Well, Jelliedsoup, atheists seem socially inept, obviously, because God decided to make us that way. When he was making some Christians horrible murderers, creating children who would be raped as infants and beaten to death, and inventing Ebola, he realized he needed to punish atheists somehow as well. What better way than to make us nerds who are too awkward to be swayed by the popular opinions of the masses? Sure, it's harder to get laid. But at least I don't feel guilty when I DO get laid.
I disagree with Absurdism, I think that there's just been too much repetition in human history, too much clockwork too the universe to just give up on finding purpose to it. There's vanity in our world, a lot of things are going to seem meaningless, and a lot is going be meaningless, but it's cyclic, unrelenting, things end definitely with plenty of purpose and very little sense.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
So disappointed Joss Whedon is an Atheist. I'm never persuaded by what atheists say, they are almost as bad as Christians. A lot of people are going to praise this guy just because he is Joss Whedon. I'd rather be a Christian than be a Joss Whedon fanboy.
@Simon4948 There's nothing wrong with being an atheist. There is no, "they're just as bad as christians", that statement is far to general to be saying anything of value. Neither all christians, nor all atheists are the same or behave the same.
Nor does any atheist that I've ever met, doubt the existence of god because they think it's cool and hip to do so. Why does him being an atheist disappoint you? You otherwise would have appreciated and enjoyed his works so long as he believes like you?
@TatsujinSan: Yes, there's nothing wrong with being an atheist, but you can't compel believers to like them either. Joss Whedon's atheism seems to be particularly pure in that he doesn't seem to combine it with very much faith in human beings or in the working classes, and that shows in his works. I can't justify my rejection of atheism, but I heavily disagree with it. Its who I am. I think non-atheists get a very hard time.
@Simon4948 I don't understand the connection your drawing between his attitude towards human beings or the working class and his atheism. You seem to suggest that this makes his atheism pure? I assume you mean that in a negative way? As in he doesn't seem to have much hope or optimism?
I can't have "faith" in humanity but I can have hope for humanity. Faith would imply that I believe everything will be alright by virtue of our qualities, but I don't know that is true, so.
@mkmason2002 ... I'm sorry, LORD mkmason2002! I mean, YOU HEARD nothing, therefore nothing MUST HAVE BEEN what he said! Forgive me, oh Center of the Universe, for not waiting on you-personally to find the meaning of everything in said-universe! 39 lashes with a wet noodle! and back to the top of the high white tower! Flee-fleeeeeeeee!
@MetalxXxMayhem Well any rational person can see that. But even after coming to a simple conclusion, most people still can't help but wonder about life. A completely scientific person with no illusions of faith may still ask themselves "But why?". From I understand of absurdism, its not the answer thats important, since it can never be found anyway.
ALTHOUGH I'M A CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN (Baptist), I no longer believe that the Bible teaches eternal torment or suffering. The Bible teaches eternal punishment, but it's not eternal torment. In my popular Internet article, TRADITIONAL DOCTRINE OF HELL EVOLVED FROM GREEK ROOTS, I explain how and why teaching of eternal torment entered early into Christianity and how Scriptures have been misinterpreted and taken out of context to support that teaching. ~Babu G. Ranganathan (B.A. theology/biology)
SCIENCE SHOWS THAT THE UNIVERSE could not have sustained itself eternally because of entropy (even in an open system). Einstein confirmed that space, matter, and time had a beginning! That beginning had to be supernatural because natural laws have no ability to bring the universe into existence from nothing. The supernatural cannot be proved by science but science points to a supernatural intelligence for the origin and order of the universe ~ HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM (Article)
EINSTEIN CONFIRMED that space and time are just as physical as matter. That's why space and time can be altered by gravity, and space produces particles. Einstein's equations show that the universe couldn’t be eternal. It had a beginning. Einstein believed, because of science, in the existence of God behind the origin and order of the universe. He didn't believe in a personal God like Christians do, but he did believe science pointed to the existence of an all powerful and intelligent Creator
THE SCIENTIFIC CASE AGAINST ATHEISM: Please read this Internet article of mine published in Russia's English Pravda. It will be a real eye-opener for all who think belief in a Creator is merely subjective blind faith. Also read my article, LIFE ON MARS NO SURPRISE (In the Earth's past there was powerful volcanic activity which spewed life-containing dirt and rocks (meteors) into outer space. Mars may literally have millions tons of Earth soil)
DAWKINS, HITCHENS, AND HAWKING REFUSE TO DEBATE with creationists who are SCIENTISTS, such as the scientists at The Institute for Creation Research. Dawkins and his friends only debate non-scientist creationists. Read articles by scientists supporting creation at The Institute for Creation Research site. Read analysis from creation scientists about the latest news concerning fossils, astronomy, etc. that you won't read in the main stream media. Visit the Institute for Creation Research site.
WHAT IS SCIENCE? Science simply is knowledge based on observation. No one observed the universe coming by chance or by design, by creation or by macro-evolution. These are positions of faith. The issue is which faith the scientific evidence best supports. Natural laws can explain how an airplane or living cell works, but it's irrational to believe that undirected natural laws can bring about an airplane or a living cell. Read my Internet article: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM
NATURAL SELECTION DOESN'T PRODUCE ANYTHING. It can only "select" from what is produced that has survival value. If a variation occurs that helps a species survive, that survival is called being "selected." That's all it is. There's no conscious selection by nature. It's a passive process. Natural selection is a figure of speech. The term itself is a tautology. Natural selection only operates once there is life and reproduction, not before. Read my article: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM.
