Unfortunately Mr. Solomon, I cannot finish watching your video. My dog, who is living in our Christian home, is quiet while we pray and a real darn good judge of human character, growls incessantly while you are speaking. Since I cannot finish listening to what you have to say, I bid you adieu and hope that you live by the commandments and beatitudes of our Lord.
Too often early programming is not only carried into adulthood, but an adult who rejects the religion of their childhood thinks that it represents ALL religions. Yet Christianity and Islam (and their various sects) are the minority amongst the world's religions in that they are "religions of conversion" that believe ALL others must believe as they do. Most religions are about personal spirituality and one's own relationship to the Divine/Cosmos/Whatever.
As a former mormon, I approve this message. You were spot on about how little mormons read of there other three books. Heavy emphasis is put on the Book of Mormon. They even have/had a saying, "I believe the bible is the word of god as far as it is translated correctly", which translates to, "I believe only in the parts of the bible that don't contradict my mormon beliefs. Oh, and last, Morini is pronounced "More-own-eye".
@jaekae8 Oh, for more clarity, the "Doctorine and Covenants" and "Pearl of Great Price" books aren't studied until a mormon is an adult. That's why the young missionaries aren't very apt on them. Aspiring missionaries get a crash course before they go on their missions.
@TitansStatue wrote, "You BELIEVE there is no god. That takes belief. "
yeah yeah heard that a zillion times by xians. And telling. What it says is that you want atheism labelled with the same pointed accusation that xianinity (and religion in general) receives.
So in your own words "belief" is a weak reason to accept a life changing course.
And xianity is merely a belief but with zero evidence. None.
You should make up a better religion. Xianinty doesnt seem very appealing.
@TitansStatue No, you misunderstand what it means to be an Atheist. Being Atheistic just states your lack of a belief in God. That is why it is so unfair to ask an Atheist to prove their is no God; it is the equivalent of asking Mahmoud Ahmadinejad why he loves America with all his heart. It simply doesn't apply.
One last mention. Hear are some books that I don't think you have in your library yet and they have all been wrote buy previous Atheists. Two by Josh McDowell: 1) More Than A Carpenter 2) Evidence That Demands A Verdict. Three by Lee Strobel: 1) The Case For The Resurrection. 2) The Case For The Real Jesus. 3) The Case For Faith. These writers are well educated credible men.
I mean think about it. These men were there. They would have known Jesus wasn't resurrected. They would have known His resurrection was a lie. Yet they went to there deaths proclaiming it. It had to be the truth and there deaths assisted in validating it. Sorry for the long posts but I had to get this thought out.
3) Last but not least you mentioned people of religions have died for what they believe is true whether it is true or not and that certainly is the case but how many do you know have died for something knowing for sure what they believed was a lie? Did you know that every one of Jesus's 10 Disciples died and were martyered for believing in the resurection of Christ? I say 10 out of His 12 because one (John) was exiled to the island of Patmos and you already know about Judas.
and comparing scripture was with scripture does the accurate meaning become revealed. 2) Biblical history in accordance with fulfilled detailed prophecy (not general) completely validates and authenticates scripture. (1500 alone about Jesus Christ).
In saying my previous post I have went through this process in making my beliefs my own through logical study and research. In doing this I do have to disagree with you on a few aspects. I do have to say I am a Christian but the reason I am a Christian and not another of the so many other religions out there is the following: 1) reading a book from cover to cover at face value doesn't give real insight to scripture. Only deep study of the true meaning of the words in a verse in proper context
Mr Soloman, really enjoy watching your videos and if I could make a suggestion and especially in subjects such as these you should smoke your pipe while your giving your presentation. I do have a few comments in regards to your views. I do agree with how kids are brought up to believe certain religious beliefs from there parents as I did but I also believe as you become an adult you should research what you have been taught as a child validating those beliefs and truly making them your own.
It comforts me to believe that the wicked people on this planet will be punished for their deeds.
It comforts me to know that people that truly deserve it will end up with eternal bliss.
I began questioning my religion in school when I discovered that all 3 of the top worldwide religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, all believe in the same God.
@JDezi4 I must disagree with you, respectfully, of course. Just read John 14:6 (Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.) and you would see that Christians do not believe in the gods of Judaism or Islam. Classifying Christians with Judaism and Islam is therefore incorrect. The only way to the Father is through Jesus, not through any other religious figure from Islam or Judaism.
No, thats not what I mean. I'm talking how all 3 religions believe in the same God... Basically, Jews said that God talked to them and said "this is how u worship me" or whatever. Then, after Jesus, Christians came along and said that same God was either misquoted, or lied about, and that this was the way to worship. Then came Muhammad who came in and said, God told him that they r all wrong, and that this was the way to worship that same God... Thats wut I mean
Greg, I don't mean to nitpick at all and take my word for it when I say I am a tremendous fan of your work and your unique, logical style. But you didn't mention the Sikh religion or the Jewish religion. Have you read the scriptures of both religions, and if so, I wouldn't mind your thoughts on them as I have a friend who is Sikh, and it is very prominent in Northern India, and an alternate viewpoint on a monotheistic religion.
@JaamesAmos Just because he stops making videos for a month doesn't mean he's dead. He's not THAT old. He looks only late 50s mid 60s, and if his claims about his careful eating habits are correct, he's not dying anytime soon (barring any randomly occurring incident).
ALTHOUGH I'M A CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN (Baptist), I no longer believe that the Bible teaches eternal torment. The Bible teaches eternal punishment, but it's not eternal torment. In my popular Internet article, TRADITIONAL DOCTRINE OF HELL EVOLVED FROM GREEK ROOTS, I explain how and why teaching of eternal torment entered early into Christianity and how Scriptures have been misinterpreted and taken out of context to support that teaching. ~Babu G. Ranganathan (B.A. theology/biology)
SCIENCE SHOWS THAT THE UNIVERSE, because of entropy, couldn't have sustained itself from all eternity. Einstein confirmed that space, matter, and time had a beginning! That beginning had to be supernatural because natural laws have no ability to bring the universe into existence from nothing. The supernatural cannot be proved by science but science points to a supernatural intelligence for the origin and order of the universe ~ HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM (Article)
NATURAL LIMITS TO EVOLUTION: Only evolution within "kinds" is genetically possible (i.e. varieties of dogs, cats, etc.), but not evolution across "kinds" (i.e. from worm to human). How were species living and reproducing if their reproductive system and other vital organs hadn't evolved yet? Read my Pravda Internet article: WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS! I discuss: Punctuated Equilibrium, "Junk DNA," genetics, mutations, natural selection, fossils, genetic/biological similarities between species.
so religion has really convinced people.. that theres an invisble man living in the sky who watches everything you do every minute and every day.. and the invisble man has a special list of 10 things he does not want you to do and if u do any of these 10 things.. he has a special place full of fire and smoke and burning, torture and anguish where he will send you to live, to suffer, to burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever till the end of time..... BUT HE LOVES YOU!?
