Fight For Science (But Pick Your Battles)

[brightgeistmovies]

support zoos? i don't think so!

[lolippi]

@afar1 lol you failed

[mouthyweasel]

3:00 "I don't have to make it my mountain to die on."..... where do you think that expression comes from? Jesus dying on a hill called Calvary. It infects us, religion. This Bronze age superstition stultifies potential. The only difference between a christian and an ex-christian is that the ex-christian has read the bible. It's AWFUL. Embarrassing. NOT divine. Wake up, America. Put your "faith" in science and education. Don't ABUSE the minds of your children w/ bronze age fairy tales.

[ReligiousFiction]

@mouthyweasel - Hmm. I never thought of that phrase as being biblical. I always pictured someone scrambling up a hill with a flag in a post-enlightenment battle. I'm going to have to wiki that...

Hmm. Google did bring up an Exodus quote first. Seems like a reasonable explanation of the 'genesis' of that phrase... bad pun intended.

[mouthyweasel]

@ReligiousFiction Hmm, indeed. I reserve the right to recant my previous aspersion. "...Not my hill to die on," may actually be reference to military rather than biblical lore. Sometimes I'm overzealous in pointing an accusatory & admonishing finger at religion. I had no proof to substantiate my claim. I just HOPE I'm right!

Lesson: It's so easy to just admit when you don't know things with certainty. It's comfortable. It's honest. Religious holier than thou assholes should try it.

[tmmy773]

Christians do believe in science. the evolutionists say we don't bc we don't accept their seriously flawed ideas. Do you really think the world is more reasonable and humane? Modern science who indoctrinates.To ans your question Gen 1 and 2 are not contradictory. Gen 1 presents the account of creation. .Gen 2 suppl the earth from man's perspective. You can realize the beautiful scene of nature wasn't made by accidental forces of nature. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.

[IndulgingExistence]

@tmmy773 Like she said in the video, certain christians only accept science as long as it doesn't contradict the bible. It's not just evolution that shows a literal reading to be false. It's cosmology, archeology, genetics, geology... the bible itself even.

As for the creation account... was man made after animals as in Genisis 1:25-27 or before the animals like Genisis 2:7,18-19 says?

[tmmy773]

@IndulgingExistence The Bible isn't a "science" book with intricate facts. Written by the prophets is the revealed truth from God.

Christians don't believe evolution bc it is absolutely opposed to the word of God and serious flaws and contradictions. A monk discovered science of genetics; archaeology shows places told in the Bible; aethiests use dinosaurs to somehow "prove" evolution when in reality they are not anti-biblical; etc...those who hate God will always deny Him. ...con't

[IndulgingExistence]

@tmmy773 If it truly was reveled by an omniscient being it would line up with what science has shown us. I agree that evolution contradicts the bible but not all Christians thing that way. watch?v=KnJX68ELbAY Archaeology also shows places in the Iliad to have existed in reality... does that make the roman gods real? It's thousands of facts that prove evolution when they're all tied together. There is no one fact that proves evolution.

[tmmy773]

@tmmy773 con't ..Christians believe in the ultimate cosmology (heaven, earth, hell) and for millenia studied the stars. The star of Bethlehem and the wise men of the East?

Gen 1 (ch 1_2 about 2 pages) is the story of creation and clearly states that man was created after the animals.

Gen 2 (ch 2-50) is the story of man. Gen 2:7-10 tells of the specific creation of man. It does not mention any animals and does mention that he made the trees that were "pleasant" in the garden of Eden.

[ReligiousFiction]

@tmmy773 - Actually, MOST Christians DO accept evolution. It's a few American and European fundamentalists who cling to a new interpretation of Genesis they think is old, and claim that it's fact. Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, Methodists, and more are a huge percentage of Christians. Just because you're surrounded by people who haven't been properly scientifically educated because they're afraid to contradict their interpretation of their scripture doesn't mean most of the world is that way.

