I am an atheist but I understand through science how absolutely spectacular and marvelous the universe is how unbelievably low the odd were for life that it is a miracle worth a fantastic belief I don't believe in a higher power but I understand if you do
I rather liked it it had way too much sex but the characters I related too it didn't make me cry but it was very close Time traveler's wife opinion of a male human
Hey Gemma! Really interesting that I got to see this video atthis point, since I've been discussing a lot lately about religion. I get what you say and it is exactly my point of view: I'm not against religion or faith - faith can be very powerful and a good thing - I just don't like people who never thought about their beliefs. And we have to think about the way we think (to use the idea of the great sociologist Pierre Bourdieu). Anyway, nice tips. I'm gonna try some Richard Dawkins. =)
hey if anybody that kind enough to share their interest in books as i am feel free to drop message to share about your personally favorite books as I am looking for my next book to read thanks!
I recomend Dawkins, i've read the selfish gene, blind watchmaker, climbing mount improbable, The greatest show on earth - the evidence for evolution is fantastic! and of corse the god delusion, been meaning to read Hitchens.
Since you speak French, I was wondering if you could recommend any french books appropriate for students at intermediate level. I have been studying French for about 5 years now and would love to be more fluent and get my hands on some french books. thanks.
I read 1984 and the time travellers wife on your recommendation and absolutely loved them! please upload the second part to this soon i am going on holiday in 2 weeks and would LOVE you to recommend some more! xxxx
I loved 1984 when I first read it, but then in school we read it to death and it killed it for me :( now all i think about is communist russia when i read it.
have you read The curious incident of the dog in the night time?my mum has read it and i have read it and im 13 its not a kids book but i wouldnt say its just for adults it so good!!
hey gemma, i think you should check out the books by malcolm gladwell! i find them so, so interesting and think you would as well :) they're non-fiction but they are written so well and he always talks about the most interesting things! my two favourites are outliers and blink!
thanks so much for this video. really really loved it. 1984 and the time traveller's wife are definitely some of my all time favourites. i've read them so many times, they're in a worse state than yours.
thanks so much for the dawkins recommendation, i've heard about his books quite a few times now and i never really knew what they were about, so i'm definitely gonna check them out now.
it's great there's beauty gurus out there with brains : ) x
I'm not one to put books into sections either, but my favourite ever book is Thief by Malorie Blackman! It's kind of an easy read, although so is Time Travellers Wife, it's sooooo amazing! I've read it 5 times!
I love this video! I feel like we share similar views and you've included some of my favourite books. Excited to pick up the ones I haven't yet. Thanks gemma! xx
Sometimes i think you are my twin and we were seperated at birth. (Not to sound creepy) We have the exact same views on so many things. Your view of religion is word for word like mine and I am going to read that god is not great book! I've taken your advice before and read Nathaniel's Nutmeg and it was great. Keep these videos up...I love having new good books to read!
I've never said I'm a theist, but just by arguing with you, you presumed. Because anyone who doesn't believe in Dawkins or Hitchens is an illiterate, gullible, weak minded theist. The fact that you think that, makes you the same as a the theists you hate, as I tried to point out earlier. Also the fact that you think there is no historical evidence of religion is laughable! Yes my life is very tough being this stupid, I sometimes wonder how I can function...
@a8m8y8 "But obviously as I'm not an atheist" May I ask what you are? An anti-theist? If you're an anti-theist then we would not be having this argument. We would have already had the mutual sense of rationality and logic well before now. Are you agnostic? I'd find it hard to believe you are agnostic if you've been doing Science, I can only guess you're not very good at Science (No insult intended) or you just don't believe the facts and processes in front of your eyes!
scientific information around. I suggest you read it with a critical mind. That is the beauty of being a scientists that you learn to critique others' findings and not just accept them to be true. As you have done with Dawkins and Hitchens. But obviously as I'm not an atheist myself I'm of lower intelligence than you! Haha correlation is one of the beauties of statistics!
@a8m8y8 Well find me some facts and scientific finding that prove religion please. Although we both know (as you are a Scientist) you can't as religion is FAITH based, i.e. A BELIEF THAT IS NOT BASED ON PROOF. There is no archaeological or biological or even HISTORICAL evidence of ANY outside of ANY religious books. NONE, NOTHING. Not a single little shred of it! What's it like to live a hypocritical life as a scientist and a theist? Must be very tough...
@benmols Anyway it was nice to debate with you, but I have revision (scientific!) to get on with, if you can believe it! I will read the Hitchens book as I haven't read any of his. I have some of Dawkins', while they are very well written, I find the fact hard to accept when so many mistakes have been made. I do agree with you on many things, but disagree on where you are getting all of your information and your generalisations. I'm sure you'll enjoy this video ;) /watch?v=YfucpGCm5hY
@a8m8y8 Yeah thanks for the debate, but I don't get my information anywhere other than myself. You just have to look for it, people like hitchens and dawkins send you in the right direction. You don't need to be schooled on Atheism, it just comes natural if you were lucky enough not to be shackled to a religion as part of your infancy and upbringing. Enjoy revision!
I loved this vlog. I think I'm going to have to try a few of these. Like you I hate genres, I just absorb books "like a sponge." I also tend to bash my books about a bit, but I think it makes them looked loved in a way. Time Traveller's Wife - such a beautiful book and I have a TOTAL girl crush on Rachel McAdams. I love her! Have you read One Day by David Nicholls? That's amazing. If you like the science-y type books - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is brilliant. :) x
Oh, I forgot to mention the Stieg Larsson series is the one about the :" The girl with the dragon tattoo." I love a lot of different types of books too. I love how you compared the cost of books. Especially when I buy a used book for more than it was when it was new,lol! I eventually want to have a library ( for some reason I want the Disney "Beauty and the Beast" library. )
Thank you so much for taking the time to share some of your favorites. I am a bookworm and feel lost if I don't have a book to read. I think my library propably thinks I'm crazy, I have about 30 books checked out right now,lol! I have a few book reccomendations if you are interested:" Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" by Mary Roach ( great read and interesting science), The Hunger Games series ( scary government control),and right now I am on the third book in the Stieg Larsson series.
i've only read about half of freakonomics unfortunately because i've been super busy with school, but hopefully i'll finish it when the school year is over. if you liked freakonomics, i would highly suggest subscribing their their podcast on itunes. it seems like it's mainly run by dubner, but it's really interesting! it's like a chapter of the book in a 20 minute podcast with interviews & stuff. i get ridiculously excited when it starts to download!
I haven't read any of those books! I have The Time Travellers Wife and 1984 on my kindle though so I'll read those soon. I'm interested in the Richard Dawkins books, thanks! Also subbed to your links - I can see why you like Josh! Yum! I recc Back Roads by Tawny O'Dell and The Other Hand by Chris Cleave xx
btw you were mentioned in the info bar of josh's 100K subscribers video =] !!!!! how awsome, just thought id say just so you know if you didnt already x
home is where the heart is - geraldine cox, im reading this just now, and so far its really good. its about a woman who set up a orphanage in cambodia. i bought it after she visited my school and gave a talk, so yeah i think you might like it, i didnt give it justice at all as im rubbish at explaining things but you will probably like it :) seems like a good read so far.
im definetly going to read that book god isnt great, religion really interests me.
I am a really big fan of 1984! I do A Level English Literature and I used that book as the inspiration for my creative reading essay! I highly recommend people to read it.
. 1984 reminded me of something, have you read/liked A Clockwork Orange? just curious..] yea the religion thing i pretty much agree with everyone with you. im not atheist im more agnostic, i live in an expat- y country so im surrounded by lots of religions, i feel uncomfortable around really christian people, i cant help it but ive just had bad experiences with like fanatically religious people, i think that beliefs of respect, truthfulness, charity etc. dont have to be linked w/ religion
good recommendations 1984 is a great book. Richard Dawkins' book the god delusion is a good one too. I recommend Professor Richard Wisemans book Why we see what isn't there. It shows how our brains misinterpret things and think they are supernatural and how we can be fooled by cold reading etc.