All religion is, is false hope to repress the fear of death. Spending your entire life worshiping a non-real god is such a waste of life. Their is nothing wrong with giving thanks for what you have or for wishing the best upon yourself and other people. Just do it without incorporating god, and do it because you really care.
if you take an infinite being a name and image, he becomes finite. a truly infinite being can only described as such: existence it's self is intelligent, and everything and everyone in it is behind its genesis, and its revelations. as such, Jah He Vau He (JHVH) is limited in his scope and form, as he is a specific thing, with a name, image, and personality
@GregSoloman i enjoyed your video, as an atheist you've made me think i should take the time to read different religous texts so i can be more informed on my decision and able to vocalise my opinions. I also like how you are not out to bash peoples beliefs. Many thanks for your efforts from dublin.
Atheists like you, Mr. Solomon, do not want to be held accountable for their sins, so you clutch to the false dogma of Darwinism to distance yourself from G-d so you can live a sinful life!
@TadRaunch A group of men thousands of years ago invented the word "sin". Atheists do not need to invent a whole new word or be commanded by God or threatened with eternal punishment in order to come to the conclusion of the right thing to do. I do the right thing because I understand why it is right because I have a brain... not because I aimlessly walk through life doing the right thing only because God himself told me to. It is sad that you need such monumental influence to be a good person.
@iMagUdspEllr Very well put. Obviously I am not a Creationist, but what I posted before is actually the chief Creationist argument against... evolution, I guess?
faith is believing in what you cannot see , the point is to have faith. if you dont have faith or whatever dont do a f***ing youtube video on it, its your opinion but quite frankly nobody gives a shit
i dont quite find this true, i have several friends who were religious as children and are non religious now, also the reverse of this.... and one of my friends even changed religion because they had the conscious decision to do so!
but... unlike with most of your videos i agree on the diffewrent points of veiw you put across for each religion.
The Bible Is Real It Is The Truth I Know.People Have Died And Risen To Heaven An dIt Is Not There Time They Come Back.I t Does Not Matter What Religion You Are It Only Matters If You Beleiven God.
The problem is, they're believing it "on faith", and they think that "faith" is a good thing to have, rather than a way to ignore reality and evidence.
I just found your channel by accident. But I couldn't have said it better myself right on.My parents were fundamentalists SDA,s and I was majorly indoctrinated as a child all the way through school by force not by choice.However I decided one day I had to know for myself if it was true or not. I have been doing research now for 12 years and it has taken me many directions. But I still wonder what happens when you die its a 50/50 shot that this is it. I hope not though I wish I knew for sure..
Atheists are really anoying. I'm not christian, but I believe in the supernatural, magic, paraphysics and all that. Everything does not have evidence and explanation, and should not have it!
Religion seperates us! It pulls us apart! If people dont have enought trust in humanity, and they have to turn to myths and fables, then where all doomed.
@sich5648 (this is anecdotal so I cannot currently verify it, but I feel the idea still stands)
I am reminded of an interview I believe it was with the people behind South Park. This was shortly after the Richard Dawkins episode and they stated that Richard Dawkins is the dumbest smart peron they know of. Even if the ideology of erasicating religion came to pass, people would find new things to fight about.
The Trojan War of legend was fought over love, for example.
Greg, to me true faith REQUIRES evidence. All claims are testable even religious ones. We all walk by faith everyday. We don't KNOW what will happen from moment to moment.. We BELIEVE what will happen moment to moment. We exercise faith in what we believe and receive the evidence when we act on our believes. Jesus taught this explicitly. He said don't believe what I say.Try what I say and you'll find out for yourself if I'm telling the truth. Without evidence how could anyone advance?
@illustranimator The problem is not so much the teachings that are ascribed to Jesus, most of which are sound (though not all), but rather the fact that a group of people began worshiping the teacher and developed a religion centered around that worship.
Also, you don't have to use your caps to periodically "shout" a word. It simply detracts from what you're trying to say. If your stance or argument cannot stand on its own merit, then "shouting" certain words won't make it any more valid.
@illustranimator Your understanding of the word evidence is incorrect. Evidence defined as something that furnishes proof. In a scientific manner evidence is that which furnishes proof through testable means such as laboratory testing (to receive the same results in a test under the same conditions). To this definition, you do not ascribe to. Belief is defined as a truth valuation which is based on personal emotions and events in your own life. Faith is a belief unsubstantiated by any evidence.
@AgentSpetznaz Your definition for evidence is your interpretation. All "evidence" is filtered through one thing, you. Regardless if was conducted by so called scientists, or prophets of God. Life is a laboratory and your are the filter for you. If you don't define truth for yourself can you really trust someone else or some 'scientific' group to do it for you? If so then they become your Prophets and your faith is in them. If you want to know if there is a God try praying to him directly
@illustranimator Ok, first of all, your esoteric and confusing argument makes little sense. Secondly, My explanation of evidence the explanation given by the Webster's unified Oxford English Dictionary. Not only do you lack the understanding of simple concepts, your conception of argument is pedantic and un-exemplary. There is a system of logical understanding, you have a statement then a supporting position, then you must prove the position to be valid. Science is just the methodology behind..
@illustranimator explaining things. If your understanding of reality is so skewed for you to not understand simple argument synthesis then there is no reason for me to argue with you. However I have the tendency to argue those who are ignorant. I do not need pray to your god, because there is no reason for me to, he does not exist in the realm of reality. I also do not need to prove the negation of his existence because I am not attempting to prove that he would. Watch the video for onus ofproof
If you take requests can you do "Freedom" "Civilization" "Fiat Currancy" "Poverty" "Population growth" Would love to make a long list and just keep going ,but would love to hear your thoughts on any of the above.
another great vid greg, sorry i know ur very busy n you get many msgs but am very interested to know if u have any insight into boxing or if you had any favourite boxers from past or present and if so who, keep up the good work mate
But what many people don't realise, is that God hates religion. The English word "religion" is etymologically derived from the Latin word religo, meaning to "bind up." Religion binds people up in rules and regulations or in ritualistic patterns of devotionor. You see, Christianity isn't a religion, it's a way of life
Just to clarify, I do not have a problem with Greg sharing his opinion. I have my views on this and he obviously sees it in a different way than I do. We are both entitled to our opinions (as does everyone reading this comment) and there is no way that he expected everybody to agree with him and therefore left some room for respectful debate.