NATURAL SELECTION IS NO BLIND WATCHMAKER because it can only "select," not produce or arrange. If a variation survives, that's called being "selected." Natural selection operates only once there is life and reproduction, not before, so it couldn't have been involved in life's origins. A partially-evolved cell (an oxymoron) would quickly disintegrate. It couldn't wait ("survive") millions of years for chance to complete it and then make it alive! Read: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM
What a pussy. Atheists know full well why we don't like religion. We don't have anything against the people of the faith. Just the religion and the faith itself. Have the balls to tell him his holy text isn't so righteous.
@lordlacolith It's the comfort of believing in something greater, the community that comes with subscribing to a belief, and the feel good chemicals surging through your brain when you're having a religious catharsis.
I lost my "drug of choice" in college and immediately shopped around for a new one to get back into that comfort zone. Tried on everything from mainstream Christianity to folk Daoism. I couldn't find one that doesn't cost me my critical thinking skills.
@solusnoir Actually Daoism costs exactly nothing, unless you want it to cost you something. So if you feel that it costs critical thinking skills, that comkes from your perception of it (which is of course just as valid as mine (but different), which hasn't cost me anything).
But ultimately, it comes down to this: There is SOME amount of truth to everything and no absolute way of finding THE truth, so: Anything goes as long as we all treat eachother with respect. (Just my humble opinion)
Thank you, Joss Whedon atheist or not, your one of my writing heroes. Thanks with the BSB thing, there is always hope. Remember that. There has to be, or else, no fun. lol But that is just me. I am very Simple. (H)elp, (L)ove,(E)quality,(G)od,(F)aith,(B)eauty, even if others make you feel like you don't have it. To Joss Whedon, Wolfey. The orignal and ACTUAL, HISTORICAL Unofficial BSB fan, and a later blooming Buffy/Angel/Joss Whedon Fan! Hugs, kiss, prayers. :) :D Check out my many playlists.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Hey, I was an athetist, and alot of other things over time. Including one of the Best non-religious witches in the country. I couldn't pick one,back then. Then Jesus brought me back 2 years ago. I had a heart attack and woke up 3 mins later with dust out of my mouth and somehow, my heart started beating again and I came back. But I hope he finds God, I respect him, and I like him, and I'll keep praying for him and others.
Faith and religion are two different things. You need to have faith to live day to day. You just don't have to have religion to validate your faith. Joss has faith; faith in writing, his Muse, his thoughts, decency, etc.
As a Christian, I wish everyone would come to accept Jesus. But, it's a choice. If you do, great; if you don't, fine. Joss is an atheist. And I love his shows just as much as I did when I first watched them.
Speaking as a Christian, praise to Joss and a lament to "Christian media". Props to Joss for making Firefly and Serenity. He creates an environment/story and puts meaningful thought provoking questions in there that don't detract from the story and doesn't go ahead and answer them. Props to Joss.
He was simply saying that he has no problem with anybody that doesn't try to put their belief system above anybody else's. IE; live and let live.
I imagine the people he does have a problem with are those that lord their beliefs over others and attempt to discriminate, persecute, or condescend to all subjectively "lower" or "inferior" beliefs.
What I find particularly interesting, and perhaps Joss would too, is that so much of what he has written speaks to my faith. It's partly why I love Whedon's work so much. The other part is that he's just brilliant.
There are three models of Government competing for world domination:
(1) Communist / atheist: where government officials decide and dole out your temporal rights if any
(2) Sharia Law: where the Qu'ron governs
(3) Judeo-Christian model, where God grants our rights & liberties and THEREFORE they are unalienable, power resides in we the people, we are sovereign and the government is our servant.
@Mr88playmaker Um... Atheism is not the same as communism. Look it up in the dictionary if you don't believe me. Also, your definition of the so-called "Judeo-Christian" model of government is absurd. Throughout history there have been many dictatorships that were run by Christians. Also, I don't see how atheism would preclude democracy. The two have nothing to do with each other
America is nothing like your average Western democracy. America is a Constitutional Republic, and the only nation in human history where people do NOT grant your rights and liberties. Atheist countries have secular models of Government whereby HUMAN leaders decide and dole out your rights and liberties (if any). America's Judeo Christian model of Government is better. Ours does NOT trust in man. Our rights & liberties are GUARANTEED because people do NOT grant them. God does.
The laws of nature's God (of in the Declaration) are revealed in the Scriptures. See Locke Treatise on Government and Blackstone Commentary on law which were the logistical blueprints for our Biblical system of Government. A person's rights are defined by GOD and anything God says you DON'T have a right to, you DON'T have a right to.
I suggest you revisit the bible, particularly the Hebew scriptures. A state based on such scriptures would be a state of savages and rapists. The US was founded on principles like human dignity, which your god has no idea of.
And I'll claim any rights I please. Your god is impotent before human will.
@Mr88playmaker Your god ordered child-rape and slavery. Numbers 31. Justice is a foreign concept to him.
I'd suggest to you that anyone who's read the Hebrew and Christian scriptures is qualified to talk about it. I daresay you'd talk about the Koran or the Gita without believing in them.
Bankruptcy is a problem in America but it wasn't in ancient Israel. Today when a debtor burns his creditor (such as with the banking mess etc) the debtor simply won't pay his debt and that's that. In ancient Israel, if a CEO owed a farmer money, he'd make a deal with the farmer, whereby the CEO would work off his debt as a servant-contract slave. Imagine if "BANKSTERS" were mowing your lawn and fixing your roof. Sin begets slavery (whether forced or contract). God doesn't sin.