@fumsmusings Yes the God Delusion is great, I love Dawkins so much its probably not normal haha. I will add the Wiseman book to my amazon wishlist sounds right up my street! x
I love seeing this side of you. I hope this doesn't come out the wrong way but I think sometimes people who are very into fashion and make up can be wrongly stereotyped as being dizzy or superficial people. I think it's great that you often prove that idea wrong and show that you're also a very intelligent person with a wide range of intellectual interest as well
@squirrelpants3 I could never take that the wrong way, thankyou! Definitely agree, people can take one interest you have and think its your whole personality, thats why I like posting on this channel, I feel a lot more free with what I can say because I know the people subscribed to this channel are interested in it, whereas on my makeup channel if I talk about something else there is very much a 'shut up and get on with the eyeshadow' feeling sometimes! x
LOVED this video Gemma, you really showed you are intelligent as well as a gorgeous beauty guru! P.S I will definitely be checking out the Richard Dawkins book
Very interesting Gemma, thanks for sharing. I never cry reading but Time Traveler's wife made me cry like a baby! If you haven't read Her Perfect Symmetry by the same author, you should, it's fantastic!
Out of curiosity, how much time do you spend reading on an average day?
@Eyelinerandcomputers her perfect symmetry is on my amazon wishlist I can't WAIT to get my hands on it! I think I probably read on average an hour a day, but not everyday if that makes sense! More at weekends but if you averaged it out about an hour, maybe more? x
@prettylady5729 I have read about it, I think I could stand to read a great deal more, and would certainly like to...Its pretty hard to summarise my opinions on it in a youtube comment to be honest! x
@maryelizabeth1001 There is nothing offensive about encouraging people to read about different religions and viewpoints and to educate themselves, I think that is a part of the problem, anyone who comes along and says "I respect your opinion but I think this" is told they are being offensive, I could claim religious books offend me as an atheist, but that would be silly, we should all read things that challenge us. Mitch Albom is indeed a great writer :)
@maryelizabeth1001 Don't be afraid of offending people. Being offended does not give you or anybody a right, as much as religious people would like to claim!
Hey i decided to take your advice on trying out one the books you recommended, but i cant seem to find Richard Dawkins book.Do you know any book store in the UK where they might have that book and ship worldwide?
are you actually athiest or agnostic? also, i just find it surprising that dawkins speak of all the amazement of how we are brought in to the world etc. in religious circles that would be counted as a miracle. :)
a book like that would make me believe in God more because of the perfections of the natural word. logically.
i am muslim but i did not turn this video off. still love you gemma and love how you're very open minded. :) x
@roisindubh786 I'm atheist. I think you might find it interesting to read the book, his argument is that just because something is scientifically unlikely or has a very slim chance of happening, it doesn't mean that the wonder in that has to be explained mystically, you can just appreciate it as a very unlikely thing and be just as awe-struck by that than if it were a miracle in religious terminology. Very interesting man and a great book, and thanks for your kind words :) x
@unicyclephysics aaawww i'm a student and have done a lot of science at a level etc. for me, being awe struck is due to God's majesty and it seems more logical to think that something created the awesome-ness (don' thin k that's a word lol) of the world rather than it coming from no where.
even still, i appreciate your view.
p.s, i've read a book by him called the God delusion. :)
I'm exactly the same as you with religion... It fascinates me and I kind of wish that I did have some kind of faith :/ I have the 'God Is Not Great' book and its taking me a little while to get into but you've motivated me to keep turning the pages! I'm really interested in the Richard Dawkins books after this video... I'm gonna have to go and take a look! And of course I love chick-lit too ;)
Love this video Gem cant wait for the next. Not sure if you have read 2 books by mitch Albom - The 5 people you meet in heaven and Tuesdays with Morrie. I really recommend them both x
Are you aware of the atheist community here on YouTube? You should check out videos by ProfMTH. Especially in his older videos he analyzes the Christian scriptures... Fascinating. He knows his stuff.
Really looking forward to more videos like this one. Smart well-read people make me happy. x
@thetrunkmoves Thankyou! My favourite youtuber that discusses secular humanism and atheism is gogreen18 - love her! I will check your recommendation out :)
Good video - look forward to more of them. Please feature the Charlie Brooker books I see lurking in the background, everyone needs to be aware of his work :)
Thanks for this video Gemma. I've recently been making an effort to read more. I've read 3 books in a month, which is a lot for me. I'm just about finished reading One Day by David Nicholls. This was recommended to me by several people. Have you read it? I'm really enjoying it.
I have shied away from reading 1984 as I have heard it is very depressing but you have inspired me to go for it. Also I'll be picking up a copy of Unweaving the rainbow. It sounds very interesting.
@Boiteduchocolat Yes, One Day is one of my favourite books ever! I will be including it in my next video but it is currently on holiday with my mum in the sun (lucky book!) x
i like you even more now gemma (if that's even possible :D). i think my favorite book(s) of all time is harry potter. i know a lot of people like them and stuff. but i loved the books since i read the first one like 10 years ago, and i know i will still love them when i'm really old :)
My boyfriend read the time travellers wife and really enjoyed it, we both loved the second book of this writer. Love this kind of video, thanks for the time!
The Time Traveller's Wife is my favourite book, I took it on holiday last year and could not put it down. It's beautifully written, I just loved it. Nothing bad to say about it.
I recommend any book by Paulo Coelho, he is a really good author. The alchemist is a very uplifting book & a very easy read by Paulo Coelho.
Also look for a book called the secret by Rhonda Byrne, that's a bril read too.
Favourited! I have so many books I want to read and you made the list even longer lol. I'm especially looking forward to reading the Christopher Hitchens ones. On one hand he annoys the you-know-what out of me, but on the other hand I like his writing and I do think he has interesting ideas.
Interesting choice of books. I read 1984 in school the first time. I found Animal Farm disturbing though, lol. I was looking up a vid for Intelligent Design theory and I some how came upon something funny yet interesting. Search richard dawkins and intelligent design on youtube. Never thought those 2 could occur in one vid. Btw, I am educated on religion too, I detest people who follow their faith blindly. I love watching debates between scientists and religious speakers.
This was a really interesting video! I think I might have to read Freakonomics now, it's been sat on my shelf for ages. It's also really nice to see someone with similar religious views to me being able to express themselves so well :)
great video and some interesting books you have recommended. Have you read Richard Dawkins, God Delusions? Its really interesting, I would recommend it.
thanks gemma love book video. cant wait for more. I agree art and science are not mutually exclusive. I love your dedication to learn of all religions. i consider myself a believer but i dont subscribe to one particular religion.
@sberrysrtcake Christopher Hitchens book God Is Not Great is partially aimed at you (Not personally haha). He argues the point of why would you want to believe in a "creator." etc.
i agree with your point of view Gemma, i am a revert to islam and i've found that a LOT of people who call themselves muslim are actually very ignorant and know fairly little about their religion.. they have been brought up that way and come from a religious family and so call themselves religious but actually are very uneducated about islam..
@TheTheistlikeatheist You've missed out one on your list. An Atheist doesn't believe there is a god, but they may well wish that there was one. An ANTI-Theist doesn't believe there is a god but also does not wish that there is a god. Agnosticism is basically just sitting on the fence. It's not easy to boil it down to those 2 designations because it's a much much broader topic than "You're either one of the other." And Atheism is NOT a "belief." Why do people not realise this???
That's why I pointed out Atheism is one WITHOUT the belief in a god.
You are absolutely wrong about agnosticism, it is not a middle ground between theism and atheism.
Those who make that assertion are either ignorant of its definition or dishonestly attempting to cast themselves as objective regarding this subject. Their motives often reveal them to be the complete opposite of objective. Smith's Atheism: a Case Against God, gives concise definitions.
You are always at least two of those designations.
Agnostic Theist Claim: doesn't know but believes
Gnostic Theist Claim: knows ergo believes
Agnostic Atheist Claim: doesn't know ergo doesn't believe (most atheists)
Gnostic Atheist Claim: knows ergo doesn't believe
A simplification, but the point still stands; agnosticism is NOT between atheism and theism, therefor it is neither inherently objective or honest to claim one is ONLY an agnostic in this matter.
@TheTheistlikeatheist I'm sorry that you did not read/understand my original post correctly and you have wasted your time writing this out again.
Not aimed at anything thats been said, just putting it out there... I'm an Anti-Theist. I do not believe in any creator or any divine overlooking dictator, I do not wish to believe and I chose fact and evidence over faith.
I think I under stood you fine. I agree with you definition of anti-theist, a designation I give myself (I include it to also mean someone who finds the belief in a god to be both immoral and amoral, because it demands respect for unsubstantiated claims without evidence). But, agnosticism simply is not a position between atheism and theism.
