I love you when you're serious.I started watching because you put a duck on your head and sang songs about anglerfish and ate peeps and blenderised happy meals. But recently I've gone from enjoying your videos and your cleverness to admiring you as like... a wise person. I'm aware that this video is old, but this is the first time I've seen it and I just wanted to tell you that I genuinely love you for thinking about this stuff properly and being willing to share it with us.
There are so many different viewpoints because noone has tried to learn (i.e. read the bible) about Christianity. That is why it is so crazy... But nonetheless everyone does have their own view from life and things, that's why we're all unique and awesome... and I have no idea where this comment is going so yea... hi
I have to agree with emmahasnerdytiemz. I loved how respectful and diplomatic you were in this video, and I especially loved what you said about not having deeply held beliefs because it was very much in line with my own view of things... but I kind of wish you wouldn't worry quite as much about offending us. I like it when you swear or when you share something as personal as religious beliefs. Those kind of things make it feel like a real conversation is happening, and not just a video.
A while ago my band wrote a song called "God was a Scientist" and we got banned and disqualified from the local battle of the bands because it offended one of the judges, does anyone think it's unfair? the lyrics weren't bashing god in anyway, and they weren't innapropriate.
I reeeeeeally think you need to worry less about offending your audience. Whilst all your points were elegantly made, I got the impressing that you were holding some (potentially interesting!) arguments back solely on that basis.
i don't particularly like it when people try to convert other people to their religion. it's okay when you offer your opinion and try to share some insight, but their is a lin between that and shoving beliefs down someone's throat. i am really glad that people here have been really open minded. it gives me hope.
People individually are nothing. We know so little; we have an intrinsically limited view of the universe, and will be quickly forgotten.
However; given our inexhaustible hunger for knowledge, the whole history of our species proves that the Awesome, comes from the human race altogether!
God is the collective of everyone. Our species has the ability to be omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent and omnibenevolent. We are part of something that amazing!
God is sort of like Margo. I believe He's real, but everyone will meet Him and come away thinking about Him and imagining Him differently. Some might think He's full of crap, or the funniest dude ever, or the most anal-retentive. No one's exactly wrong, but no one's exactly right. We try our best and search. It's like that analogy in "John Dies at the End" by David Wong. To God, we're like bacteria in a microscope, and the higher forces are so immense that we can only try to understand them.
I don't have a specific religion, I guess I kinda skip around, if you can call it that. I've heard of a lot of different religions and I've learned a lot about each of them. My belief is that every single religion has some tiny aspect of the truth of what really goes on, but none of them have all of it. Right now I really like the Japanese religion of Shinto, but I still don't think it's totally correct. Whatever goes on, I think every religion has a little bit of insight to offer about it.
ya for Buddhism we are very nice and have never killed anyone :) i love my faith and i love learning about everyone elses we can all be peaceful and we can all love so we should all just do that and live together in harmony.
Most of my family is Christian, but I can't accept what the bible views as true. So I'm the lone secular person. I try to understand it and respect what they believe, but I just find it impossible to have that faith.
ok so like im hellenic pagan (so like i believe in the greek gods) which i know is weird but like my friend emily keeps trying to make me christian and its not gonna work because im who i am for a reason and she shudnt try to change that because thats what she is. i really hate religion because it just causes fighting and wars and stuff and it pisses me off how like we cant be predjudiced to christians and stuff but they can be to us. so ya really ticks me off. it makes zero sense
@msDFTBAnerdfighter I hate when people try to shove beliefs down other people's throats as well, but i would hate for you to think that all christians are like that, or that religion is about that. Chrisitians have no right to be prejudice anymore than anyone else does and being christian or any other certian religion doesn't give you that right. i'm really sorry that your friend is trying to convert you or something.
Something that has often bothered me is that people are constantly looking for evidence, either theists trying to demonstrate God's existence or atheists his lack thereof. As though something as mysterious as God is quantifiable... But the truly sucky part is that I have somehow empiricism'd myself into this sort of thinking, and that's why I'm agnostic. It's only when I come into contact with passionate (yet tolerant) theists that I can bring myself to think beyond limited human experience...