Child rape is never allowed by God. Rape is condemned in the Bible. The Israelites were PROHIBITED, by law, to even have sex out of wedlock (as it was fornication). There is not one single place in the Bible that says that God ordered his people to have unmarried sex with ANYONE. God specifically condemns rape and punishes the rapists. Virgins of ALL ages were to be honored, respected and well cared for. Men even married virgins and KEPT them virgins.
@Mr88playmaker Numbers 38. God tells the Hebrews to slaughter the Midiantes; every man and boy; every woman who has "known man". I don't know how innocent you are in the ways of procreation, but that's Bible-talk for "had sex with", indicating the women who were left were virgins. If they were virgins, in those days it was only because they were to young to have been handed off as brides: young girls, children. God's orders for them? Take them alive, to use "for yourselves". Child-rape.
@Mr88playmaker Anyway, I'm thinking this is a waste of time on both our parts. If you can look at the Hebrew scriptures and not turn away appalled at their savagery -- and better still, call it holy -- I do not think you are being objective, and thus I see no point in cluttering the comment sections of this video further. Good day to you, and may you avoid being butchered by someone who claims to have been sent by god to kill you and take your stuff.
And as for genocide: That's actually one of the coolest topics in the Bible! The Bible teaches exactly what Einstein discovered thousands of years after the Bible was written, which is that TIME does not flow in only one direction but that the present and past exist simultaneously. It's a heavy question, but ask yourself what you would do if YOU (like GOD) knew the FUTURE. If you could see Hitler afore time, and prevent him from being born, would you do it? God would.
There's an awesome story in the Old Testament where God commands King Saul to wipe out ALL of the Amalekites. Here's the shocking part that makes naive people who ignorantly equate "unpleasant" with "wrong." God instructs Saul to kill em all INCLUDING every woman and child. How come? Because God SEES the FUTURE. He saw THESE end time you and I are living in presently. Saul killed all EXCEPT for one harmless looking pregnant woman whose baby became the nation of IRAN who will start WW III
Wait til you see what will happen in the world today, in your lifetime, because one harmless looking pregnant girl was not killed as per God's timely and specific key instructions thousands of years ago.
The reason so many people can't understand the harsh sounding aspects of the Old Testament is because they are under a false sense of how time and space works. A lot of people (non believers) think that time is linear but that's an illusion. There is a such thing as timelessness / eternity.
Why can't god just kill the guy that's supposed to start WW III? He killed a LOT of Israelis during the 40 year walk just for some misdemeanor... and remember they belonged to the chosen people!
@Mr88playmaker Congratulations on contradicting your own argument.
"If you could see Hitler afore time, and prevent him from being born, would you do it? God would."
God didn't prevent Hitler from being born. Using your own argument, either your god is not endowed with the attributes that you claim or just doesn't exist.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
TychoCelchu (QUOTE): "God didn't prevent Hitler from being born. Using your own argument, either your god is not endowed with the attributes that you claim or just doesn't exist." (END QUOTE)
God DID try to prevent Hitler!. He commanded Saul to kill the Amelakites and Saul disobeyed. The Holocaust was a product of Islam. Hitler carried out the desires of Amalek. Had Saul obeyed and done away with them the world would be spared what's coming next. Amalek will trigger WW 3
@Mr88playmaker So your omnipotent super-being could only try to stop someone being born. Your god can't even do his own dirty work. That's pathetic and you are clearly insane.
@Mr88playmaker Say what? Islam caused the holocaust? Just what the fuck have you been smoking? Don't argue when you're high, you'll just say stupid shit like that.
@Mr88playmaker You clearly have no knowledge of second grade history, buddy. You bring shame to Christians, and for that you deserve to burn in Hell... but you won't because of what Joss very eloquently stated.
@Mr88playmaker dude what the fuck are you smoking, everything you just stated is bullshit. Firstly, atheism is the belief that there is no god or higher power, it is not a system of government and has nothing to do with communism. Secondly, communism isn't a system of government either, it's a set of values and principles and does not preclude democracy. Thirdly, god doesn't grant anything because he doesn't exist. The very concept of rights and liberties was thought up by mankind millenia ago.
@syrensounds Haha-that sounds like fun. Although, there have been so many editions (King James, the Greek, the Hebrew) it's hard to find one original. There are of course the Gnostic gospels-the gospels the Catholic Church decided to throw out, which are pretty deep-lots of spiritual paradoxes in there, plus it says you don't need bishops, which is why they threw it out. You can buy copies of em in Barnes and Nobles now-ah, the wonders of the modern press.
i jus wanna know who wrote the bible then? did one man write the bible? did a group of dudes come together and say to themselves...lets write a fucking epic, right now! i wanna know...
@syrensounds Yes. The Bible ADMITS that sweetheart-it is why it says things like "Deuteronomy, chapter 12". It was written by Hebrew priests and prophets-men. Some good, with some good ideas, some bad, with incredibly racist, violent, misogyinst ideas. There were prophets and spiritual leaders like Jesus, whose message remains beautiful and rarely followed by those who expouse his beliefs, and there are chapters that would make anyone with a belief in equality cringe.
@SherryZAnn thank you...at the same time couldn't things have changed over the years after translating the original? i say we all bum rush the vatican and demand the orginial bible....
@syrensounds I'm not sure how interested you are in the subject, but I was going to tell you that there has been decades and decades of scholarly research into the type of things you're talking about. Lots of it is in obscure academic papers, but there are a few books out there that are geared toward your every day person. The trick is finding something that's hopefully from an academic standpoint, and not swayed by faith based beliefs. I like some of Bart D. Ehrman's stuff.