@TheTheistlikeatheist You put "Atheism/theism speaks to what one "believes"" implying they have a belief, a belief in the theistic sense is different to a belief by a none believer. A theistic "belief" is faith based, completely different.
I am not wrong about agnosticism because I did not say they are a middle ground, I said they sat on the fence, which mean they have not made a decision. Please read what I have put and then you wouldn't have had to waste your time with that last paragraph.
You are wrong about agnosticism. It is not "sitting on the fence", it is not a get out of jail card, it is not the most objective, it is a claim regarding someone's knowledge. I, for example (like most atheists) can not make a positive claim for or against the existence of a god, because I don't know; I am agnostic. I am also an a-theist; I have heard no compelling argument, or seem compelling evidence for any god claims, I therefor don't believe. You are wrong.
@TheTheistlikeatheist I seriously and genuinley think you do not understand what the idiom "Sitting on the fence" means. It's often used to describe agnostics!
I know exactly what it means. And it does not apply here. "Undecided" is not a choice in this matter. Either you believe or you don't believe. It's really that simple. Those who assert that agnosticism is a "neutral" position are either ignorant, or arrogant pricks portraying themselves as being humbly objective; unlike "those arrogant atheists who are just as bad as the theists wanting to push their beliefs down our throats". I've heard that disingenuous crap a 1000 times before.
I know exactly what it means. And it does not apply here. "Undecided" is not a choice in this matter. Either you KNOW or you don't KNOW. It's really that simple. Those who assert that agnosticism is a "neutral" position are either ignorant, or conceited pricks portraying themselves as being humbly objective; unlike "those arrogant atheists who are just as bad as the theists wanting to push their beliefs down our throats". I've heard that disingenuous crap a 1000 times before.
@TheTheistlikeatheist I still totally disagree, I know people that neither believe or disbelieve in a god. They just don't care and don't even give it any thought. I think Gemmas boyfriend actually falls into this category. They just don't care! I think you're the arrogant one because you think everybody has the same interest and thought process with theism, when in fact a lot people really don't even think about it and neither believe in one or the other.
"They just don't care..." / Arrogant, self centeredness. +
"...don't even give it any thought." / willful ignorance = condescending posers of objectivity.
Apatheists are not let off the hook. "I don't care" is not the same as "I don't know" (agnostic). I don't care is an extremely callus position considering how much blood has been spilt over the questions: "Do you know if" or "believe that, god exists". Honest answer: I don't know and insufficient data leans me towards non-belief.
Allow me to translate the "I don't care" sentiment regarding some opinions about religion.
I don't care: there are people who believe their god gives them instructions to mutilate infant genitalia, marry 9 yr old girls to 50 yr old men (those girls genitalia mutilated as preteens, 'infibulation'), stultification of child education regarding science, throwing acid on young girls wanting an education, violently crushing all criticisms of their cult etc etc... I myself do care.
@TheTheistlikeatheist I care about the subject, I hate religion and everything that comes with it. But I know people that literally don't care or have even taken the time to think about it, which in turn I feel makes it unfair to categorize them. There are people out there that would not have even questioned it. I envy these people. because clearly they don't have weak-minded, gullible theocratic fools trying to force religion upon them.
@benmols Stating that you 'hate religion and everything that comes with it' is probably one of the most ignorant ill-informed comments I've heard. If you had a basic understanding of religion across the world you'd understand the joy and hope it bring to people's lives when they have nothing else. I've travelled to many third world countries, and have seen the positive effect it has on people's lives, and the sense of community it can build. Shame on you for making such a foolish comment.
@a8m8y8 Well you probably shouldn't read God is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens who has reported in every continent, in every cruel dictatorship, and every theocratic state that bullies their citizens. Religion breeds ignorance and it is aimed at the weak-minded and gullible. Religion is the institution that tells people that condoms are worse than aids, how many people has that alone killed? And if you say that religion helps people with charity then you must say the same about hamas
@benmols Also, on the AIDS comment, if everyone only slept with one partner in their life (their husband or wife) as the church says, without condoms, then AIDS and other STIs would be significantly less prevalent than today (presuming they were born without HIV). I do understand that comments made by the catholic church are irrelevant due to the high level of such diseases that now prevail. Btw I'm not trying to attack you, I just genuinely enjoy debating religion, so thanks for replying.
@a8m8y8 Monogamy is another perfect example of how religion tries to rule against the natural human instincts. We are no monogamous creatures, we do not naturally only have 1 sexual partner. That is a scientific fact, you can not argue against it with a book of faith. That is why science will always have the upper hand. Also your arguement of only having 1 sexual partner is a load of BS as you should know a lot of african AIDs victims are rape victims.
@benmols That argument is not my own, it is the view of the church as I said. I'm actually a scientist myself (degree level from UCL), I'm not sure if you are too? I've studied a small amount of genetics, and many of those professors have mentioned Darwin, and the mistakes he has made. One professor in particular has written to Darwin many time on his scientific mistakes in his books, to which he replied agreeing with the error. Yet the book is still published. There is A LOT of incorrect...
@a8m8y8 And because a scientist made some mistakes proves Religion or disproves Science? As you are a scientist I can only hope you are ashamed at such a comment! That is how Science works is it not? A theory is continually tested and unproved/proved, and people continually return to theories to find errors. Do you want Dawkins to call back all of the books he sold? He agree'd with the error as he is a Scientist, I don't believe Theist would reply in a similar way to their hideous mistakes!
@a8m8y8 Let's put it this way... if there were a lot less ignorant theists like Father George Coyne, then this world would be a much better place. I urge you to watch this video: /watch?v=po0ZMfkSNxc Father Coyne is a great man, he doesn't allow theistic ignorance and superstition to get in the way of scientific fact.
@a8m8y8 hamas and hezbollah. There are plenty of people who's motivation for charitable giving is not motivated by religion. Yes religion helps people give them piece of mind, but it's ultimately a placebo effect. You should read God is Not Great and you'll become less ignorant on the "good" religion plays in this world. Thanks for you comment.
@benmols Thanks for your reply. I do fully understand that many horrific crimes in the world are attributed to region. However stating that you hate religion and everything that comes with it, is the same as stating you hate a whole race because once a member of that race ran a dictatorship. I also can't see how the fact that you and Gemma believe everything Hitchens says without, I presume much first hand experience in these countries, is much different for the 'gullible' religious people?
@a8m8y8 Well no religion IS a dictatorship in itself. It tells people there is only ONE way to do things. It creates people sick and they are ordered to be well! My very good friend Sam Abrahams runs a charity called First Aid Africa and provides knowledge and medical assistance to some of the poorest countries in Africa. He is a deeply religious guy but he does not preach to them or tell them to follow god to lead a good life. He provides knowledge and promotes logic. Logic + reason > Theism
@a8m8y8 The beauty of being anti-theist is that you get to think for yourself using reasoning and facts, and not have bronze age superstition rule your life. And also there is a positive correlation between atheists and intelligence... Atheists are more intelligent than religious people, further proving that religion panders to the illiterate, unintelligent and gullible. Although those 3 things may well be an effect of religion as well!
@a8m8y8 I can't leave it at that sorry... You much watch this: /watch?v=U1lTR8V90qU and read the top comment that states: "You misunderstood his point. Religion will give people the belief that they have the 'right' or even the 'obligation' to commit evil acts because they are obeying a supernatural force and are looking forward to a divine reward for doing so. This makes evil-doers think they are do-gooders, very dangerous..."
First of all Gemma I am really impressed by your attitude towards religion. I am a Christian and many times it is really disrespectful when a person is an atheist and demeans any person who believes in God, but you respect it thank you. I had to read 1984 for school and I really did not want to, I felt like all we had read had been dystopias, however I loved it! I've also read The Time Traveller's Wife and I definitely cried and thought it was a really good romance.