Hank, I just want to say... thanks for being awesome! :)
I am a Christian and I haven't felt offended in ANY way during the last couple videos on this topic! One of the worst feelings in the world, for me, is when I hear Athiests or people with any other belief, for that matter, trash Christianity and treat Christians as if we're unintelligent life-forms. So I just wanted to thank you for keeping an open mind and, well... just being awesome :)
My dad and I were reading the Bible the other day, and he said "This Bible verse says that God killed 16 random people just to save an apostle." So, I was like, okay, that makes sense - it was Peter or Paul or something. But then he said "SO God would kill some people to save you." Before, I always took his Bible "smarts" seriously and believed it, but that just sounded WRONG. Liek, that just didn't add up - God loves everybody, and I shouldn't be worth... other peoples' lives. Nobody should.
I love religion. I'm an atheist... but I love religion. It's a favorite topic of mine. And you did this video on April 22. My birthday. FUCK YES! Hank! You rule, man.
Ok, I'll say from the outset that I'm an atheist, and that really, as far as I'm concerned, there is no god/gods, and belief in Yaweh is no more justified than in FSM. The way you talk about 'god' in this video - it seems to me to be what people use to fill the void in their understanding of their beliefs or how/why we are here, to justify their morals, which is kinda ok. But for me, it really annoys me when people stick their fingers in their ears, shown evidence that 'god' isn't what's true.
not a value judgment, just an observation: The view of religion that you expressed in this video is soooo entrenched in Enlightenment individualism. People in pretty much any part of the world who lived before the Enlightenment would not even comprehend what you're saying, not because they didn't have the intellectual capacity, but because it would be so alien to them.
It is very hard for someone (now or then) to step outside their worldview.
The thing that bugs me when people talk about their "personal god" is that it always makes me think that if religion (any religion) were so perfect as it is described by it's god(s) or by its dedicated followers, then why wold there be any need top amend it in your own personal way.
Well from my personal perspective all religions essentially teach the same thing. Although one would have to see if from a very broad perspective and understand many (what would be considered) occult or metaphysical world views to even start with it. Then there is the problem that many of them think it's heresy. That is the belief that you are God. I am not going to explain. Just my opinion.
Some of us are gay and believe in God. That changes things. (I'm pagan though)
But, Hank, the fact that everyone has a different god only means that they each have their own individual interpretation of and relationship with 'the one true God'. And the apparent change in our view of Homosexuality doesn't have anything to do with a change in God or how we understand him, as far as I can see. I think that there are still loads of people who believe it is wrong, and that years ago there were loads of people who thought it was ok, they were just too scared or too uninformed
@wowthatsailor He's a Christian, and he says that his belief and view of God is just different than other people's views of God and religion. The "other" video is "Discussions Continued". But I don't know if it's true for Hank, but John has stated that he even has doubts about his beliefs in Christianity. I don't know if Hank has doubts, but I think all religious people (including myself) have somesort of doubt concerning their God or gods, which is basically being human.
Thanks ( I too am Christian) When did Hank say he was?
And when did John discuss his doubts?
I was really happy finding out that John was Christian and now Hank!
I mean, I am younger but I enjoy hearing peoples views (I don't tell them like what to believe, because as a Catholic, that is actually considered improper to tell others they are wrong or bad, we are just suppose to live our life as an example! )
Hank, the reason people have different takes on it is because that is what God gave them. Free will. I'm not super Christian, but I like the perspective it that I am able to understand because of Christianity. And with free will, you get to not be a little sheepling. And you are supposed to have to right given by God to question his very existence, and everything that surrounds you and make your own theories such as evolution, or the big bang.
I don't see how this could be taken offensive. You're right, Hank. Lately, everybody has their own personal god or gods. Nobody believes in the same thing anymore. Even though the say they believe the same as somebody else, it's impossible. They have their own views of religion.
There is only one Hank, but he means something slightly different to everyone. Same with God, except God is more encompassing than Hank, so the diffierent views are more... different :) Doesn't mean there isn't one true God though.
Also, I just wanted to mention, although I'm guessing you know this, that the Catholic Church does not accept homosexuality or women priests, etc. as many of the Protestant sects have done recently in order to strive towards political correctness. The Church's teachings have remained constant throughout its existence and are not subject to contemporary politics and fads (as it seems the Church of England is, among others). Please note that I intend no offence to any Protestants/Anglicans/etc.
I appreciate, as it seems others do, your diplomatic, relaxed approach to this topic. However, I just want to clarify one thing: Keep in mind that although there are over 27,000 Protestant Christian sects who have broken off from the Catholic Church, there is still only one Catholic Church. To speak of the Church as just another of these Christian sects is not right. They all originated from this one religion, which continues today with 1.1 billion faithful, headed by the Pope.
