I would put myself in his shoes. IF you knew someone who was having a hard time, and you gave him money not wanting it back. How would you feel if you ..... (fill in the blank). What would you want this person to do for you? Just be the other person.
I would contact him to thank him for the donation, explaining at the same time that I am not religious... seemed as if Coach was leaning towards some sort of subconscious indoctrination. He didnt HAVE to mention god. Paying it forward would not be considered unless the person accepting the gift was in a similar situation as the one you were in as well as this person having to be someone I cared for, as the Coach cared for you. Charity is not an option, as I see charity as a scam... personally...
Well I don't know how much you believe in...let's say, feelings. I don't mean happiness, sadness or whatever. I personally believe that sometimes people just get a feeling about something and maybe Coach had a feeling that you'd need money and that's how he got the whole God telling him. But I do believe that depending on how you feel you should try to help others as much as you can, so if you see a homeless person on the street cornor give them some spare change. Just be compassionet to others.
I'd say pay it forward to someone else, unless Coach is in a time where he could really use it. I mean keeping it between just two people doesn't help people much, but maybe if you helped other people they'd help other people, and more than just 1 or 2 people would have been helped with whatever financial issues they have.
you are in debt to a person - hunt him down and pay him back with a gift of kindness as well. or pay a gift of kindness to 3 other people.
if you wish to insert your views, do so - tell him that this is what ur atheistic morals tells you to do, and (maybe) that you will not stop on just that.
1:35 - If that's what blessing a person means, then the pope must be broke XD
Still i can appreciate that the coach was trying to help you no matter what reasons he had. If it were me, i would offer to pay the money back, and if he still didn't want it then i would find another struggling college student to give the money to.
Regardless of why he gave it to you, he did just that. It wasn't a loan, you didn't borrow it. It is your money now, put it towards your student loan payments.
I'd pay it forward, if you're in the position. In every selfless act, there is an element of selfishness. You DO get SOMETHING for a selfless deed- an emotional deposit- into another, whether they know it or not, and whether you know it or not. The deposit is called self esteem. When all is said and done, that is worth the time and energy of the act of selflessness. The feeling of being valuable. And there is no greater reward than that, IMO.
Someone called you a "militant atheist"? Really? Being aggressively outspoken doesn't make you militant (and you're not even that very aggressive very often). If you're militant then you take up arms and/or commit criminal acts for your cause (think PETA).
You don't owe your coach to pay him back. He didn't want that. Do as you wish with the money, but you'll probably feel better if you give it to someone else who needs it rather than keep it to yourself, or else you wouldn't ask what to do.
the subtext of all your (wonderfull) videos is that we are all the same, regardless of what we belive. you should repay him, man to man, human being to another. you can talk to him in a civil way about your world view. maybe you'll find a basis for discussion with the other side. that way the gift would be mutual. maybe.
Find a way to support victims of car accidents, people hit by drunk or tired drivers who shouldn't have been driving. Settle the score with Karma, so to speak.
If he truely believes that it was "God's will" That you should have that money, then the outcome of that action must also be "God's will" . I think you should let things be as they are, a good thing came out of the gift, regardless of the reason for the gift. Peace
The video implies a felt sense of obligation, somehow tied to religion. Break the argument down into component parts and approach it from a rational, rather than emotional point of view. If you have emotional responses, deal with them head on rather than as ancillary reactions bound to one circumstance.
The video implies a felt sense of obligation, somehow tied to religion. Break the argument down into component parts and approach it from a rational, rather than emotional point of view. If you have emotional responses, deal with them head on rather than as ancillary reactions bound to one circumstance.
I honestly would leave the religious aspect out of it. If you feel you have the capital to pay him back, then go ahead. Just say something like "Thankyou for the blessing, it helped me very much, but I no longer need it." You don't need to get into a religious discussion because it'll turn into 'blessing the atheist.' If he doesn't take it, donate it where you think it could be used, or possibly keep it in case you run across a kid down on his luck, as you were then.
He wanted to help you, take that for what it's worth regardless of his motivation. You're already "paying it forward" if you ask me. You invested that money in an education and you're using that education to help others. If it were me, I would write a heartfelt letter of thanks to Coach elaborating on your current position and the "good" his gift is now doing other children through you. If you must "repay" him you could always set up some kind of small education fund in his name.
I say pay it forward, I have always big a big proponent of that idea. Whenever I help someone, I never ask for it back I always tell them to help someone else if they can in the future.
I like the idea of finding somebody who is struggling to pay for their education, tell them the story of Coach and how he helped you out and that in the future your recipient should do the same. Then find Coach and let him know how much his gift helped you out and that you have passed the gift forward. I am sure he will be quite pleased. There is no reason why religion or your beliefs should enter into the conversations.
Your last option is presented poorly. Should you choose to return the money, it shouldn't be out of a sense guilt that you're no longer religious, but rather that you no longer need it. Coach gave it to you during a time of need. His motivations aren't necessarily relevant.
Should you choose to return the money to coach, don't frame it in a way that makes you sound like an ass (which the last option, as presented, kind of did).
you don't owe him, it wasn't a loan it was a gift. He may choose to blame god for giving it, but you know better and know that he did it just out of the kindness of his heart.
Doctors Without Boarders, Heifer Foundation, etc. are excellent causes (anyone, religious or not can agree with that). Donating to tsunami relief may also prove to be a good idea...
1. He could have given the gift strictly out of religious sentiment, or he could have given it out of kindness to which he applied a religious label. I submit that it's impossible to tell one from the other.
2. All you know for sure is that he wanted you to have the money and use it. For you to infer as to his underlying motivations and then act on that inference would be presumptuous.
If you want to do him justice, I'd say it'd be self-defeating to give back his gift.
It's clear that Coach considers giving you that money as his duty to obey his deity, so paying him back is almost certainly not an option, and offering to do so may be viewed as an insult. Like so many others have already suggested, I recommend you pay it forward, but send Coach a letter to let him know. Perhaps one of your students has a high academic aptitude but meager monetary means, and would benefit from a 1k endowment.
i somehow think that the thank you is a separate conversation with this man, as opposed to a discussion about faith and atheism.,maybe what you want is a cup of coffee with him to catch up on life and where that gift he gave you took you.
The man did a great thing for you (for whatever reason). How do you think that it would make him feel of you making a point with his generosity in this way?
It seems as though you respect him, but you are willing to make a point out of his gift is kinda weird.
How would you feel if he saw this video and (because he did it) knew it was you? How would you feel if he knew you were using his genuine gift to make this point?
it is held in Christian doctrine that humanity is just some fallen product of original sin, and that all the good things people do is God working through them. In other words, Christians believe that humans are absolutely incapable of doing anything good. My suggestion is that you thank him for HIS contribution, with heavy emphasis on it being from him, and not God. Make sure he understands that you're very greatful, and offer to repay him.
1: Find Couch and attempt to repay him as the good natured Atheist you are
If Couch does not accept
2: Give said $1000 to someone in need of schooling
If they don't want it, or want to pay you back
Tell them they are Not to pay you back, but instead (once they have the means) to give said $1000 to another person in need of school to continue the trend, Hopefully with only $1000, 20 or more people can get good education.
I think the people would be kind and moral and generous, but sometimes need a mental framework to help them understand their own mental processes. It's called "splitting off and projection" but in the case of the religious, I think they split off their better instincts and project them to a fictional character, which is a curious way of acting as though their kindness is not their own choice. As my dad says, nobody gives money unless they want to. He wanted to. Returning it might be hurtful.
The best thing to do would be to pay it back to the coach and ask him to give it to another student in need if he doesn't need it himself. No good can come from living life in debt.
No doubt, donate it to the National Center for Science Education. Help the education of thousands of children in a way that is congruent with your beliefs, just like coach.
It would be a good thing to find him and give him something back. However, if you pay him back its no longer a gift but a loan.
You should be gracious of his gift and in return show him how much it means to by taking him to an nice dinner, a sports game, or something else you know that he'd like. It should be thoughtful and should involve something where you can communicate with them.
you should send "coach" a thank you note and pay it forward. Being kind to people in need, is a good thing. Christian don't have a patent on that. Their reason for doing good is because their god, told them to. You can do, good, because it's good. Thats way more advanced.
If this occurs, simply go about your life ready, willing, and able to do good by someone else or "coach" should the opportunity come up. In either case, you'll still be doing a good deed. Kindness is still kindness :) .