I LOVE 1984, one of the best books ever written. My copy is mangled as well, the entire front cover got ripped off somewhere between the jigs and reels. I like to think it just shows how well-loved it is! Also, Richard Dawkins is fantastic. I've nearly finished 'The God Delusion' but haven't read 'Unweaving the Rainbow' yet. It's on my list though! Your thoughts on religion align completely with my own. It's actually quite refreshing to see someone speak so openly about religion, atheism, etc. x
I must read that Richard Dawkins one! I loved The God Delusion and The Greatest Show on Earth thanks to my Mum who's also a big fan! Freakoconomics sounds really interesting too! Ooh I have a few books on my summer reading list now! Thanks for this video, can't wait to hear more of your recommendations :) xo
I know it sounds stupid, but i'm 13 and I was really interested in reading the Richard Dawkins book but because I'm young I dont really understand all the words used :/ and i was thinking if you had the time could you maybe do a video on books that 13 and up could relate to :)
@Ciarafuly Your comment is a pretty sensible one! For example... I'm 22 and I read and listen to a lot of Christopher Hitchens, that man has a huge vocabulary, probably more than my whole family combined haha. So I spend half of my time googling the words just to make sure I know the definition. It's a great way of learning and expanding your vocab! But I totally sympathise with your comment, when you're younger you will have that problem, I know I did and still do!
Oo this is a clever series of videos! Can you read more than one book at a time? People who do that amaze me, i like to focus on one book. The richard dawkins book sounds so interesting. Along with the god is not great, because religion totally confuses me as well. i have no idea what i wanna be. And i still have to buy Josh's book! x
My friend recommend 1984 to me the other day, and how big brother is based on it! I absolutely love the time travelers wife, i cried so much when I first read it! It's one of my favourites! One I recommend is Before I Die by Jenny Downham - it's about a girl with cancer and she has a wishlist of things she wants to do before she dies. I normally cry at most books but I could not stop sobbing at the end of this one! It's such a beautiful book! x
The great Christopher Hitchens has a lengthy interview on the first book by George Orwell. Orwell was Hitchens favourite writer. YouTube Hitchens Orwell and you'll find it :)
I honestly think that "the time travellers wife" sucked big time. Such a typical girls book, awful. I am a student of german and english literature..one of my favourite autors of all time (among a million others" is Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He is simply wonderful.
my Cousin is a boy and he loves this book which I thought was a bit odd at first :) He even admitted having a slight tear to his eye in some chapters! haha :D x
I love 1984. I had to read that book in highschool and I remember completely loving it. I should read it again! Also my boyfriend and I watched the time travelers wife, while we didn't read the book, he really enjoyed the movie and it made him cry. Also Freakonomics sounds very interesting.
You should read the Hunger Games, by suzanne collins. It's set in a dystopian world and I really enjoyed it! I got completely absorbed into the storyline and read it in one day! The same happened with the next to books (it's a trilogy).
@icecoldlily I forgot to mention that the Hunger Games is targeted at a "young adult" audience, but it's not something I was hugely aware of while I was reading it.
Also, I've been meaning to read Unweaving the Rainbow ever since you first mentioned it in a video ages ago, but I've never got around to it. It's on top of my list after my exams! The book by Hitchens looks really good as well. I'm like you, I don't believe in a god personally but I'm fascinated by all religion.
haha i have had gemma with draw .. how sad am i .. i always watch your vids before i go work.. im thinking of doing my own channel as my life is hectic always something going on.. always enjoy your vids gurly!! x
i loved this review! i have read and loved time travellers wife too! never got round to 1984, but would love to read it, its my dad's favourite book. hate people who write on facebook that 'they hate to read' or 'dont bother', so its refreshing to find people who enjoy educating themselves and developing their ideas by reading! Im reading 'in cold blood' by truman capote, which i recommend along with 'the red tent' by anita diamant, which is based on some chapters in the bible.x
Love this video Gemma :) I love books too and haven't read any of those you mentioned but 3 caught my eye so I'm definitely going to pick them up. Thanks for the inspiration! xx
<3 The Time Traveller's Wife! It's one of the few I could actually list as my absolute favourite. I clearly remember the first time I read it and I have read it many times since. If you like it you might also like After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell. Some of my other favourites are The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgeral and Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Have you read either of them?
I am an atheist but I understand through science how absolutely spectacular and marvelous the universe is how unbelievably low the odd were for life that it is a miracle worth a fantastic belief I don't believe in a higher power but I understand if you do
0cool63 1 week ago
I rather liked it it had way too much sex but the characters I related too it didn't make me cry but it was very close Time traveler's wife opinion of a male human
0cool63 1 week ago
clap for time travelers wife
0cool63 1 week ago
Love this video! Great recommendations, I also love the fact that you read so much, it's amazing!(:
I agree with what you say about religion - people shouldn't generalise.
Love your videos!
~alisha
yesitsalisha 3 weeks ago
I really enjoyed this video. Thank you for recommendations. You should read Monique and the Mango Rains by: Kris Holloway. =D
~Stacy
ChapterChicks 1 month ago
Hey Gemma! Really interesting that I got to see this video atthis point, since I've been discussing a lot lately about religion. I get what you say and it is exactly my point of view: I'm not against religion or faith - faith can be very powerful and a good thing - I just don't like people who never thought about their beliefs. And we have to think about the way we think (to use the idea of the great sociologist Pierre Bourdieu). Anyway, nice tips. I'm gonna try some Richard Dawkins. =)
OliviaMG 1 month ago
hey if anybody that kind enough to share their interest in books as i am feel free to drop message to share about your personally favorite books as I am looking for my next book to read thanks!
JLovebo0ks 2 months ago
I recomend Dawkins, i've read the selfish gene, blind watchmaker, climbing mount improbable, The greatest show on earth - the evidence for evolution is fantastic! and of corse the god delusion, been meaning to read Hitchens.
peteq1972 6 months ago
Since you speak French, I was wondering if you could recommend any french books appropriate for students at intermediate level. I have been studying French for about 5 years now and would love to be more fluent and get my hands on some french books. thanks.
mllegaille 7 months ago
I read 1984 and the time travellers wife on your recommendation and absolutely loved them! please upload the second part to this soon i am going on holiday in 2 weeks and would LOVE you to recommend some more! xxxx
Dashers23 7 months ago
when are you going to make another book recomendation video? I would love to hear more about books that affected you :)
elemes92 7 months ago
Really enjoyed this video :) Definately gunna give them all a read! Thankyou! xxx
SummerRose15 8 months ago
does anyone any books which talks about roman catholic history?
strawberryflavoured8 8 months ago
I loved 1984 when I first read it, but then in school we read it to death and it killed it for me :( now all i think about is communist russia when i read it.
rocco94x 8 months ago
Pleaseeeee do a volume 2 :D
rocco94x 8 months ago 7
have you read The curious incident of the dog in the night time?my mum has read it and i have read it and im 13 its not a kids book but i wouldnt say its just for adults it so good!!
DebbieLiv 9 months ago
hey gemma, i think you should check out the books by malcolm gladwell! i find them so, so interesting and think you would as well :) they're non-fiction but they are written so well and he always talks about the most interesting things! my two favourites are outliers and blink!
pumpkingpiericeball 10 months ago
Each to their own. Meta physics may not be your cup of tea but a chick with strong literary opinions showing deep understanding. That's great.
THINKER43 10 months ago
Good video! You're very interested and I love that! Do you have Irish in you?
whatyoufuckingwant 10 months ago
thanks so much for this video. really really loved it. 1984 and the time traveller's wife are definitely some of my all time favourites. i've read them so many times, they're in a worse state than yours.
thanks so much for the dawkins recommendation, i've heard about his books quite a few times now and i never really knew what they were about, so i'm definitely gonna check them out now.
it's great there's beauty gurus out there with brains : ) x
3801247 10 months ago
This is amazinggggggg! love love love it please please please make more :) <3 xxxxx
jennycrackle 10 months ago
I'm not one to put books into sections either, but my favourite ever book is Thief by Malorie Blackman! It's kind of an easy read, although so is Time Travellers Wife, it's sooooo amazing! I've read it 5 times!
