I too was raised very religious. Went to college. Was taught evo, and the ascent of man. I was dazzled. I was an enthusiastic advocate for many years. Until I did an in depth study, and found I had traded one religion for another. The new one had miracles that made the Bible look like Dick and Jane. I am now at the point were I am not religious, Christian or Evo. Man isn't close to the answer. So, stay with you unsure stance. That IS real. And nothing wrong with being honest. Good luck.
It takes real courage to make a video like this, opening up to the world your very personal experience.
I can say I never gave my atheism much thought until I started hearing others address it here.
It has been a very good experience gaining greater self-insight and the dialogue/writing works greatly towards crystalizing one's thoughts and feelings.
Understanding evolution has given me an even deeper sense of connection to all life.
I have, he says that he decided evolution was wrong because the T-Rex's arms are so small and how could that have evolved, huh?? But I do think it's interesting to find an anti-evolutionist who isn't religious. They're not very common.
Reading Steve's stuff, I see he admits to believing in Intelligent Design, which is of course, a euphemism for actions of a god.
The courts have ruled a number of times that such a re-naming is a transparent attempt to introduce religion into schools in a pathetic attempt to do an end-run around the Constitutional separation of Church and State.
Yet another dirty trick, which to me becomes more and more contemptible as I witness them.
unlike myself,you seem to have worked towards atheism,judging by the volume of thoughtful videos.hope you get to the point where you no longer care enough to heavily debate the issue,and learn the relaxing way of atheism.
Oh, I wouldn't want to just stop caring. The issue of whether god is real or whether religion is good or bad is not just a philosophical issue. It's got real world consequences. People are hurt, imprisoned, killed, exiled and treated like second-class citizens, wars are started, based on religious differences, all over the world. We can't just stop caring about this stuff because it doesn't affect us personally.
pardon my enthusiasm.the debate is pointless.with or without god people will still war,hurt,imprison,etc.the problem isn`t god or no god,the problem is people.
This may be true to an extent, but that's kind of like saying, why bother to cure diseases when people will just die eventually anyway? This is one cause of suffering and if we can make it right, it will improve the lives of everyone.
such fatalism.getting rid of religion will not solve the underlying problems as they are inherent in the human physche.cant hurt to get rid of it.you are very cruel,expecting your viewers to think.;-))
"getting rid of religion will not solve the underlying problems as they are inherent in the human physche"
I agree that the problems are inherent and that religion is just one outward sign. But I also think that religion and human weaknesses feed upon each other, encouraging each other to do their worst. We can't change our nature but we can at least work to understand it rather than fearing it.
we can change our nature,psychiatry ,psychology shows this .military training shows this.yyour deep thoughtfulness shows this.are you the same person you were before you questioned your church? your god?enjoy life, its short.;-))
hope my last comment wasn`t too terse for you.keep up your "MAGNUM OPUS ".you may assist one or two fence-sitters to cross over.enjoy life- it`s short ,but doesn`t have to be brutal.:)
voted up and subscribed thanx to you votebots. you cannot supress free speech. communication cannot be shut down, by votebotting this you communicate that you are afraid of its message.
interesting.i was raised the opposite, but wound up in the same place, lol.I was raised by a converted muslim who refused to expose me to any religion (but from a scholarly point of view).She figured I would find my religion as an adult.I did, which is "none of the above", lol.I think some ppl will seek religion no matter what, and others will reject it no matter what.Thanks for posting!
Hey, Abbey, I went through the same thing, believe it or not. I had the same religious upbringing as you, and felt so free when I left it when I was 20. And I exchanged mine for evolution and agnosticism just like you. I know you could never give up your evo-atheism, but, you have to believe the same huge miracles with evo that you did with religion. You have traded "biblical" impossibilities for "natural" impossibilities. And, there is not a whole lot of difference. Just where you worship.
If people don't question as you suggest, science becomes a religion. Which evolution is. "Do not question. I will demean you or your education if you do." Kind of like the Middle Ages, but no stakes to burn the doubters. If there were no continual questioners, there would be no science.
You are unoriginal. Pathetically so.
Evo has no pathways to ANY bio systems. Even the simplest. Which makes it a train wreck, believed by the gullible; like you.
You say "I no longer have to pretend I'm sure of things that I'm not sure of" - that is indeed freeing, isn't it? I was also raised Seventh-day Adventist and can relate. Good for you!
I agree with you about that sort of upbringing being a bad deal. I grew up with mixed influences and became an atheist at the age of 15. It's a bit scary to think that it might have taken a lot longer if I'd been indoctrinated fully...
It sure took me long enough, and I often wonder how different my life would have been if I'd dropped the BS in my teens instead of my twenties. Probably would be a paleontologist by now...or maybe not :D
wow - I use a speech synthesizer, but you put it to shame... no nastiness implied, but put some emotions into your voice, slow down a bit, and look in the camera and smile every now and then? ;)
otherwise you are hired!
I got to have to listen to the vid again, once my ears have cooled down...