I loved Joss Whedon's work before I realized I'm an atheist. Back when I thought there was a god, I enjoyed Whedon anyway, and prayed for him to a guy that didn't respond, cuz he wasn't there. And I felt good about everything.
I love Joss Whedon's work now that I'm an atheist. Did any of his work help me become an atheist? Not really. I listened to his take on things, remained a Believer, then had my own epiphany after a surgical 'procedure' but his stuff is just as good now as it was then.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
a lot of atheists say they have nothing against christian then they always say something hateful and disrespectful. I actually believe an atheist when they says they have nothing against me. but a lot of the hate atheist show to the christian faith does not belong to them. it's actually another force expressing it's hate for Christian's and Jesus though them. that why they don't even notice when they're being disrespectful or downright hateful.
Just remember this, Richard Dawkins and his Church of Disbelief do not actually speak for Atheists (I don't know a single actual atheist who thinks Dawkins is anything more than a cult leader!), they speak for Antitheists.
Atheism is ultimately respectful because, unfortunately, there is nothing in religion that can make us care about it.
Antitheism is who the Christians and other groups are actually fighting right now.
@sweetfatman - "I've been known to cite that Angel scene as a pithy statement of my own world view." -then welcome to absurdism. I too am an atheist/absurdist. This man pretty much said what I think.
This comes from the the Extras on the Australian DVD of Serenity. Some of the extras were released on the Special Edition of Serenity (and the Blu-Ray) but not this. It was a Q&A session with the audience after the pre-release screening. He mentions "this show" at one point and he is referring to Firefly.
I don't think it was when he was given the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard and the Harvard Secular Society's 2009 Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism.
But another great example of Whedon as a champion for secularism and humanism.
Well, Jelliedsoup, atheists seem socially inept, obviously, because God decided to make us that way. When he was making some Christians horrible murderers, creating children who would be raped as infants and beaten to death, and inventing Ebola, he realized he needed to punish atheists somehow as well. What better way than to make us nerds who are too awkward to be swayed by the popular opinions of the masses? Sure, it's harder to get laid. But at least I don't feel guilty when I DO get laid.
AlyssaJLewis 1 month ago 8
Why do many atheists seems socially inept?
jelliedsoup 1 month ago
I disagree with Absurdism, I think that there's just been too much repetition in human history, too much clockwork too the universe to just give up on finding purpose to it. There's vanity in our world, a lot of things are going to seem meaningless, and a lot is going be meaningless, but it's cyclic, unrelenting, things end definitely with plenty of purpose and very little sense.
wikieditspam 1 month ago
Very similar to my beliefs. Love ya Joss!
goredude7 2 months ago
From what I gather here, yes he's an athiest but he doesn't have anything against religious people.
That's cool. But Joss, I am still pissed off with you for killing off Wash and Book in Serenity! HOW COULD YOU!!!??? lol
wdj749 3 months ago
The question posed to Joss was the apex of presumption so typical of Christians, and it was big of Joss not to call the questioner a fuck wit.
manuellopez1956 3 months ago 7
As a somewhat religious person and a fan of whedon, I wanted to always ask that question. lol.
but to be honest, I agree with a lot of the things he said though.
poppotaku 3 months ago
From nerd rage
pat2001ish 3 months ago
i'm an atheist
Subzro777 4 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
So disappointed Joss Whedon is an Atheist. I'm never persuaded by what atheists say, they are almost as bad as Christians. A lot of people are going to praise this guy just because he is Joss Whedon. I'd rather be a Christian than be a Joss Whedon fanboy.
Simon4948 4 months ago
@Simon4948 There's nothing wrong with being an atheist. There is no, "they're just as bad as christians", that statement is far to general to be saying anything of value. Neither all christians, nor all atheists are the same or behave the same.
Nor does any atheist that I've ever met, doubt the existence of god because they think it's cool and hip to do so. Why does him being an atheist disappoint you? You otherwise would have appreciated and enjoyed his works so long as he believes like you?
TatsujinSan 4 months ago
@TatsujinSan: Yes, there's nothing wrong with being an atheist, but you can't compel believers to like them either. Joss Whedon's atheism seems to be particularly pure in that he doesn't seem to combine it with very much faith in human beings or in the working classes, and that shows in his works. I can't justify my rejection of atheism, but I heavily disagree with it. Its who I am. I think non-atheists get a very hard time.
Simon4948 4 months ago
@Simon4948 I don't understand the connection your drawing between his attitude towards human beings or the working class and his atheism. You seem to suggest that this makes his atheism pure? I assume you mean that in a negative way? As in he doesn't seem to have much hope or optimism?
I can't have "faith" in humanity but I can have hope for humanity. Faith would imply that I believe everything will be alright by virtue of our qualities, but I don't know that is true, so.
TatsujinSan 4 months ago
@Simon4948 If that is the case then i feel so so sorry for you.
itchygonads 3 months ago
great video.
theNCGstudios 4 months ago
Wow! You spoke for 3 minutes and said nothing. Typical.
mkmason2002 5 months ago
@mkmason2002 ... I'm sorry, LORD mkmason2002! I mean, YOU HEARD nothing, therefore nothing MUST HAVE BEEN what he said! Forgive me, oh Center of the Universe, for not waiting on you-personally to find the meaning of everything in said-universe! 39 lashes with a wet noodle! and back to the top of the high white tower! Flee-fleeeeeeeee!
mythmanjay 5 months ago 3
I can answer the question of why you're here for an absurdist. You're here because your parents fucked. SImple as that. Thats why.
