listen guys, if your a closet atheist, just let it go don't let people hold you down and not let you be .. you.
it will always be hard at first but time heals all wounds. With family slowly bring it up to them and allow them to still see you as there son or daughter which they care and love for.
Don't bring up religion and thus cause them to see you as just an atheist, and cause them to loss sight of who you are to them.
well, as i read in the comments down there it seems im not the only closet-atheist! my situation is kind of HARD... i live with my mom a very closed-minded/Adventist person and FORCE me to go to church every time she goes... i have no choice... once i was talking about evolution, and she started to cry and said she was very disappointed about me. i felt like... Damn i did not even tell her i was an atheist and she was like that?? what would be like when i tell her what i think about christianity
In Hungary most people are atheists. Even those who are religious are usually very mild about it. In politics it's getting a bit different. There are a few politicians who are expressing religious views and especially talk about restricting abortion and things like that. However, that isn't only religious either, because we have a decreasing population and we're a small nation state, so maintaining a certain number of population is needed.
I just put a well written respectful note on my room's door that's titled in a very un-assuming manner, and it's mid-night. Once I wake up first thing in the morning my family will get the message that I'm done with Islam (I live in Canada). This is probably the most courageous thing I've done in my life, I can already feel the dis-ownment of my family but I am not taking down that note. Oh my god my brain hurts. My family's gonna hate me, and my life will be hell, but I've gotta be honest.
I would love to add the Thinking Atheist as a friend on my facebook page, but a lot of the people I has a friends are also my co-workers. It feels very empty not to be able to say what I believe without worrying about my tires being slashed or being fired, neither of which I can't afford to have happen. When I'm sure that I'll be leaving that job is when I'll come out and have those religious people try to convince me and be refuted over and over again. Honestly I'm looking forward to it.
@jmvt3 protect your brain from being hacked-w/o you and your generation, the world is fucked--think of catholic school (i went to a jesuit school), as learning about the enemy.
I can see staying in the closet if you're still financially dependent upon your parents (particularly for college tuition), some kids who have come out as Atheists, have been kicked out of their homes by their parents (religious "family values").
But if you're worried that your spouse will divorce you for it, then that's not a marriage that you should stay in anyway.
Likewise for worries about losing your freinds.
The only people whose opinion matters, is those who accept you for who you are.
I'm also a closet Atheist... My parents, well, basically my whole family, are Christians. They're not big into it, but we do go to Church every Sunday. They shoved Christianity down my throat and I'm afraid if I said anything about not believing in God, they'll... I don't even wanna know what they'll do. I don't believe in God, and no matter how many times they try to convince me he exists, there's a lot more reason to believe he doesn't...
@medwatt That makes no sense. Atheist simply means you don't believe in any god and I'm pretty sure that includes the gods of every religion, not just Christianity.
I'm Canadian and I guess I'm halfway out of the closet. Most of my friends know I'm an atheist, but none of my family does. I was raised Catholic, and for the first 18 years of my life I went to church every Sunday. I've never really felt a connection to God, my "relationship" with him was basically praying for things that I wanted to happen in my life. For the last 4 years I've been living as an Atheist. Any tips on how to come out to my family? I think I'll break my mother's heart.
I've noticed if there's one thing christians hate, it's to be asked questions. Most of the ones I have known will talk at you, but if you ask detailed deep questions about anything in the bible, they will try to skirt around it or offer half assed explanations like,"well, I just have faith. "
Having nothing to go on but faith seems like an awful big gamble considering the stakes are your immortal soul.
I have never realized how fortunate I am to live in the Netherlands where there is not so much religious pressure... I have never struggled to be an atheist...
I'm a closet atheist with Muslim parents. If I don't pray 5 times a day, It's a sin, not only for me, but for my parents as well. I guess my entire family will go to hell.
Wow, this kind of pisses me off. I thought part of being an atheist or a skeptic was being understanding and sympathetic. CHRISTIANS can't see into the circumstances of others and can often only see their own veiw so it pisses me off that Atheist have the intolerant gull to say "since it was easy for me to come out then it should be for you." That's ignorant bullshit.
@whwsjackfrost Atheism is a single belief on a single issue, by asserting that there is more to it than just simply not believing in a god or gods is giving ammunition to the people who keep trying to assert that atheism is a dogmatic religion
Man, that first story was good. I'm twenty six, came out as an atheist when I was twenty one (though the process had started long before that), I just feel so far beyond caring really, that is about all the atheist issues. But wow, that first story brought back a lot of memories.
17 here and I recently came out of the atheist closet but now my parents are choking me down with Christianity trying to prove that god exists. But this is all shit Ive heard and all they really tell me is that the "bible is right because the bible says so" shit.
As a fellow atheist.I see this as a difficult situation. just as with the GLBT community. in order to grow and gain acceptance they had to put themselves out there. Even now however far they have come. they still fight against a stigma. We have a duty to one another to come out and be vocal. Yet I understand that I have no right to demand action from my fellows. As a group we need to move forward together but understand that the fear is paralysing. Only with an open palm can we move on together.
The argument that does it for me is how insignificant we are in the universe, and how self centered we'd have to be to actually believe a god in the universe cares at all about humans.
I used to be a bit of a closet Atheist a few years ago, then I found out my older sister was also Atheist and I came out. I was the first and only person in my family to confirm (I think that's it, not sure what the word is but its something teenagers go trough usually at around 13) but not religiously (My sister became an Atheist at a later age than me). My parents are extremely lax on religion luckily so they accepted it. Glad I live in Iceland.
My mother isn't even religious! Yet, every once in awhile she cracks jokes about how I'm an atheist. I can remember when I first confirmed that I was atheist she said "Great, now I have to tell my friends my son is an atheist"
This one time my dad and I drove by a gas station with a sign that said "JESUS IS LORD" I couldn't help make fun of it and my dad asked "What? Are you a little Athiest?" I said "No of course not!". I guess he could tell I was lieing and he said "Well you know son religion can be good sometimes. It's just that people can take it alittle too far." I couldn't agree with him more.
I had a religious friend (on oif those 'jesus is your friend' types. not too oppressive and liked dinosaurs as much as going to church) who asked me once what it was like to be Atheist. I replied: Free.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:14) Isn't it remarkable how true this is? Jesus states, only a 'few' will find Him, and follow Him. The narrow road, meaning the harder option, not the 'typical' route or path. The spiritual road, not the worldly road. Most people may be atheists, but this is predicted
Thing i dont get: What happens when you die? Is it just nothingness? Isn't the prospect of death a lot more scary then? What is our consciousness? I'm not trying to debate anything, I'm just trying to learn
@yh3e Sure, death does take on a new reality when you realise that it is the end, however just because the reality is not (superficialy) pleasant like the heaven concept i personaly wouldn't want to live what is in my mind a lie in order to try to kid myself into a more comfortable mindset. What is conciousness? Rather a big question, but ultimatly its based in our physiology. A good explanation of physicaly based conciousness is Daniel Dennetts book "conciousness explained".
@yh3e IMO when you die your body doesn´t work anymore, i.e. you don´t think you don´t breathe, etc. In terms of your consciousness yeah, it´s nothingness. This makes death more scary only at the beginning, because in the end it gives you the humbleness of being fragile, the simplicity of knowing there´s nothing immortal in you, and the patience required to make the best out of the time we have here. When you get those, your ego should wash away quite fast and you won´t fear death.