There are many gods that people worship, the commandment is saying that God is the one true God. This God never changes, but we are just people, trying to figure out life, so our conclusions may change. I really appreciate your attempts to be sensitive-esp. to Nerfighters, and I would like to add that I'm Christian, and you got very close to the point with the whole 'personal view' because the whole Christian experience is a personal relationship. :)
I took an American Religion class in college 3 years ago, and the main thing we talked about was how Americans have really taken religion and made it their own. We've molded and modeled it according to what we need and want at the time. So I think your idea is verya accerate.
I happen to be a big fan of Kevin Smith's view of beliefs and ideas from the movie Dogma. Beliefs are exceedingly hard to change, whereas ideas change all the time. I think you're right about god in that way. I don't think anyone can really be entirely certain what he/she/it is. Some people connect to God, some to Yahweh, some to Allah, and some to the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I think that's their right. And I think that a lot of people disallow that right because of their beliefs.
Thank you for demonstrating how to be so diplomatic about religion Hank, something I'm not always very good at being myself. Being gay, I'm generally just angry at mainstream religions for their lack of understanding, and, in my eyes, downright hypocrisy. I think that because of this, I sometimes also scoff and attack (only verbally of course) religious people, feeling they are responsible for their religions ignorance.
(continued from my last comment) another. What everyone needs is grace from each other, forgiveness, and love. not hate, condemnation, and negativity.
I want to thank you for your tactful dealing with the subject of religion. I happen to fall under the category of Protestant Christianity in terms of my beliefs. I happen to come across a number of individuals who condemn me for being "intolerant" without knowing me. I may disagree with some opinions, one of which is homosexuality, i believe it is wrong, but i won't condemn anyone for it. I know that everyone desires to love and be loved. Everyone has done something "wrong" in the eyes of
I think God is a reflection of ourselves. That is why, like Hank said, there is not just one ultimate and only God. We each create our own images of God depending on the life we've led, or the outlook we have on that life. Personally, I think that's amazing. Listening to a person talk about their idea of God tells a lot about that person, more, I think, than most people realize. I just have to say, Hank, clearly, you are an awesome person. Thank you. DFTBA!
Thank you Hank for sharing your views in such an unoffensive, non-arrogant and respectful way. It's nice to hear somebody speak about religion without expecting or starting a debate. So I guess thank you for not planning this one! It's nice to see you expressing your own views intelligently and comfortably, I think that's why I watch so often:)
I believe there is no more several gods than there are several Hanks. I guess your mother knows a slightly different Hank to the one we know. It's true, the creation (we) can't fully know or comprehend all aspects of the creator (God). The 'different' gods we see are different aspects of one God, some might be misinformed or limited. God who strengthens the weak and comforts the weary is always the same, His word, is always true but you can't fully believe or know Him until it's personal.
@smellslikerawpumpkin I really like how you compared the idea of people seeing a different one God, to the idea of that of a close friend, in this case Hank's mother. I might see a friend as funny and cool, but someone else might see him as lazy and boring. Same person, just a different view. I liked how Hank took the topic into a understanding matter, instead of doing what most people do which is saying "Christians are stupid and ignorant, God isnt real"
I think it's awesome that you are willing to post this kind of video and take whatever crap you get back. I personally believe that there is a hell and that sadly, unless you accept Christ as your saviour, you will go to hell. I wish it wasn't that way but I can't exactly change what God has chosen. If others, like yourself, want to believe something different, that's fine. I won't ever judge you. I hope you'll keep being open about your beliefs and listening to those who may disagree with you.
i agree with you hank about everyone has a different view of God and that that view changes according to times or events. Also the commendment, one and only God, is still true, its still the same God but in different views. Not to go all paper towns references but we see a person (or God ) completely, and that commendment is just says this is the on God for our religion (which at the times of the commandments was judaism and is also Christian)
I'm glad to see you being so awesome about such a delicate topic. I usually hate these kinds of videos because people don't seem to get religion, but I really liked this one. I don't think you were very offensive at all. DFTBA
I totally agree that we each conceptualize our own vision of god!
But as for homosexuality, when the bible was originally compiled, the Catholic religion was not very large. Being in a homosexual relationship was not necessarily wrong in their eyes, it just wouldn't forward the religion. So, those christians did not disapprove of being homosexual, unless you were in that relationship exclusively, and not having children that would be raised in the way of that religion.