Emma08121 10 months ago
I love this video! I feel like we share similar views and you've included some of my favourite books. Excited to pick up the ones I haven't yet. Thanks gemma! xx
410lotus 10 months ago
LIKE A SPONGE. :')
missjothikaaa 10 months ago
Sometimes i think you are my twin and we were seperated at birth. (Not to sound creepy) We have the exact same views on so many things. Your view of religion is word for word like mine and I am going to read that god is not great book! I've taken your advice before and read Nathaniel's Nutmeg and it was great. Keep these videos up...I love having new good books to read!
melanie0523 10 months ago
Yeah I love Rachel McAdams in films too lol x x
rlcbec1984 10 months ago
I've never said I'm a theist, but just by arguing with you, you presumed. Because anyone who doesn't believe in Dawkins or Hitchens is an illiterate, gullible, weak minded theist. The fact that you think that, makes you the same as a the theists you hate, as I tried to point out earlier. Also the fact that you think there is no historical evidence of religion is laughable! Yes my life is very tough being this stupid, I sometimes wonder how I can function...
a8m8y8 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 "But obviously as I'm not an atheist" May I ask what you are? An anti-theist? If you're an anti-theist then we would not be having this argument. We would have already had the mutual sense of rationality and logic well before now. Are you agnostic? I'd find it hard to believe you are agnostic if you've been doing Science, I can only guess you're not very good at Science (No insult intended) or you just don't believe the facts and processes in front of your eyes!
benmols 10 months ago
scientific information around. I suggest you read it with a critical mind. That is the beauty of being a scientists that you learn to critique others' findings and not just accept them to be true. As you have done with Dawkins and Hitchens. But obviously as I'm not an atheist myself I'm of lower intelligence than you! Haha correlation is one of the beauties of statistics!
a8m8y8 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 Well find me some facts and scientific finding that prove religion please. Although we both know (as you are a Scientist) you can't as religion is FAITH based, i.e. A BELIEF THAT IS NOT BASED ON PROOF. There is no archaeological or biological or even HISTORICAL evidence of ANY outside of ANY religious books. NONE, NOTHING. Not a single little shred of it! What's it like to live a hypocritical life as a scientist and a theist? Must be very tough...
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols Anyway it was nice to debate with you, but I have revision (scientific!) to get on with, if you can believe it! I will read the Hitchens book as I haven't read any of his. I have some of Dawkins', while they are very well written, I find the fact hard to accept when so many mistakes have been made. I do agree with you on many things, but disagree on where you are getting all of your information and your generalisations. I'm sure you'll enjoy this video ;) /watch?v=YfucpGCm5hY
a8m8y8 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 Yeah thanks for the debate, but I don't get my information anywhere other than myself. You just have to look for it, people like hitchens and dawkins send you in the right direction. You don't need to be schooled on Atheism, it just comes natural if you were lucky enough not to be shackled to a religion as part of your infancy and upbringing. Enjoy revision!
benmols 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 Also, sorry if I come across as a "militant" atheist, I have so many points to make there's not enough to fit in a single youtube comment.
benmols 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 ANYTHING**** (instead of the first "ANY" ;) )
benmols 10 months ago
I loved this vlog. I think I'm going to have to try a few of these. Like you I hate genres, I just absorb books "like a sponge." I also tend to bash my books about a bit, but I think it makes them looked loved in a way. Time Traveller's Wife - such a beautiful book and I have a TOTAL girl crush on Rachel McAdams. I love her! Have you read One Day by David Nicholls? That's amazing. If you like the science-y type books - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is brilliant. :) x
MissCharlotteTaylor 10 months ago
Oh, I forgot to mention the Stieg Larsson series is the one about the :" The girl with the dragon tattoo." I love a lot of different types of books too. I love how you compared the cost of books. Especially when I buy a used book for more than it was when it was new,lol! I eventually want to have a library ( for some reason I want the Disney "Beauty and the Beast" library. )
APPARENTLYaPRINCESS 10 months ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to share some of your favorites. I am a bookworm and feel lost if I don't have a book to read. I think my library propably thinks I'm crazy, I have about 30 books checked out right now,lol! I have a few book reccomendations if you are interested:" Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" by Mary Roach ( great read and interesting science), The Hunger Games series ( scary government control),and right now I am on the third book in the Stieg Larsson series.
APPARENTLYaPRINCESS 10 months ago
i've only read about half of freakonomics unfortunately because i've been super busy with school, but hopefully i'll finish it when the school year is over. if you liked freakonomics, i would highly suggest subscribing their their podcast on itunes. it seems like it's mainly run by dubner, but it's really interesting! it's like a chapter of the book in a 20 minute podcast with interviews & stuff. i get ridiculously excited when it starts to download!
AHZ1192 10 months ago
gem --- you are the best pimp ever. <3 thanks!
JoshSundquist 10 months ago
@JoshSundquist Congrats on 100k Josh
benmols 10 months ago
I am an English major at uni and all my co-majors are SO snobby about books. I just like reading anything put in front of me! :)
demolitionlover89 10 months ago
I haven't read any of those books! I have The Time Travellers Wife and 1984 on my kindle though so I'll read those soon. I'm interested in the Richard Dawkins books, thanks! Also subbed to your links - I can see why you like Josh! Yum! I recc Back Roads by Tawny O'Dell and The Other Hand by Chris Cleave xx
misslilycherry 10 months ago
i adore the time travellers wife, the book is so much better than the film i think :)
AmyAdoreBeaute 10 months ago
btw you were mentioned in the info bar of josh's 100K subscribers video =] !!!!! how awsome, just thought id say just so you know if you didnt already x
ninoredwood 10 months ago
home is where the heart is - geraldine cox, im reading this just now, and so far its really good. its about a woman who set up a orphanage in cambodia. i bought it after she visited my school and gave a talk, so yeah i think you might like it, i didnt give it justice at all as im rubbish at explaining things but you will probably like it :) seems like a good read so far.
im definetly going to read that book god isnt great, religion really interests me.
nicknaksjojoshow 10 months ago
I am a really big fan of 1984! I do A Level English Literature and I used that book as the inspiration for my creative reading essay! I highly recommend people to read it.
michellebebeautiful 10 months ago
. 1984 reminded me of something, have you read/liked A Clockwork Orange? just curious..] yea the religion thing i pretty much agree with everyone with you. im not atheist im more agnostic, i live in an expat- y country so im surrounded by lots of religions, i feel uncomfortable around really christian people, i cant help it but ive just had bad experiences with like fanatically religious people, i think that beliefs of respect, truthfulness, charity etc. dont have to be linked w/ religion
M1995C 10 months ago
good recommendations 1984 is a great book. Richard Dawkins' book the god delusion is a good one too. I recommend Professor Richard Wisemans book Why we see what isn't there. It shows how our brains misinterpret things and think they are supernatural and how we can be fooled by cold reading etc.
fumsmusings 10 months ago
@fumsmusings Yes the God Delusion is great, I love Dawkins so much its probably not normal haha. I will add the Wiseman book to my amazon wishlist sounds right up my street! x
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
I love seeing this side of you. I hope this doesn't come out the wrong way but I think sometimes people who are very into fashion and make up can be wrongly stereotyped as being dizzy or superficial people. I think it's great that you often prove that idea wrong and show that you're also a very intelligent person with a wide range of intellectual interest as well
squirrelpants3 10 months ago
@squirrelpants3 I could never take that the wrong way, thankyou! Definitely agree, people can take one interest you have and think its your whole personality, thats why I like posting on this channel, I feel a lot more free with what I can say because I know the people subscribed to this channel are interested in it, whereas on my makeup channel if I talk about something else there is very much a 'shut up and get on with the eyeshadow' feeling sometimes! x
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
LOVED this video Gemma, you really showed you are intelligent as well as a gorgeous beauty guru! P.S I will definitely be checking out the Richard Dawkins book
xBreex 10 months ago 2
@xBreex Thankyou! Dawkins is a major love of mine! x
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
Very interesting Gemma, thanks for sharing. I never cry reading but Time Traveler's wife made me cry like a baby! If you haven't read Her Perfect Symmetry by the same author, you should, it's fantastic!
Out of curiosity, how much time do you spend reading on an average day?
Eyelinerandcomputers 10 months ago
@Eyelinerandcomputers her perfect symmetry is on my amazon wishlist I can't WAIT to get my hands on it! I think I probably read on average an hour a day, but not everyday if that makes sense! More at weekends but if you averaged it out about an hour, maybe more? x
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
@unicyclephysics Gemma I have a copy of Her Perfect Symmetry I'm done with, I'd be happy to send you it!
xyellowlollipop85 10 months ago
Very interesting video : )
CuriosityRocks 10 months ago
@prettylady5729 I have read about it, I think I could stand to read a great deal more, and would certainly like to...Its pretty hard to summarise my opinions on it in a youtube comment to be honest! x
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
Loved this video! looking forward to more of your book videos :)
rivalovecupcakes 10 months ago
Mitch Albom writes some good books...I liked the book review (apart from including books on the religious aspect - might offend some people)
maryelizabeth1001 10 months ago
@maryelizabeth1001 There is nothing offensive about encouraging people to read about different religions and viewpoints and to educate themselves, I think that is a part of the problem, anyone who comes along and says "I respect your opinion but I think this" is told they are being offensive, I could claim religious books offend me as an atheist, but that would be silly, we should all read things that challenge us. Mitch Albom is indeed a great writer :)
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
@maryelizabeth1001 Don't be afraid of offending people. Being offended does not give you or anybody a right, as much as religious people would like to claim!
benmols 10 months ago
Hey i decided to take your advice on trying out one the books you recommended, but i cant seem to find Richard Dawkins book.Do you know any book store in the UK where they might have that book and ship worldwide?