@yh3e The last question is harder. Conciousness is not a simple phenomenon and thus hasn´t got a simple explanation. Read about two things: how the brain evolved, how babies learn. The brain isn´t a wonderfully perfect organ, it´s a messy byproduct of evolution, and has many "brains" and "parts" integrated. Read about these. Babies aren´t born with a fully developed consciousness. They learn to recognize themselves in mirrors at about 2, and recognize their selves at about 7. Read about it
@yh3e In my perspective... Could be anything. Could be my spirit becomes one with some kind of energy. Could be I was wrong and there is a god (so... I'll be going to hell), but what I believe is most likely is that I die and nothing magical/great happens. The only thing that remains of me will be memory's... Its a good motivation to make the best of my life as long as I am alive. Sure its not the happy/joy/rainbow option. But I think of all the options that is the one that is most likely.
A spiritual sense and understanding going 'beyond' rational thinking of our carnal mind. It is spiritual, therefore the possibilities are endless! God is all powerful, and He can do all things. Nothing is impossible for the Lord (Luke 1:37). This is the truth. It's your carnal mind that is restricting you, and causing you to live your life inside a box. Just believe, and you will see miracles happen!
@edgecutterman Placebo's are not real. Miracles are actual events that happen above the ordinary, repeat, events that ACTUALLY happen, not just based in someone's 'mind', thinking that they have happened or just believing (placebo). Miracles take place, with many different witnesses involved in many cases. Placebo's have nothing to do with miracles.
@ItsSoMe2011 Well, just to prove that it's not a Religious person's imagination then tell me: WHEN did EVER a non believer/atheist ever witness a miracle? Please, I'll instantly start considering becoming religious when you find some hard proof/evidence.
@ItsSoMe2011 I'll agree that placebos have nothing to do with miracles, but the placebo effect is a very definite and surprisingly strong fact. You can't say the placebo effect doesn't exist, when 20-30% of people with a headache can take an inert pill and suddenly get better.
@StrikaAmaru Yes, I can agree the power of the mind also, but to a small extent. But miracles are extraordinary, and happen after prayer, which confirms a lot. A miracle is a particular event, the mind cannot produce (a circumstance, a divine intervention, etc) and many records show people experiencing miracles in their life when they have accepted God, including myself! Even atheists who have had NDE's have come back believing 'there is a God', and have converted. This is truth!
yesterday, my dad started preaching about god and about people who dont believe in god, and i am still a closet atheist, but i was about to burst and say "No way dad! YOUR the one being ignorrant and mislead" but no, i just sat there saying "yeah" I'm only 16 so, its hard to be an atheist with both parents being somewhat christian, and my dad is a fundamentalic christian.
@FreakyShow95 Wow i am 14 and my dad is a preacher and my mom teaches the youth sunday school class. I also have to go to a christian school and it sucks.
@FreakyShow95 Dude I'm in the same situation. I'm older but still dependent on my parents and it FUCKING SUCKS. I have to swallow all religious bs from my parents and go to church regularly... Cant wait the day i move out to college and finally be myself.
I KNOW that if i tell them I'm an atheist, that they will probably kick me out of the house... and im sure theres a lot more people like in our situations.
@cdog9991 wow, i wrote that comment a while ago i didnt know there were that many responses, i have come out to most of my friends, all i need are my parents and family :O
@FreakyShow95 yeah same here...Im 17 now and in my last year of school and living with my parents..my mom is heavy christian and the other day I said christianity or our church actually is a cult but I didnt say i was athiest and then she want on how great god is and started to cry and said I would have a heavy life if I live it without god and I just sat there and went like...yeah :/
@Heinoisurehero in that case i'm probably a bit luckier, my parents try (but do not make me go to church) unless its christmas -.- and other relegious days. My dad doesnt even believe in evolution, but i'm not living with him. so...
I will wait until i'm 18 and well off with a job and then tell them i dont believe in god. but hope you'll make it one day to come out of that closet, its tough man....
@FreakyShow95 Im also 16, a closet atheist and have to go through the exact same thing with my fundamentalist muslim parents. I understand what your going through.The only solution is to take the crap until being financially independant. Then you can be as militant as you like. :)
@ShooterCinema if i asked him if he respects me, it would just make an awkward situation, its not like i'm homosexual. just saying it would come out wrong, although i wouldnt actually say "i'm an atheist" but more like what you said yeah... just not right now
@ShooterCinema i dont live in america, i live in Faroe Islands, its not like i'm about to panic, but i often do feel like telling my parents i'm an atheist. Faroe Islands is a great country, but since its so little i wouldnt dare to come out as an atheist as for now, probably when i'm 18 but not now. i wouldnt get death threats (i think) but i dont know how my parents would react.
@FreakyShow95 my advice? say nothing. not yet anyway. they can still force you to go to a bible camp for the summer. it's like fat camp, but not as much fun. and u don't know what your brain will look like once it's over. protect your brain-say nothing.
The moment my best friend told his mother he was an atheist he was thrown out of his home. For no other reason than his lack of faith he was thrown on the streets by his mother. For about a month until he could get back on his feet my family took him in but if not for my family he would have been on the streets. This is just one thing that could happen if you tell your family.
For the atheist who say that closet atheist set us back my response is pound sand. These people don't owe any of us anything. We can't be so ignorant to ask them to sacrifice their complicated situation(s) just so they scan stand by our side and be counted as atheist. They have to do what is best for them and I could care less what that does to the greater atheist community. They have no obligation to us so get over it. To those in the closet, To thine own self be true!!! You are not alone.
whoever says and uses the argument you need religion to have morals... then explain why religions hates all other religions, especially Islam extremists and Christians extremists..... huh, huh?!
15:00 its similar to the reasons why many republican politicians come out as homosexuals, its a choice of career and family vs. being truthful to yourself and the world and lose your family/friends AND your career... not easy, but if I was a in the closet homosexual and a republican politician I wouldn't encourage anti-homosexual laws to being passed.
For the sake of sanity Seth, please stop using Iran as an example of prejudice. For goodness sake in israel you get jail time for converting people to christianity, wheres the freedom in that? the present climate around the world is unstable due to various political pressures as you may know. Its unfortunate that some brain dead people may listen to your reference and continue to waddle in their ignorance, so please if you're going to give examples of oppressive regimes, plz mention a few more!!
There can be predjudice against religion and atheism depending on the cirlcle a person is in. I have been in both places. At this point, I faced the reality that there is no supreme being looking over me.
@MsWildtiger No one is saying there's no value in owning your mind. But is believing in God existence constitute cult membership and mind control? It's like throwing the baby with the bathwater. It's sad you gave up the error that you once into only to fall into another one. Not all who were deprogrammed end up as atheists. They just drop this non sense that an organization should rule their life
The problems with coming out as an atheist seem to be much more a problem in America than the UK were I'm from, nobody cared when I came out, they were indifferent. Also I've seen lots of people in college as open atheists and people are very apathetic towards people religious views being much more interested rather in other traits of a persons personality.
To the person writing the letter in the first part of the video. You say you stay in the closet because your wife will divorce you, etc. Can I ask, does she really love you if that is true? My cousin told his wife recently. She told him she never would have married him if she had known. But aside from being unhappy with it, they are still togther.