You say that we have a responsibility to live an ethical life, but in fact without religion, those "ethical" lifestyles are really all a matter of opinion. Sure, most people will feel bad if they steal something, but what about that 5% of people who don't feel bad? Without a solid source to go back to, the laws that say it's wrong to steal are all just matters of opinion.
@ATDFXN laws are made to stop people from commiting acts that are seen as 'uncivilised' religion or no the law presents a solid reason not to steal or kill because you will be punished by the law. it is like saying without religion there are no morals but this is a stupid argument. those who do bad things and see them as acceptable are going to be like that regardless.
@XTRY4NTX yeah, but who's to say that they are uncivilized? The government? Those laws are just a matter of popular opinion. Seriously, think about it. I'm not saying the laws against murdering, raping, stealing, etc are bad (because they aren't, but hey that's just my opinion). I'm asking to what standard are the laws held to other than the people who made them?
@ATDFXN the laws are held to a moral standard that allows for a civilisation to remain peaceful if people just ignored these laws completely do you really think we could have ever been this successful?
@simmmoooo According to The Bible, it was written by God-inspired men. According to the Bible, these men were given and directed what to write down by the Holy Spirit.
@ATDFXN The claim that the writers of the Bible were inspired by God is unverifiable. However, with man made legislations, you can usually track down the origin of a law, right down to the person who came up with said law.
That said, I think that christianity (and many other religions) have good moral teachings in their principles, but they should not overrule everything else because they are supposedly inspired by divinity.
@ATDFXN Do you believe in slavery? Stoning a women with her husband because her husband was cheating? Killing people for working on the Sabath, even if it is just picking up sticks? Killing innocent children for doing nothing? Killing children to punish their parents? Do you advocate genocide or burnt sacrifices?
Well, the bible does and that being said, I have better way morals as an atheist then your bible. Perhaps our morals do not come from the bible but our shared opinions?
@ATDFXN H8:13 was a letter (author unknown) to convert the Jewish faith and to possibly prevent apostasy; but let's play with it. In Matthew 5:17 Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets ... but to fulfill them." So, we either have to follow the old testament (like Jesus said) or believe in Jesus in which case we can commit any crime we choose (to the minor to the extremely horrible) and we will be forgiven. You can't have both, and both are outright immoral.
@ATDFXN Small error but I botched my two choices. You can believe in Jesus in both choices, but it still doesn't change the dilemma that Matthew 5:17 and Hebrew 8:13 make as to the significance of believing in him.
@ATDFXN It isn't even a matter of just sociopaths either. Non-sociopaths can feel gratification and contentment after executing a successful theft especially if they greatly desired the stolen item. However, this is where higher-thinking comes into play. You have to come to the conclusion that if we didn't set down rules for existence (man-made rules determined by logic not "divinely inspired rules") then life would be chaos.
@ATDFXN It is easy to see that the human race benefits greatly from ordered team work instead of no-holds-barred lawlessness. Not saying that most religions are terrible places to get guidance from (they were invented by humans after all)... however some of the laws in these books are quite misguided and born of ancient superstition. We need to make new laws and change certain laws to fit our ever changing situation as our understanding of the world and each other increases.
@ATDFXN ethics by nature are relative. What is wrong for one person in one situation may be right under different circumstances. Claiming that morality is absolute and not dependent on the circumstances surrounding those beliefs is just plain ignorant. Morality is dependent on values and values are different for different people in different circumstances. Granted there are some nearly universal morals. Like the value of human life or cultural taboos on incest.
@sleepyeyeguy so what you're saying is that there's no solid source of ethics, right? that by nature, everything is relative? thank you for completely proving my point.
The other day I spoke with a man trying to convince me of his 'truth'. I said there was no proof that Jezus ever existed and furthermore, that it was plausible the Bible was written by a couple of 'wise men'. He then replied there was proof and that it weren't some wise men. He couldn't give any solid proof, but he saw the 'Antichrist' as the leader of the NWO and because he could embody something that was in the Bible, he concluded that therefore the Bible must be true...
Greg is hitting it 100% right at the start. What are told as a child and where you grow up is generally what you believe. I was brought up as RC and for some reason I never believed it from day one. Frankly I don't believe in any of it. This video is just so long I'm not going to listen to it. (well maybe not tonight but I'm going to come back ti).
wow wow wow... your terminology is not very accurate (e.g. you indistinguishably mix "know" with "believe" at some point), but it was a great talk to listen to. Cheers, and welcome back :)
Your Exactly correct in this video! Additionally, you have to wonder What God would burn a soul or a people forever. That would not be a God. If there were a God it would have the utmost compassion. I'm surprised though that you have not talked about the shelved gods from ancient Egypt, the Sun God and others. They are not valid anymore. These God's were valid in their respective times in history.
Interesting video Greg. I do have a question though:
You fault the preacher for saying he "just knows" the bible is true, and repeatedly ask him for proof. Then less than 5 minutes later you say people don't need a source of authority for defining ethics because everybody "just knows" what constitutes supposedly 'ethical' behavior. How do you reconcile this contradiction?
@Bulletproofshirts You are correct in saying that you need more in defining ethics than just "everybody just knows". However there are means for defining ethical behavior in terms of maximizing human health and wealth being which in no way require one to have a God. It think it's a pretty hard sell to say that religious is the sole source for guiding ethical behavior when you consider the innumerable unethical acts perpetrated by religious individuals and cultures.
That's just it though, you can't define ethics in terms of maximizing health and wealth. All you are doing there is defining beneficial behavior. Negative consequences don't necessarily make an action unethical (like putting your hand on a stove). But most would say putting somebody else's hand on a stove is unethical. Why?
The point is, anybody can come up with their own rules for what constitutes ethical behavior, but why does anybody else have to adhere to it? Why should they care about maximizing human wealth/health? That is just YOUR idea. There HAS to be an absolute source of authority that transcends human opinion. This isn't to say you have to accept God as that source, but you have to offer one. or else you are just writing your own 'bible' and telling people to 'do what this book says or you are wrong'
@Bulletproofshirts It's not about maximizing the success of the individual, but rather of the species. An individual who chooses to burn his own hand is simply acting stupidly, and in more severe cases of stupidity natural selection would weed him out. Where as where somebody forcibly burns someone is clearly not beneficial and doesn't promote cooperation, but promotes distrust and violence. Properties which are clearly not beneficial for the species.
@Bulletproofshirts You say that there has to be an absolute source of morality, but where does it come from? Every piece of work ever claiming to be the absolute source of authority on ethics was written by a human being. My argument is that there are behaviors which benefit a species and behaviors which do not. I think that we can look at these behaviors in a scientific manner, and determine what will the human species thrive best instead creating some arbitrary absolute authority.
You know you're right! Google can't be wrong...so I googled djprinceNorway and it said, "overtly gay little man with spermatozoa stains on his chin who likes nothing more than rough chimpanzee sex" Ha ha ha!