"what I thought were quite clear messages were taken to unusual extremes.
My teachings taken out of context to meet the agendas of others,
Interpretations taken to many different ways and hidden meanings 'discovered'"
-Letter From God To Man by Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip. The song shows how reckless, arrogant and destructive we are, as a species. Personally, I'm a deist; I believe there is some sort of higher authority, I just don't know what it is.
for what it's worth, i believe there is one true god. individual people can choose to have a personal relationship with god, and those relationships will look somewhat different depending on the different people. this makes sense to me because i know that two people can witness the same event and have different perceptions and feelings about that event. in the same way, my personal relationship with god is different from yours. there will be some commonalities, of course, but also differences.
@hankschannel oh ok. Sorry for bothering you. And nice point on religion... unfortunately not everyone will get it and will condone you as they usually do with people who don't share the same beliefs
everybody beleives in what they find to be the truth to them i beleive that this chair will hold my weight it has done so for a good amount of time thats one truth that i can say is fact i do not know what it feels like to go into space therefore i can not say oh yeah you feel weightless and know what im talking about unless youve been on a falling roller coaster or something crazy like that you wouldnt know and the fact is we dont know what its like after we die because death is final
@marilyndarlingshow in todays day in age if your not dead than you are alive yay i totally forgot where i was going with this but im glad your understanding yourself better that is the meaning of life to understand ones self and be that is all smooches mmd
I really appreciate your respectfulness about all of this because I am a christian and so while I do disagree with some of your opinions, I'm not at all offended. I think you've very respectfully and tactfully shared your thoughts and been very gracious towards those who believe differently. So, thank you for not being one of those people who thinks everyone who is religious is an idiot :)
The only thing that bothered me was that you said that everyone believes in their own god; a lot of people don't believe in any god, or in many gods. But I realize that you were referring to primarily those of some sort of Christian faith. Still, I think you could have been a little clearer on that, or at least generalized a little bit less ("most people believe in their own god" or "everyone believes in their own god or gods or lack of god" or something similar).
of what that force is...and those are further divided by the various groups within a religion and then the individuals themselves. That's what I love about faith. It's so versatile but at the same time, it carries with it this aged tradition. Very interesting video.
In response to the idea that there is a God for every person -
I feel like it's not about having multiple theological forces up there - the idea that there is one God is probably based an each individual's interpretation of this "higher force." I don't think there are multiple beings that run the universe...I think its just one main force that guides us and the religious faiths that branch from that (whether they're monotheistic or not) all have an individualized interpretation
This was/is a very respectful and interesting vlog; not to mention positive and cheerful, too. I'd say you have a very healthy attitude and approach about/to different beliefs. 10/5 stars, Hank! You're awesome!
I don't think it was offensive at all, Hank. I'm glad you're being considerate of that and of others but I would find it pretty difficult to believe that what you said in this vlog is offensive in any way. You have your beliefs and they have theirs and you keep an open mind to and respect others religions/beliefs. It's not like you put anyone or anything down in this vlog. Don't worry about it so much.
if there is a god for every person, and those gods are true for them and not necessarily for anyone else, those gods are imaginary and there is no God. truth is not relative. you say it yourself, hank: 'facts are facts, okay?' beliefs are not without fact. faith is not belief without evidence. if we are talking about an omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent being, there is either one true God or there is no god. by definition of the word God, there is no other option.
i'm a christian, you didn't offend me. for me, i believe that jesus died for our sins on the cross and, because i am a christian, i try to bring other people to that realization. this is usually something christians called being "Saved".
a lot of christians seem to think it's a good idea to get into political arguments which i think is really lame, because it makes them look terrible.
So many people believe in God, but every single person has a different idea of who God is. This is why I don't see the point in believing in one God. I feel like it wouldn't be God. It'd just be what I WANT to see; it wouldn't be what actually exists.
I am an athiest, but I respect everyone else and don't judge...but everyone judges me for that, and I can't help but think that if there is a god, he can't approve of that.
I just don't think that I can believe that there is an all powerful man who created us all and loves us so unconditionally.... But who would send us to burn in hell forever. That just doesn't logically make sense to me. I respect all opinions but it's not what I choose for myself. I think that love is the most important things and if you do that and it makes you happy, you're good.