I am so grateful to be living in Australia - while there is very powerful religious in our political system, Australians can say they are atheists without fear. In fact our Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, declared herself an atheist before taking office - something an American president can never do.
However, being an atheist would be even more dire in many African and Middle Eastern countries.
Keep praying to your giant sky fairy and maybe he'll fix everything for you. I am sure it will get right on that.
And if you dare to call C. Hitchens' is a terrorizor then I dare you to excuse anyone seen on TBN, a world broadcast of your propoganda, of doing the same.
@NintendOttawa Atheism is a form of freedom--freedom from the binds of religion. There's no fear of a wrath from god or any other divine being for any reason. Religion is a form of terror because it scares you into believing that if you sin, you go to hell. If you don't believe, you go to hell. If you break any teachings, you go to hell. If you do anything to contradict anything god says, you go to hell. If you believe more than one religion, you go to hell. Theism is a form of terrorism.
I am an out atheist but honestly no one who knows me actually believes I genuinely don't believe. The truth I was married to a Fundie, as an atheist, I didn't come out however till my son died, I got seriously pissed at all the "God" comforting, I finally blurted out, I don't believe in god or gods, I never believed. 13 years later people still think I am just angry at the accepted local version of god. In a way it made it easy, but generally its frustrating because of the pity
when i came out, my dad blamed scifi and my ant, because shes a different christian then they are, and i obviously cant make up my own mind and think for myself, something had to put that thought there. the next day i sobbed, then got out of bed and started highlighting the horrible and contradicting stuff in the bible, i only made it about half way through the OT and a little in the NT, even a little Book of Mormon, but i felt way better
I'm really lucky, when I became an atheist l soon found out that both my dad and my uncle and my aunt are atheists, and i found that about half of my friends are atheists later, and i discovered that my favorite guitarist is an atheist :) and apparently all the people i interact with on a daily basis dont mind my atheism, hell, even my bible teacher was ok with it, and she's religious! it's only when l visited america that people l met looked at me suspiciously but l think they got that im ok
I think what aggravates me the most isn't so much the rest of the world's non believers speaking up. It's the people in your own family that are closeted themselves letting you take the brunt of everything. My case is weird. My whole family believes in some fashion or another. I cannot believe that I am the only one with the balls to stand up and say that I don't believe it.
Somewhere in US Russian guy's first work day, he's voss (another Russian immigrant) shows him a lady of African ancestry and says something like "Even if she shits on her table, you shouldn't argue with her about that, because we need certain percentage of black people among employees if we want to get public tenders".
Well, can't tell about the "Old Europe", I live in a poor European country which is either Northern Europe (geographically) or Eastern Europe (given it's history in the 2nd half of XX century), so we have little immigration from Africa or Asia. Also I'm a bit puzzled, should I feel the "guilt of white men" since my country have no benefited from coloneis, except short reign over Tobago, instead large part of population themselves are descendants of serfs - white "semi-slaves".
I was glad to find this channel but find it difficult often to relate. Since the host became an atheist later in life he seems to cater to those doing the same. I always saw "gods" like the tooth fairy or Santa when growing up, always an atheist. As I matured I saw the devastation religion was doing and became an anti theist. I catch the show now & again but feel I need a more sophisticated (if that's the word) interaction. I am now fighting theism to prevent more damage.
My uncle states that "it is IMPOSSIBLE to see God's ability and realism without accepting Him." Ehhh so the argument there is, in order to believe in God you must believe in God. I told him this and he said he can help me. I said "Fuck you, trying to convert people is how war happens. I don't want that. Love you!" then I left. I meant every word in that, even the "I love you."
Christians believe that Harry Potter will basically take over someone and make them think that magic is real. Non-religious people understand that Harry Potter is just a book and movie series that is used purely for our entertainment, not our way of living. Thus, Christians are the ones that believe Harry Potter is bad. I've actually had a Christian tell me that I'll pick up a wand and believe something will happen. I don't believe in their silly religion. Why would I believe in Harry Potter?
I'm very open about my Atheism. My family accepts me along the lines of they aren't shunning me because of it. But my dad and grandparents give me the hardest time about it. The biggest issue, though, is my boyfriend's religious parents. Before he and I started dating, he was a strong Christian, and I was an Atheist. Eventually, his love for Science triggered the logic in his brain. He, too, is an Atheist now, but he still hasn't told his parents. We are waiting for the right time...
seth is right, writing a letter about your thoughts is an excellent way to think through your ideas and get your mind clear about what and who you are--you can send it out or keep it to yourself, either way it is good to do
This podcast reminds me of how alienated I am. I was a devout believer and helped start a church, etc. Now I am an atheist. Its like hell almost. I wish there was a world with no faith and only acceptance of reality and skeptical thinking. Thankfully I am here in the USA and not some ignorant Islamic nation.
@Fortune2point0 Waaaay off. Not quite. The USA is not paradise but the Middle East and Africa is dangerously intolerant. You obviously havent been there and dont know whats going on in the world.
@777Atum The north is probably fine, but I stayed in Texas for 3 months, the amount of hate there towards atheists, muslims, or anyone that wasn't a "God fearin' 'merican" was absolutely astounding. Luckily I live in a tolerant nation (Canada) and don't have to deal with shit like that.
It's amusing the censorship on theistic videos, as though they dare not allow atheistic views to be expressed and debated on the basis of reason. The opposite is true on atheistic videos. I'm by no means inferring that this makes a proposition true or false, but it's an interesting observation nonetheless.
@RatherCynical That's because the best way an Atheistic position can seem rational is to let the religious ramble on at great length, as they are want to do. Well for 400 characters anyway.
@RatherCynical If i were good at making videos, I would welcome comments from theists, as it's an opportunity to practice my debate skills. You get better at debate the more you practice. However faith works the other way. Your faith weakens the more dissenting voices you have.
@RatherCynical for some of us we just predict what the person will say, and it is generally a logical fallacy, so we interject, still that is a failure in debating though.
I'm probably one of the more fortunate people here, I never had to BE in a closet because, while my parents are still somewhat religious, they are the most open and accepting people you will ever know. My dad learned that I was an atheist, quite by accident, when I was taking a survey poll on the phone when he was in the room. When they asked for my religious affiliation I replied "Atheist" and when it was over my dad said "So your an Atheist?" I answered "Yes" more or less and he said "Okay."
@kmkdenali I agree completely. I have relatives who strongly believe in god, and I see no need to tell them. I go to church with them, just secretely laughing at the blasphemy.
One of the surest routes to atheism is to have a decent knowledge of the history of how the bible came to be - not "Bible History", but the actual route by which a minor Middle-Eastern volcanically-inspired deity of a group of superstitious, ignorant, misogynistic Bronze-Age Middle-Eastern nomads, came to be the basis for three of the world's major religions...
People living in the states of Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Nebraska - to name a few - would experience hostility if they were to publicly "come out" as atheists... The caller - "Sam" - wasn't saying that ALL atheists should stay undercover - he was saying that it would be useful to have SOME atheists undercover, as they can be very effective working behind the scenes instead of being fanatically open...