Greg, where did we humans get our ethical standards from originally? The Ten Commandments. So give religion some credit, it has given us a template for a somewhat civilized society. Rather aspire to a pie in the sky, by and by, when i die than a cold damp grave. If the only thing religion offers is a warm fuzzy feeling of love then I say let them preach their fairytales.
@barryeo The problem is when they start hurting other people as a result of their fairy tales.
I have no problem with people believing whatever kind of bullshit that they want to. It becomes a problem when gay people, single mothers, Muslims, and other minorities start getting discriminated against and hurt by religious zealots, just because their magic book doesn't agree with the way they live their lives.
@barryeo Do you believe that ethical standards didn't exist before the Ten Commandments? Ethical behavior exists because it makes society flourish. If two people decide to cooperate instead of killing each other then they are more successful. Even if religious had never existed societies would have learned that certain practices make them more successful better than others and they would follow those practices.
belief unites people religeon divides them
Gocanes4100 10 hours ago
You should write a book!
peeinmyurin 21 hours ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Actually, the existence of god CAN be proven. God would need to show himself. But that won't ever happen, because god doesn't exist.
TheSeanoftheBread 21 hours ago
Comment removed
TheSeanoftheBread 21 hours ago
I'm curious to know whether or not the body can get used to being burned after a while. If it can, then Hell isn't so threatening.
TheSeanoftheBread 22 hours ago
Unfortunately Mr. Solomon, I cannot finish watching your video. My dog, who is living in our Christian home, is quiet while we pray and a real darn good judge of human character, growls incessantly while you are speaking. Since I cannot finish listening to what you have to say, I bid you adieu and hope that you live by the commandments and beatitudes of our Lord.
shadowstarr7 5 days ago
@shadowstarr7 I'm sorry to say but you are insane
neuronaut77 3 days ago
@neuronaut77 thanks for the reply 12biglou1992. Did that make you feel better?
shadowstarr7 2 days ago
@gregsoccult Wrong. Most of India is Hindu.
GAMERofPS3S 1 week ago
BTW.... Most of India is Muslim...
gregsoccult 1 week ago
Too often early programming is not only carried into adulthood, but an adult who rejects the religion of their childhood thinks that it represents ALL religions. Yet Christianity and Islam (and their various sects) are the minority amongst the world's religions in that they are "religions of conversion" that believe ALL others must believe as they do. Most religions are about personal spirituality and one's own relationship to the Divine/Cosmos/Whatever.
gregsoccult 1 week ago
And the bible is not written by god... it is written by the disciples of Jesus Christ.
TitansStatue 1 month ago in playlist More videos from GregSolomon
His voice relaxes me :) (Baptist)
TitansStatue 1 month ago in playlist More videos from GregSolomon
if you watch my videos you'le shit yourself
originalgiarc 1 month ago
Hey you silly little monkey, when are you going to put some more videos out?
ollywatkins 1 month ago 2
As a former mormon, I approve this message. You were spot on about how little mormons read of there other three books. Heavy emphasis is put on the Book of Mormon. They even have/had a saying, "I believe the bible is the word of god as far as it is translated correctly", which translates to, "I believe only in the parts of the bible that don't contradict my mormon beliefs. Oh, and last, Morini is pronounced "More-own-eye".
jaekae8 1 month ago
@jaekae8 Oh, for more clarity, the "Doctorine and Covenants" and "Pearl of Great Price" books aren't studied until a mormon is an adult. That's why the young missionaries aren't very apt on them. Aspiring missionaries get a crash course before they go on their missions.
jaekae8 1 month ago
Atheism is not a religion. Its a personal relationship with reality.
psburningman 2 months ago
@psburningman You BELIEVE there is no god. That takes belief.
TitansStatue 1 month ago in playlist More videos from GregSolomon
This has been flagged as spam show
@TitansStatue wrote, "You BELIEVE there is no god. That takes belief. "
yeah yeah heard that a zillion times by xians. And telling. What it says is that you want atheism labelled with the same pointed accusation that xianinity (and religion in general) receives.
So in your own words "belief" is a weak reason to accept a life changing course.
And xianity is merely a belief but with zero evidence. None.
You should make up a better religion. Xianinty doesnt seem very appealing.
psburningman 1 month ago
@TitansStatue No, you misunderstand what it means to be an Atheist. Being Atheistic just states your lack of a belief in God. That is why it is so unfair to ask an Atheist to prove their is no God; it is the equivalent of asking Mahmoud Ahmadinejad why he loves America with all his heart. It simply doesn't apply.
AlybearPlays 3 weeks ago
If one person believes in an imaginary person, then he/she is insane, if a group of people believes in an imaginary person, then they're religious.
KearnsyGFX 4 months ago in playlist KearnsyGFX's favorites 8
@KearnsyGFX Who is the bigger fool, the fool who believes a lie or the fool who becomes angry with the fool for believing the lie?
13biglou1992 1 week ago
@13biglou1992 the fool who believes the lie
neuronaut77 3 days ago
@neuronaut77 sorry, wrong answer.
13biglou1992 15 hours ago
One last mention. Hear are some books that I don't think you have in your library yet and they have all been wrote buy previous Atheists. Two by Josh McDowell: 1) More Than A Carpenter 2) Evidence That Demands A Verdict. Three by Lee Strobel: 1) The Case For The Resurrection. 2) The Case For The Real Jesus. 3) The Case For Faith. These writers are well educated credible men.
Kenporon 4 months ago
I mean think about it. These men were there. They would have known Jesus wasn't resurrected. They would have known His resurrection was a lie. Yet they went to there deaths proclaiming it. It had to be the truth and there deaths assisted in validating it. Sorry for the long posts but I had to get this thought out.
Kenporon 4 months ago
I mean think about it. They were
Kenporon 4 months ago
3) Last but not least you mentioned people of religions have died for what they believe is true whether it is true or not and that certainly is the case but how many do you know have died for something knowing for sure what they believed was a lie? Did you know that every one of Jesus's 10 Disciples died and were martyered for believing in the resurection of Christ? I say 10 out of His 12 because one (John) was exiled to the island of Patmos and you already know about Judas.
Kenporon 4 months ago
and comparing scripture was with scripture does the accurate meaning become revealed. 2) Biblical history in accordance with fulfilled detailed prophecy (not general) completely validates and authenticates scripture. (1500 alone about Jesus Christ).