I think I'd look " Coach" up and see how he's doing. If he needs the kind help that a $1000 would aid in him getting it, repay his kindness. You might telling him how grateful you are that he cared enough about you, for whatever reason, that he took that care and did something with it because he could. Religion doesn't even have to enter into the conversation until/unless it comes up. If he's fine, perhaps a simple phone call or meeting expressing your appreciation will probably be well-received
@managarm1349 Well this isn't a controversial video, it's just asking a question. I didn't expect any likes or dislikes here, though I'm pleased with how many people have responded.
This is a personal issue you have to answer for yourself.
Also
Mathew 6:5
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.
I think you should ignore the religious motivation. He performed an act of kindness towards you I think you should look to do the same. It doesn't matter if that's a charitable organisation or a similar gift to another person.
Really depends on if you feel you need to but you could explain your thoughts now to him or just say thanks.
Get Coaches full information and make a contribution to the Atheist Experience TV show in his name. Do it so the thank you from the show is mailed to him. That's comical irony at it's best. Or just keep it. In his mind his God told him to do it and you job is okay but you're not getting rich because of his help. In the least pay your other debts off first. He wanted to give you the money.
You could buy a gas card and fill it up with $537.81, then mail it to the the coach anonymously, then donate the rest toward higher education. Or you could sit on it until someone else is in a needy situation as you were and give it to them. Personally, I would bring it to the casino and put it all on 35 at the roulette table.
if you give the dosh back it will only go to furthering religious indoctrination. what i think he was trying to do is to make you take another look at superstition, to make it seem that sky-daddy is real. tell him the cash came in handy and you will be making a donation to a non-religious charity.
Perhaps you believe the money was pivotal, and you would be without an education without his help? If so, I would disagree; a thousand dollars is a tiny, tiny drop compared to what one needs for an education in America. I think you would have made due with student loans, rent divided by more roomates, family help, or a year longer for your studies.
Coach gave you a gift with no expectation of repayment. It really doesn't matter WHY he gave it to you. Religious motive or just kindness, it was a gift. You owe no repayment to anyone. However, if you want to pay it forward, then I suggest finding a worthy but starving college student and help them. Or buy food for a needy family in your area, some worthy cause. But I suggest doing it yourself, so 100% benefits the person of your choice.
I agree with most here, he probably was just doing something nice for you even though he did use his religion beliefs as motivation. I like the idea of pay it forward though...however, I would look him up and see what his life situation is now, maybe he could use a helping hand from you and if not then yes go ahead and pay it forward...I think he would be very impressed with you to just know you cared enough to remember and think of his good jesture regardless of your beliefs! Good luck to you
I'm just jazzed to hear that you used a religious person's money for LEARNING. His god (via his religious leader claiming to speak for his god) could have just told him to give it to the church.
The concept of a god can be used for indirection. This is a computer machine language concept where instead of getting an address directly from a machine word, the address comes from another addresses contents. In the case of a god one 'indirects' one's own thoughts as if they came from god. The guy helped you. There was no god involved but he fooled himself into thinking it was because of a god. Solution: It was a gift. You used it well. Send him a thank you card!
I think "Coach" was just a good man at heart and he felt sorry for you and he felt like it was the correct, moral thing to do, which was to give you the $1,000. Whether he got the idea from God, I'm not sure. But if he got it from his own personal thoughts and conclusions, then he was just a good, generous man who gets a personal enjoyment out of making other happy from his own generosity. I like "Coach": He seems like a lovely person. A friend for an atheist (me) or a Christian. Nice guy. :]
@HarryIsTheGamingGeek He was a dude suffering from an inferiority complex, basically got the money through whatever means and felt he did not deserve it.
its a common problem many people face, ever got something cool and felt bad about it? or didnt think you deserved it? this is why its a psychological problem
Well i think the religious part isn't an issue. Coach is clearly a nice guy.
I mean he's willing to guide Nick Ellis and Rochelle through a zombie apocalypse and give them all the help they need, getting those hunters off them, beating the karma charger and taking down tanks like a boss
A Gift is a gift. You accepted it graciously, and trying to return it would be insulting. However, if you were to find out that Coach was in need and you are in a position to help him that would be great and if by chance a motivation was mentioned, i.e. if he thanked Jesus and you could educate him (you are and educator) well...
Tell him that you are an Atheist and let him make the decision if he wants the money back. At least you would be able to tell if he really is a good Christian like most of them are not.
If coach wasn't gonna take it back then he probably won't take it back now. This was a gift from a friend, you are under no obligation to do anything but it might be nice to pass it on to someone who needs it.
Well definitely accept it in good grace and don't try to return it. Religion poisons enough without letting it poison Coach's charitable act and his intent to help you and the good his gift did in your life.
I'd consider using the money just like Coach did, find someone you can help and pass on the money, hopefully it will help that person and they will do the same some year, and so on.
Then I'd try to contact Coach, thank him, and tell him how much it helped. Especially if you pass it on.
this is the same kind of deal as if you had earned the $1000 yourself, yeah sure the best thing you could do would be to donate it to ending world hunger, but that doesn't mean it would be wrong in any way to keep it for yourself
Pay him back in one full payment, but you don't have to meantion anything about religion. His luck may have changed or he might be able to use it. If it comes up you can of course reveal that you aren't religious, but otherwise it is a not a factor.
A lesson I learned from my days as a Christian, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of youselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast"(Eph 2:8-9). In Christianity , unfortunately, the gift isn't free because you're expected to make Jesus Lord of your life. Coaches gift WAS FREE. Unlike God, he neither wanted or expected anything in return. That is true grace, a real gift. Thank him, tell him what it did for you, and that (CONT)
(CONT) you're passing his grace (your coach) on to another person in need. He'll feel blesssed by it, you'll feel good about it and you'll help someone else in need. Though you and your coach no longer share the same religion you're bound together by a much stronger and nobler bond, our shared humanity.
Religion is not all bassed down to a god or a church or a bibble, its based down on fait to one and other, been nice helping out and so on,. if your a nice person, id class you in the catagory as christian, just gives u a title, if your a pure cunt, id class you as devil, just gives u a title. we could just say he was a extremely nice fella, witch he was but he wanted to have a reason to give it to you, and his reason was fait. not because he was extremely religiose , only because he felt sadfu
it sounds like he was rationalizing when he said that religion was the reason he gave the money to u. it was probably just out of kindness. i don't know about u or him, but i see charity as a gift not a lone. that and because he explicitly said he wouldn't take it back says at least to me that u don't have any obligation. he helped u out when u needed it and u don't have to feel bad for doing nothing. there's nothing wrong about giving the money to him or someone else if that makes u happy
He gave it in the spirit of good will, so I say keep it in good will.
If YOU feel any guilt about keeping it, then give it to someone you feel is more in need. Or maybe split it with the needy (you're a teacher in the south, so you're likely to be at least a little needy yourself; I know they don't pay well)
As others say the religion is not part of the equation.
Dear Coach,
I can never thank you enough for your gift. It was indeed very helpful. As I find myself in better financial straights I am compelled to offer to pay your gift back or to pass it along to another person of worthy need. Please advise if you know of someone who can benefit as I did.
Coach was probably CONVINCED that God wanted him to give you that money. As far as he's concerned, that money is YOURS because it's what God wanted, he probably wouldn't want to be paid back. It might be nice to try and pay him back, but he's not very likely to accept it, I don't think. Helping someone else would be the best route in my opinion.
Maybe you could find someone in your life that is in need of a helping hand and pass the money on to that person along with the best advice you can give them, maybe you could create a tradition of goodwill that reaches through generations. Don't tell the person to pass their money on and do the same, find someone who will want to do the same without prompting.
I was in a committed relationship some years ago and my GF came into a bit of money. She paid off my car loan. After we split, I wondered if I should pay her back or consider it an investment in our future together which she forfeited by cheating.
Years later, I called her and offered to pay her back. She accepted. We hooked up and f'd like bunnies.
Maybe you & Coach won't play hide the weasel, but you might give a call.
It's your face in the mirror each day. Don't live with regret.