AdrianaLytle 10 months ago
@AdrianaLytle Have you tried amazon? They stock it on the UK version so might be able to deliver to you too? x
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
Love this! Can't wait for next one xx
GAGACRAZEE 10 months ago
one of my favourite videos you have ever done! was so interesting! bring on number 2 xxxx
Dashers23 10 months ago
are you actually athiest or agnostic? also, i just find it surprising that dawkins speak of all the amazement of how we are brought in to the world etc. in religious circles that would be counted as a miracle. :)
a book like that would make me believe in God more because of the perfections of the natural word. logically.
i am muslim but i did not turn this video off. still love you gemma and love how you're very open minded. :) x
roisindubh786 10 months ago
@roisindubh786 I'm atheist. I think you might find it interesting to read the book, his argument is that just because something is scientifically unlikely or has a very slim chance of happening, it doesn't mean that the wonder in that has to be explained mystically, you can just appreciate it as a very unlikely thing and be just as awe-struck by that than if it were a miracle in religious terminology. Very interesting man and a great book, and thanks for your kind words :) x
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
@unicyclephysics aaawww i'm a student and have done a lot of science at a level etc. for me, being awe struck is due to God's majesty and it seems more logical to think that something created the awesome-ness (don' thin k that's a word lol) of the world rather than it coming from no where.
even still, i appreciate your view.
p.s, i've read a book by him called the God delusion. :)
roisindubh786 10 months ago
I'm exactly the same as you with religion... It fascinates me and I kind of wish that I did have some kind of faith :/ I have the 'God Is Not Great' book and its taking me a little while to get into but you've motivated me to keep turning the pages! I'm really interested in the Richard Dawkins books after this video... I'm gonna have to go and take a look! And of course I love chick-lit too ;)
natalielread 10 months ago
Love this video Gem cant wait for the next. Not sure if you have read 2 books by mitch Albom - The 5 people you meet in heaven and Tuesdays with Morrie. I really recommend them both x
CherryBlossom7789 10 months ago
The time traveller's wife is my favourite book, love it <3
EmmyZz80 10 months ago
Gemma i think youre amazing, keep the vidios coming xoxox
zapaz221 10 months ago
awesome books look really good
charmedone860 10 months ago
I agree with the way u think people shud educate themselves with religion and stuff - i like the recommendations for the books as well :D x
80snessEj 10 months ago
I love your book recommendations! they seem really interesting. 1984 sounds like Fahrenheit 451 and The Giver... I'm interested in reading it!
bowsandpearls 10 months ago
Thank you for this video!
Are you aware of the atheist community here on YouTube? You should check out videos by ProfMTH. Especially in his older videos he analyzes the Christian scriptures... Fascinating. He knows his stuff.
Really looking forward to more videos like this one. Smart well-read people make me happy. x
thetrunkmoves 10 months ago
@thetrunkmoves Thankyou! My favourite youtuber that discusses secular humanism and atheism is gogreen18 - love her! I will check your recommendation out :)
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
Yay! It's the return of the bookcase :)
Good video - look forward to more of them. Please feature the Charlie Brooker books I see lurking in the background, everyone needs to be aware of his work :)
choccygirl1979 10 months ago
This is great work... I like your style.
Godonist 10 months ago
@benmols - pimping out hitchens in youtube comments worldwide ;)
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
Thanks for this video Gemma. I've recently been making an effort to read more. I've read 3 books in a month, which is a lot for me. I'm just about finished reading One Day by David Nicholls. This was recommended to me by several people. Have you read it? I'm really enjoying it.
I have shied away from reading 1984 as I have heard it is very depressing but you have inspired me to go for it. Also I'll be picking up a copy of Unweaving the rainbow. It sounds very interesting.
Thanks again.x
Boiteduchocolat 10 months ago
@Boiteduchocolat Yes, One Day is one of my favourite books ever! I will be including it in my next video but it is currently on holiday with my mum in the sun (lucky book!) x
unicyclephysics 10 months ago
this is an interesting vid ,made me want to try some of these books :o)
cardingsan 10 months ago
i like you even more now gemma (if that's even possible :D). i think my favorite book(s) of all time is harry potter. i know a lot of people like them and stuff. but i loved the books since i read the first one like 10 years ago, and i know i will still love them when i'm really old :)
leolovesneo 10 months ago
@prettylady5729 Without sounding like a sheep or unable to voice my own opinion. I think Hitchens does a good job in this video: /watch?v=J7aS7m3odqI
benmols 10 months ago
I am reading the consolation of philosophy by alain de botton it is amazing some great points and really made me think, great video Gemma.
beccakatie18 10 months ago
My boyfriend read the time travellers wife and really enjoyed it, we both loved the second book of this writer. Love this kind of video, thanks for the time!
ellenarentsen 10 months ago
Loved this video Gemma - added some books to my wish list! :) xx
CrazyChikx 10 months ago
I bought The Time Travellers Wife the other day so now excited to read it! Also that blue top is an amazing colour on you!
kvalentinerose 10 months ago
I see Danny Wallace on your bookshelf! YES MAN is the most amazing book. =)
chockymousse 10 months ago
The Time Traveller's Wife is my favourite book, I took it on holiday last year and could not put it down. It's beautifully written, I just loved it. Nothing bad to say about it.
I recommend any book by Paulo Coelho, he is a really good author. The alchemist is a very uplifting book & a very easy read by Paulo Coelho.
Also look for a book called the secret by Rhonda Byrne, that's a bril read too.
:-) xxx
missrjs86 10 months ago
really good video, please make lots more! :)
Jaaakeismine 10 months ago
Favourited! I have so many books I want to read and you made the list even longer lol. I'm especially looking forward to reading the Christopher Hitchens ones. On one hand he annoys the you-know-what out of me, but on the other hand I like his writing and I do think he has interesting ideas.
condiment42 10 months ago
Interesting choice of books. I read 1984 in school the first time. I found Animal Farm disturbing though, lol. I was looking up a vid for Intelligent Design theory and I some how came upon something funny yet interesting. Search richard dawkins and intelligent design on youtube. Never thought those 2 could occur in one vid. Btw, I am educated on religion too, I detest people who follow their faith blindly. I love watching debates between scientists and religious speakers.
girlyimage 10 months ago
awesome video... more of these please :D
MissMathful 10 months ago
you are very interesting person from the choice of books
Tamoorah15 10 months ago
Love this idea, can't wait for volume 2 :)
Fizzypepper 10 months ago
This was a really interesting video! I think I might have to read Freakonomics now, it's been sat on my shelf for ages. It's also really nice to see someone with similar religious views to me being able to express themselves so well :)
totallyuninspired1 10 months ago
great video and some interesting books you have recommended. Have you read Richard Dawkins, God Delusions? Its really interesting, I would recommend it.
hcragsy 10 months ago
thanks gemma love book video. cant wait for more. I agree art and science are not mutually exclusive. I love your dedication to learn of all religions. i consider myself a believer but i dont subscribe to one particular religion.
sberrysrtcake 10 months ago
@sberrysrtcake Christopher Hitchens book God Is Not Great is partially aimed at you (Not personally haha). He argues the point of why would you want to believe in a "creator." etc.
benmols 10 months ago
probably one of my favorite vids. i love this idea, i think it's GREAT & i'm def looking forward to more suggestions =) <3 Rita
RitaMil27 10 months ago
i agree with your point of view Gemma, i am a revert to islam and i've found that a LOT of people who call themselves muslim are actually very ignorant and know fairly little about their religion.. they have been brought up that way and come from a religious family and so call themselves religious but actually are very uneducated about islam..
FarishthaGabriella 10 months ago
Deism: The belief in a god, who either no longer exists or is apathetic towards all life.
Theism: The belief in a god, who plays an active role in human affairs. Such as divine punishments and rewards.
A-theism: Atheism is one without the belief in the existence of a god or gods; it is only a response.
Agnostic: One without knowledge of. (gnosis)
1)Atheism/theism speaks to what one "believes"
2)Agnostic speaks to what one knows.