MetalxXxMayhem 5 months ago
@MetalxXxMayhem Well any rational person can see that. But even after coming to a simple conclusion, most people still can't help but wonder about life. A completely scientific person with no illusions of faith may still ask themselves "But why?". From I understand of absurdism, its not the answer thats important, since it can never be found anyway.
Giodude93 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
ALTHOUGH I'M A CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN (Baptist), I no longer believe that the Bible teaches eternal torment or suffering. The Bible teaches eternal punishment, but it's not eternal torment. In my popular Internet article, TRADITIONAL DOCTRINE OF HELL EVOLVED FROM GREEK ROOTS, I explain how and why teaching of eternal torment entered early into Christianity and how Scriptures have been misinterpreted and taken out of context to support that teaching. ~Babu G. Ranganathan (B.A. theology/biology)
Mogley52 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
SCIENCE SHOWS THAT THE UNIVERSE could not have sustained itself eternally because of entropy (even in an open system). Einstein confirmed that space, matter, and time had a beginning! That beginning had to be supernatural because natural laws have no ability to bring the universe into existence from nothing. The supernatural cannot be proved by science but science points to a supernatural intelligence for the origin and order of the universe ~ HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM (Article)
Mogley52 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
EINSTEIN CONFIRMED that space and time are just as physical as matter. That's why space and time can be altered by gravity, and space produces particles. Einstein's equations show that the universe couldn’t be eternal. It had a beginning. Einstein believed, because of science, in the existence of God behind the origin and order of the universe. He didn't believe in a personal God like Christians do, but he did believe science pointed to the existence of an all powerful and intelligent Creator
Mogley52 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
THE SCIENTIFIC CASE AGAINST ATHEISM: Please read this Internet article of mine published in Russia's English Pravda. It will be a real eye-opener for all who think belief in a Creator is merely subjective blind faith. Also read my article, LIFE ON MARS NO SURPRISE (In the Earth's past there was powerful volcanic activity which spewed life-containing dirt and rocks (meteors) into outer space. Mars may literally have millions tons of Earth soil)
Mogley52 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
DAWKINS, HITCHENS, AND HAWKING REFUSE TO DEBATE with creationists who are SCIENTISTS, such as the scientists at The Institute for Creation Research. Dawkins and his friends only debate non-scientist creationists. Read articles by scientists supporting creation at The Institute for Creation Research site. Read analysis from creation scientists about the latest news concerning fossils, astronomy, etc. that you won't read in the main stream media. Visit the Institute for Creation Research site.
Mogley52 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
WHAT IS SCIENCE? Science simply is knowledge based on observation. No one observed the universe coming by chance or by design, by creation or by macro-evolution. These are positions of faith. The issue is which faith the scientific evidence best supports. Natural laws can explain how an airplane or living cell works, but it's irrational to believe that undirected natural laws can bring about an airplane or a living cell. Read my Internet article: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM
Mogley52 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
NATURAL SELECTION DOESN'T PRODUCE ANYTHING. It can only "select" from what is produced that has survival value. If a variation occurs that helps a species survive, that survival is called being "selected." That's all it is. There's no conscious selection by nature. It's a passive process. Natural selection is a figure of speech. The term itself is a tautology. Natural selection only operates once there is life and reproduction, not before. Read my article: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM.
Mogley52 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
NATURAL SELECTION IS NO BLIND WATCHMAKER because it can only "select," not produce or arrange. If a variation survives, that's called being "selected." Natural selection operates only once there is life and reproduction, not before, so it couldn't have been involved in life's origins. A partially-evolved cell (an oxymoron) would quickly disintegrate. It couldn't wait ("survive") millions of years for chance to complete it and then make it alive! Read: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM
Mogley52 5 months ago
Christians love feeling all martyred and persecuted.
100thmonkey 5 months ago 5
@100thmonkey An empathetic person would help them in their quest
skoockum 3 months ago
He beats around the bush?
twooffour 5 months ago
@twooffour no he trims the bush. rather he tears the bush from its roots.
M0j0S0D0pe420 5 months ago
this is a brilliant special feature, the entire clip is great and i'm glad i have the Australian dvd
T0pcatFilms 5 months ago
My favorite part is where he's like, "Um... um...UM...UUUM...uumm..."
Thunderholt2 7 months ago 11
Love Whedon!
TheEternalFlow 8 months ago
What a pussy. Atheists know full well why we don't like religion. We don't have anything against the people of the faith. Just the religion and the faith itself. Have the balls to tell him his holy text isn't so righteous.
Mstrjedi1852 8 months ago
Comment removed
ciaochowbella 8 months ago
"It's not Christianity, it's just YOU". Brilliant!
deadlyfalcon89 9 months ago 32
Now I love Joss even more
christinepeace 9 months ago
Joss Whedon. Mal Reynolds. Book. Fuck. Yes.
-IMP ;) :)
IceMetalPunk 9 months ago
so your belief excludes others is OK??
sungl0 10 months ago
Always loved joss, Always will. Christian or not, lol.
ageshero 10 months ago 4
I like Joss even more now
Bring on the Avengers!
Roper122 10 months ago 5
@Roper122
And Cap, he's writing that as well
twiztidlestat 8 months ago
@twiztidlestat ..Well.. re-writing parts of it... and probably filming the ending.
But I'm not sure if he did much.. I could be wrong.
Roper122 8 months ago
"I don't have anything against anybody unless their belief precludes everybody else's."
This view itself precludes those who disagree with that statement!