Well coming from a country where it's usually assumed you don't have a religion unless you say so I find it hard to relate to closet atheists. Great that your coming each week now though =D
It's hard for me to imagine "pretending" to be religious. It seems almost as absurd as trying to maintain the position that I actually believe in elves that live in middle earth. I've kind of just accepted that none of my friends will be religious, mainly because a religious person would never be friends with someone who insults their beliefs like I do.
@NewUser21111 I've got enough room to hide in. My closet has three guitars, a small guitar amp, a large carry on bag people usually use for vacation to hold my clean clothing, and a top shelf filled with books, manuals, and a load of other tripe.
I'm a closet atheist to most around me. Living in the bible belt, I have nothing to gain by coming out. I'm just laying low and laughing on the inside.
listen guys, if your a closet atheist, just let it go don't let people hold you down and not let you be .. you.
it will always be hard at first but time heals all wounds. With family slowly bring it up to them and allow them to still see you as there son or daughter which they care and love for.
Don't bring up religion and thus cause them to see you as just an atheist, and cause them to loss sight of who you are to them.
TheSolitaryTraveller 5 days ago
well, as i read in the comments down there it seems im not the only closet-atheist! my situation is kind of HARD... i live with my mom a very closed-minded/Adventist person and FORCE me to go to church every time she goes... i have no choice... once i was talking about evolution, and she started to cry and said she was very disappointed about me. i felt like... Damn i did not even tell her i was an atheist and she was like that?? what would be like when i tell her what i think about christianity
Kd4Master 1 week ago
@Kd4Master cant wait for becoming major...
Kd4Master 1 week ago
Wait, why the fuck, am I watching this?
bucketfullotone 1 week ago
In Hungary most people are atheists. Even those who are religious are usually very mild about it. In politics it's getting a bit different. There are a few politicians who are expressing religious views and especially talk about restricting abortion and things like that. However, that isn't only religious either, because we have a decreasing population and we're a small nation state, so maintaining a certain number of population is needed.
zeldaofarel 1 week ago
I just put a well written respectful note on my room's door that's titled in a very un-assuming manner, and it's mid-night. Once I wake up first thing in the morning my family will get the message that I'm done with Islam (I live in Canada). This is probably the most courageous thing I've done in my life, I can already feel the dis-ownment of my family but I am not taking down that note. Oh my god my brain hurts. My family's gonna hate me, and my life will be hell, but I've gotta be honest.
GouledXD 1 week ago
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GouledXD 1 week ago
@DawsonsCrack
That's a good idea.
largecouchpotato 1 week ago
what if you are a muslim living in a middle eastern country ..and if you come out as an atheist you DIE (by law) ...
DentistD1G 1 week ago
Gosh and I thought coming out as a Gay was difficult :) I think you American Atheists need an Annual Atheist Pride Parade :)
DawsonsCrack 1 week ago 4
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DawsonsCrack 1 week ago
I would love to add the Thinking Atheist as a friend on my facebook page, but a lot of the people I has a friends are also my co-workers. It feels very empty not to be able to say what I believe without worrying about my tires being slashed or being fired, neither of which I can't afford to have happen. When I'm sure that I'll be leaving that job is when I'll come out and have those religious people try to convince me and be refuted over and over again. Honestly I'm looking forward to it.
angryfirefly 1 week ago
@angryfirefly you aren't alone. don't keep the faith, firefly!
iconografer 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I'm an atheist raised by Catholics, going to a catholic school were religion is a required course..... HELP!
jmvt3 2 weeks ago
I'm an atheist being raised by Catholics and going to a catholic high school were religion is a required course..... Help!
jmvt3 2 weeks ago
@jmvt3 protect your brain from being hacked-w/o you and your generation, the world is fucked--think of catholic school (i went to a jesuit school), as learning about the enemy.
iconografer 1 week ago
I really hate that watching these videos makes youtube play those moronic mormon ads.
TheSamuraiGoomba 2 weeks ago in playlist More videos from TheThinkingAtheist
I can see staying in the closet if you're still financially dependent upon your parents (particularly for college tuition), some kids who have come out as Atheists, have been kicked out of their homes by their parents (religious "family values").
But if you're worried that your spouse will divorce you for it, then that's not a marriage that you should stay in anyway.
Likewise for worries about losing your freinds.
The only people whose opinion matters, is those who accept you for who you are.
SinnFein4ever 2 weeks ago
If I wasn't a Latter-Day Saint, I'd probably be an atheist. Maybe agnostic. It's the only religion that's answered my questions.
savezelda 2 weeks ago
Good news is, i am an atheist...and bad news is, i live in Pakistan :)
sparkiNeuron 2 weeks ago
I'm also a closet Atheist... My parents, well, basically my whole family, are Christians. They're not big into it, but we do go to Church every Sunday. They shoved Christianity down my throat and I'm afraid if I said anything about not believing in God, they'll... I don't even wanna know what they'll do. I don't believe in God, and no matter how many times they try to convince me he exists, there's a lot more reason to believe he doesn't...
Flobabazz 2 weeks ago in playlist Uploaded videos
I think atheists are just non-Christians, not really atheists.
medwatt 2 weeks ago in playlist More videos from TheThinkingAtheist
@medwatt That makes no sense. Atheist simply means you don't believe in any god and I'm pretty sure that includes the gods of every religion, not just Christianity.
MrGrungeCake 2 weeks ago in playlist Uploaded videos
The only reason I haven't came out as an atheist is because I don't want to hurt my family, is that a bad reason?
zaraki0912 2 weeks ago
I'm Canadian and I guess I'm halfway out of the closet. Most of my friends know I'm an atheist, but none of my family does. I was raised Catholic, and for the first 18 years of my life I went to church every Sunday. I've never really felt a connection to God, my "relationship" with him was basically praying for things that I wanted to happen in my life. For the last 4 years I've been living as an Atheist. Any tips on how to come out to my family? I think I'll break my mother's heart.
gilldawe 3 weeks ago
@gilldawe Have you heard of the Friendly Atheist web site? There is an" Ask Richard "column .The man has lots of good advice.Good luck
shoebutton100 2 weeks ago
God will annihilate atheists in the end ...there is no eternal hell
burgerbank 3 weeks ago
I've noticed if there's one thing christians hate, it's to be asked questions. Most of the ones I have known will talk at you, but if you ask detailed deep questions about anything in the bible, they will try to skirt around it or offer half assed explanations like,"well, I just have faith. "
Having nothing to go on but faith seems like an awful big gamble considering the stakes are your immortal soul.
chica349 3 weeks ago
I have never realized how fortunate I am to live in the Netherlands where there is not so much religious pressure... I have never struggled to be an atheist...
AppleCore360 3 weeks ago
I feel VERY fortunate that the people that matter to me accept that i'm atheist. For them it's simply a matter of individual choice.
screenpuller 3 weeks ago
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The Bible = Adult Fairy Tale book. A person that still thinks fairy tales are real, even on their adulthood.
orioncheung 3 weeks ago
oh shit that third guy i recognize his voice he was in my class, i think he might be a guy who was in my class at columbia
Colleywoodstudios 1 month ago in playlist More videos from TheThinkingAtheist
I'm a closet atheist with Muslim parents. If I don't pray 5 times a day, It's a sin, not only for me, but for my parents as well. I guess my entire family will go to hell.
needcoffee 1 month ago
I found myself thinking "I'm a human being, my life has value!" when you said the last sentence.