[tmmy773]

@ReligiousFiction I believe in the changing nature of our world but also it is balanced with constants,

such as evolution within a species and not extra-species. Evolutionists try to claim no constants, that everything in flux and true Christians believe there are starting points and natural order. If a Christian believes in the modern view of evolution he or she is lukewarm and denies the word of the Lord. The bible clearly states creation of species. Do deny this is also denying the bible.

[tr2006x]

@tmmy773 Evolution is a much better explanation than this: "Genesis 2:7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." :)))

It is supported by evidence too. The bible is a collection of fairy-tales conceived by Bronze Age people.

Actually I cannot conceive a more stupid explanation than the one provided by Genesis.

[tmmy773]

@tr2006x i can see what you're saying...and i think we should respect each other's ideas. but for me the breath of God is a better explanation for life. But i agree the Bible (OT) is mostly collection of stories from the Bronze age (or older). But that in itself doesn't make them not true or based on truth.

[Nimmermaer]

Thanks, this video gave me a little peace of mind.

[somethingdiffereable]

The religious fucktards can go suck eggs. Talking snake eggs!

[crazedNdiffused]

Christians beliefs are ludicrous ,one should not stoop to acknowledge any argument with them. Their stupidity is self evident!

Would that be your kind and tolerant assessment? If they are the problem you suggest I would shoot em all for the sake of humanity.

Your views truly are dangerous and ignorant. BTW I am not nor ever will be a Christian. Going to hell according to them but I'd bend a knee for them out of respect for their contribution to all I call good.

[crazedNdiffused]

Does your imaginary bass ackward straw family represents Christianity and validate your unsubstantiated nonsense? Or are you hi at the beach again?

Who paid for that education that left you socially clueless?

I want you to give back every cent of tax payers money you have usurped and every charity you have deprived a rational needy person of.

You can actually keep a smiling straight face falsely accusing all your benefactors? The Muslim is coming and he will set you straight.

[ReligiousFiction]

@crazedNdiffused - You certainly are crazed, and your statements are diffuse.

[crazedNdiffused]

@ReligiousFiction I am not a straw man like the people you create to validate your liberal insanity. Be specific and I will answer.

[dubaipete]

Head on logical argument will fail against unreason. I think leading by example is the best way to tear down the walls of religion - be yourself. The religious will see that your are kind, tolerant, knowledgeable of history and science. Free and happy, so to speak. I suspect that religious people - especially if they are thinkers - are in a state of denial, and therefore unhappy. I live in the arab world and daily I and see the self imprisonment that is religion.

[crazedNdiffused]

@dubaipete The religious will see that your are kind, tolerant.

Please link me to some example of atheist kindness towards a Christian. Vice versa is every where you look. you want a thousand links?

[ReligiousFiction]

@crazedNdiffused - Atheists are all around you, doing things for other people. They just don't parade it around. There are lots of secular organizations dedicated to humanitarian aid. Google 'non believers giving aid'.

[crazedNdiffused]

@ReligiousFictionI Google'd it. Can't flack anyone helping but I do question a group that asks in the name of the Red Cross and then promises to give 100% to the Red Cross. I bet the red Cross would not support their mission statement you moron. Are you also color blind? No red in your perception of color? Picture a flag covered in cranberry sauce. It's called red flag' I'll just give directly to the red cross and avoid any risk based upon well documented human nature.

[tyflyer007]

You are one of my YT favorites and one of my heroes. I agree you have to pick your battles but I am frustrated that I live in a family of christian fundamentalists and so I am the black sheep of my family. I am looking for someone in my area that I can share ideas/ thoughts about science and atheism. My only plan is to tackle anyone I see with a darwin fish on their car. Also I would like to show my sister some of your vids. She co-pastors a small church.

[AussieNaturalist]

Brilliant points. The 'battles' that I try and fight are only with people who I think are open to listening & who are intelligent & honest enough to admit that they may be wrong, unfortunately I've only come across 2 people on YT who actually wanted to listen & were intelligent & honest enough to asses their beliefs once challenged, happily I can say that both these ppl now actively argue against creationism as Christians. Fight the battles that are worth fighting, the rest are a waste of time.

[Neueregel]

who was the idiot to dislike this. come on folks.

[uknichu]

@Neueregel one person was insular and parochial.