I kinda assumed that you edited out the *real* swearing and didn't bother removing the "Fuck!". ;)
How did you react to "Letter to a Christian Nation" anyway? Sam Harris is a pretty hardcore introduction to atheism and I would expect it to be a turnoff for people with even a remote desire to keep their faith.
When I picked up the book I was already sick of organized religion and I just needed a push to abandon religion all together. I found myself agreeing with most of it, but I did get a few shocks such as the idea that Jesus wasn't really all that profound and in fact dropped the ball on morals a few times. Up until then I was "Give me your Christ but keep your Christianity" but it made me reconsider.
I too was raised very religious. Went to college. Was taught evo, and the ascent of man. I was dazzled. I was an enthusiastic advocate for many years. Until I did an in depth study, and found I had traded one religion for another. The new one had miracles that made the Bible look like Dick and Jane. I am now at the point were I am not religious, Christian or Evo. Man isn't close to the answer. So, stay with you unsure stance. That IS real. And nothing wrong with being honest. Good luck.
stevebee92653 2 years ago
It takes real courage to make a video like this, opening up to the world your very personal experience.
I can say I never gave my atheism much thought until I started hearing others address it here.
It has been a very good experience gaining greater self-insight and the dialogue/writing works greatly towards crystalizing one's thoughts and feelings.
Understanding evolution has given me an even deeper sense of connection to all life.
Love the 2:07 glitch LOL Doh !
bencubed 2 years ago
Heh, this was made a little while ago, I should do an update :D Thanks for your support!
AbbeyNormal 2 years ago
I am absolutely convinced that there is a revolution of reason unfolding on YT through the stories like yours, and the general dialogue happening.
The creatards are coming out of the woodwork and allowing the atheists to come out of the closet to engage them head on.
Take a gander at this stevebee goof's stuff if you haven't already.
He tells you here he has a similiar history as you, and then proceeds to attack evolutionary science like the worst creationist ever.
-
bencubed 2 years ago
I have, he says that he decided evolution was wrong because the T-Rex's arms are so small and how could that have evolved, huh?? But I do think it's interesting to find an anti-evolutionist who isn't religious. They're not very common.
AbbeyNormal 2 years ago
Reading Steve's stuff, I see he admits to believing in Intelligent Design, which is of course, a euphemism for actions of a god.
The courts have ruled a number of times that such a re-naming is a transparent attempt to introduce religion into schools in a pathetic attempt to do an end-run around the Constitutional separation of Church and State.
Yet another dirty trick, which to me becomes more and more contemptible as I witness them.
bencubed 2 years ago
unlike myself,you seem to have worked towards atheism,judging by the volume of thoughtful videos.hope you get to the point where you no longer care enough to heavily debate the issue,and learn the relaxing way of atheism.
holmsatlarge 2 years ago
Oh, I wouldn't want to just stop caring. The issue of whether god is real or whether religion is good or bad is not just a philosophical issue. It's got real world consequences. People are hurt, imprisoned, killed, exiled and treated like second-class citizens, wars are started, based on religious differences, all over the world. We can't just stop caring about this stuff because it doesn't affect us personally.
AbbeyNormal 2 years ago
pardon my enthusiasm.the debate is pointless.with or without god people will still war,hurt,imprison,etc.the problem isn`t god or no god,the problem is people.
holmsatlarge 2 years ago
This may be true to an extent, but that's kind of like saying, why bother to cure diseases when people will just die eventually anyway? This is one cause of suffering and if we can make it right, it will improve the lives of everyone.
AbbeyNormal 2 years ago
such fatalism.getting rid of religion will not solve the underlying problems as they are inherent in the human physche.cant hurt to get rid of it.you are very cruel,expecting your viewers to think.;-))
holmsatlarge 2 years ago
"getting rid of religion will not solve the underlying problems as they are inherent in the human physche"
I agree that the problems are inherent and that religion is just one outward sign. But I also think that religion and human weaknesses feed upon each other, encouraging each other to do their worst. We can't change our nature but we can at least work to understand it rather than fearing it.
AbbeyNormal 2 years ago
we can change our nature,psychiatry ,psychology shows this .military training shows this.yyour deep thoughtfulness shows this.are you the same person you were before you questioned your church? your god?enjoy life, its short.;-))
holmsatlarge 2 years ago
hope my last comment wasn`t too terse for you.keep up your "MAGNUM OPUS ".you may assist one or two fence-sitters to cross over.enjoy life- it`s short ,but doesn`t have to be brutal.:)
holmsatlarge 2 years ago
2:09 lol gets me every time, I can't stop laughing. Great video!
RoundSquareX 2 years ago
LOL. FUCK!!
AbbeyNormal 2 years ago
voted up and subscribed thanx to you votebots. you cannot supress free speech. communication cannot be shut down, by votebotting this you communicate that you are afraid of its message.
greycloud24 2 years ago 3
Much obliged to you, sir!