Jugglable 11 months ago
I will never understand atheists who wish they had faith. Why would you want that?
lordlacolith 11 months ago
@lordlacolith It's the comfort of believing in something greater, the community that comes with subscribing to a belief, and the feel good chemicals surging through your brain when you're having a religious catharsis.
I lost my "drug of choice" in college and immediately shopped around for a new one to get back into that comfort zone. Tried on everything from mainstream Christianity to folk Daoism. I couldn't find one that doesn't cost me my critical thinking skills.
solusnoir 9 months ago
@solusnoir Actually Daoism costs exactly nothing, unless you want it to cost you something. So if you feel that it costs critical thinking skills, that comkes from your perception of it (which is of course just as valid as mine (but different), which hasn't cost me anything).
But ultimately, it comes down to this: There is SOME amount of truth to everything and no absolute way of finding THE truth, so: Anything goes as long as we all treat eachother with respect. (Just my humble opinion)
ThegreatMizuti777 6 months ago
@lordlacolith He's just being polite I think.
halloweenicixi 8 months ago
Thank you, Joss Whedon atheist or not, your one of my writing heroes. Thanks with the BSB thing, there is always hope. Remember that. There has to be, or else, no fun. lol But that is just me. I am very Simple. (H)elp, (L)ove,(E)quality,(G)od,(F)aith,(B)eauty, even if others make you feel like you don't have it. To Joss Whedon, Wolfey. The orignal and ACTUAL, HISTORICAL Unofficial BSB fan, and a later blooming Buffy/Angel/Joss Whedon Fan! Hugs, kiss, prayers. :) :D Check out my many playlists.
Gonegoodforever 11 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Hey, I was an athetist, and alot of other things over time. Including one of the Best non-religious witches in the country. I couldn't pick one,back then. Then Jesus brought me back 2 years ago. I had a heart attack and woke up 3 mins later with dust out of my mouth and somehow, my heart started beating again and I came back. But I hope he finds God, I respect him, and I like him, and I'll keep praying for him and others.
Gonegoodforever 11 months ago
"Faith is an extraordinary thing, I'd like to have some but I don't..."
This is a powerful statement. My athiest BF says the same thing and is a fan of Joss. I think its a hard and elusive form of pride.
LadyNemesis2007 11 months ago
@LadyNemesis2007 Joss has Faith, and Buffy too (lame joke I know).
taiko78 9 months ago
Faith and religion are two different things. You need to have faith to live day to day. You just don't have to have religion to validate your faith. Joss has faith; faith in writing, his Muse, his thoughts, decency, etc.
erniehead 11 months ago
@erniehead - your definition of faith is so watered down it means nothing.
cosmicforums 11 months ago
@cosmicforums So is Joss's. Why don't you relax
erniehead 11 months ago
Well, it's not like he thinks anyone with a religion is an idiot. He's an atheist, but he respects people's views and belief systems.
wdj749 1 year ago
As a Christian, I wish everyone would come to accept Jesus. But, it's a choice. If you do, great; if you don't, fine. Joss is an atheist. And I love his shows just as much as I did when I first watched them.
TheEverydayGeek 1 year ago
You will go to hell!!!!!!
just kidding
You will go into fertilizers after your body decomposes!!!!!!!!
LermanProductions 1 year ago 2
If Shepherd Book was representative of those of a clerical bent, I would have a lot more respect for religion.
MrFungus420 1 year ago 5
But Joss, Monty Python already explained the meaning of life.. it's something to do with fish...
shanshii 1 year ago 4
Speaking as a Christian, praise to Joss and a lament to "Christian media". Props to Joss for making Firefly and Serenity. He creates an environment/story and puts meaningful thought provoking questions in there that don't detract from the story and doesn't go ahead and answer them. Props to Joss.
theironmongoose 1 year ago
@theironmongoose
I am a Christian and I approve this comment!
...and Joss!
JohnMoonlord 1 year ago
Amazing
enotdetcelfer 1 year ago
i respect this dude. atheist but not shitting on religion.
rzcmch 1 year ago
A great, big "huh?" Your belief does preclude everybody else's, Joss.
mse1576 1 year ago
@mse1576
He was simply saying that he has no problem with anybody that doesn't try to put their belief system above anybody else's. IE; live and let live.
I imagine the people he does have a problem with are those that lord their beliefs over others and attempt to discriminate, persecute, or condescend to all subjectively "lower" or "inferior" beliefs.
AxisAnalysis 1 year ago
What I find particularly interesting, and perhaps Joss would too, is that so much of what he has written speaks to my faith. It's partly why I love Whedon's work so much. The other part is that he's just brilliant.
Shelley464 1 year ago
Joss Whedon is an Atheist? Awesome! He's a great person and a great director/producer.
andyrooney11 1 year ago 2
There are three models of Government competing for world domination:
(1) Communist / atheist: where government officials decide and dole out your temporal rights if any
(2) Sharia Law: where the Qu'ron governs
(3) Judeo-Christian model, where God grants our rights & liberties and THEREFORE they are unalienable, power resides in we the people, we are sovereign and the government is our servant.
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker Um... Atheism is not the same as communism. Look it up in the dictionary if you don't believe me. Also, your definition of the so-called "Judeo-Christian" model of government is absurd. Throughout history there have been many dictatorships that were run by Christians. Also, I don't see how atheism would preclude democracy. The two have nothing to do with each other
freakinmayhem 1 year ago
Comment removed
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@freakinmayhem
America is nothing like your average Western democracy. America is a Constitutional Republic, and the only nation in human history where people do NOT grant your rights and liberties. Atheist countries have secular models of Government whereby HUMAN leaders decide and dole out your rights and liberties (if any). America's Judeo Christian model of Government is better. Ours does NOT trust in man. Our rights & liberties are GUARANTEED because people do NOT grant them. God does.