Baeloth 1 month ago in playlist More videos from TheThinkingAtheist
Wow, this kind of pisses me off. I thought part of being an atheist or a skeptic was being understanding and sympathetic. CHRISTIANS can't see into the circumstances of others and can often only see their own veiw so it pisses me off that Atheist have the intolerant gull to say "since it was easy for me to come out then it should be for you." That's ignorant bullshit.
whwsjackfrost 1 month ago
@whwsjackfrost 'I thought part of being an atheist or a skeptic was being understanding and sympathetic'
Nope, it means you don't believe in god. None of that other stuff.
Slanguaj 1 month ago
@whwsjackfrost Atheism is a single belief on a single issue, by asserting that there is more to it than just simply not believing in a god or gods is giving ammunition to the people who keep trying to assert that atheism is a dogmatic religion
iseezapie 1 month ago
Man, that first story was good. I'm twenty six, came out as an atheist when I was twenty one (though the process had started long before that), I just feel so far beyond caring really, that is about all the atheist issues. But wow, that first story brought back a lot of memories.
utubesux222 1 month ago
17 here and I recently came out of the atheist closet but now my parents are choking me down with Christianity trying to prove that god exists. But this is all shit Ive heard and all they really tell me is that the "bible is right because the bible says so" shit.
sonic2846 1 month ago
As a fellow atheist.I see this as a difficult situation. just as with the GLBT community. in order to grow and gain acceptance they had to put themselves out there. Even now however far they have come. they still fight against a stigma. We have a duty to one another to come out and be vocal. Yet I understand that I have no right to demand action from my fellows. As a group we need to move forward together but understand that the fear is paralysing. Only with an open palm can we move on together.
nikmindage 1 month ago in playlist Radio Podcasts
The argument that does it for me is how insignificant we are in the universe, and how self centered we'd have to be to actually believe a god in the universe cares at all about humans.
HHRoblox 1 month ago
I used to be a bit of a closet Atheist a few years ago, then I found out my older sister was also Atheist and I came out. I was the first and only person in my family to confirm (I think that's it, not sure what the word is but its something teenagers go trough usually at around 13) but not religiously (My sister became an Atheist at a later age than me). My parents are extremely lax on religion luckily so they accepted it. Glad I live in Iceland.
BlueEye096 1 month ago in playlist More videos from TheThinkingAtheist
My mother isn't even religious! Yet, every once in awhile she cracks jokes about how I'm an atheist. I can remember when I first confirmed that I was atheist she said "Great, now I have to tell my friends my son is an atheist"
MrSwedenik 1 month ago
This one time my dad and I drove by a gas station with a sign that said "JESUS IS LORD" I couldn't help make fun of it and my dad asked "What? Are you a little Athiest?" I said "No of course not!". I guess he could tell I was lieing and he said "Well you know son religion can be good sometimes. It's just that people can take it alittle too far." I couldn't agree with him more.
Carnosaurus1337 1 month ago
I had a religious friend (on oif those 'jesus is your friend' types. not too oppressive and liked dinosaurs as much as going to church) who asked me once what it was like to be Atheist. I replied: Free.
thegriffin88 1 month ago 10
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:14) Isn't it remarkable how true this is? Jesus states, only a 'few' will find Him, and follow Him. The narrow road, meaning the harder option, not the 'typical' route or path. The spiritual road, not the worldly road. Most people may be atheists, but this is predicted
ItsSoMe2011 1 month ago
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yh3e 1 month ago
Thing i dont get: What happens when you die? Is it just nothingness? Isn't the prospect of death a lot more scary then? What is our consciousness? I'm not trying to debate anything, I'm just trying to learn
yh3e 1 month ago
@yh3e Your just human. We can't comprehend nothing, when you die you'll just die only knowing something than your conscious will no longer exist.
nextgenvids 1 month ago
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@nextgenvids But isnt that terrifying??? the idea of just... no consciousness?
yh3e 1 month ago
@yh3e Sure, death does take on a new reality when you realise that it is the end, however just because the reality is not (superficialy) pleasant like the heaven concept i personaly wouldn't want to live what is in my mind a lie in order to try to kid myself into a more comfortable mindset. What is conciousness? Rather a big question, but ultimatly its based in our physiology. A good explanation of physicaly based conciousness is Daniel Dennetts book "conciousness explained".
anothergazman 1 month ago
@yh3e IMO when you die your body doesn´t work anymore, i.e. you don´t think you don´t breathe, etc. In terms of your consciousness yeah, it´s nothingness. This makes death more scary only at the beginning, because in the end it gives you the humbleness of being fragile, the simplicity of knowing there´s nothing immortal in you, and the patience required to make the best out of the time we have here. When you get those, your ego should wash away quite fast and you won´t fear death.
fuzzjank 1 month ago
@yh3e The last question is harder. Conciousness is not a simple phenomenon and thus hasn´t got a simple explanation. Read about two things: how the brain evolved, how babies learn. The brain isn´t a wonderfully perfect organ, it´s a messy byproduct of evolution, and has many "brains" and "parts" integrated. Read about these. Babies aren´t born with a fully developed consciousness. They learn to recognize themselves in mirrors at about 2, and recognize their selves at about 7. Read about it
fuzzjank 1 month ago
@yh3e Remember the year before you were born... it's kind of like that
abraxus018 1 month ago
@abraxus018 We'll I can't remember much the year after I was born either.
yh3e 1 month ago
@yh3e In my perspective... Could be anything. Could be my spirit becomes one with some kind of energy. Could be I was wrong and there is a god (so... I'll be going to hell), but what I believe is most likely is that I die and nothing magical/great happens. The only thing that remains of me will be memory's... Its a good motivation to make the best of my life as long as I am alive. Sure its not the happy/joy/rainbow option. But I think of all the options that is the one that is most likely.
AppleCore360 3 weeks ago
great show man.
canbuyu 1 month ago
@ItSoMe2011 go spread your christian propaganda elsewhere!
canbuyu 1 month ago
@ItSoMe go spread your christian propaganda elsewhere.
canbuyu 1 month ago
These podcasts are amazing!
TheBlakearmstrong 1 month ago
i would come out but i like having a place to live LOL
crackthecorn 1 month ago
I accidentally posted this to my facebook and left it up all day. I am so fucked.
ThePussyNigger 1 month ago
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A spiritual sense and understanding going 'beyond' rational thinking of our carnal mind. It is spiritual, therefore the possibilities are endless! God is all powerful, and He can do all things. Nothing is impossible for the Lord (Luke 1:37). This is the truth. It's your carnal mind that is restricting you, and causing you to live your life inside a box. Just believe, and you will see miracles happen!
ItsSoMe2011 1 month ago
@ItsSoMe2011 You will only see miracles if you believe in them.
Ever heard of Placebo effect buddy?
edgecutterman 1 month ago
@edgecutterman Placebo's are not real. Miracles are actual events that happen above the ordinary, repeat, events that ACTUALLY happen, not just based in someone's 'mind', thinking that they have happened or just believing (placebo). Miracles take place, with many different witnesses involved in many cases. Placebo's have nothing to do with miracles.