AbbeyNormal 2 years ago
interesting.i was raised the opposite, but wound up in the same place, lol.I was raised by a converted muslim who refused to expose me to any religion (but from a scholarly point of view).She figured I would find my religion as an adult.I did, which is "none of the above", lol.I think some ppl will seek religion no matter what, and others will reject it no matter what.Thanks for posting!
negative74 2 years ago
Thanks for commenting! Yeah, you're right, I think people are naturally predisposed towards religion.
AbbeyNormal 2 years ago
Hey, Abbey, I went through the same thing, believe it or not. I had the same religious upbringing as you, and felt so free when I left it when I was 20. And I exchanged mine for evolution and agnosticism just like you. I know you could never give up your evo-atheism, but, you have to believe the same huge miracles with evo that you did with religion. You have traded "biblical" impossibilities for "natural" impossibilities. And, there is not a whole lot of difference. Just where you worship.
stevebee92653 2 years ago
steve, your description of "natural" impossibilities" would suggest you have not actually come to realize the factuality that evolution is.
Do a bit more reading of the many science books available.
If you continue to question the massive amount of evidence, you have not progressed as you suggest.
bencubed 2 years ago
@bencubed
If people don't question as you suggest, science becomes a religion. Which evolution is. "Do not question. I will demean you or your education if you do." Kind of like the Middle Ages, but no stakes to burn the doubters. If there were no continual questioners, there would be no science.
You are unoriginal. Pathetically so.
Evo has no pathways to ANY bio systems. Even the simplest. Which makes it a train wreck, believed by the gullible; like you.
stevebee92653 2 years ago
What evolutionary science has going for it is EVIDENCE !
Your Magician in the Sky does not .
The fact that your channel is full of lies about what your position and beliefs are only undermines your already shakey credibility.
Another "dishonest theist ".
The two words are synonymous.
bencubed 2 years ago
@bencubed
No, it has bullshit that you believe is evidence.
You have been sucker punched.
Try my vid "Evolution Glossary". It will save you some time, and maybe give you some good suggestions for your future stupid comments.
Bye
stevebee92653 2 years ago
You say "I no longer have to pretend I'm sure of things that I'm not sure of" - that is indeed freeing, isn't it? I was also raised Seventh-day Adventist and can relate. Good for you!
eyeDclare 3 years ago 2
Hah, yeah, it is freeing. Good to talk to another SDA escapee, I don't hear of them often.
AbbeyNormal 3 years ago
I agree with you about that sort of upbringing being a bad deal. I grew up with mixed influences and became an atheist at the age of 15. It's a bit scary to think that it might have taken a lot longer if I'd been indoctrinated fully...
GwydionMapDon 3 years ago
It sure took me long enough, and I often wonder how different my life would have been if I'd dropped the BS in my teens instead of my twenties. Probably would be a paleontologist by now...or maybe not :D
AbbeyNormal 3 years ago
2:09 - what the hell was that? What, are you spazing!?!?
Just teasing. I became an Atheist when I was 18 - ten years ago.
TomMSTie 3 years ago
wow - I use a speech synthesizer, but you put it to shame... no nastiness implied, but put some emotions into your voice, slow down a bit, and look in the camera and smile every now and then? ;)
otherwise you are hired!
I got to have to listen to the vid again, once my ears have cooled down...
Spytrx 4 years ago
You need to work on your audio levels, hun.
I'm glad to hear you're fed up with dogma. There's something wrong with any doctrine that doesn't allow critical analysis.
Just don't get fed up with dogs or their mothers. They are simple, devoted beasts.
CadicusTheDamned 4 years ago
>>You need to work on your audio levels, hun.
I know, it's just the crappy free software I'm using. I should really break down and buy a decent program for it.
AbbeyNormal 4 years ago
Being a Mel Brooks fan, I love your name. :-)
klangsteiner 4 years ago
Rock on, fellow Brooks fan. "Sedagive??"
AbbeyNormal 4 years ago
YF is one of my all-time favorite movies. "What hump?"
klangsteiner 4 years ago
"Werewolf?" "There wolf." ^_^
seliscorp 2 years ago
haha, the "Fuck!" got in there when my camera shut down. I thought I edited that out *blush*
AbbeyNormal 4 years ago
I thought it was kind of cute. ;-P
CousinoMacul 4 years ago
I kinda assumed that you edited out the *real* swearing and didn't bother removing the "Fuck!". ;)
How did you react to "Letter to a Christian Nation" anyway? Sam Harris is a pretty hardcore introduction to atheism and I would expect it to be a turnoff for people with even a remote desire to keep their faith.
FaithIsImaginary 4 years ago
When I picked up the book I was already sick of organized religion and I just needed a push to abandon religion all together. I found myself agreeing with most of it, but I did get a few shocks such as the idea that Jesus wasn't really all that profound and in fact dropped the ball on morals a few times. Up until then I was "Give me your Christ but keep your Christianity" but it made me reconsider.
AbbeyNormal 4 years ago
It's interesting that you found the break liberating where as there are many who fear greatly the removal of *that* hand that rocks *their* cradle...
[Potty mouth!! :D]
whirlpoolzend 4 years ago
I'll wash my mouth out with soap :D
AbbeyNormal 4 years ago