Kenporon 4 months ago
In saying my previous post I have went through this process in making my beliefs my own through logical study and research. In doing this I do have to disagree with you on a few aspects. I do have to say I am a Christian but the reason I am a Christian and not another of the so many other religions out there is the following: 1) reading a book from cover to cover at face value doesn't give real insight to scripture. Only deep study of the true meaning of the words in a verse in proper context
Kenporon 4 months ago
Mr Soloman, really enjoy watching your videos and if I could make a suggestion and especially in subjects such as these you should smoke your pipe while your giving your presentation. I do have a few comments in regards to your views. I do agree with how kids are brought up to believe certain religious beliefs from there parents as I did but I also believe as you become an adult you should research what you have been taught as a child validating those beliefs and truly making them your own.
Kenporon 4 months ago
im catholic...but sometimes i use this quote. Friedrich Neitzche once said...how can i believe in a god that requires praising all the time.
MrUnforgiven100 5 months ago in playlist More videos from GregSolomon
thank u for using logics to make this very important message heard!
TheYugilicious 5 months ago
Dear god his intro was so hilarious.
SpyAroundHere 5 months ago
Why do we have a responsibility to live an ethical life?
ezemdi 5 months ago
@ezemdi Because we ourselves want to be treated ethically. In order to preserve that, we must give to receive.
NewHitDJ 4 months ago
It comforts me to believe that the wicked people on this planet will be punished for their deeds.
It comforts me to know that people that truly deserve it will end up with eternal bliss.
I began questioning my religion in school when I discovered that all 3 of the top worldwide religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, all believe in the same God.
JDezi4 6 months ago
@JDezi4 I must disagree with you, respectfully, of course. Just read John 14:6 (Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.) and you would see that Christians do not believe in the gods of Judaism or Islam. Classifying Christians with Judaism and Islam is therefore incorrect. The only way to the Father is through Jesus, not through any other religious figure from Islam or Judaism.
ezrahite117 5 months ago in playlist More videos from GregSolomon
@ezrahite117
No, thats not what I mean. I'm talking how all 3 religions believe in the same God... Basically, Jews said that God talked to them and said "this is how u worship me" or whatever. Then, after Jesus, Christians came along and said that same God was either misquoted, or lied about, and that this was the way to worship. Then came Muhammad who came in and said, God told him that they r all wrong, and that this was the way to worship that same God... Thats wut I mean
JDezi4 5 months ago
@JDezi4 Yea religion comforts people..too bad mother theres aand hitler are in the same place
KeySour 4 months ago
@KeySour
Won't be bad when u get there though :)
JDezi4 4 months ago
Greg, I don't mean to nitpick at all and take my word for it when I say I am a tremendous fan of your work and your unique, logical style. But you didn't mention the Sikh religion or the Jewish religion. Have you read the scriptures of both religions, and if so, I wouldn't mind your thoughts on them as I have a friend who is Sikh, and it is very prominent in Northern India, and an alternate viewpoint on a monotheistic religion.
ItsTurningGreen002 6 months ago
@JaamesAmos Just because he stops making videos for a month doesn't mean he's dead. He's not THAT old. He looks only late 50s mid 60s, and if his claims about his careful eating habits are correct, he's not dying anytime soon (barring any randomly occurring incident).
ItsTurningGreen002 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
ALTHOUGH I'M A CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN (Baptist), I no longer believe that the Bible teaches eternal torment. The Bible teaches eternal punishment, but it's not eternal torment. In my popular Internet article, TRADITIONAL DOCTRINE OF HELL EVOLVED FROM GREEK ROOTS, I explain how and why teaching of eternal torment entered early into Christianity and how Scriptures have been misinterpreted and taken out of context to support that teaching. ~Babu G. Ranganathan (B.A. theology/biology)
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
SCIENCE SHOWS THAT THE UNIVERSE, because of entropy, couldn't have sustained itself from all eternity. Einstein confirmed that space, matter, and time had a beginning! That beginning had to be supernatural because natural laws have no ability to bring the universe into existence from nothing. The supernatural cannot be proved by science but science points to a supernatural intelligence for the origin and order of the universe ~ HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM (Article)
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
NATURAL LIMITS TO EVOLUTION: Only evolution within "kinds" is genetically possible (i.e. varieties of dogs, cats, etc.), but not evolution across "kinds" (i.e. from worm to human). How were species living and reproducing if their reproductive system and other vital organs hadn't evolved yet? Read my Pravda Internet article: WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS! I discuss: Punctuated Equilibrium, "Junk DNA," genetics, mutations, natural selection, fossils, genetic/biological similarities between species.
Mogley52 6 months ago
yes i was a mormon before i became an atheist i didnt see all the bs in it until i was untarded.
master123214 6 months ago
Such a well articulated man you are.
Some research is interpreted with interior motives.
S o m e research """appears""" to yield so and so.
Seekandyoushallfind!
roncruz37 6 months ago
so religion has really convinced people.. that theres an invisble man living in the sky who watches everything you do every minute and every day.. and the invisble man has a special list of 10 things he does not want you to do and if u do any of these 10 things.. he has a special place full of fire and smoke and burning, torture and anguish where he will send you to live, to suffer, to burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever till the end of time..... BUT HE LOVES YOU!?
061323980 6 months ago
@061323980 good ol george carlin
master123214 6 months ago
@061323980 Carlin=legend
Kingding6 6 months ago
what about people who convert? .......there is 10000000000000% proof of supernatural powers/spirits....
jvegas069 6 months ago
@jvegas069 Is there? Tell us what this definitive proof is.
ItsTurningGreen002 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@JaamesAmos he passed away...?
jvegas069 6 months ago
All religion is, is false hope to repress the fear of death. Spending your entire life worshiping a non-real god is such a waste of life. Their is nothing wrong with giving thanks for what you have or for wishing the best upon yourself and other people. Just do it without incorporating god, and do it because you really care.
ThaBigTasty 6 months ago
.nice stories
Dimanto2010 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
atheistsblog.tumblr.com
m1nt101 6 months ago
Is god real? Discuss.
heavycruise 6 months ago
@heavycruise it's in nature in our minds and hearts
Dimanto2010 6 months ago
If you believe in talking snakes, 900 year old people, or that you have an "invisible friend", you have mental problems.
glennheston 6 months ago
i havent seen you in a while but im happy to see youre back
TheSuperMarioFan500 6 months ago
bottom line: I don't care what you believe, you could worship a piece of moldy cheese but if you're a good person THAT'S what happens
SSROCKLEGEND 6 months ago
if you take an infinite being a name and image, he becomes finite. a truly infinite being can only described as such: existence it's self is intelligent, and everything and everyone in it is behind its genesis, and its revelations. as such, Jah He Vau He (JHVH) is limited in his scope and form, as he is a specific thing, with a name, image, and personality
shakuvendell 7 months ago
I used to watch you a few years ago... now I'm checking back and I'm like "Are you still alive!?"