Hank, very nicely said. If you interested in thinking more about how humans view god over time has changed, I would recommend the book The Evolution of God - by Robert Wright. I believe we need to keep thinking about God, or love, or truth or whatever you would like to call it. It is a way of creating a shared belief system that can help unify groups if done properly.
I am pagan and I must admit that you are right we do have different views of god and yet some people still think that being gay is wrong and some ones choice and I must say that we need to educate them telling them that no one wants to be ostracized for who they love.
Hank, Thank you. You brought up a tough forum and you were open to what the commenters said and responded with a very conscientious set of thoughts. This community is diverse, but that doesn't mean we have to disagree. Thank you for acknowledging religion. :)
Not offensive at all, Hank! : D I think you hit the mark with this one. While I'll admit, no i'm not a science nerd ( Sorry D : ) I do find all the workings of the world to be increasingly fascinating. Whether we are all talking about a different God or the same one, one thing is clear. God is not an objective entity. God is rather made up of all of us. We contribute to the idea of God the same way we contribute to the world around us. This has been very enlightening for me as well! Thanks Hank!
I believe in a God, not in any particular form, but there must be some sort of ultimate force. Although, I don't believe that everything the Bible says it fact or true or rules and what not. because with time, things change and become different is some way. Also, with humans natural instinct for power and to control, it's hard to believe that someone hasn't changed it.
These are my views, I am not intending to offend or make anyone wrong.
I agree with you on every point. I'm not religious and I don't know if I believe in God, but I understnad whyy people's beliefs are so important and it fascinates me.
I honestly expected this to be offensive, but it really wasn't. Someone's open honesty coupled with obvious respect and understanding shouldn't ever really be offensive. :)
@hankschannel I don't usually reply to a reply, but I felt like adding that my extremely conservative upbringing led me to believe that I would find parts of Will Grayson, Will Grayson offensive...but I didn't. At all. And I would never be able to summarize it to someone as "A book about a straight kid and some gay kids." Because it's not really about that at all. That's not even the point. But I'll probably just make a vlog about that later...
You have summed up for me how I view god. My in-laws have an on going issue with my husband and I's view of god and what we are teaching out three children. My husband and I are teaching our children that god is every were. We do not attend church because we feel you don't need to go to church to be with god and there for that is why we "baptised" our son outside under the tree my grandparents planted when I was born and will be doing the same for our twins this summer.
Regarding your example of homosexuality, I think you're absolutely right that we understand God better. Regarding homosexuality, the only Biblical references are in the Old Testament and in the Epistles of Paul (who was very anti-Greek). I don't htink Christ had any problems with homosexuality; he certainly never taught anything regarding it. So I think that God in in the business of love and compassion, not rules.
Religion by its very nature cannot move with the times because its roots are in an age long passed. Personal faith is not so bound by those dogmatic principles which I think can only be a good thing because hopefully with it will come an evolved sensablity that lends itself more to tolerance than competition.
@hankschannel Indeed but is that not due to the fact that the strict adhearance to doctrine has given way to a more liberal interpretation the tennents of a particular faith. I could be wrong but I've not heard of very many gay or female (or both) Rabbis or Imams. Progress has been made but I still think there is a long way to go.
@HPMM01 Thank you. I've gone and checked it out now. Interesting. Nice to see that some progress has been made in those areas. Given most monotheistic religions starting point with womankind thats nothing short of remarkable.
@hankschannel in fact, there are priests who are BOTH homosexual and female in some faiths. (which i think is awesome, personally.)
what you said hank, for some who claims to have those deeply held religious convicions, said something very insightful. religion itself changes constantly...i think it's our job to change it constantly as we try to understand who God is. one belief i've always held true about my God: he definitely wants us to end world suck.
@hankschannel There are female prophetess and female deacons in the the Bible. Deborah was a judge and a "warrior".
But yes... religious people always respond to their time. They will bend their faith so that it always remains "relevant". When they wanted slaves they ignored all parts of the Bible where is says its easier for slaves to enter heaven than masters. A lot of Islamic books today claim relevance by claiming the Quran contains scientific facts that are just now being proven.
@hankschannel That's not the religion changing. That's the people changing. Religions are by definition bound to the tenets of their founding/er. To affirm that a religion can change its fundamental tenets and still remain the same religion is to implicitly deny the validity of those original tenets. Of course, many people have no problem with such a denial; that's another discussion.