One is ALWAYS at least TWO (no less) of these designations.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@TheTheistlikeatheist You've missed out one on your list. An Atheist doesn't believe there is a god, but they may well wish that there was one. An ANTI-Theist doesn't believe there is a god but also does not wish that there is a god. Agnosticism is basically just sitting on the fence. It's not easy to boil it down to those 2 designations because it's a much much broader topic than "You're either one of the other." And Atheism is NOT a "belief." Why do people not realise this???
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols
"And Atheism is NOT a "belief".
That's why I pointed out Atheism is one WITHOUT the belief in a god.
You are absolutely wrong about agnosticism, it is not a middle ground between theism and atheism.
Those who make that assertion are either ignorant of its definition or dishonestly attempting to cast themselves as objective regarding this subject. Their motives often reveal them to be the complete opposite of objective. Smith's Atheism: a Case Against God, gives concise definitions.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@TheTheistlikeatheist
You are always at least two of those designations.
Agnostic Theist Claim: doesn't know but believes
Gnostic Theist Claim: knows ergo believes
Agnostic Atheist Claim: doesn't know ergo doesn't believe (most atheists)
Gnostic Atheist Claim: knows ergo doesn't believe
A simplification, but the point still stands; agnosticism is NOT between atheism and theism, therefor it is neither inherently objective or honest to claim one is ONLY an agnostic in this matter.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@TheTheistlikeatheist I'm sorry that you did not read/understand my original post correctly and you have wasted your time writing this out again.
Not aimed at anything thats been said, just putting it out there... I'm an Anti-Theist. I do not believe in any creator or any divine overlooking dictator, I do not wish to believe and I chose fact and evidence over faith.
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols
I think I under stood you fine. I agree with you definition of anti-theist, a designation I give myself (I include it to also mean someone who finds the belief in a god to be both immoral and amoral, because it demands respect for unsubstantiated claims without evidence). But, agnosticism simply is not a position between atheism and theism.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@TheTheistlikeatheist You put "Atheism/theism speaks to what one "believes"" implying they have a belief, a belief in the theistic sense is different to a belief by a none believer. A theistic "belief" is faith based, completely different.
I am not wrong about agnosticism because I did not say they are a middle ground, I said they sat on the fence, which mean they have not made a decision. Please read what I have put and then you wouldn't have had to waste your time with that last paragraph.
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols
You are wrong about agnosticism. It is not "sitting on the fence", it is not a get out of jail card, it is not the most objective, it is a claim regarding someone's knowledge. I, for example (like most atheists) can not make a positive claim for or against the existence of a god, because I don't know; I am agnostic. I am also an a-theist; I have heard no compelling argument, or seem compelling evidence for any god claims, I therefor don't believe. You are wrong.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@TheTheistlikeatheist I seriously and genuinley think you do not understand what the idiom "Sitting on the fence" means. It's often used to describe agnostics!
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols
I know exactly what it means. And it does not apply here. "Undecided" is not a choice in this matter. Either you believe or you don't believe. It's really that simple. Those who assert that agnosticism is a "neutral" position are either ignorant, or arrogant pricks portraying themselves as being humbly objective; unlike "those arrogant atheists who are just as bad as the theists wanting to push their beliefs down our throats". I've heard that disingenuous crap a 1000 times before.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
AMENDMENT:
I know exactly what it means. And it does not apply here. "Undecided" is not a choice in this matter. Either you KNOW or you don't KNOW. It's really that simple. Those who assert that agnosticism is a "neutral" position are either ignorant, or conceited pricks portraying themselves as being humbly objective; unlike "those arrogant atheists who are just as bad as the theists wanting to push their beliefs down our throats". I've heard that disingenuous crap a 1000 times before.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@TheTheistlikeatheist I still totally disagree, I know people that neither believe or disbelieve in a god. They just don't care and don't even give it any thought. I think Gemmas boyfriend actually falls into this category. They just don't care! I think you're the arrogant one because you think everybody has the same interest and thought process with theism, when in fact a lot people really don't even think about it and neither believe in one or the other.
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols
"They just don't care..." / Arrogant, self centeredness. +
"...don't even give it any thought." / willful ignorance = condescending posers of objectivity.
Apatheists are not let off the hook. "I don't care" is not the same as "I don't know" (agnostic). I don't care is an extremely callus position considering how much blood has been spilt over the questions: "Do you know if" or "believe that, god exists". Honest answer: I don't know and insufficient data leans me towards non-belief.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@TheTheistlikeatheist I'm gunna let you carry on with that opinion. But I still don't agree.
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols
Fair enough. Thanks for taking the time to respond. It is encouraging to see that you care about the subject.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@benmols
Allow me to translate the "I don't care" sentiment regarding some opinions about religion.
I don't care: there are people who believe their god gives them instructions to mutilate infant genitalia, marry 9 yr old girls to 50 yr old men (those girls genitalia mutilated as preteens, 'infibulation'), stultification of child education regarding science, throwing acid on young girls wanting an education, violently crushing all criticisms of their cult etc etc... I myself do care.
TheTheistlikeatheist 10 months ago
@TheTheistlikeatheist I care about the subject, I hate religion and everything that comes with it. But I know people that literally don't care or have even taken the time to think about it, which in turn I feel makes it unfair to categorize them. There are people out there that would not have even questioned it. I envy these people. because clearly they don't have weak-minded, gullible theocratic fools trying to force religion upon them.
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols Stating that you 'hate religion and everything that comes with it' is probably one of the most ignorant ill-informed comments I've heard. If you had a basic understanding of religion across the world you'd understand the joy and hope it bring to people's lives when they have nothing else. I've travelled to many third world countries, and have seen the positive effect it has on people's lives, and the sense of community it can build. Shame on you for making such a foolish comment.
a8m8y8 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 Well you probably shouldn't read God is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens who has reported in every continent, in every cruel dictatorship, and every theocratic state that bullies their citizens. Religion breeds ignorance and it is aimed at the weak-minded and gullible. Religion is the institution that tells people that condoms are worse than aids, how many people has that alone killed? And if you say that religion helps people with charity then you must say the same about hamas
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols Also, on the AIDS comment, if everyone only slept with one partner in their life (their husband or wife) as the church says, without condoms, then AIDS and other STIs would be significantly less prevalent than today (presuming they were born without HIV). I do understand that comments made by the catholic church are irrelevant due to the high level of such diseases that now prevail. Btw I'm not trying to attack you, I just genuinely enjoy debating religion, so thanks for replying.
a8m8y8 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 Monogamy is another perfect example of how religion tries to rule against the natural human instincts. We are no monogamous creatures, we do not naturally only have 1 sexual partner. That is a scientific fact, you can not argue against it with a book of faith. That is why science will always have the upper hand. Also your arguement of only having 1 sexual partner is a load of BS as you should know a lot of african AIDs victims are rape victims.
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols That argument is not my own, it is the view of the church as I said. I'm actually a scientist myself (degree level from UCL), I'm not sure if you are too? I've studied a small amount of genetics, and many of those professors have mentioned Darwin, and the mistakes he has made. One professor in particular has written to Darwin many time on his scientific mistakes in his books, to which he replied agreeing with the error. Yet the book is still published. There is A LOT of incorrect...
a8m8y8 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 And because a scientist made some mistakes proves Religion or disproves Science? As you are a scientist I can only hope you are ashamed at such a comment! That is how Science works is it not? A theory is continually tested and unproved/proved, and people continually return to theories to find errors. Do you want Dawkins to call back all of the books he sold? He agree'd with the error as he is a Scientist, I don't believe Theist would reply in a similar way to their hideous mistakes!
benmols 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 Let's put it this way... if there were a lot less ignorant theists like Father George Coyne, then this world would be a much better place. I urge you to watch this video: /watch?v=po0ZMfkSNxc Father Coyne is a great man, he doesn't allow theistic ignorance and superstition to get in the way of scientific fact.
benmols 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 hamas and hezbollah. There are plenty of people who's motivation for charitable giving is not motivated by religion. Yes religion helps people give them piece of mind, but it's ultimately a placebo effect. You should read God is Not Great and you'll become less ignorant on the "good" religion plays in this world. Thanks for you comment.