REGARDLESS OF RELIGION, it was a gift to someone in need, a helping hand, THAT IS IF HE KNEW YOU WERE TRYING TO PAY FOR SCHOOL, if not thats just creepy....NEVER PAY BACK A GIFT, unless you are repulsed at the idea of accepting a gift from that individual or under those circumstances....IF YOU DONT WANT TO JUST FORGET ABOUT THE MATTER AND SAY EH W/E FUCK IT which is what majority of people would do.....find someone in need, and PAY IT FWD...(i used caps to stand out from other posts)
You should pay him back, not out of guilt at being non religious but because it is a good thing to do.Also I dont see why you have to tell him or not that you arnt a christian anymore but if it comes up be honest i guess.
Yeah, I say mention it to him. Tell him how it makes you feel and this dilemma that you're telling us here and just see how he reacts to it. Maybe buy him a nice gift. :)
you know ironicly...I say give the money back, be honest about it. Chances he might still let you keep it, and wether or not he does, maybe he will learn something about atheists and what not, that were not just all greedy a sorta reverse evangelizing. Also because it be the right thing to do.
He did it out of goodwill, whether he thought God wanted him to or not has nothing to do with you. It was a gift, which means repayment was never required or expected. Pay it forward, my friend. It's the right thing to do.
I would go for charity, or return it with interest, telling him that the money helped, but you don't need it anymore. If he wouldn't want to keep it, tell him to give it to another one in need, so that the money would keep on helping others.
How do you decide what kind of filter to use on each of your videos? Ideas from a hat?
That aside, if a normal vblogger is "militant," I'd hate to see the real thing.
That also aside, the money isn't important. If you still feel uncomfortable, you could try calling him up to share your honest gratitude. Hopefully, he'll accept your thanks and take his goodwill for what it was.
This is all up to you. A gift is a gift. Maybe you could let Coach know you have done well for yourself, and are grateful for his help which came at a good time for you. You could offer to repay. You could pay it forward, maybe letting coach know his generosity is living on. Its all up to you and what you want. I think you have no obligations to anyone in regards to the money.
In the spirit of his motivation behind giving you a blessing, concider helping a student in need when you see an opportunity. And dont sweat the spiritual stuff.
Maybe coach's beliefs have changed since your previous interaction; regardless its not your responsibility to spread his beliefs.
Pay it forward. Help someone else with their education, give a beggar on the street some money do something nice for someone else. Even if you don't believe in his god, it doesn't matter, he'll still see it as his god helping no matter what you do. So you might as well just do some good with it.
The opportunity to repay his kindness has finally come, nice! A good bottle of wine and basket of assorted cheese should be adequate, with attached note, or verbal thank you message.
I'd tell him thank you again for helping you out, say you put the money to good use, and now you have extra money yourself... so if he needs some, you'd be happy to give it back. If he doesn't, give it to charity if that makes you feel good, or spend it on booze and hookers.
You should at least offer to pay him back, but if he doesn't accept it you should pass it on with the story, just without the "god" bit. Or even put it towards a scholarship, or start a new one with it, there are so many great ways that money could be put to great use within education.
I don't think you should do anything. If he would have been an atheist, my answer would have been the same. He willfully gave you that money, I'm sure he felt good about it (having done a good deed) so you both benefited from that action. It's up to you if you feel like you want to return the favor (to someone else). In any case, I feel like you making these videos is already a great, positive contribution to the world. Thank you !
It is highly unlikely that Coach was commanded to give you the money by a supernatural entity, so, either subconsciously you were a value to him and it made him happy to givie it to you, in which case you should keep it, or he felt it was a moral duty that he was obligated to sacrifice his money to you, in which case you should return it.
I think it's simple. Keep it as a sign of good will. It wasn't god telling him to give you the money, it was his sub con. That means that he cares about you and wanted to see you do well, if I was still religious and my mother gave me something I needed because she knew I needed it and god told her to, I wouldn't regret keeping it after I lost my religion because god exists in the mind
Being as I'm in a tough financial situation, my viewpoint is kinda skewed... I'd say find someone you know who could use it... someone who could use it to help dig themselves out of the situation they are currently in.... Think of how wonderful of a gift it was for you to get, and bestow that upon someone else....
If it were me, I would find Coach, explain your current beliefs, and give him the money back. As activists, it's important not to just preach to the choir, or ever to just fence-sitters, but to reach out to religious people when we have the chance. That is, it's not a bad thing to shake somebody up every once in a while. You would be legitimately repaying a kindness, as well as causing him to question whether god really had instructed him to help you. That's what I would do.
It was given to you as a gift. Religion has no factor on what you should do with it. The only thing you can do is look at your personal ideas. Just because he was religious when he gave it to you does not mean paying it forward for the gift he gave you is doing it in the name of religion. Remember people don't need religion to do good. Just look at all the things that were done bad in the name of religion.
I think that "coach" might be insulted if you try to return the money. He probably, rightfully, derived some personal pride from giving you the gift, regardless of whether or not his reasoning for the gift was correct. Returning it might strip him of positive emotions. Also, bringing religious differences into the matter will probably aggravate him to some extent. I think you should just graciously accept the gift. If you want to pay it forward, wait until a worthy cause presents itself
You know what they say, when you're asking for advice, you're really just looking for someone to tell you what you already know you want. I think you've probably already made up your mind about what you want to do. So do that.
I really don't think you should give the money back to him. For one thing he might get hurt. Also for one who doesn't believe in God, such as yourself, the most logical assumption is that the "God" who spoke to him was a part of his sub-conscious that wanted to give you that money. So in that case it really would be him giving you that money and you need not feel bad about taking it. Putting the money towards a scholarship might be a good way to pass on the good will.
The pay it forward idea is great, especially with the eduction these days getting so hard on many people who are not so well off. I'd suggest that if you do donate it to a student or charity or something you put a short of the story into the envelope "Once there was a boy who couldn't pay for his education until mr.Coach helped him. This is his money flowing from him to you though me. I hope you'll thank mr.Coach in a personal letter."(excuse my limited English).
I would take the religious factor out of the equation. Coach did something nice for you when you needed it. He was motivated by his own kindness - even though he thought it was god telling him to do it. This is a good example of how there are good people from every walk of life.
I suppose you should find out what "coach" would want. perhaps he could really use the money now or perhaps he would like you to pass it on? If you were going to go through the effort of finding him again why not ask?
you were still somewhat religious when he gave it to you. If he knew you weren't, or were doubting, it could be a sign to you of Christian goodness, to try to bring you back to God (from his point of view). If God told Him to give it to you, God couldn't have been mistaken, right? After all, God must have known that you'd turn away from Him.
$1,000 is the price of one soul! HA HA! Jesus owns your ass! just kidding,but i do think that you should pay him back if you can do it without putting your self out to much,just put him on the bottom of the list,hell you didn't ask for his money,not like its a real loan.
Here's what I'd do. If I would feel that $1000 is still valuable to me, then I'd hang on to it for a while longer. If I felt I was getting by just fine without the $1000 then I'd either pay it back or pass it on. If I would pass it on, then I'd explain how I got 'em in the first place and maybe even try to inform my coach about it.
In either case, I don't think you should pay it back just because you're an atheist. He didn't give you the $ with the condition you'd be and stay a christian.
Contact him, thank him from the bottom of your heart since he truly did help you out. If he still doesn't want it back and you feel guilty about accepting it, pay it forward.
Inspiration from god is as good as inspiration from self. Give no special treatment to his gift. Just do what you would had the money been a secular gift.
Presuming I have a complete understanding of him giving you the gift my thoughts are:
1. He believed and believes (presumably) that god commanded him to give the gift and he wanted to comply - no strings seem to have been attached to the gift
2. He indicated he would not accept it back
3. Unless you are uneasy personally with having taken the money, it is a nonissue. If you are uneasy, you need to identify why and determine if the reason is a valid one. If it is, a course should be clear
If you consider your time worth money, and you are spending a lot of time thinking about it, you might consider giving him the money, just so that you never have to think about again. Or you could donate that amount to a charity, since he might be insulted if you attempt to pay him back.
I like the pay it forward idea. I think that even if Coach's motivation was religious, I think that the intention was still good. So accept the gift, because you did need it, and whenever you can do the same for someone in a similar situation.
Regardless of his motivation for giving you the money - it did in fact help you, so I would just accept that goodwill as it was intended. However, if you are now financially secure enough to be able to pay him back then do that - but not to prove a point. Say "thanks for the loan - that helped me out a lot" and be on your merry way I guess? There is no need to really bring up the religion issue and be confrontational against someone who helped you.