I don't see how anything you said there could be offencive. I agree with you that religion and faith generally is becoming a much more personal thing for many people, much less based on the dogma of the particular faith.
I can't say that I personally believe in God, but I like what this video said about each person seeing their own version of God. The one thing I always disliked about organized religion is how the rules seem to be so concrete; in some religions they're literally written in stone. I think I would be more open to joining a religion if the rules were able to change along with the times and the people, since God has changed over the years (in some people's eyes at least) too.
I think agnostic theism has really influenced my ideas -- I'm currently a Christian (more or less), but extremely open-minded and "liberal," for lack of a better word. I'm pro-choice, I have no problem with homosexuality, and I think everyone has the right to their own beliefs. I believe in some type of God (describe him, her, or it however you like), but I admit that there's no real scientific way to validate my beliefs. Does that make sense?
I liked how you articulated the stance I tend to have on religion: that I don't have deeply-held beliefs so I may better understand other people's deeply-held beliefs. I've had people, including my parents, criticize me for not attending a church or identifying with any religion, but, as one of my Catholic friends said, that just means that I accquire a routine instead of a moral code.
It's not that society has changed or moved away from God, but that we've come to a better understanding of God... Interesting thought Hank. I like that idea.
I also like that you were willing to revisit and extend the conversation on a subject that most people avoid ever talking about on youtube. Kudos.
I've never been an ultra religious person. I believe in god and have accepted Jesus as my savior but I have always believed that Gos is all-loving. I believe that God loves everyone from birth and unless something incredible happens he loves them straight to heaven. I think whatever religion you are, if you are a good person, you will go to heaven
I'm not a religious person and I don't think I believe in God, but I agree with you. If there is a God, he has to change with the times. People have their own God. This reminds me of a piece of art I saw somewhere, not sure where, that said "Sometimes I think the God I know is different than everyone elses God." I think that person was right.
I guess I have trouble understanding religion sometimes, this helps. Great video Hank, and no offense taken here.
this american life had an amazing episode about a preacher who no longer believes in hell. it's a great piece. search google for "this american life org heretics"
I still think that you should acknowledge that there are people here that aren't Christian. In this video, you pretty much used the words "Christianity" and "religion" interchangeably, and that bothers me. Your ideas themselves don't bother me, necessarily, but the way in which you presented them did a little bit. Thanks for the video though - it was very thought-provoking.
@tammytamnov right, well, I was making the video to the commenters of the previous video, which were probably 99% christian. The rest, Jewish or atheist.
I was making it for a specific audience. I pretty much left atheists out of it completely...with the hope that they would understand.
@hankschannel We generally do. My personal belief is that atheism lends itself to not being acknowledged, and for me, that's part of the point. I don't want things beyond this world to really interfere with this world. If there is anything or anyone out there, I like to take the position "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I'm not going to fret over crossing it now, when I've got miles and years to go."
About there not being a one true God, but a God for every person....
I find that very interesting. I'm not religious at all and I find it very difficult to understand religion(s). It has often struck me that I've met many religious people with very different beliefs. Yet most of them seem to feel that the've "got it right" and that their own view is the "true one". I don't really know where I'm going with this... I just find the question of one/many? interesting.
@nicciweasley this is more or less what I really wanted to point out. We haven't all "got it right" because even by the admition of most religious people, god, his acts and his goals are unknowable.
So what right do they have to pretend like they know.
Awesome video, Hank! It warms my heart to see how wonderfully (on the whole) all of Nerdfighteria has been dealing with this topic. So often, it has nothing to do with agreeing or convincing, it's about feeling respected and I really appreciate that this is a such a place. :-)
Just because we each see God differently, does not mean that there are different gods.
just like if someone looks at me one person might see a fat girl, who eats all day and is very lazy; another person might see someone who has a hypothyroid problem; someone who knows me well, would know it runs in the family, I don't eat more than a "typical" person, and often less, and although I don't "work out" I lead a fairly active lifestyle.
Same Me-Different views of me... Same God-Different views
I don't affiliate myself with any religion at all because I really do believe they cause more harm than good. I just believe everyone should treat living things properly, and if they don't, they will be punished in some way if they never experience any remorse. What bothers me about the Christian God is that simply not believing will send you to hell, no matter how virtuous you may be, which is ludicrous to me.