Wrash16 7 months ago
@GregSoloman i enjoyed your video, as an atheist you've made me think i should take the time to read different religous texts so i can be more informed on my decision and able to vocalise my opinions. I also like how you are not out to bash peoples beliefs. Many thanks for your efforts from dublin.
slimchance87 7 months ago
Atheists like you, Mr. Solomon, do not want to be held accountable for their sins, so you clutch to the false dogma of Darwinism to distance yourself from G-d so you can live a sinful life!
That's my caricature of a Creationist.
TadRaunch 7 months ago
@TadRaunch A group of men thousands of years ago invented the word "sin". Atheists do not need to invent a whole new word or be commanded by God or threatened with eternal punishment in order to come to the conclusion of the right thing to do. I do the right thing because I understand why it is right because I have a brain... not because I aimlessly walk through life doing the right thing only because God himself told me to. It is sad that you need such monumental influence to be a good person.
iMagUdspEllr 7 months ago
@iMagUdspEllr Very well put. Obviously I am not a Creationist, but what I posted before is actually the chief Creationist argument against... evolution, I guess?
TadRaunch 7 months ago
you really get into detail.
lostdarkwolf09 7 months ago
@tribaljloe well thats your opinion.
3dsimpso 7 months ago
faith is believing in what you cannot see , the point is to have faith. if you dont have faith or whatever dont do a f***ing youtube video on it, its your opinion but quite frankly nobody gives a shit
TribalJIoe 7 months ago
i dont quite find this true, i have several friends who were religious as children and are non religious now, also the reverse of this.... and one of my friends even changed religion because they had the conscious decision to do so!
but... unlike with most of your videos i agree on the diffewrent points of veiw you put across for each religion.
magicspark95 7 months ago
Are You An Atheist Greg
TheIceKing750 7 months ago
The Bible Is Real It Is The Truth I Know.People Have Died And Risen To Heaven An dIt Is Not There Time They Come Back.I t Does Not Matter What Religion You Are It Only Matters If You Beleiven God.
TheIceKing750 7 months ago
The problem is, they're believing it "on faith", and they think that "faith" is a good thing to have, rather than a way to ignore reality and evidence.
lewiar 7 months ago
I was rased as a christian and i live in chrstian country but i don't believe in any of gods. I am atheist.
FoF40 7 months ago
I just found your channel by accident. But I couldn't have said it better myself right on.My parents were fundamentalists SDA,s and I was majorly indoctrinated as a child all the way through school by force not by choice.However I decided one day I had to know for myself if it was true or not. I have been doing research now for 12 years and it has taken me many directions. But I still wonder what happens when you die its a 50/50 shot that this is it. I hope not though I wish I knew for sure..
mannexx111 7 months ago
Atheists are really anoying. I'm not christian, but I believe in the supernatural, magic, paraphysics and all that. Everything does not have evidence and explanation, and should not have it!
jonfer92 7 months ago
You want to know whats come from religion?
War
Pain
Suffering
Prosecution
Religion seperates us! It pulls us apart! If people dont have enought trust in humanity, and they have to turn to myths and fables, then where all doomed.
I am an Atheist, and proud to be one
sich5648 7 months ago
@sich5648 (this is anecdotal so I cannot currently verify it, but I feel the idea still stands)
I am reminded of an interview I believe it was with the people behind South Park. This was shortly after the Richard Dawkins episode and they stated that Richard Dawkins is the dumbest smart peron they know of. Even if the ideology of erasicating religion came to pass, people would find new things to fight about.
The Trojan War of legend was fought over love, for example.
SeireiNoRyu 7 months ago
nice 2 cu bk greg u been away 2 long.
abbs123 7 months ago
1) The founding fathers weren't all Deists. Some were.
2) Nothing predates Judeo-Christianity.
3) Everything requires faith. Every belief system has assumptions.
sloppyjoes7 7 months ago
@sloppyjoes7 "nothing predates judeo-christianity".... someone needs to do some research.
Left4Grief 7 months ago
Greg, to me true faith REQUIRES evidence. All claims are testable even religious ones. We all walk by faith everyday. We don't KNOW what will happen from moment to moment.. We BELIEVE what will happen moment to moment. We exercise faith in what we believe and receive the evidence when we act on our believes. Jesus taught this explicitly. He said don't believe what I say.Try what I say and you'll find out for yourself if I'm telling the truth. Without evidence how could anyone advance?
illustranimator 7 months ago
@illustranimator The problem is not so much the teachings that are ascribed to Jesus, most of which are sound (though not all), but rather the fact that a group of people began worshiping the teacher and developed a religion centered around that worship.
Also, you don't have to use your caps to periodically "shout" a word. It simply detracts from what you're trying to say. If your stance or argument cannot stand on its own merit, then "shouting" certain words won't make it any more valid.
GregSolomon 7 months ago 4
@illustranimator Your understanding of the word evidence is incorrect. Evidence defined as something that furnishes proof. In a scientific manner evidence is that which furnishes proof through testable means such as laboratory testing (to receive the same results in a test under the same conditions). To this definition, you do not ascribe to. Belief is defined as a truth valuation which is based on personal emotions and events in your own life. Faith is a belief unsubstantiated by any evidence.
AgentSpetznaz 5 months ago
@AgentSpetznaz Your definition for evidence is your interpretation. All "evidence" is filtered through one thing, you. Regardless if was conducted by so called scientists, or prophets of God. Life is a laboratory and your are the filter for you. If you don't define truth for yourself can you really trust someone else or some 'scientific' group to do it for you? If so then they become your Prophets and your faith is in them. If you want to know if there is a God try praying to him directly
illustranimator 5 months ago
@illustranimator Ok, first of all, your esoteric and confusing argument makes little sense. Secondly, My explanation of evidence the explanation given by the Webster's unified Oxford English Dictionary. Not only do you lack the understanding of simple concepts, your conception of argument is pedantic and un-exemplary. There is a system of logical understanding, you have a statement then a supporting position, then you must prove the position to be valid. Science is just the methodology behind..
AgentSpetznaz 5 months ago
@illustranimator explaining things. If your understanding of reality is so skewed for you to not understand simple argument synthesis then there is no reason for me to argue with you. However I have the tendency to argue those who are ignorant. I do not need pray to your god, because there is no reason for me to, he does not exist in the realm of reality. I also do not need to prove the negation of his existence because I am not attempting to prove that he would. Watch the video for onus ofproof
AgentSpetznaz 5 months ago
If you take requests can you do "Freedom" "Civilization" "Fiat Currancy" "Poverty" "Population growth" Would love to make a long list and just keep going ,but would love to hear your thoughts on any of the above.
ikm64 7 months ago
Why is it that we as americans worship a jew from the middle east? Doesnt that make sense too?
LettuceReason 7 months ago
I know people who were born in India and raised Christian.