[eltamin1966]

@uknichu The relation 174 - 1 is an overwhelming sign of approval for the video, given that it concerns a topic where so many emotions are involved. The patient and non-aggressive way by which ReligiousFiction tries to "enlighten" her relatives is really likable.

[uknichu]

@eltamin1966 It is indeed good to see that there are many people out there who don't blindly believe things and put their thoughts to scientific scrutiny. I don't have a quarter of ReligiousFiction's patience or tolerance though; I tend to be a bit blunt.

[qtzlctl2012]

thanks for the wise words. This helped me feel a lot better after a recetn camping trip during which I was told to shut up about religion. I quickly realized I was caught in the middle of an intellectual circle jerk for conservatives.

[grahambkk]

It will take some time to overcome the ignorance and bigotry that has prevailed for centuries. But we have entered the age of free information for everyone. People with doubts can find out that the religious beliefs of their childhood were fiction perpetrated by well meaning parents who, in their generation had no avenues for exploration of alternate ways of thinking or believing. The population of the world is being propelled into a much more enlightened era.

[curlew0609]

Children are rabidly curious and eager to learn. Parts of my daughter-in-law's family are fundy nuts. She doesn't like conflict and caters to them in what she allows them to teach my grandkids. I don't directly confront. It would cause trouble I don't want. But I DO find ways to teach them to question, analyze and think for themselves. I have been quite successful, actually. The kids love that side of their family, but the kids don't accept everything they are told by that side of the family.

[TomMSTie1138]

When it got bright, why didn't you put your sunglasses on...or did you forget they were on top of your head (I've done that before)?

[Savipalooza]

Texas is also the home of The Atheist Experience and the Atheist Community of Austin.

[skywize]

I completely understand having to watch family grow up believing in trash. I have a number of nephews, two of which are truly brilliant. They grew up basically the same, had the same mother, and father figure, and both are smarter than me. One of the two is a Deist that labels himself a christian for family reasons. The other is a born again who wishes to become a pastor like his old man. I have no idea how a mind like his could be so clouded.

[gzzzzz11111]

congratulations. Glad you started. Always look forward to your videos.

Really liked the video and agree there is only so much one person can do, but should congratulate myself where I have made attempts.

I watch patcondell. England is multi-cultural, but it seems one fanatically group (muslims) can destroy a lot of progress.

I do want to believe as you say there is hope. Only time will tell.

[csaver]

Love your shout out to cdk007...his videos are so good. Too bad he does such a good job DESTROYING creationism and defending evolution that he doesn't do any more videos...he doesn't HAVE to. Sorry Creationists...can't move to the goal posts when science owns the playing field. BOOYA!!

[rdragon87]

You don't have to fight every battle. Instead, go with asymmetrical science education warfare. Show them science through fun experiments and games. Especially, if they're still kids. That way you have plausible deniability; it's just a game could be your fallback phrase. I know a decent game for teaching kids natural selection lol.

[ShallowBeThyGames]

Perhaps it's my Britishness, but when I hear family or friends make ridiculous statements of woo, I opt for a simple roll of the eyes or a raised eyebrow. If the naive see that someone isn't buying this crap, they're less likely to take stock of it.

[falloutmanist]

That's y religion must end u know they are building 2 protestant mega churches every day I mean its just some sick brain washing out there

[nayanmalig]

the people who actively discourage their chindren out of science have great ambitions for them when they grow up.

ambition - BELL HOPS FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

[ILetGoOfDogma]

You are frickin' awesome!!! Definitely one of my best subscribed to channels

[nayanmalig]

do something soon or texas will end up like norway soon.

[apeek7]

I find asking theists to explain certain bible passages to be very effective...

Chronicles 16:30: - Tremble before him, all the earth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved. (Geocentric cosmology)

Psalm 93:1: - Jehovah reigneth; He is clothed with majesty; Jehovah is clothed with strength; he hath girded himself therewith: The world also is established, that it cannot be moved. (Geocentric cosmology)

There are passages for a flat earth, too...