My friends and I were discussing this sort of thing at work the other day. One of my friends believes that whatever religion or belief you possess will ultimately be what happens in the end. Like if you're Hindu, then your spirit will come back, or if you're Christian, you'll go to heaven, etc. I don't know if I believe this. My world view is a bit more simple. If you're terrible in life w/o remorse, I do believe you'll have to pay the consequences eventually.
What do you think about this different view of hell... In the Mormon belief system Hell is defined as living out of the presence of God. There are therefore different kingdoms or glories that each individual will inherit based on there actions while living on Earth. I look at it like this: would the axe murderer who is un-remorseful and a man who stole from people while in his youth deserve to live the same in eternity? I think not. There are to a certain extent degrees of sin.
I don't mind people's opinions about religion, what I hate is how none of them ever question things. And I'm not referring to the online community - I grew up in a place where religion pretty much reigns over everything (Malta, if you know where that is) and everyone is so... brainwashed. And being fifteen years old, I think it really is about time that people my age start questioning things and building a mind of their own not letting others telling them what to believe in.
Thanks for the vulnerability, Hank. Very much appreciated. I still strongly disagree with your overall conclusion, but I do appreciate your honesty. :D
My videos are mostly juggling videos, and I haven't made a video of any kind in a while, but maybe I can make a video more fully explaining the orthodox Christian view of Hell (I think there is just one, ergo, my disagreement with your conclusion here), and perhaps you'll watch it. :-)
I think the focus that we as nerdfighters should have is the idea of picturing others in a more complex way, and not be judged by the fact that we follow this or that religion, but to find those common denominators and build our relationships from there. People will disagree on many things, from religion to their favorite cola drink, but as long as we are not judging others by what we see at first, we will create peace and stronger bonds with our peers.
Unless you're saying that there are literally as many actual gods as there are people, this simply does not make sense. If God is real, he has a specific nature that can not change. If two people have different ideas about what's right, they can't both be right in the eyes of God, or God himself would be a hypocrite.
It sounds very nice and very tolerant to say that everyone can have their own view of who God is and what he wants. Unfortunately this is not an intellectually viable opinion.
@trekkiebeth I think the whole point is that it doesn't really matter who's right, it matte's that they both believe they are right. It doesn't matter if there is actually one god, or no god at all. There are billions of people in the world who believe in many different gods and who do things in the name of that god, thus making that god real in a sense.
@DividedBlackAndWhite The only good reason to believe something is if it's true. Conflicting views of god can not all be true. Therefore encouraging people to embrace whatever view of God they want is intellectually dishonest. What people should be doing is investigating which view of God is true, if any. Saying that each person's view of God is equally valid is false and pointless.
I know you probably don't want to raise this kind of question on Vlogbrothers since it has such a high viewership, but I'd love to hear you and John talk more about religion sometime, especially b/c of John's background in it. Too bad John doesn't have a little separate channel like this too - maybe he could make a guest video on here?
I have such a complicated relationship with religion . . .
There is a large part of me that wants to be Unitarian Universalist, but I went to Catholic school from preschool to 8th grade, so I have all this stuff engrained with me that makes me afraid to believe things like that b/c of that whole hell thing. Yeah, Catholic school messed with my brain :(
... re. "one true God"... anyone who believes in a creator God (be it god of religion or philosophy) could only logically hold that there must be one true God only - ie, the one from which the universe and everything else followed. All the others are therefore false gods.
Whilst they may be called "god", they surely aren't as real and as true.
I guess the biggest question we need to ask ourselves in any such debate is, "which god do you believe in?"
... re. "one true God"... anyone who believes in a creator God (be it god of religion or philosophy) could only logically hold that there must be one true God only - ie, the one from which the universe and everything else followed. All the others are therefore false gods.
Whilst they may be called "god", they surely aren't as real and as true.
I guess the biggest question we need to ask ourselves in any such debate is, "which god do you believe in?"
... re. "one true God"... anyone who believes in a creator God (be it god of religion or philosophy) could only logically hold that there must be one true God only - ie, the one from which the universe and everything else followed. All the others are therefore false gods.
Whilst they may be called "god", they surely aren't as real and as true.
I guess the biggest question we need to ask ourselves in any such debate is, "which god do you believe in?"
You title is not congruous with the video. The title makes me think you're going to be attacking or complaining about some aspect of religion, while in the video you are definitely doing your best to have a conversation and not to offend.
I think that's so cool that you are learning from viewers and everyone is learning from everyone else in this very interesting, difficult discussion.