ItsSoMe2011 1 month ago
@ItsSoMe2011 Well, just to prove that it's not a Religious person's imagination then tell me: WHEN did EVER a non believer/atheist ever witness a miracle? Please, I'll instantly start considering becoming religious when you find some hard proof/evidence.
edgecutterman 1 month ago
@ItsSoMe2011 I'll agree that placebos have nothing to do with miracles, but the placebo effect is a very definite and surprisingly strong fact. You can't say the placebo effect doesn't exist, when 20-30% of people with a headache can take an inert pill and suddenly get better.
StrikaAmaru 1 month ago
@StrikaAmaru Yes, I can agree the power of the mind also, but to a small extent. But miracles are extraordinary, and happen after prayer, which confirms a lot. A miracle is a particular event, the mind cannot produce (a circumstance, a divine intervention, etc) and many records show people experiencing miracles in their life when they have accepted God, including myself! Even atheists who have had NDE's have come back believing 'there is a God', and have converted. This is truth!
ItsSoMe2011 1 month ago
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I hope everyone commenting on this has joined their local/national atheist/secular societies.
Isn't it time you took some action?
trixapete 1 month ago
yesterday, my dad started preaching about god and about people who dont believe in god, and i am still a closet atheist, but i was about to burst and say "No way dad! YOUR the one being ignorrant and mislead" but no, i just sat there saying "yeah" I'm only 16 so, its hard to be an atheist with both parents being somewhat christian, and my dad is a fundamentalic christian.
FreakyShow95 1 month ago 24
@FreakyShow95 Wow i am 14 and my dad is a preacher and my mom teaches the youth sunday school class. I also have to go to a christian school and it sucks.
gingerkitty14 1 month ago
@FreakyShow95 Dude I'm in the same situation. I'm older but still dependent on my parents and it FUCKING SUCKS. I have to swallow all religious bs from my parents and go to church regularly... Cant wait the day i move out to college and finally be myself.
I KNOW that if i tell them I'm an atheist, that they will probably kick me out of the house... and im sure theres a lot more people like in our situations.
cdog9991 1 month ago
@cdog9991 wow, i wrote that comment a while ago i didnt know there were that many responses, i have come out to most of my friends, all i need are my parents and family :O
it sucks, having stupid/ignorrant parents....
FreakyShow95 1 month ago
@FreakyShow95
good luck,
ShooterCinema 1 month ago
@FreakyShow95 That sucks, in sweden 80% of the population are atheist, its almost completely atheist and being christian makes YOU unique.
The irony.
psnflak88 1 month ago 2
@psnflak88 i have family in sweden, would be cool if they were atheists :D
FreakyShow95 1 month ago
@FreakyShow95 yeah same here...Im 17 now and in my last year of school and living with my parents..my mom is heavy christian and the other day I said christianity or our church actually is a cult but I didnt say i was athiest and then she want on how great god is and started to cry and said I would have a heavy life if I live it without god and I just sat there and went like...yeah :/
Heinoisurehero 1 month ago
@Heinoisurehero in that case i'm probably a bit luckier, my parents try (but do not make me go to church) unless its christmas -.- and other relegious days. My dad doesnt even believe in evolution, but i'm not living with him. so...
I will wait until i'm 18 and well off with a job and then tell them i dont believe in god. but hope you'll make it one day to come out of that closet, its tough man....
FreakyShow95 1 month ago
@FreakyShow95 Im also 16, a closet atheist and have to go through the exact same thing with my fundamentalist muslim parents. I understand what your going through.The only solution is to take the crap until being financially independant. Then you can be as militant as you like. :)
GhostlyRebellion 1 month ago in playlist More videos from TheThinkingAtheist
@FreakyShow95
Must be hard, ofcourse its hard but i think comming out would be better.
you could try and start by saying do you respect me for who i am, don't say i am an atheist, say i don't belive in god.
ShooterCinema 1 month ago
@ShooterCinema if i asked him if he respects me, it would just make an awkward situation, its not like i'm homosexual. just saying it would come out wrong, although i wouldnt actually say "i'm an atheist" but more like what you said yeah... just not right now
FreakyShow95 1 month ago
@FreakyShow95
but as a european i prob know verry little how it is to be atheist in america
ShooterCinema 1 month ago
@ShooterCinema i dont live in america, i live in Faroe Islands, its not like i'm about to panic, but i often do feel like telling my parents i'm an atheist. Faroe Islands is a great country, but since its so little i wouldnt dare to come out as an atheist as for now, probably when i'm 18 but not now. i wouldnt get death threats (i think) but i dont know how my parents would react.
FreakyShow95 1 month ago
@FreakyShow95 the longer you take to tell him the worse his reaction will be.
TheAtheistProphet1 1 month ago
@FreakyShow95
I wouldn't reccomend coming out to them yet.
Some kids have gotten kicked out by their parents for that.
If you study really hard in school (and I mean REALLY hard, ) you may be able to get the grades for a full college scholarship.
Meaning you won't need your parents to pay your way through college.
If you're not finacially dependent upon your parents, it's a lot easier to come out.
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to come out in just 2 years, rather than 6 or 8?
SinnFein4ever 2 weeks ago
@FreakyShow95 my advice? say nothing. not yet anyway. they can still force you to go to a bible camp for the summer. it's like fat camp, but not as much fun. and u don't know what your brain will look like once it's over. protect your brain-say nothing.
iconografer 1 week ago
The moment my best friend told his mother he was an atheist he was thrown out of his home. For no other reason than his lack of faith he was thrown on the streets by his mother. For about a month until he could get back on his feet my family took him in but if not for my family he would have been on the streets. This is just one thing that could happen if you tell your family.
schreiter713 1 month ago
For the atheist who say that closet atheist set us back my response is pound sand. These people don't owe any of us anything. We can't be so ignorant to ask them to sacrifice their complicated situation(s) just so they scan stand by our side and be counted as atheist. They have to do what is best for them and I could care less what that does to the greater atheist community. They have no obligation to us so get over it. To those in the closet, To thine own self be true!!! You are not alone.
eldogg4life 1 month ago 4
whoever says and uses the argument you need religion to have morals... then explain why religions hates all other religions, especially Islam extremists and Christians extremists..... huh, huh?!
Snakekilla12 1 month ago in playlist watch later2
29:00 I got no non-believers locally too sadly... and local groups require cash investments where I'm too poor to invest into...
Snakekilla12 1 month ago in playlist watch later2
15:00 its similar to the reasons why many republican politicians come out as homosexuals, its a choice of career and family vs. being truthful to yourself and the world and lose your family/friends AND your career... not easy, but if I was a in the closet homosexual and a republican politician I wouldn't encourage anti-homosexual laws to being passed.
Snakekilla12 1 month ago in playlist watch later2
3:52 atheist party, wont work, secular hell yes!
Snakekilla12 1 month ago in playlist watch later2
2011 was a good year for me! and hoping for a better 2012!
Snakekilla12 1 month ago in playlist watch later2
Awesome show. Keep it up
CmrAdama 1 month ago
For the sake of sanity Seth, please stop using Iran as an example of prejudice. For goodness sake in israel you get jail time for converting people to christianity, wheres the freedom in that? the present climate around the world is unstable due to various political pressures as you may know. Its unfortunate that some brain dead people may listen to your reference and continue to waddle in their ignorance, so please if you're going to give examples of oppressive regimes, plz mention a few more!!
erroer1 1 month ago
There can be predjudice against religion and atheism depending on the cirlcle a person is in. I have been in both places. At this point, I faced the reality that there is no supreme being looking over me.