LettuceReason 7 months ago
good shit greggy
jediswithredeyes 7 months ago
another great vid greg, sorry i know ur very busy n you get many msgs but am very interested to know if u have any insight into boxing or if you had any favourite boxers from past or present and if so who, keep up the good work mate
allbusiness1985 7 months ago
But what many people don't realise, is that God hates religion. The English word "religion" is etymologically derived from the Latin word religo, meaning to "bind up." Religion binds people up in rules and regulations or in ritualistic patterns of devotionor. You see, Christianity isn't a religion, it's a way of life
acesofshadows 8 months ago
Just to clarify, I do not have a problem with Greg sharing his opinion. I have my views on this and he obviously sees it in a different way than I do. We are both entitled to our opinions (as does everyone reading this comment) and there is no way that he expected everybody to agree with him and therefore left some room for respectful debate.
ATDFXN 8 months ago
good to see you back greg. must be nearly 4 years since i saw your first vlog, youve still got it.
cobweb1989 8 months ago
Greg is back but where is your pipe :)
hootie1233 8 months ago
Jesse Ventura said it best and I have to agree.
“Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers.”
NothingSound 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I do not answer my door for my own family.
Do you really think I would ever answer it for one of those religious whackos?
NothingSound 8 months ago
It pleases me that you are not dead Greg.
BeeblesTV 8 months ago
YES YES...your back
zippity739 8 months ago
Amen!! Good stuff.
kctinman 8 months ago
Excellent video Greg. Its all about what someone wants to believe.
musicace7 8 months ago
You say that we have a responsibility to live an ethical life, but in fact without religion, those "ethical" lifestyles are really all a matter of opinion. Sure, most people will feel bad if they steal something, but what about that 5% of people who don't feel bad? Without a solid source to go back to, the laws that say it's wrong to steal are all just matters of opinion.
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN You're using convoluted reasoning in your "argument," and the "5% of people who don't feel bad" are called sociopaths.
GregSolomon 8 months ago 7
@GregSolomon Well then, what is your reasoning behind that statement? You failed to say why my argument was invalid.
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN laws are made to stop people from commiting acts that are seen as 'uncivilised' religion or no the law presents a solid reason not to steal or kill because you will be punished by the law. it is like saying without religion there are no morals but this is a stupid argument. those who do bad things and see them as acceptable are going to be like that regardless.
XTRY4NTX 8 months ago
@XTRY4NTX yeah, but who's to say that they are uncivilized? The government? Those laws are just a matter of popular opinion. Seriously, think about it. I'm not saying the laws against murdering, raping, stealing, etc are bad (because they aren't, but hey that's just my opinion). I'm asking to what standard are the laws held to other than the people who made them?
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN the laws are held to a moral standard that allows for a civilisation to remain peaceful if people just ignored these laws completely do you really think we could have ever been this successful?
XTRY4NTX 8 months ago
@XTRY4NTX I'm not saying there's no place for them. I'm wondering where they came from other than popular opinion.
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN well what exactly are you looking for in an answer and i will do my best? what do you mean where they came from?
XTRY4NTX 8 months ago
@XTRY4NTX Who's to say murder is bad?
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN as i said he explains it simply in the second video how our social nature instills certain rules to survive or we would have died out
XTRY4NTX 8 months ago
@XTRY4NTX Yeah, our social nature.
How society has always done it based on how people felt back when the laws first were introduced.
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN if you watch the second part of this video he explains it better than i can in comments
XTRY4NTX 8 months ago
@ATDFXN How is the bible or any other religious book more of a "solid source" than any governmental legislation?
simmmoooo 8 months ago
@simmmoooo Because those were fashioned by men as well. Just men, nothing more.
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN So, if both sources are fashioned by men, what makes the other more solid than the other? Shouldn't they be equal?
simmmoooo 8 months ago
@simmmoooo According to The Bible, it was written by God-inspired men. According to the Bible, these men were given and directed what to write down by the Holy Spirit.
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN The claim that the writers of the Bible were inspired by God is unverifiable. However, with man made legislations, you can usually track down the origin of a law, right down to the person who came up with said law.
That said, I think that christianity (and many other religions) have good moral teachings in their principles, but they should not overrule everything else because they are supposedly inspired by divinity.
simmmoooo 8 months ago
@simmmoooo note how I said "according to the Bible".
I wasn't stating it as a fact.
ATDFXN 8 months ago
@ATDFXN Do you believe in slavery? Stoning a women with her husband because her husband was cheating? Killing people for working on the Sabath, even if it is just picking up sticks? Killing innocent children for doing nothing? Killing children to punish their parents? Do you advocate genocide or burnt sacrifices?
Well, the bible does and that being said, I have better way morals as an atheist then your bible. Perhaps our morals do not come from the bible but our shared opinions?
Faithmaster 7 months ago
@Faithmaster Listen guy, before you try to outquote the Bible on me. stop throwing out these most cliche arguments and look up Hebrews 8:13.
ATDFXN 7 months ago
@ATDFXN H8:13 was a letter (author unknown) to convert the Jewish faith and to possibly prevent apostasy; but let's play with it. In Matthew 5:17 Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets ... but to fulfill them." So, we either have to follow the old testament (like Jesus said) or believe in Jesus in which case we can commit any crime we choose (to the minor to the extremely horrible) and we will be forgiven. You can't have both, and both are outright immoral.
Faithmaster 7 months ago
@ATDFXN Small error but I botched my two choices. You can believe in Jesus in both choices, but it still doesn't change the dilemma that Matthew 5:17 and Hebrew 8:13 make as to the significance of believing in him.
Faithmaster 7 months ago
@ATDFXN It isn't even a matter of just sociopaths either. Non-sociopaths can feel gratification and contentment after executing a successful theft especially if they greatly desired the stolen item. However, this is where higher-thinking comes into play. You have to come to the conclusion that if we didn't set down rules for existence (man-made rules determined by logic not "divinely inspired rules") then life would be chaos.
iMagUdspEllr 7 months ago
@ATDFXN It is easy to see that the human race benefits greatly from ordered team work instead of no-holds-barred lawlessness. Not saying that most religions are terrible places to get guidance from (they were invented by humans after all)... however some of the laws in these books are quite misguided and born of ancient superstition. We need to make new laws and change certain laws to fit our ever changing situation as our understanding of the world and each other increases.
iMagUdspEllr 7 months ago
@ATDFXN ethics by nature are relative. What is wrong for one person in one situation may be right under different circumstances. Claiming that morality is absolute and not dependent on the circumstances surrounding those beliefs is just plain ignorant. Morality is dependent on values and values are different for different people in different circumstances. Granted there are some nearly universal morals. Like the value of human life or cultural taboos on incest.
sleepyeyeguy 6 months ago
@sleepyeyeguy so what you're saying is that there's no solid source of ethics, right? that by nature, everything is relative? thank you for completely proving my point.