I'd find out how the coach is doing. If you find out he actually might need some financial help, then give him the money, but if he's doing good, send him a thank you card or take him out to dinner and expressed to him your gratitude and the result of his kind act. Then you can pay it forward to someone else.
I like the idea of investing in the education of others, especially in this economy. Maybe the idea will catch on and whoever you help will one day do the same for others. I think the gift was a gift with no strings attached. Perhaps "Coach" would like to hear from you and know that you spent the money on a good cause and that you are grateful for his help.
You can try to return the $1000 to him. Though, if he's as devout as you say he is/was then I think he will refuse it no matter the decision you made about religion. Pay it forward to someone who was once in need like yourself.
Can't imagine a guy like you is acually looking for input to consider while you make a decision, just some kind of social experiment I suspect. So, what are you going to do?
@meucunt1 I'm not sure what you mean by that. I'm very open to suggestions and thoughts that people have on this matter. I will not be making my decisions only based on the popularity of suggestions made here, but it will be a factor in my decision making.
@GrapplingIgnorance My mistake then Sir. All I meant was this is a decision I thought you would have made before you spent the money. Will you be letting us know you're decision?
@GrapplingIgnorance Pay it back. Thank him. Don't bring up religion unless he brings it up. If he says he felt that it was his religious duty and that he can't accept it being paid back, then say that as you are no longer religious, you feel that you feel it is your moral duty to pay him back for his generosity.
Religion plays no part in this, people make decisions based on all kinds programming. If it were me, if I took the cash in the first place I would have made it clear at the time that I accept it as a much appreciated loan. Now I'd find him and try to hand it back with genuin gratitude, if he wouldn't take it I'd pay it forward.
What would I do? Well, it might be possible to re-establish contact with Coach and show him first off how his investment has paid off. I'd wanna know if I were him. Now if I were in your role, I'd use the reunion as a chance to assess what his need(s) are and if I was willing and/or capable of fulfilling any of them. Simply returning the money seems hollow to me but I wouldn't rule out that as the only possible option. Letting him know is my favourite course for sure.
Give the 1000 dollar to someone who needs it to study (like mentioned in top likes). I mean in the end he probably did it because it made him feel better. To a lot of people religion is just a wall to project their good intentions on.
The "pay it forward idea is nice"... but I think you should pay him back,,, don't explain anything... just tell him "thank you"... and tell him that you never forgot about his generousity...
Personally, I don't like taking money from people, even if they offer it freely. And even if I needed the money badly... I'd take it, but pay it back whenever I can. To me, that seems the most fair thing to do.
Pass it forward and help someone else. Has nothing to do with religion. This is the one life we have. If we all tried to make it a little better for each other we all win.
does coach have kids? you could always buy books for them if theyre in college or put it towards their tuition or something. it wouldnt really be giving the money back to coach, so its not an insult. just say something like "you helped me better my future, so now i am going to pass the same blessing on to your children" or something like that. ive had the same thing happen, my extended family is quite religious and they always do stuff for me because god apparently tells them to.
I think the best option is to do the same for another person in need. Giving the money back to "Coach" might seem like an insult to the guy. Regardless of why he did it, it was intended as a gift and you didn't put the money to waste. So, perhaps helping another individual may have a ripple effect, and many others will be fortunate enough to receive such generosity.
I would put myself in his shoes. IF you knew someone who was having a hard time, and you gave him money not wanting it back. How would you feel if you ..... (fill in the blank). What would you want this person to do for you? Just be the other person.
CapQuacer 1 month ago
I would contact him to thank him for the donation, explaining at the same time that I am not religious... seemed as if Coach was leaning towards some sort of subconscious indoctrination. He didnt HAVE to mention god. Paying it forward would not be considered unless the person accepting the gift was in a similar situation as the one you were in as well as this person having to be someone I cared for, as the Coach cared for you. Charity is not an option, as I see charity as a scam... personally...
JesusEatsCats 1 month ago
Well I don't know how much you believe in...let's say, feelings. I don't mean happiness, sadness or whatever. I personally believe that sometimes people just get a feeling about something and maybe Coach had a feeling that you'd need money and that's how he got the whole God telling him. But I do believe that depending on how you feel you should try to help others as much as you can, so if you see a homeless person on the street cornor give them some spare change. Just be compassionet to others.
ImDiffrentSoWhat 3 months ago in playlist More videos from GrapplingIgnorance
Donate the money to your alma mater.
RickySTT 3 months ago
I'd say pay it forward to someone else, unless Coach is in a time where he could really use it. I mean keeping it between just two people doesn't help people much, but maybe if you helped other people they'd help other people, and more than just 1 or 2 people would have been helped with whatever financial issues they have.
DeathnoteBB 6 months ago
I would hunt him down
OppositionDept 7 months ago in playlist Grappling ignorance
Some blasphemer disliked you
:|
no me gusta
OppositionDept 7 months ago in playlist Grappling ignorance
you are in debt to a person - hunt him down and pay him back with a gift of kindness as well. or pay a gift of kindness to 3 other people.
if you wish to insert your views, do so - tell him that this is what ur atheistic morals tells you to do, and (maybe) that you will not stop on just that.
tazmaniainc 7 months ago
1:35 - If that's what blessing a person means, then the pope must be broke XD
Still i can appreciate that the coach was trying to help you no matter what reasons he had. If it were me, i would offer to pay the money back, and if he still didn't want it then i would find another struggling college student to give the money to.
UnseenAtheist 7 months ago
Comment removed
UnseenAtheist 7 months ago
Keep it. I see no logical reason not to.
Woodchuck1949 8 months ago
Regardless of why he gave it to you, he did just that. It wasn't a loan, you didn't borrow it. It is your money now, put it towards your student loan payments.
RedSoxKiller247 8 months ago
I'd pay it forward, if you're in the position. In every selfless act, there is an element of selfishness. You DO get SOMETHING for a selfless deed- an emotional deposit- into another, whether they know it or not, and whether you know it or not. The deposit is called self esteem. When all is said and done, that is worth the time and energy of the act of selflessness. The feeling of being valuable. And there is no greater reward than that, IMO.
rpm297 9 months ago
Someone called you a "militant atheist"? Really? Being aggressively outspoken doesn't make you militant (and you're not even that very aggressive very often). If you're militant then you take up arms and/or commit criminal acts for your cause (think PETA).
You don't owe your coach to pay him back. He didn't want that. Do as you wish with the money, but you'll probably feel better if you give it to someone else who needs it rather than keep it to yourself, or else you wouldn't ask what to do.
KaptenN 10 months ago
the subtext of all your (wonderfull) videos is that we are all the same, regardless of what we belive. you should repay him, man to man, human being to another. you can talk to him in a civil way about your world view. maybe you'll find a basis for discussion with the other side. that way the gift would be mutual. maybe.
audiadi1 10 months ago
Find a way to support victims of car accidents, people hit by drunk or tired drivers who shouldn't have been driving. Settle the score with Karma, so to speak.
JimboWizbo 10 months ago
If he truely believes that it was "God's will" That you should have that money, then the outcome of that action must also be "God's will" . I think you should let things be as they are, a good thing came out of the gift, regardless of the reason for the gift. Peace
TheRenekruse 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The video implies a felt sense of obligation, somehow tied to religion. Break the argument down into component parts and approach it from a rational, rather than emotional point of view. If you have emotional responses, deal with them head on rather than as ancillary reactions bound to one circumstance.
ZephZhang 11 months ago
The video implies a felt sense of obligation, somehow tied to religion. Break the argument down into component parts and approach it from a rational, rather than emotional point of view. If you have emotional responses, deal with them head on rather than as ancillary reactions bound to one circumstance.
ZephZhang 11 months ago
I honestly would leave the religious aspect out of it. If you feel you have the capital to pay him back, then go ahead. Just say something like "Thankyou for the blessing, it helped me very much, but I no longer need it." You don't need to get into a religious discussion because it'll turn into 'blessing the atheist.' If he doesn't take it, donate it where you think it could be used, or possibly keep it in case you run across a kid down on his luck, as you were then.