[ironearth701]

Thanks for the video. I am seeing my relatives in South Carolina in a two weeks and it is always a struggle to know how much to say and not say. My sister is "home schooling" her kids and I am very concerned about the science education they are getting.

[limegreensquid]

Excellent words, liked, faved and shared. It helps to be able to show religious people that atheists aren't trying to destroy anything.

[Chilldudeski]

I want you to know that this video really helped me. It's exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you! Don't stop making videos! I'm subbed :)

[GodKillerAtheist]

You should beat their parents with a stick.

[TheFreakDownStreet]

@GodKillerAtheist [/Sarcasm] What a brilliant idea. Lets go and beat the shit out of people for some giggles next time around. [/Sarcasm]

[GodKillerAtheist]

@TheFreakDownStreet well ok! /sarcasm

[TheFreakDownStreet]

@GodKillerAtheist Yay! [/sarcasm]

[bonnie43uk]

Youtube is a brilliant media in the fight against religious dogma and indoctrination, over the past few years I've been blown away by science clips etc. The tide is turning.

[Neueregel]

@bonnie43uk exactly, and because it's mainly based on Free Speech, no matter what color, race or religion you follow or don't follow. Not to mention the Arabian Spring that did mainly happen due to media like FB and YT. The East is jealous and follows our western consuming but prosperous arseholes, that's a good omen indeed

[DukeNavarre]

Yep. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. The downside is that you have to think of your relatives as "flies". ;)

It's sad, but being demonstrably correct in your assertions is less persuasive to most people (i.e, the people who most need convincing) than being charming.

Don't take it yourself, your success in an argument, or your subject matter too seriously, and they'll take you more seriously.

It's ridiculous.

[alakiyt]

Congrats on your youtube anniversary (in advance). You are awesome and you did a great job.

[GodlessManitoban]

They just discovered a Mosasaur in my province. An 80 million year old sea creature. Now how does the bible explain that?

[PluralOfEverything]

Some people are more interested in the rock of ages than the ages of rocks. (Yay for Inherit the Wind quotes.) It's sad.

[defexorcist]

As long as religious twits do not try to treat me like crap for not agreeing with their drivel, we can get along just fine...I have my own drivel!

Hail Satan!

[flyingfisbeefilms]

Recent studies here in France show that kids are watching less and less TV and more and more the internet.......but what? You Tube is an extremely powerful medium but are kids actively watching TED or Justin Bieber?.....I think 20 years of You Tube will tell us, and as kids grow and learn the internet will drastically change humanitie's mind set - mind you what I think doesn't really matter.

[TheViolentBuddha]

Subbed.

[TheViolentBuddha]

I pretty much had the same..revelation this summer at my family renunion(sp) in South Carolina. I noticed the exact same things with my cousins. They were being indoctinated(sp) at almost every turn.I just had to let them go, but just show them where their parents are wrong just by being caring and answering any question they had for me, so hopfuly they will see Im not the devil( as some of my aunts and uncles outright told their children), I just use my critical thinking skills the best I can.

[comingatchu]

I don't recall you mentioning them along with all those great organizations which need our support , but don't forget "Americans United for Separation of Church and State" (AU). The AU does a great job of keeping religion out of publicly funded institutions which, in turn, also helps to assure that our children get a religion-free perspective of science. I visit the AU's web site nearly every day to find out what they have been up to and what the Religious Right's latest transgressions are.

[doomygloomy1]

It's not enough.I was fucked up like that.I was lucky and escaped religion.What they need is a serious shake down,a big shock (that's what happened to me,it was like BOOOIOM and bye belief )

[Comp1337e]

Great video, and great points.  I've already severed my ties with my Catholic niece because she's such a bonehead.

[durtygrrrl]

I think you have a big impact on those kids. You're having a conversation instead of lecturing at them. I'm willing to bet that you are the cool cousin/aunt that all the kids want to hang out with at family gatherings :)

As usual, you make wonderful points in your video. A friend of mine married a young earth creationist, and it hurt to listen to their kids talk about how stupid evolution was, how gross gay people were, etc. I did my best to gently encourage critical thinking. It was hard.