ATDFXN 6 months ago
hahah 7:32 your face made me laugh for some reason
sam72998 8 months ago
Glad to see you making videos again Greg. Really do miss the pipe though.
DachZaniel 8 months ago
King Solomon
AjwinsIow 8 months ago
The other day I spoke with a man trying to convince me of his 'truth'. I said there was no proof that Jezus ever existed and furthermore, that it was plausible the Bible was written by a couple of 'wise men'. He then replied there was proof and that it weren't some wise men. He couldn't give any solid proof, but he saw the 'Antichrist' as the leader of the NWO and because he could embody something that was in the Bible, he concluded that therefore the Bible must be true...
MGSGeneral 8 months ago
Nice to see you again, Greg. :)
Ronni3no2 8 months ago
Greg is hitting it 100% right at the start. What are told as a child and where you grow up is generally what you believe. I was brought up as RC and for some reason I never believed it from day one. Frankly I don't believe in any of it. This video is just so long I'm not going to listen to it. (well maybe not tonight but I'm going to come back ti).
Ionizap 8 months ago
OMG you are back!!
princesslauren111 8 months ago 6
mikma was here
mikma 8 months ago
Greg, what are your views on life beyond our planet? Do you think there's a possibility of extra terrestrial life?
GrizzlyAngus 8 months ago
Greg Solomon, you are my God.
speckix114 8 months ago
wow wow wow... your terminology is not very accurate (e.g. you indistinguishably mix "know" with "believe" at some point), but it was a great talk to listen to. Cheers, and welcome back :)
XaviNL 8 months ago
Greg solomon makes me want to read more books. Then i might gain a tiny piece of his unfathomable knowledge.
scwibble123 8 months ago
Wow,incredibly well done and tightly reasoned video:respect.
MsPaleMoon 8 months ago
Checkmate.
ddstar 8 months ago
OMG.. A greg solomon video!!!
ddstar 8 months ago
Your Exactly correct in this video! Additionally, you have to wonder What God would burn a soul or a people forever. That would not be a God. If there were a God it would have the utmost compassion. I'm surprised though that you have not talked about the shelved gods from ancient Egypt, the Sun God and others. They are not valid anymore. These God's were valid in their respective times in history.
gerald2003r 8 months ago
Interesting video Greg. I do have a question though:
You fault the preacher for saying he "just knows" the bible is true, and repeatedly ask him for proof. Then less than 5 minutes later you say people don't need a source of authority for defining ethics because everybody "just knows" what constitutes supposedly 'ethical' behavior. How do you reconcile this contradiction?
Bulletproofshirts 8 months ago
@Bulletproofshirts You are correct in saying that you need more in defining ethics than just "everybody just knows". However there are means for defining ethical behavior in terms of maximizing human health and wealth being which in no way require one to have a God. It think it's a pretty hard sell to say that religious is the sole source for guiding ethical behavior when you consider the innumerable unethical acts perpetrated by religious individuals and cultures.
Braksis8 8 months ago
@Braksis8
That's just it though, you can't define ethics in terms of maximizing health and wealth. All you are doing there is defining beneficial behavior. Negative consequences don't necessarily make an action unethical (like putting your hand on a stove). But most would say putting somebody else's hand on a stove is unethical. Why?
Bulletproofshirts 8 months ago
The point is, anybody can come up with their own rules for what constitutes ethical behavior, but why does anybody else have to adhere to it? Why should they care about maximizing human wealth/health? That is just YOUR idea. There HAS to be an absolute source of authority that transcends human opinion. This isn't to say you have to accept God as that source, but you have to offer one. or else you are just writing your own 'bible' and telling people to 'do what this book says or you are wrong'
Bulletproofshirts 8 months ago
@Bulletproofshirts It's not about maximizing the success of the individual, but rather of the species. An individual who chooses to burn his own hand is simply acting stupidly, and in more severe cases of stupidity natural selection would weed him out. Where as where somebody forcibly burns someone is clearly not beneficial and doesn't promote cooperation, but promotes distrust and violence. Properties which are clearly not beneficial for the species.
Braksis8 8 months ago
@Bulletproofshirts You say that there has to be an absolute source of morality, but where does it come from? Every piece of work ever claiming to be the absolute source of authority on ethics was written by a human being. My argument is that there are behaviors which benefit a species and behaviors which do not. I think that we can look at these behaviors in a scientific manner, and determine what will the human species thrive best instead creating some arbitrary absolute authority.
Braksis8 8 months ago
Interesting thoughts Greg
wolverine10mm 8 months ago
great stuff
dirkamus 8 months ago
I think maybe GregSolomon is Santa Claus.
Notice how you never see them together.
culwin 8 months ago
Mr. Solomon's coolest fucking video EVER. Period.
Treknologist 8 months ago
You know you're right! Google can't be wrong...so I googled djprinceNorway and it said, "overtly gay little man with spermatozoa stains on his chin who likes nothing more than rough chimpanzee sex" Ha ha ha!
barryeo 8 months ago
you look alot skinnier greg
Tyrox1992 8 months ago
Greg, where did we humans get our ethical standards from originally? The Ten Commandments. So give religion some credit, it has given us a template for a somewhat civilized society. Rather aspire to a pie in the sky, by and by, when i die than a cold damp grave. If the only thing religion offers is a warm fuzzy feeling of love then I say let them preach their fairytales.
barryeo 8 months ago
@barryeo Ethical standards came from evolution, google it!
djprinceNorway 8 months ago
@barryeo The problem is when they start hurting other people as a result of their fairy tales.
I have no problem with people believing whatever kind of bullshit that they want to. It becomes a problem when gay people, single mothers, Muslims, and other minorities start getting discriminated against and hurt by religious zealots, just because their magic book doesn't agree with the way they live their lives.
ericr2009 8 months ago
@barryeo Do you believe that ethical standards didn't exist before the Ten Commandments? Ethical behavior exists because it makes society flourish. If two people decide to cooperate instead of killing each other then they are more successful. Even if religious had never existed societies would have learned that certain practices make them more successful better than others and they would follow those practices.
Braksis8 8 months ago
Awesome Greg. Well thought out, as always. I'm glad to see you're back.
jayess 8 months ago
Well that busted a few chops! Great stuff Greg!
Good to have you back.
halothewynd1 8 months ago
I'm so lucky that my parents allowed me to make up my own mind- I've never believed in any gods (fairytales)...
Thanx, Greg- good to see you're still around & kickin'! ;)
ShortbusMooner 8 months ago
Two hands working can do more than a thousand clasped in prayer.
You mad, religious people?
EpicLulzKing 8 months ago 17