1Whitetrashkid 1 month ago
7:04 what's with the dog in the background?
Kyensai 1 month ago
The Jackrabbit4ever video
Old channel was taken down for legal issues.
/watch?v=X8ZCI78PNBk
holyjackrabbit 1 month ago
The time to worry IS when one starts hearing the 'small voice of god.'
Miracles are subjective, so people can think they happen all the time.
gjsterp 1 month ago
Glad to see this getting so many hits.
gjsterp 1 month ago
@MsWildtiger No one is saying there's no value in owning your mind. But is believing in God existence constitute cult membership and mind control? It's like throwing the baby with the bathwater. It's sad you gave up the error that you once into only to fall into another one. Not all who were deprogrammed end up as atheists. They just drop this non sense that an organization should rule their life
Vainslain 1 month ago
keep yourself in the closet till you fuck the bitch
capitals721 1 month ago
those guys who say dnd is evil obvioustly think using imagination is evil, and what is religion? a excess amount of imagination.
doombybbr 1 month ago 15
@doombybbr Your comment made me smile - so blunt and true! I appreciate you putting that one on here.
BladesOfMunch 1 month ago
@doombybbr I love playing DDO(Online version of DnD) And I have never had any visions from satan. I don't understand how these things get started -.-
Nontoxicz 1 month ago
The problems with coming out as an atheist seem to be much more a problem in America than the UK were I'm from, nobody cared when I came out, they were indifferent. Also I've seen lots of people in college as open atheists and people are very apathetic towards people religious views being much more interested rather in other traits of a persons personality.
nriab23 1 month ago
44:44 well excuse you LOL
hyper080 1 month ago
this i why i love living in Aus nobody gives a shit what you believe in..... as long as you dont try to turn people to your belief......
hyper080 1 month ago
If I came out to my mom it would literally kill her. Maybe these "Grow a spin" atheists should just stfu!
mjh012363 1 month ago
To the person writing the letter in the first part of the video. You say you stay in the closet because your wife will divorce you, etc. Can I ask, does she really love you if that is true? My cousin told his wife recently. She told him she never would have married him if she had known. But aside from being unhappy with it, they are still togther.
1csrichardson 1 month ago
You have the most majestic voice!
MisterFro9 1 month ago in playlist More videos from TheThinkingAtheist
A reason to come out as an atheist - many are teaching our children that the earth is only 6000 years old - for chrissakes.
Fractelle 1 month ago
I am so grateful to be living in Australia - while there is very powerful religious in our political system, Australians can say they are atheists without fear. In fact our Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, declared herself an atheist before taking office - something an American president can never do.
However, being an atheist would be even more dire in many African and Middle Eastern countries.
Fractelle 1 month ago
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This "you better believe!" thing is done by people who simply don't understand that a brain functions as uniquely as a finger print.
Amashkitotamoes 1 month ago in playlist Radio Podcasts
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Amashkitotamoes 1 month ago in playlist Radio Podcasts
I like how you can post videos with no prior knowledge/information and yet convince thousands of people about being "right".
I don't judge people based on religion/faith
I judge based on the way they act
I can say that hate is a form of terror
So to all atheist nuts: STFU!
NintendOttawa 1 month ago
@NintendOttawa
what the hell are you talking about?
chadd990 1 month ago
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Amashkitotamoes 1 month ago in playlist Radio Podcasts
@NintendOttawa
Keep praying to your giant sky fairy and maybe he'll fix everything for you. I am sure it will get right on that.
And if you dare to call C. Hitchens' is a terrorizor then I dare you to excuse anyone seen on TBN, a world broadcast of your propoganda, of doing the same.
Santo3x7 1 month ago 2
I hope you realize that atheism is a form of terror when "preached" by C.Hitchens
NintendOttawa 1 month ago
@NintendOttawa Atheism is a form of freedom--freedom from the binds of religion. There's no fear of a wrath from god or any other divine being for any reason. Religion is a form of terror because it scares you into believing that if you sin, you go to hell. If you don't believe, you go to hell. If you break any teachings, you go to hell. If you do anything to contradict anything god says, you go to hell. If you believe more than one religion, you go to hell. Theism is a form of terrorism.
LoungeFly02 1 month ago
I am an out atheist but honestly no one who knows me actually believes I genuinely don't believe. The truth I was married to a Fundie, as an atheist, I didn't come out however till my son died, I got seriously pissed at all the "God" comforting, I finally blurted out, I don't believe in god or gods, I never believed. 13 years later people still think I am just angry at the accepted local version of god. In a way it made it easy, but generally its frustrating because of the pity
vampyres32 1 month ago
Oh how I have missed your sexy voice Seth. Welcome back.
CM377106 1 month ago
when i came out, my dad blamed scifi and my ant, because shes a different christian then they are, and i obviously cant make up my own mind and think for myself, something had to put that thought there. the next day i sobbed, then got out of bed and started highlighting the horrible and contradicting stuff in the bible, i only made it about half way through the OT and a little in the NT, even a little Book of Mormon, but i felt way better
Tekeydieb 1 month ago
I'm really lucky, when I became an atheist l soon found out that both my dad and my uncle and my aunt are atheists, and i found that about half of my friends are atheists later, and i discovered that my favorite guitarist is an atheist :) and apparently all the people i interact with on a daily basis dont mind my atheism, hell, even my bible teacher was ok with it, and she's religious! it's only when l visited america that people l met looked at me suspiciously but l think they got that im ok
ThePopsheep 1 month ago
I think what aggravates me the most isn't so much the rest of the world's non believers speaking up. It's the people in your own family that are closeted themselves letting you take the brunt of everything. My case is weird. My whole family believes in some fashion or another. I cannot believe that I am the only one with the balls to stand up and say that I don't believe it.
TalonyPoo 1 month ago
".. not bacause colour of their skin..."
Ever heard about the "reverse racism"?
Somewhere in US Russian guy's first work day, he's voss (another Russian immigrant) shows him a lady of African ancestry and says something like "Even if she shits on her table, you shouldn't argue with her about that, because we need certain percentage of black people among employees if we want to get public tenders".
SwineNahNah 1 month ago
@SwineNahNah
This is happening in Europe a lot as well
It's not about skills, it's about where you come from
sonykroket 1 month ago
@sonykroket
Well, can't tell about the "Old Europe", I live in a poor European country which is either Northern Europe (geographically) or Eastern Europe (given it's history in the 2nd half of XX century), so we have little immigration from Africa or Asia. Also I'm a bit puzzled, should I feel the "guilt of white men" since my country have no benefited from coloneis, except short reign over Tobago, instead large part of population themselves are descendants of serfs - white "semi-slaves".
SwineNahNah 1 month ago
"coloneis"?! That's "colonies"
Damn, guess I need a spellchecker.
SwineNahNah 1 month ago
@SwineNahNah
We're not guilty or responsible for the past. Many tribes/countries did horrible things in the past but how does that relate to us here and now?