SilTiger1 11 months ago
He wanted to help you, take that for what it's worth regardless of his motivation. You're already "paying it forward" if you ask me. You invested that money in an education and you're using that education to help others. If it were me, I would write a heartfelt letter of thanks to Coach elaborating on your current position and the "good" his gift is now doing other children through you. If you must "repay" him you could always set up some kind of small education fund in his name.
ReverendWyrm 11 months ago
Pay it forward. Even if Coach might consider his money wasted on you, he might find somebody downstream he would be happy to have helped indirectly.
8WholeThing 11 months ago
I say pay it forward, I have always big a big proponent of that idea. Whenever I help someone, I never ask for it back I always tell them to help someone else if they can in the future.
fourtrees44 11 months ago
I like the idea of finding somebody who is struggling to pay for their education, tell them the story of Coach and how he helped you out and that in the future your recipient should do the same. Then find Coach and let him know how much his gift helped you out and that you have passed the gift forward. I am sure he will be quite pleased. There is no reason why religion or your beliefs should enter into the conversations.
oscargordon 11 months ago
Your last option is presented poorly. Should you choose to return the money, it shouldn't be out of a sense guilt that you're no longer religious, but rather that you no longer need it. Coach gave it to you during a time of need. His motivations aren't necessarily relevant.
Should you choose to return the money to coach, don't frame it in a way that makes you sound like an ass (which the last option, as presented, kind of did).
Anyway, my vote is for pay it forward.
MasauFuku 11 months ago
@MasauFuku er...sorry, I got the order of the options mixed up in my head. I meant the second option, not the last.
MasauFuku 11 months ago
you don't owe him, it wasn't a loan it was a gift. He may choose to blame god for giving it, but you know better and know that he did it just out of the kindness of his heart.
Dudeamis 11 months ago 2
Doctors Without Boarders, Heifer Foundation, etc. are excellent causes (anyone, religious or not can agree with that). Donating to tsunami relief may also prove to be a good idea...
Logoscyth 11 months ago
Two comments:
1. He could have given the gift strictly out of religious sentiment, or he could have given it out of kindness to which he applied a religious label. I submit that it's impossible to tell one from the other.
2. All you know for sure is that he wanted you to have the money and use it. For you to infer as to his underlying motivations and then act on that inference would be presumptuous.
If you want to do him justice, I'd say it'd be self-defeating to give back his gift.
d00df00d 11 months ago
Use it to help someone else, and tell him that it was his kindness that inspired you.
MysticHeart07 11 months ago
pay it forward but also hunt him down to thank him and to tell him you've done the same and passed it on.
also, did he know about your accident and money issue?
PhauxTheFox 11 months ago
It's clear that Coach considers giving you that money as his duty to obey his deity, so paying him back is almost certainly not an option, and offering to do so may be viewed as an insult. Like so many others have already suggested, I recommend you pay it forward, but send Coach a letter to let him know. Perhaps one of your students has a high academic aptitude but meager monetary means, and would benefit from a 1k endowment.
JunkyardFoot 11 months ago
I say pay it forward to whatever cause has meaning for you, just as Coach did.
MizManagement 11 months ago
Donate it to Thunderf00t.
LAnonHubbard 11 months ago
i somehow think that the thank you is a separate conversation with this man, as opposed to a discussion about faith and atheism.,maybe what you want is a cup of coffee with him to catch up on life and where that gift he gave you took you.
practicalmagic9 11 months ago
The man did a great thing for you (for whatever reason). How do you think that it would make him feel of you making a point with his generosity in this way?
It seems as though you respect him, but you are willing to make a point out of his gift is kinda weird.
How would you feel if he saw this video and (because he did it) knew it was you? How would you feel if he knew you were using his genuine gift to make this point?
lex811117 11 months ago
You don't owe him the money, but I wouldn't object to putting the money forward (especially if it's in a similar situation to Coach).
The religious side of things probably isn't an issue in this case.
ScepticalAgnostic 11 months ago
Pay it forward in Coaches name
CoLegacy 11 months ago 2
it is held in Christian doctrine that humanity is just some fallen product of original sin, and that all the good things people do is God working through them. In other words, Christians believe that humans are absolutely incapable of doing anything good. My suggestion is that you thank him for HIS contribution, with heavy emphasis on it being from him, and not God. Make sure he understands that you're very greatful, and offer to repay him.
123keames 11 months ago
My Opinion is this, This process comes in stages
1: Find Couch and attempt to repay him as the good natured Atheist you are
If Couch does not accept
2: Give said $1000 to someone in need of schooling
If they don't want it, or want to pay you back
Tell them they are Not to pay you back, but instead (once they have the means) to give said $1000 to another person in need of school to continue the trend, Hopefully with only $1000, 20 or more people can get good education.
If all fails
3: Charity ^_^
BlankPicketSign 11 months ago
I think the people would be kind and moral and generous, but sometimes need a mental framework to help them understand their own mental processes. It's called "splitting off and projection" but in the case of the religious, I think they split off their better instincts and project them to a fictional character, which is a curious way of acting as though their kindness is not their own choice. As my dad says, nobody gives money unless they want to. He wanted to. Returning it might be hurtful.
artgoat 11 months ago
The best thing to do would be to pay it back to the coach and ask him to give it to another student in need if he doesn't need it himself. No good can come from living life in debt.
TheHobgoblyn 11 months ago
No doubt, donate it to the National Center for Science Education. Help the education of thousands of children in a way that is congruent with your beliefs, just like coach.
Bo1618 11 months ago
It would be a good thing to find him and give him something back. However, if you pay him back its no longer a gift but a loan.
You should be gracious of his gift and in return show him how much it means to by taking him to an nice dinner, a sports game, or something else you know that he'd like. It should be thoughtful and should involve something where you can communicate with them.
JetpackNinjaDinosaur 11 months ago
you're not a militant atheist. secularists can't be militant atheists.
awesomemaster1906 11 months ago
tell coach (if you can) about ur beliefs and ask him if he wants the money back.
if u can't find coach put the same amount of money to same cause
aljokerr02 11 months ago
you should send "coach" a thank you note and pay it forward. Being kind to people in need, is a good thing. Christian don't have a patent on that. Their reason for doing good is because their god, told them to. You can do, good, because it's good. Thats way more advanced.
bellier 11 months ago
If this occurs, simply go about your life ready, willing, and able to do good by someone else or "coach" should the opportunity come up. In either case, you'll still be doing a good deed. Kindness is still kindness :) .
Jaybird196 11 months ago
I think I'd look " Coach" up and see how he's doing. If he needs the kind help that a $1000 would aid in him getting it, repay his kindness. You might telling him how grateful you are that he cared enough about you, for whatever reason, that he took that care and did something with it because he could. Religion doesn't even have to enter into the conversation until/unless it comes up. If he's fine, perhaps a simple phone call or meeting expressing your appreciation will probably be well-received
Jaybird196 11 months ago
In all honesty I'd do nothing but then I'm far poorer than is comfortable so I can't really give helpful advice here.
Lpoolboy 11 months ago
dude your not having any dislikes...scary
managarm1349 11 months ago 3
@managarm1349 Well this isn't a controversial video, it's just asking a question. I didn't expect any likes or dislikes here, though I'm pleased with how many people have responded.
GrapplingIgnorance 11 months ago
Accept his gift as sincere. Id pay the gift forward when I could.
nchiley 11 months ago
DO NOTHING
POSTMORTEM71 11 months ago
This is a personal issue you have to answer for yourself.
Also
Mathew 6:5
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.
x86freak 11 months ago
Why not keep the money until you find someone who needs it, then do the same thing coach did but find some way to make it an atheist version :P
"There's no god but in the name of human kindness here's a thousand bucks."
ScissorHand26 11 months ago
I think you should ignore the religious motivation. He performed an act of kindness towards you I think you should look to do the same. It doesn't matter if that's a charitable organisation or a similar gift to another person.
Really depends on if you feel you need to but you could explain your thoughts now to him or just say thanks.
AlexThomson1000 11 months ago
Get Coaches full information and make a contribution to the Atheist Experience TV show in his name. Do it so the thank you from the show is mailed to him. That's comical irony at it's best. Or just keep it. In his mind his God told him to do it and you job is okay but you're not getting rich because of his help. In the least pay your other debts off first. He wanted to give you the money.
bigboy45454545 11 months ago
You could buy a gas card and fill it up with $537.81, then mail it to the the coach anonymously, then donate the rest toward higher education. Or you could sit on it until someone else is in a needy situation as you were and give it to them. Personally, I would bring it to the casino and put it all on 35 at the roulette table.