[a300pilotster]

Good vid. There are a lot of us in the same boat. No pun. Picking up my son from camp quest Chesapeake tomorrow. The first one in our area. We are making progress.:).

[Neueregel]

Well, said !! If your relatives kids are 9th+ grade and forth, make 'em some book gift like Angier's B. Basic of science or Bryson's A short History of Everything or any intro book on science. Talking, and museum are good but not enough, there has to be some science reading as well, or a least any good science documentaries, like PBS ScienceNow, National Geographic, Discovery( the channel, not the Institute!!) or BBC ones

[PaleoSteno]

I've been wondering what the video quality looks like on an olympus stylus. Nice! :D

[CircusOfBedlam]

well said.

[KasparHauser6]

What a wonderful video! Thank you!

[Jaybird196]

I would say you've done fine for now, RF. I would say keep up what you're doing, keep dropping little hints that there IS another option regarding how to see the world. With kids, you have the right approach: no pressure. Children respond to that. I know I did :) .

[greyman000]

I am glad I do not have to fight to promote science in my daily life. I don't know anybody who don't accept the theories of evolution or the Big Bang. I do know religious people, but non of them take their scripture literary, think that atheists are immoral, or any of those annoying things.

They even know their believes about gods and such are unsupported by evidence and viewed as a bit silly by the majority, and that they don't stand a chance in debates against unbelievers.

Education!

[Zentz29]

1:51

I'm more interested in the rock of ages, than the age of rocks. lol

That just reminded me of the movie "Inherit the Wind"...

Anyway, good video.

[MasterOhSo]

Very wise words...it's easy to get consumed by the desire to wake people up, but as you so perfectly pointed out, it could get counter productive. Wonderful vid as always, you have such a gentle way about you and I find that comforting. Have a great one and peace be with :)

[mdlittle5466]

You are not alone, lass...there's a great many more who understand the importance and necessity of appending science in general. Keep fighting the good fight...more are with you then you may well believe. :)

[richardmann184]

This is one of the best videos I've seen in a very long time.

[Afontanez1962]

I am a little worried about that brown water, though. Is that why the call it Brownsville? :-)

[Afontanez1962]

Super video! Great nessage!

[saintpine]

It must be stressful for the poor kids KNOWING that their beautiful and wonderful aunt will suffer in hell forever.

How do they cope with this thought ?

[rozeboosje]

You have taken the horse to water. It will decide if and when it is going to drink. You did what you could and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised one day with what managed to "stick". Good vid.

[ConsciousAtoms]

Excellent vid, and I completely agree. I have the same dilemma with one of my best friends' kids: the only thing you can do is drop little tidbits of science, in the hope that they aren't completely indoctrinated.

[theFriendlyHughes]

WHAT BEACH IS THAT? It's beautiful! Nothing like "exotic" Lake Worth ... ><

[rationalwarrior]

I guess all that can be done with children whose parents are teaching them superstition is to drop little jewels and hope they take. This is a really good video and I can relate with your dilemma.

[porolita22]

This video was awesome... thank you for making these videos :) you have helped me a lot.

[tattooskin72]

You are a treasure :)

[Arikiel]

A more relaxed approach is probably going to be more effective. If you're just ranting and raving that will turn them away no matter the truth of what you say. All you can do is plant the seeds and hope they take.

PS. Shaaark!!!

[Got2MakeSense]

Amen!

[Horathgar42]

Well Said, I try not to fight many battles at all at this point. Mostly because I know most of them won't even listen to anything I have to say.

[ReligiousFiction]

@Horathgar42 - Thank you. I definitely understand your approach; there are many, many people who are a lost cause, because they want to be a lost cause. I hold the hope that most children are too young to have made the choice not to accept new information. Somewhere deep down, I hope most people are the same.

[Horathgar42]

@ReligiousFiction Some of them are, especially the people that never raise their voices or stand on things to shout once they realize reality doesn't perfectly conform with their ideals. Those are the ones I LIKE talking to about this stuff, granted they are pretty few. Just like you said though even asking questions that might make someone really think about something might be enough, just that little tiny seed is all that we need and our curious brains will do the rest.