Some people have no good reason to act the way they do, that's why they resort to the past
sonykroket 1 month ago
@sonykroket
Note: That doesnt mean religion doesn't have blood on it's hands, we should watch those preaching clowns before they get control over society again
Most of the crap in the world is caused by religion anyway, they have done the damage that we're supposed to feel guilty about these days.
Take the power away and progress will prevail
sonykroket 1 month ago
IN YOUR CULTURE! pretty thoughtful as to how the town might be a better place...
zarkus6 1 month ago
I was glad to find this channel but find it difficult often to relate. Since the host became an atheist later in life he seems to cater to those doing the same. I always saw "gods" like the tooth fairy or Santa when growing up, always an atheist. As I matured I saw the devastation religion was doing and became an anti theist. I catch the show now & again but feel I need a more sophisticated (if that's the word) interaction. I am now fighting theism to prevent more damage.
t4705mb6 1 month ago
My uncle states that "it is IMPOSSIBLE to see God's ability and realism without accepting Him." Ehhh so the argument there is, in order to believe in God you must believe in God. I told him this and he said he can help me. I said "Fuck you, trying to convert people is how war happens. I don't want that. Love you!" then I left. I meant every word in that, even the "I love you."
MrLeFunker 1 month ago
"closet atheist"? wow, you dudes need to get over yourselves.
kajjagoogoo 1 month ago
@kajjagoogoo Do you happen to live in a conservative part of the US?
Applemangh 1 month ago
Christians believe that Harry Potter will basically take over someone and make them think that magic is real. Non-religious people understand that Harry Potter is just a book and movie series that is used purely for our entertainment, not our way of living. Thus, Christians are the ones that believe Harry Potter is bad. I've actually had a Christian tell me that I'll pick up a wand and believe something will happen. I don't believe in their silly religion. Why would I believe in Harry Potter?
provehitoinaltum928 1 month ago
I'm very open about my Atheism. My family accepts me along the lines of they aren't shunning me because of it. But my dad and grandparents give me the hardest time about it. The biggest issue, though, is my boyfriend's religious parents. Before he and I started dating, he was a strong Christian, and I was an Atheist. Eventually, his love for Science triggered the logic in his brain. He, too, is an Atheist now, but he still hasn't told his parents. We are waiting for the right time...
provehitoinaltum928 1 month ago
seth is right, writing a letter about your thoughts is an excellent way to think through your ideas and get your mind clear about what and who you are--you can send it out or keep it to yourself, either way it is good to do
garudagal23 1 month ago in playlist Radio Podcasts
This podcast reminds me of how alienated I am. I was a devout believer and helped start a church, etc. Now I am an atheist. Its like hell almost. I wish there was a world with no faith and only acceptance of reality and skeptical thinking. Thankfully I am here in the USA and not some ignorant Islamic nation.
777Atum 1 month ago
@777Atum What? The US is almost (if not just as) ignorant and intolerant as the middle east.
Fortune2point0 1 month ago
@Fortune2point0 Waaaay off. Not quite. The USA is not paradise but the Middle East and Africa is dangerously intolerant. You obviously havent been there and dont know whats going on in the world.
777Atum 1 month ago
@777Atum The north is probably fine, but I stayed in Texas for 3 months, the amount of hate there towards atheists, muslims, or anyone that wasn't a "God fearin' 'merican" was absolutely astounding. Luckily I live in a tolerant nation (Canada) and don't have to deal with shit like that.
Fortune2point0 1 month ago
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Thinking Atheist, Humans are TRIBAL. Religion HitchHikes a Free Ride on our TRIBAL NATURE
Pablo113 1 month ago
It's amusing the censorship on theistic videos, as though they dare not allow atheistic views to be expressed and debated on the basis of reason. The opposite is true on atheistic videos. I'm by no means inferring that this makes a proposition true or false, but it's an interesting observation nonetheless.
RatherCynical 1 month ago 30
@RatherCynical That's because the best way an Atheistic position can seem rational is to let the religious ramble on at great length, as they are want to do. Well for 400 characters anyway.
AdUtrumquePeratus76 1 month ago
@RatherCynical If i were good at making videos, I would welcome comments from theists, as it's an opportunity to practice my debate skills. You get better at debate the more you practice. However faith works the other way. Your faith weakens the more dissenting voices you have.
Newenlightenmentnow 1 month ago
@RatherCynical for some of us we just predict what the person will say, and it is generally a logical fallacy, so we interject, still that is a failure in debating though.
doombybbr 1 month ago
I'm probably one of the more fortunate people here, I never had to BE in a closet because, while my parents are still somewhat religious, they are the most open and accepting people you will ever know. My dad learned that I was an atheist, quite by accident, when I was taking a survey poll on the phone when he was in the room. When they asked for my religious affiliation I replied "Atheist" and when it was over my dad said "So your an Atheist?" I answered "Yes" more or less and he said "Okay."
TheCrescentKnight 1 month ago
I'm happy that there's an improvement in quality, not that it was bad before.
incyc70 1 month ago
@kmkdenali I agree completely. I have relatives who strongly believe in god, and I see no need to tell them. I go to church with them, just secretely laughing at the blasphemy.
JC4legos 1 month ago
One of the surest routes to atheism is to have a decent knowledge of the history of how the bible came to be - not "Bible History", but the actual route by which a minor Middle-Eastern volcanically-inspired deity of a group of superstitious, ignorant, misogynistic Bronze-Age Middle-Eastern nomads, came to be the basis for three of the world's major religions...
WWZenaDo 1 month ago
People living in the states of Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Nebraska - to name a few - would experience hostility if they were to publicly "come out" as atheists... The caller - "Sam" - wasn't saying that ALL atheists should stay undercover - he was saying that it would be useful to have SOME atheists undercover, as they can be very effective working behind the scenes instead of being fanatically open...
WWZenaDo 1 month ago
Well coming from a country where it's usually assumed you don't have a religion unless you say so I find it hard to relate to closet atheists. Great that your coming each week now though =D
AlexThomson1000 1 month ago
It's hard for me to imagine "pretending" to be religious. It seems almost as absurd as trying to maintain the position that I actually believe in elves that live in middle earth. I've kind of just accepted that none of my friends will be religious, mainly because a religious person would never be friends with someone who insults their beliefs like I do.
troyboulay 1 month ago
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Amashkitotamoes 1 month ago
My closet is full of clothes, books, and wide ties from the 90's. lol no room for me to hid in.
NewUser21111 1 month ago 8
@NewUser21111 I've got enough room to hide in. My closet has three guitars, a small guitar amp, a large carry on bag people usually use for vacation to hold my clean clothing, and a top shelf filled with books, manuals, and a load of other tripe.
GouledXD 1 month ago
That was an amazing podcast. Was great listening. Good luck to all the atheists who still have to come out of the closet.
mollie2810 1 month ago 2
I'm a closet atheist to most around me. Living in the bible belt, I have nothing to gain by coming out. I'm just laying low and laughing on the inside.
kmkdenali 1 month ago
@kmkdenali Oklahoma's the Buckle of the belt, and I happen to be smack dab in the center. You're not alone, bud.
Nepycros 1 month ago
@Nepycros How come everyone in the Bible-Belt, thinks they're in the Buckle? Is it just one big, fat, fuckin' buckle (with no belt)?
indignant99 1 month ago