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker
WTF?
BlueBerryWizard 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker
Which ones? Life? Liberty? Happiness? Which bible have you been readin'? There's an awful lot of God-ordered murder in mine.
smellincoffee 1 year ago
@smellincoffee
The laws of nature's God (of in the Declaration) are revealed in the Scriptures. See Locke Treatise on Government and Blackstone Commentary on law which were the logistical blueprints for our Biblical system of Government. A person's rights are defined by GOD and anything God says you DON'T have a right to, you DON'T have a right to.
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker
I suggest you revisit the bible, particularly the Hebew scriptures. A state based on such scriptures would be a state of savages and rapists. The US was founded on principles like human dignity, which your god has no idea of.
And I'll claim any rights I please. Your god is impotent before human will.
smellincoffee 1 year ago
@smellincoffee
The Bible is a book about God who is Holy and Just, and about man who is evil and unjust. PS You are unqualified to lecture me about the Bible.
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker Your god ordered child-rape and slavery. Numbers 31. Justice is a foreign concept to him.
I'd suggest to you that anyone who's read the Hebrew and Christian scriptures is qualified to talk about it. I daresay you'd talk about the Koran or the Gita without believing in them.
smellincoffee 1 year ago
@smellincoffee
Bankruptcy is a problem in America but it wasn't in ancient Israel. Today when a debtor burns his creditor (such as with the banking mess etc) the debtor simply won't pay his debt and that's that. In ancient Israel, if a CEO owed a farmer money, he'd make a deal with the farmer, whereby the CEO would work off his debt as a servant-contract slave. Imagine if "BANKSTERS" were mowing your lawn and fixing your roof. Sin begets slavery (whether forced or contract). God doesn't sin.
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker. Child rape following genocide doesn't have a thing to do with indentured servitude.
smellincoffee 1 year ago
@smellincoffee
Child rape is never allowed by God. Rape is condemned in the Bible. The Israelites were PROHIBITED, by law, to even have sex out of wedlock (as it was fornication). There is not one single place in the Bible that says that God ordered his people to have unmarried sex with ANYONE. God specifically condemns rape and punishes the rapists. Virgins of ALL ages were to be honored, respected and well cared for. Men even married virgins and KEPT them virgins.
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker Numbers 38. God tells the Hebrews to slaughter the Midiantes; every man and boy; every woman who has "known man". I don't know how innocent you are in the ways of procreation, but that's Bible-talk for "had sex with", indicating the women who were left were virgins. If they were virgins, in those days it was only because they were to young to have been handed off as brides: young girls, children. God's orders for them? Take them alive, to use "for yourselves". Child-rape.
smellincoffee 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker Anyway, I'm thinking this is a waste of time on both our parts. If you can look at the Hebrew scriptures and not turn away appalled at their savagery -- and better still, call it holy -- I do not think you are being objective, and thus I see no point in cluttering the comment sections of this video further. Good day to you, and may you avoid being butchered by someone who claims to have been sent by god to kill you and take your stuff.
smellincoffee 1 year ago
@smellincoffee
And as for genocide: That's actually one of the coolest topics in the Bible! The Bible teaches exactly what Einstein discovered thousands of years after the Bible was written, which is that TIME does not flow in only one direction but that the present and past exist simultaneously. It's a heavy question, but ask yourself what you would do if YOU (like GOD) knew the FUTURE. If you could see Hitler afore time, and prevent him from being born, would you do it? God would.
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
There's an awesome story in the Old Testament where God commands King Saul to wipe out ALL of the Amalekites. Here's the shocking part that makes naive people who ignorantly equate "unpleasant" with "wrong." God instructs Saul to kill em all INCLUDING every woman and child. How come? Because God SEES the FUTURE. He saw THESE end time you and I are living in presently. Saul killed all EXCEPT for one harmless looking pregnant woman whose baby became the nation of IRAN who will start WW III
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
Wait til you see what will happen in the world today, in your lifetime, because one harmless looking pregnant girl was not killed as per God's timely and specific key instructions thousands of years ago.
The reason so many people can't understand the harsh sounding aspects of the Old Testament is because they are under a false sense of how time and space works. A lot of people (non believers) think that time is linear but that's an illusion. There is a such thing as timelessness / eternity.
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker
Why can't god just kill the guy that's supposed to start WW III? He killed a LOT of Israelis during the 40 year walk just for some misdemeanor... and remember they belonged to the chosen people!
mestrini 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker Congratulations on contradicting your own argument.
"If you could see Hitler afore time, and prevent him from being born, would you do it? God would."
God didn't prevent Hitler from being born. Using your own argument, either your god is not endowed with the attributes that you claim or just doesn't exist.
TychoCelchu 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
TychoCelchu (QUOTE): "God didn't prevent Hitler from being born. Using your own argument, either your god is not endowed with the attributes that you claim or just doesn't exist." (END QUOTE)
God DID try to prevent Hitler!. He commanded Saul to kill the Amelakites and Saul disobeyed. The Holocaust was a product of Islam. Hitler carried out the desires of Amalek. Had Saul obeyed and done away with them the world would be spared what's coming next. Amalek will trigger WW 3
Mr88playmaker 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker So your omnipotent super-being could only try to stop someone being born. Your god can't even do his own dirty work. That's pathetic and you are clearly insane.