ObtuseSage 11 months ago
Hire a monkey butler.
jimbob224 11 months ago
if you give the dosh back it will only go to furthering religious indoctrination. what i think he was trying to do is to make you take another look at superstition, to make it seem that sky-daddy is real. tell him the cash came in handy and you will be making a donation to a non-religious charity.
fourbabies1 11 months ago
Call him up and say thanks.
Perhaps you believe the money was pivotal, and you would be without an education without his help? If so, I would disagree; a thousand dollars is a tiny, tiny drop compared to what one needs for an education in America. I think you would have made due with student loans, rent divided by more roomates, family help, or a year longer for your studies.
MrStillmans 11 months ago
Coach gave you a gift with no expectation of repayment. It really doesn't matter WHY he gave it to you. Religious motive or just kindness, it was a gift. You owe no repayment to anyone. However, if you want to pay it forward, then I suggest finding a worthy but starving college student and help them. Or buy food for a needy family in your area, some worthy cause. But I suggest doing it yourself, so 100% benefits the person of your choice.
th30r3m 11 months ago 34
I agree with most here, he probably was just doing something nice for you even though he did use his religion beliefs as motivation. I like the idea of pay it forward though...however, I would look him up and see what his life situation is now, maybe he could use a helping hand from you and if not then yes go ahead and pay it forward...I think he would be very impressed with you to just know you cared enough to remember and think of his good jesture regardless of your beliefs! Good luck to you
heikkala2797 11 months ago
I'm just jazzed to hear that you used a religious person's money for LEARNING. His god (via his religious leader claiming to speak for his god) could have just told him to give it to the church.
ksmartialarts 11 months ago
You should ask him.
Blackmark52 11 months ago
So this is why the silohette
deathman1021 11 months ago
The concept of a god can be used for indirection. This is a computer machine language concept where instead of getting an address directly from a machine word, the address comes from another addresses contents. In the case of a god one 'indirects' one's own thoughts as if they came from god. The guy helped you. There was no god involved but he fooled himself into thinking it was because of a god. Solution: It was a gift. You used it well. Send him a thank you card!
farvision 11 months ago
I think "Coach" was just a good man at heart and he felt sorry for you and he felt like it was the correct, moral thing to do, which was to give you the $1,000. Whether he got the idea from God, I'm not sure. But if he got it from his own personal thoughts and conclusions, then he was just a good, generous man who gets a personal enjoyment out of making other happy from his own generosity. I like "Coach": He seems like a lovely person. A friend for an atheist (me) or a Christian. Nice guy. :]
HarryIsTheGamingGeek 11 months ago
@HarryIsTheGamingGeek He was a dude suffering from an inferiority complex, basically got the money through whatever means and felt he did not deserve it.
its a common problem many people face, ever got something cool and felt bad about it? or didnt think you deserved it? this is why its a psychological problem
deathman1021 11 months ago
keep the money he wanted you to have it and im sure he felt great about giving it to you why dash his spirits after he just did something nice
EnterNameHere55 11 months ago
Well i think the religious part isn't an issue. Coach is clearly a nice guy.
I mean he's willing to guide Nick Ellis and Rochelle through a zombie apocalypse and give them all the help they need, getting those hunters off them, beating the karma charger and taking down tanks like a boss
GeneralMontague 11 months ago
@GeneralMontague I read through the comments specifically looking for this. Ironically that Coach is religious too.
FuzzyPig5 11 months ago
A Gift is a gift. You accepted it graciously, and trying to return it would be insulting. However, if you were to find out that Coach was in need and you are in a position to help him that would be great and if by chance a motivation was mentioned, i.e. if he thanked Jesus and you could educate him (you are and educator) well...
walkingmap 11 months ago
PAY IT FORWARD!!
Good will is contagious no matter what the source, keep it going…
Not all religious people are rhetoric spewing fundamentalists,
Most of them are just church going, well intentioned, average people.
(Like Coach)
The problem is the fundys, I think that is something the atheist community needs to realize.
Religion is an irrelevant distraction for both side of the fence, hopefully more people begin to realize that fact...
-- PEACE --
mrfilthyrags 11 months ago
Tell him that you are an Atheist and let him make the decision if he wants the money back. At least you would be able to tell if he really is a good Christian like most of them are not.
Dwicker64 11 months ago
If coach wasn't gonna take it back then he probably won't take it back now. This was a gift from a friend, you are under no obligation to do anything but it might be nice to pass it on to someone who needs it.
uaenruotel 11 months ago
Well definitely accept it in good grace and don't try to return it. Religion poisons enough without letting it poison Coach's charitable act and his intent to help you and the good his gift did in your life.
I'd consider using the money just like Coach did, find someone you can help and pass on the money, hopefully it will help that person and they will do the same some year, and so on.
Then I'd try to contact Coach, thank him, and tell him how much it helped. Especially if you pass it on.
ristinraccoon 11 months ago
this is the same kind of deal as if you had earned the $1000 yourself, yeah sure the best thing you could do would be to donate it to ending world hunger, but that doesn't mean it would be wrong in any way to keep it for yourself
Lordlaneus 11 months ago
Pay him back in one full payment, but you don't have to meantion anything about religion. His luck may have changed or he might be able to use it. If it comes up you can of course reveal that you aren't religious, but otherwise it is a not a factor.
amberview30 11 months ago
A lesson I learned from my days as a Christian, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of youselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast"(Eph 2:8-9). In Christianity , unfortunately, the gift isn't free because you're expected to make Jesus Lord of your life. Coaches gift WAS FREE. Unlike God, he neither wanted or expected anything in return. That is true grace, a real gift. Thank him, tell him what it did for you, and that (CONT)
itsonlymepeople 11 months ago
(CONT) you're passing his grace (your coach) on to another person in need. He'll feel blesssed by it, you'll feel good about it and you'll help someone else in need. Though you and your coach no longer share the same religion you're bound together by a much stronger and nobler bond, our shared humanity.
itsonlymepeople 11 months ago
Religion is not all bassed down to a god or a church or a bibble, its based down on fait to one and other, been nice helping out and so on,. if your a nice person, id class you in the catagory as christian, just gives u a title, if your a pure cunt, id class you as devil, just gives u a title. we could just say he was a extremely nice fella, witch he was but he wanted to have a reason to give it to you, and his reason was fait. not because he was extremely religiose , only because he felt sadfu
TedFnBuckle 11 months ago
What if he sold his possessions and was giving his money to the poor
yurity 11 months ago
it sounds like he was rationalizing when he said that religion was the reason he gave the money to u. it was probably just out of kindness. i don't know about u or him, but i see charity as a gift not a lone. that and because he explicitly said he wouldn't take it back says at least to me that u don't have any obligation. he helped u out when u needed it and u don't have to feel bad for doing nothing. there's nothing wrong about giving the money to him or someone else if that makes u happy
theshiznojudge 11 months ago
I would just send him the money, with no response except hey hope you're well and thank you. Or send it anonymously if you can safely.
drax325 11 months ago
His money, his rules. Have them ready to pay him back if he ever asks to return the favour in a way you don't like.
jesokingcryst 11 months ago
He gave it in the spirit of good will, so I say keep it in good will.
If YOU feel any guilt about keeping it, then give it to someone you feel is more in need. Or maybe split it with the needy (you're a teacher in the south, so you're likely to be at least a little needy yourself; I know they don't pay well)
SiriusMined 11 months ago
As others say the religion is not part of the equation.
Dear Coach,
I can never thank you enough for your gift. It was indeed very helpful. As I find myself in better financial straights I am compelled to offer to pay your gift back or to pass it along to another person of worthy need. Please advise if you know of someone who can benefit as I did.
Thank you,
prodigyat9 11 months ago
Coach was probably CONVINCED that God wanted him to give you that money. As far as he's concerned, that money is YOURS because it's what God wanted, he probably wouldn't want to be paid back. It might be nice to try and pay him back, but he's not very likely to accept it, I don't think. Helping someone else would be the best route in my opinion.
xoBrightlyWound 11 months ago
Maybe you could find someone in your life that is in need of a helping hand and pass the money on to that person along with the best advice you can give them, maybe you could create a tradition of goodwill that reaches through generations. Don't tell the person to pass their money on and do the same, find someone who will want to do the same without prompting.