benmols 10 months ago
@benmols Thanks for your reply. I do fully understand that many horrific crimes in the world are attributed to region. However stating that you hate religion and everything that comes with it, is the same as stating you hate a whole race because once a member of that race ran a dictatorship. I also can't see how the fact that you and Gemma believe everything Hitchens says without, I presume much first hand experience in these countries, is much different for the 'gullible' religious people?
a8m8y8 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 Well no religion IS a dictatorship in itself. It tells people there is only ONE way to do things. It creates people sick and they are ordered to be well! My very good friend Sam Abrahams runs a charity called First Aid Africa and provides knowledge and medical assistance to some of the poorest countries in Africa. He is a deeply religious guy but he does not preach to them or tell them to follow god to lead a good life. He provides knowledge and promotes logic. Logic + reason > Theism
benmols 10 months ago
@a8m8y8 The beauty of being anti-theist is that you get to think for yourself using reasoning and facts, and not have bronze age superstition rule your life. And also there is a positive correlation between atheists and intelligence... Atheists are more intelligent than religious people, further proving that religion panders to the illiterate, unintelligent and gullible. Although those 3 things may well be an effect of religion as well!
benmols 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@a8m8y8 I can't leave it at that sorry... You much watch this: /watch?v=U1lTR8V90qU and read the top comment that states: "You misunderstood his point. Religion will give people the belief that they have the 'right' or even the 'obligation' to commit evil acts because they are obeying a supernatural force and are looking forward to a divine reward for doing so. This makes evil-doers think they are do-gooders, very dangerous..."
benmols 10 months ago
Really loved this! Your brilliant! Can't wAit for more
missolivia7 10 months ago
do you have a goodreads account? if you don't a recommend making one. such a fun way to keep track of what you read and what you'd like to read. x
fromalbiontoarcadia 10 months ago
Book reccomendations are such a great idea :)
haribohats 10 months ago
First of all Gemma I am really impressed by your attitude towards religion. I am a Christian and many times it is really disrespectful when a person is an atheist and demeans any person who believes in God, but you respect it thank you. I had to read 1984 for school and I really did not want to, I felt like all we had read had been dystopias, however I loved it! I've also read The Time Traveller's Wife and I definitely cried and thought it was a really good romance.
DDTS93 10 months ago
I LOVE 1984, one of the best books ever written. My copy is mangled as well, the entire front cover got ripped off somewhere between the jigs and reels. I like to think it just shows how well-loved it is! Also, Richard Dawkins is fantastic. I've nearly finished 'The God Delusion' but haven't read 'Unweaving the Rainbow' yet. It's on my list though! Your thoughts on religion align completely with my own. It's actually quite refreshing to see someone speak so openly about religion, atheism, etc. x
lauraraelynn 10 months ago
really loved this video, cant wait for the next one :)
crystallight1991 10 months ago
Aw, i found this such an inspirational video, especially when you were explaining Dawkins and Hitchens books! Love your videos Gemma :-)
elllexx0 10 months ago
I must read that Richard Dawkins one! I loved The God Delusion and The Greatest Show on Earth thanks to my Mum who's also a big fan! Freakoconomics sounds really interesting too! Ooh I have a few books on my summer reading list now! Thanks for this video, can't wait to hear more of your recommendations :) xo
girlwiththearabstrap 10 months ago
Gemma! Continue to do these videos i love them! thank you <3
AmySaysRawr15 10 months ago
I know it sounds stupid, but i'm 13 and I was really interested in reading the Richard Dawkins book but because I'm young I dont really understand all the words used :/ and i was thinking if you had the time could you maybe do a video on books that 13 and up could relate to :)
Ciarafuly 10 months ago
@Ciarafuly Your comment is a pretty sensible one! For example... I'm 22 and I read and listen to a lot of Christopher Hitchens, that man has a huge vocabulary, probably more than my whole family combined haha. So I spend half of my time googling the words just to make sure I know the definition. It's a great way of learning and expanding your vocab! But I totally sympathise with your comment, when you're younger you will have that problem, I know I did and still do!
benmols 10 months ago
Oo this is a clever series of videos! Can you read more than one book at a time? People who do that amaze me, i like to focus on one book. The richard dawkins book sounds so interesting. Along with the god is not great, because religion totally confuses me as well. i have no idea what i wanna be. And i still have to buy Josh's book! x
GorJessM 10 months ago
HITCHENS <3 xxxxx Hitchens birthday on the 13th! Get ready for the party guys!
benmols 10 months ago
My friend recommend 1984 to me the other day, and how big brother is based on it! I absolutely love the time travelers wife, i cried so much when I first read it! It's one of my favourites! One I recommend is Before I Die by Jenny Downham - it's about a girl with cancer and she has a wishlist of things she wants to do before she dies. I normally cry at most books but I could not stop sobbing at the end of this one! It's such a beautiful book! x
DaintyMakeup 10 months ago
The great Christopher Hitchens has a lengthy interview on the first book by George Orwell. Orwell was Hitchens favourite writer. YouTube Hitchens Orwell and you'll find it :)
benmols 10 months ago
I honestly think that "the time travellers wife" sucked big time. Such a typical girls book, awful. I am a student of german and english literature..one of my favourite autors of all time (among a million others" is Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He is simply wonderful.
takemeout2nite 10 months ago
my Cousin is a boy and he loves this book which I thought was a bit odd at first :) He even admitted having a slight tear to his eye in some chapters! haha :D x
alickslovesit 10 months ago
I love 1984. I had to read that book in highschool and I remember completely loving it. I should read it again! Also my boyfriend and I watched the time travelers wife, while we didn't read the book, he really enjoyed the movie and it made him cry. Also Freakonomics sounds very interesting.
jensmed 10 months ago
You should read the Hunger Games, by suzanne collins. It's set in a dystopian world and I really enjoyed it! I got completely absorbed into the storyline and read it in one day! The same happened with the next to books (it's a trilogy).
icecoldlily 10 months ago
@icecoldlily I forgot to mention that the Hunger Games is targeted at a "young adult" audience, but it's not something I was hugely aware of while I was reading it.
Also, I've been meaning to read Unweaving the Rainbow ever since you first mentioned it in a video ages ago, but I've never got around to it. It's on top of my list after my exams! The book by Hitchens looks really good as well. I'm like you, I don't believe in a god personally but I'm fascinated by all religion.
icecoldlily 10 months ago
I totally have the same view as you, I'm an atheist but I do find religion very interesting to read about. Great video! :)
SynthesizedEvolution 10 months ago
You should try the tipping point my Malcolm gladq
hellylenny 10 months ago
Awww can we do video responses? x
theanonymousme89 10 months ago
Loved this video<3
I can't wait for the next one :)
& I'm definitely going to my barnes & noble and picking up the books you mentioned in this video
CharmedFickleMonkey 10 months ago
I love that you started talking about 1984 first off, my favourite book of all time! Ah and Richard Dawkins! Ah you are my favourite.
TheMeanBean 10 months ago
you should definitely read a book called 'Before I Die' by Jenny Downham.
i read it last summer whilst i was on holiday in Scotland and all i can say about it is.....amazing !!!xxxxx
xCharlotte1994 10 months ago
Hi Gemma, since you're fascinated with religion, have you seen the documentary ; Zeitgeist ? (the first one)
Great video btw !
adabore 10 months ago
haha i have had gemma with draw .. how sad am i .. i always watch your vids before i go work.. im thinking of doing my own channel as my life is hectic always something going on.. always enjoy your vids gurly!! x
TheShentz 10 months ago
what lipstick are you wearing? lookss lovelyy! x
xMakeUpObsessionx 10 months ago
I want to buy all these books. This was so interesting, I never know what books to get!
moyse001 10 months ago
i loved this review! i have read and loved time travellers wife too! never got round to 1984, but would love to read it, its my dad's favourite book. hate people who write on facebook that 'they hate to read' or 'dont bother', so its refreshing to find people who enjoy educating themselves and developing their ideas by reading! Im reading 'in cold blood' by truman capote, which i recommend along with 'the red tent' by anita diamant, which is based on some chapters in the bible.x
kittykatykat 10 months ago
Love this video Gemma :) I love books too and haven't read any of those you mentioned but 3 caught my eye so I'm definitely going to pick them up. Thanks for the inspiration! xx
beautybysnowwhite 10 months ago
<3 The Time Traveller's Wife! It's one of the few I could actually list as my absolute favourite. I clearly remember the first time I read it and I have read it many times since. If you like it you might also like After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell. Some of my other favourites are The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgeral and Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Have you read either of them?
<