago
@supermagicmilk Coming from someone who is a relative of devout Christians most of them don't mean you bad. They honestly think that you're depressed or something and that's why you've decided to turn your back from God. Or that a great comfort in your life has been removed or something. My grandmother gave me a half-hour lecture on how drug addicts are atheists and how I'm too beautiful to go to Hell. They only mean the best for you; they're just ill-guided.
bookcreator 1 year ago
"supernatural experiences"
which could be anything.
you're being so gracious. its SO difficult when someone does not want to accept your non-belief and it sounds like she doesn't want to. i needed to hear this though. with as much as i loathe religion at this point i need much more patience with people.
lambchopxoxo 1 year ago
@lambchopxoxo Thank you for your comments. In some ways I was gracious for the wrong reasons, but sometimes the light touch is helpful. I was probably too light, but patience is ultimately helpful in winning people over to the understanding that atheism is not about denying religion, but embracing reason.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
"what's the point of prayer if god already has a plan"
egg fucking zactly
nakedapedude 1 year ago
@nakedapedude - HAhaha! Well said.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
It's just dawned on me what a heartstring puller the old "god wants to be in your life" line is - it's easy to imagine how tear jerking the tale of an estranged human parent who wanted badly to be with their child could be. We are programmed to want to reach out to our family in that way. He won't give up on you!
wearealltubes 1 year ago
@wearealltubes You're right! "what a heartstring puller the old 'god wants to be in your life' line is"... "how tear jerking the tale of an estranged human parent who badly wanted to be with their child could be". Well said. And the thing is, it wrenches her heart because she is a parent and she believes god is that perfect parent. The forgiving father in the prodigal son story. Yet how silly when you realize there is no parent, and I'm not prodigal at all...
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction Not to mention the irony of the poor parent, separated from their child, wanting only to be with them - except, of course, if their child doesn't want to be with them, the parent will be so sad that they will have no choice but to burn them forever.
wearealltubes 1 year ago