Daneoid81 11 months ago
Pay him back…
Katalyzt
Katalyzt 11 months ago
I was in a committed relationship some years ago and my GF came into a bit of money. She paid off my car loan. After we split, I wondered if I should pay her back or consider it an investment in our future together which she forfeited by cheating.
Years later, I called her and offered to pay her back. She accepted. We hooked up and f'd like bunnies.
Maybe you & Coach won't play hide the weasel, but you might give a call.
It's your face in the mirror each day. Don't live with regret.
Qillz 11 months ago
REGARDLESS OF RELIGION, it was a gift to someone in need, a helping hand, THAT IS IF HE KNEW YOU WERE TRYING TO PAY FOR SCHOOL, if not thats just creepy....NEVER PAY BACK A GIFT, unless you are repulsed at the idea of accepting a gift from that individual or under those circumstances....IF YOU DONT WANT TO JUST FORGET ABOUT THE MATTER AND SAY EH W/E FUCK IT which is what majority of people would do.....find someone in need, and PAY IT FWD...(i used caps to stand out from other posts)
Jmsone36 11 months ago
You should pay him back, not out of guilt at being non religious but because it is a good thing to do.Also I dont see why you have to tell him or not that you arnt a christian anymore but if it comes up be honest i guess.
StandAloneForever 11 months ago
Yeah, I say mention it to him. Tell him how it makes you feel and this dilemma that you're telling us here and just see how he reacts to it. Maybe buy him a nice gift. :)
akrulla 11 months ago
you know ironicly...I say give the money back, be honest about it. Chances he might still let you keep it, and wether or not he does, maybe he will learn something about atheists and what not, that were not just all greedy a sorta reverse evangelizing. Also because it be the right thing to do.
wolfwing1 11 months ago
He did it out of goodwill, whether he thought God wanted him to or not has nothing to do with you. It was a gift, which means repayment was never required or expected. Pay it forward, my friend. It's the right thing to do.
oracton 11 months ago
I would go for charity, or return it with interest, telling him that the money helped, but you don't need it anymore. If he wouldn't want to keep it, tell him to give it to another one in need, so that the money would keep on helping others.
DevelX666 11 months ago
How do you decide what kind of filter to use on each of your videos? Ideas from a hat?
That aside, if a normal vblogger is "militant," I'd hate to see the real thing.
That also aside, the money isn't important. If you still feel uncomfortable, you could try calling him up to share your honest gratitude. Hopefully, he'll accept your thanks and take his goodwill for what it was.
CrazySatanicInfidel 11 months ago
I would donate the money to a Pro-Choice campaign.
WestwindCA 11 months ago
@WestwindCA best idea ever
AtheisticTeenager 11 months ago
it was a gift...
kapa1611 11 months ago
This is all up to you. A gift is a gift. Maybe you could let Coach know you have done well for yourself, and are grateful for his help which came at a good time for you. You could offer to repay. You could pay it forward, maybe letting coach know his generosity is living on. Its all up to you and what you want. I think you have no obligations to anyone in regards to the money.
adolthitler 11 months ago
this sounds like one of those things witch you probly should look deep inside your self for the answer. do what you feel is right.
garganrose 11 months ago
In the spirit of his motivation behind giving you a blessing, concider helping a student in need when you see an opportunity. And dont sweat the spiritual stuff.
Maybe coach's beliefs have changed since your previous interaction; regardless its not your responsibility to spread his beliefs.
Kindertautenleider 11 months ago
Give it to Pat Robertson. Maybe he'll use it to help pay for electronic solar-powered Bibles for the Japanese.
TheIntolerantAtheist 11 months ago
Pay it forward. Help someone else with their education, give a beggar on the street some money do something nice for someone else. Even if you don't believe in his god, it doesn't matter, he'll still see it as his god helping no matter what you do. So you might as well just do some good with it.
DallasMavericksGuy 11 months ago
The opportunity to repay his kindness has finally come, nice! A good bottle of wine and basket of assorted cheese should be adequate, with attached note, or verbal thank you message.
Pineconevolved 11 months ago
I leave things in the past, move on to the future.
ateopuertorico 11 months ago
I'd tell him thank you again for helping you out, say you put the money to good use, and now you have extra money yourself... so if he needs some, you'd be happy to give it back. If he doesn't, give it to charity if that makes you feel good, or spend it on booze and hookers.
evolsteveve 11 months ago
@evolsteveve you gave the best answer in my opinion i couldn't have said it better :)
MrIgnostic 11 months ago
if it was me, i'd pay him the money. not necesarilly tell him that im an atheist. but pay it back and say thank you.
TheArutnev 11 months ago
I would pay him back and say thanks for helping in your time of need and if he says he doesn't want it then give it to MSF in his name.
Haradin32 11 months ago
You should at least offer to pay him back, but if he doesn't accept it you should pass it on with the story, just without the "god" bit. Or even put it towards a scholarship, or start a new one with it, there are so many great ways that money could be put to great use within education.
satanisthetruegod666 11 months ago
I don't think you should do anything. If he would have been an atheist, my answer would have been the same. He willfully gave you that money, I'm sure he felt good about it (having done a good deed) so you both benefited from that action. It's up to you if you feel like you want to return the favor (to someone else). In any case, I feel like you making these videos is already a great, positive contribution to the world. Thank you !
Ti133700N 11 months ago
I say pay it forward man
Shaekaku 11 months ago
It is highly unlikely that Coach was commanded to give you the money by a supernatural entity, so, either subconsciously you were a value to him and it made him happy to givie it to you, in which case you should keep it, or he felt it was a moral duty that he was obligated to sacrifice his money to you, in which case you should return it.
LoydBonifide 11 months ago
He is not going to take any money from you. Paying it forward maybe your best bet.
gothwomen 11 months ago
I think it's simple. Keep it as a sign of good will. It wasn't god telling him to give you the money, it was his sub con. That means that he cares about you and wanted to see you do well, if I was still religious and my mother gave me something I needed because she knew I needed it and god told her to, I wouldn't regret keeping it after I lost my religion because god exists in the mind
FockerTheLopper 11 months ago
Being as I'm in a tough financial situation, my viewpoint is kinda skewed... I'd say find someone you know who could use it... someone who could use it to help dig themselves out of the situation they are currently in.... Think of how wonderful of a gift it was for you to get, and bestow that upon someone else....
Sspankyy 11 months ago
I don't think you really intend on sending a gift back. It might still be nice to look up "Coach" and say hello.
BenOCI 11 months ago
If it were me, I would find Coach, explain your current beliefs, and give him the money back. As activists, it's important not to just preach to the choir, or ever to just fence-sitters, but to reach out to religious people when we have the chance. That is, it's not a bad thing to shake somebody up every once in a while. You would be legitimately repaying a kindness, as well as causing him to question whether god really had instructed him to help you. That's what I would do.
LifeInspector 11 months ago
It was given to you as a gift. Religion has no factor on what you should do with it. The only thing you can do is look at your personal ideas. Just because he was religious when he gave it to you does not mean paying it forward for the gift he gave you is doing it in the name of religion. Remember people don't need religion to do good. Just look at all the things that were done bad in the name of religion.
southpawl1 11 months ago
(2/2)
to you. I don't think you need to actively seek a person to give a thousand dollars to...unless it's me. ;)
xMKIVxVR6x 11 months ago
(1/2)
I think that "coach" might be insulted if you try to return the money. He probably, rightfully, derived some personal pride from giving you the gift, regardless of whether or not his reasoning for the gift was correct. Returning it might strip him of positive emotions. Also, bringing religious differences into the matter will probably aggravate him to some extent. I think you should just graciously accept the gift. If you want to pay it forward, wait until a worthy cause presents itself
xMKIVxVR6x 11 months ago
You know what they say, when you're asking for advice, you're really just looking for someone to tell you what you already know you want. I think you've probably already made up your mind about what you want to do. So do that.
phantomatt502 11 months ago
I really don't think you should give the money back to him. For one thing he might get hurt. Also for one who doesn't believe in God, such as yourself, the most logical assumption is that the "God" who spoke to him was a part of his sub-conscious that wanted to give you that money. So in that case it really would be him giving you that money and you need not feel bad about taking it. Putting the money towards a scholarship might be a good way to pass on the good will.