TychoCelchu 1 year ago 3
@Mr88playmaker Say what? Islam caused the holocaust? Just what the fuck have you been smoking? Don't argue when you're high, you'll just say stupid shit like that.
raizumichin 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker God did try to prevent Hitler?
So much for God being all-powerful.
MrFungus420 1 year ago
@MrFungus420 ??? Just because you don't do anything doesn't mean you can't.
kennfletch 1 year ago
@kennfletch so much for the benevolence.
MrDevilBunny 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker You clearly have no knowledge of second grade history, buddy. You bring shame to Christians, and for that you deserve to burn in Hell... but you won't because of what Joss very eloquently stated.
LermanProductions 1 year ago
@Mr88playmaker dude what the fuck are you smoking, everything you just stated is bullshit. Firstly, atheism is the belief that there is no god or higher power, it is not a system of government and has nothing to do with communism. Secondly, communism isn't a system of government either, it's a set of values and principles and does not preclude democracy. Thirdly, god doesn't grant anything because he doesn't exist. The very concept of rights and liberties was thought up by mankind millenia ago.
0ngus 1 year ago
@syrensounds Haha-that sounds like fun. Although, there have been so many editions (King James, the Greek, the Hebrew) it's hard to find one original. There are of course the Gnostic gospels-the gospels the Catholic Church decided to throw out, which are pretty deep-lots of spiritual paradoxes in there, plus it says you don't need bishops, which is why they threw it out. You can buy copies of em in Barnes and Nobles now-ah, the wonders of the modern press.
SherryZAnn 1 year ago
i jus wanna know who wrote the bible then? did one man write the bible? did a group of dudes come together and say to themselves...lets write a fucking epic, right now! i wanna know...
syrensounds 1 year ago
@syrensounds Yes. The Bible ADMITS that sweetheart-it is why it says things like "Deuteronomy, chapter 12". It was written by Hebrew priests and prophets-men. Some good, with some good ideas, some bad, with incredibly racist, violent, misogyinst ideas. There were prophets and spiritual leaders like Jesus, whose message remains beautiful and rarely followed by those who expouse his beliefs, and there are chapters that would make anyone with a belief in equality cringe.
SherryZAnn 1 year ago
@SherryZAnn thank you...at the same time couldn't things have changed over the years after translating the original? i say we all bum rush the vatican and demand the orginial bible....
syrensounds 1 year ago
@syrensounds I'm not sure how interested you are in the subject, but I was going to tell you that there has been decades and decades of scholarly research into the type of things you're talking about. Lots of it is in obscure academic papers, but there are a few books out there that are geared toward your every day person. The trick is finding something that's hopefully from an academic standpoint, and not swayed by faith based beliefs. I like some of Bart D. Ehrman's stuff.
SamTay04 1 year ago
I loved Joss Whedon's work before I realized I'm an atheist. Back when I thought there was a god, I enjoyed Whedon anyway, and prayed for him to a guy that didn't respond, cuz he wasn't there. And I felt good about everything.
I love Joss Whedon's work now that I'm an atheist. Did any of his work help me become an atheist? Not really. I listened to his take on things, remained a Believer, then had my own epiphany after a surgical 'procedure' but his stuff is just as good now as it was then.
ZachsMind 1 year ago
Wow, I just started to like Joss Whedon a lot more.
thetramp123 1 year ago
@thetramp123 yea, me too
isaachaze1 1 year ago
i <3 Joss "If nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do" --Angel
TheUndeadAmerican 1 year ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
a lot of atheists say they have nothing against christian then they always say something hateful and disrespectful. I actually believe an atheist when they says they have nothing against me. but a lot of the hate atheist show to the christian faith does not belong to them. it's actually another force expressing it's hate for Christian's and Jesus though them. that why they don't even notice when they're being disrespectful or downright hateful.
Jonisdaman 1 year ago
@Jonisdaman I'm sure the ones who say they have nothing against them really have nothing against them.
lamtsite 1 year ago
@Jonisdaman
You're mistaking Atheists for Antitheists...
Just remember this, Richard Dawkins and his Church of Disbelief do not actually speak for Atheists (I don't know a single actual atheist who thinks Dawkins is anything more than a cult leader!), they speak for Antitheists.
Atheism is ultimately respectful because, unfortunately, there is nothing in religion that can make us care about it.
Antitheism is who the Christians and other groups are actually fighting right now.
TerminalViscosity 1 year ago
Hip hip hooray for Atheism!
iamericwhite 1 year ago
Hip hip hooray for Atheism!
iamericwhite 1 year ago
I've been known to cite that Angel scene as a pithy statement of my own world view.
Bravo, Joss.
sweetfatman 1 year ago 32
This has been flagged as spam show
@sweetfatman - "I've been known to cite that Angel scene as a pithy statement of my own world view." -then welcome to absurdism. I too am an atheist/absurdist. This man pretty much said what I think.
cosmicforums 11 months ago
what?
herbiefrog 1 year ago
This comes from the the Extras on the Australian DVD of Serenity. Some of the extras were released on the Special Edition of Serenity (and the Blu-Ray) but not this. It was a Q&A session with the audience after the pre-release screening. He mentions "this show" at one point and he is referring to Firefly.
mrdave2176 1 year ago 17
I don't think it was when he was given the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard and the Harvard Secular Society's 2009 Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism.
But another great example of Whedon as a champion for secularism and humanism.
Swoopyland 1 year ago
Comment removed
mrdave2176 1 year ago
this is wonderful, but when was this? Where was this? Were you the one asking the question? I want more info! lol
MaribethMartell 1 year ago
No problem.
baillou2 1 year ago