LinkMEP 11 months ago
I agree with lagavulan
He was motivated by kindness. A Christian is expected to associate kindness with Christ.
If you return it, you take the intentional selflessness of the act away from him, as well as the emotional security it likely gives him.
Darkestaxe 11 months ago
The pay it forward idea is great, especially with the eduction these days getting so hard on many people who are not so well off. I'd suggest that if you do donate it to a student or charity or something you put a short of the story into the envelope "Once there was a boy who couldn't pay for his education until mr.Coach helped him. This is his money flowing from him to you though me. I hope you'll thank mr.Coach in a personal letter."(excuse my limited English).
AAgony 11 months ago
I would take the religious factor out of the equation. Coach did something nice for you when you needed it. He was motivated by his own kindness - even though he thought it was god telling him to do it. This is a good example of how there are good people from every walk of life.
Rise above the religion issue!
lagavulan16 11 months ago 37
Donate to a secular cause
wertyo007 11 months ago
I suppose you should find out what "coach" would want. perhaps he could really use the money now or perhaps he would like you to pass it on? If you were going to go through the effort of finding him again why not ask?
C0LDPaW 11 months ago
keep it!
you were still somewhat religious when he gave it to you. If he knew you weren't, or were doubting, it could be a sign to you of Christian goodness, to try to bring you back to God (from his point of view). If God told Him to give it to you, God couldn't have been mistaken, right? After all, God must have known that you'd turn away from Him.
ergasterAUS 11 months ago
$1,000 is the price of one soul! HA HA! Jesus owns your ass! just kidding,but i do think that you should pay him back if you can do it without putting your self out to much,just put him on the bottom of the list,hell you didn't ask for his money,not like its a real loan.
h8red42 11 months ago
You should have insisted that he give you a lot more than just a measly grand! :-)
BTW: KEEP THE MONEY!
MsWanderer1 11 months ago
Maybe a donation to the atheist experience show in Austin?
wildwhippet 11 months ago
Cut and run, cut and run!
DeadiestCatch 11 months ago
Here's what I'd do. If I would feel that $1000 is still valuable to me, then I'd hang on to it for a while longer. If I felt I was getting by just fine without the $1000 then I'd either pay it back or pass it on. If I would pass it on, then I'd explain how I got 'em in the first place and maybe even try to inform my coach about it.
In either case, I don't think you should pay it back just because you're an atheist. He didn't give you the $ with the condition you'd be and stay a christian.
FalleJr 11 months ago
Donate it to Japan!!!!
starberry2947 11 months ago
Contact him, thank him from the bottom of your heart since he truly did help you out. If he still doesn't want it back and you feel guilty about accepting it, pay it forward.
That way you help another person.
gilgameshismist 11 months ago
Pay it forward towards the relief effort in Japan right now.
TheBarkingAtheist 11 months ago
PAY IT FORWARD
Dar0A0Nakk 11 months ago
Inspiration from god is as good as inspiration from self. Give no special treatment to his gift. Just do what you would had the money been a secular gift.
Echowraith 11 months ago
Presuming I have a complete understanding of him giving you the gift my thoughts are:
1. He believed and believes (presumably) that god commanded him to give the gift and he wanted to comply - no strings seem to have been attached to the gift
2. He indicated he would not accept it back
3. Unless you are uneasy personally with having taken the money, it is a nonissue. If you are uneasy, you need to identify why and determine if the reason is a valid one. If it is, a course should be clear
rohanwotan2 11 months ago
If you consider your time worth money, and you are spending a lot of time thinking about it, you might consider giving him the money, just so that you never have to think about again. Or you could donate that amount to a charity, since he might be insulted if you attempt to pay him back.
tnordloh 11 months ago
I like the pay it forward idea. I think that even if Coach's motivation was religious, I think that the intention was still good. So accept the gift, because you did need it, and whenever you can do the same for someone in a similar situation.
Urmomsanoob88 11 months ago
Regardless of his motivation for giving you the money - it did in fact help you, so I would just accept that goodwill as it was intended. However, if you are now financially secure enough to be able to pay him back then do that - but not to prove a point. Say "thanks for the loan - that helped me out a lot" and be on your merry way I guess? There is no need to really bring up the religion issue and be confrontational against someone who helped you.
About paying it forward - id rather let him.
TheStigma 11 months ago
I'd find out how the coach is doing. If you find out he actually might need some financial help, then give him the money, but if he's doing good, send him a thank you card or take him out to dinner and expressed to him your gratitude and the result of his kind act. Then you can pay it forward to someone else.
CeaselesslyCurious 11 months ago
I would just pay it forward.
Mysticblue1212 11 months ago
I like the idea of investing in the education of others, especially in this economy. Maybe the idea will catch on and whoever you help will one day do the same for others. I think the gift was a gift with no strings attached. Perhaps "Coach" would like to hear from you and know that you spent the money on a good cause and that you are grateful for his help.
RedMidget27 11 months ago
You can try to return the $1000 to him. Though, if he's as devout as you say he is/was then I think he will refuse it no matter the decision you made about religion. Pay it forward to someone who was once in need like yourself.
gc391 11 months ago
Can't imagine a guy like you is acually looking for input to consider while you make a decision, just some kind of social experiment I suspect. So, what are you going to do?
meucunt1 11 months ago
@meucunt1 I'm not sure what you mean by that. I'm very open to suggestions and thoughts that people have on this matter. I will not be making my decisions only based on the popularity of suggestions made here, but it will be a factor in my decision making.
GrapplingIgnorance 11 months ago 2
@GrapplingIgnorance My mistake then Sir. All I meant was this is a decision I thought you would have made before you spent the money. Will you be letting us know you're decision?
meucunt1 11 months ago
@GrapplingIgnorance Pay it back. Thank him. Don't bring up religion unless he brings it up. If he says he felt that it was his religious duty and that he can't accept it being paid back, then say that as you are no longer religious, you feel that you feel it is your moral duty to pay him back for his generosity.
NoMoreMasters 11 months ago
Religion plays no part in this, people make decisions based on all kinds programming. If it were me, if I took the cash in the first place I would have made it clear at the time that I accept it as a much appreciated loan. Now I'd find him and try to hand it back with genuin gratitude, if he wouldn't take it I'd pay it forward.
meucunt1 11 months ago
What would I do? Well, it might be possible to re-establish contact with Coach and show him first off how his investment has paid off. I'd wanna know if I were him. Now if I were in your role, I'd use the reunion as a chance to assess what his need(s) are and if I was willing and/or capable of fulfilling any of them. Simply returning the money seems hollow to me but I wouldn't rule out that as the only possible option. Letting him know is my favourite course for sure.
NAFmunchausen 11 months ago
Give the 1000 dollar to someone who needs it to study (like mentioned in top likes). I mean in the end he probably did it because it made him feel better. To a lot of people religion is just a wall to project their good intentions on.
ForYeensSake 11 months ago
The "pay it forward idea is nice"... but I think you should pay him back,,, don't explain anything... just tell him "thank you"... and tell him that you never forgot about his generousity...
fullygodfullyhuman 11 months ago 8
@fullygodfullyhuman I'm sure he would feel great knowing that he was so appreciated... it may bring tears to his eyes.... a great feeling!
fullygodfullyhuman 11 months ago
Pay it forward :)
Vogter666 11 months ago
Personally, I don't like taking money from people, even if they offer it freely. And even if I needed the money badly... I'd take it, but pay it back whenever I can. To me, that seems the most fair thing to do.
DeathsPictures 11 months ago
Pass it forward and help someone else. Has nothing to do with religion. This is the one life we have. If we all tried to make it a little better for each other we all win.
seeker6789 11 months ago
does coach have kids? you could always buy books for them if theyre in college or put it towards their tuition or something. it wouldnt really be giving the money back to coach, so its not an insult. just say something like "you helped me better my future, so now i am going to pass the same blessing on to your children" or something like that. ive had the same thing happen, my extended family is quite religious and they always do stuff for me because god apparently tells them to.
maidenfucknrulz666 11 months ago
I think the best option is to do the same for another person in need. Giving the money back to "Coach" might seem like an insult to the guy. Regardless of why he did it, it was intended as a gift and you didn't put the money to waste. So, perhaps helping another individual may have a ripple effect, and many others will be fortunate enough to receive such generosity.
MorbidRomantic666 11 months ago