I think that there are as many religions as there are people who say they are religious. Everyone has a slightly different take on things even if they say they believe the same thing.
nnnhhmmmn... To read the bible and conclude that we've understood God a little bit better than is illogical. It states very clearly that God is the alpha & the omega - ie, beginning and the end, ie, the original Time Lord! So, God is at all points of time at the same time (think h2G2 Mk II, but v much less manipulative) - so how could his character change?
what can (but shouldn't) change is our own reading of scripture- because we're human, and v v fallible...
I love discussing faith and what people believe, and I often find I'm in the middle of many discussions, because as a Catholic living in the bible belt I don't quite mesh with many protestant beliefs, but I'm still a Christian.
My general thought is that I find all types of religion (even the lack of it formally) interesting, and the only time I feel like discussion is problematic is when adherence to one's belief system leads to judgement and close-mindedness. That's a shame.
also, i'd like to say that having deeply held beliefs doesn't cause you to not be able to understand others' deeply held beliefs. i have my own beliefs, and yet i am still gradually understanding different beliefs (or at least would like to).
ok i don't know why there are debates about the existence of God in these comments. that's not even touched on in the video! he did mention something i've been wondering about for some time though.. there's so many differing views of God/the universe, even within a single religion. i've been thinking about how we can ever really know the truth or whether there really is truth out there, if everything we believe is filtered through our personalities/experiences/etc. anyone got a take on this?
That was a very lovely video, Hank. "Maybe we're just understanding God a bit better." I think that's a wonderful way to put it. I think the world would be a much better place if more people could take this stance, not only regarding religion, but regarding...anything. I think that's one of the major tasks at hand for mankind. We must learn to open our minds and understand life and one another better, admitting that we don't know everything. Our learning is perpetually a process. Thanks, Hank!
I love you when you're serious.I started watching because you put a duck on your head and sang songs about anglerfish and ate peeps and blenderised happy meals. But recently I've gone from enjoying your videos and your cleverness to admiring you as like... a wise person. I'm aware that this video is old, but this is the first time I've seen it and I just wanted to tell you that I genuinely love you for thinking about this stuff properly and being willing to share it with us.
Pixiesoapbox 1 month ago
There are so many different viewpoints because noone has tried to learn (i.e. read the bible) about Christianity. That is why it is so crazy... But nonetheless everyone does have their own view from life and things, that's why we're all unique and awesome... and I have no idea where this comment is going so yea... hi
emoluvistrueluv 2 months ago
Well Hank, you are just a very intelligent, thoughtful and good person aren't you? You legend! DFTBA man, thanks for everything xxo
rosephoeniix 3 months ago
*COMMENT* now give me me thumbs and i rest my case
interation66 3 months ago
I have to agree with emmahasnerdytiemz. I loved how respectful and diplomatic you were in this video, and I especially loved what you said about not having deeply held beliefs because it was very much in line with my own view of things... but I kind of wish you wouldn't worry quite as much about offending us. I like it when you swear or when you share something as personal as religious beliefs. Those kind of things make it feel like a real conversation is happening, and not just a video.
ImpassionedPlatypi 5 months ago
A while ago my band wrote a song called "God was a Scientist" and we got banned and disqualified from the local battle of the bands because it offended one of the judges, does anyone think it's unfair? the lyrics weren't bashing god in anyway, and they weren't innapropriate.
stude444 5 months ago
I reeeeeeally think you need to worry less about offending your audience. Whilst all your points were elegantly made, I got the impressing that you were holding some (potentially interesting!) arguments back solely on that basis.
emmahasnerdytiemz 6 months ago 2
Your words of being enlightened, were quite enlightening.
TomatoPaisly 6 months ago
i don't particularly like it when people try to convert other people to their religion. it's okay when you offer your opinion and try to share some insight, but their is a lin between that and shoving beliefs down someone's throat. i am really glad that people here have been really open minded. it gives me hope.
immaturatycentral52 6 months ago
People individually are nothing. We know so little; we have an intrinsically limited view of the universe, and will be quickly forgotten.
However; given our inexhaustible hunger for knowledge, the whole history of our species proves that the Awesome, comes from the human race altogether!
God is the collective of everyone. Our species has the ability to be omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent and omnibenevolent. We are part of something that amazing!
(This is a simple synopsis of my ideas...)
TookItHomeToJenny 6 months ago
God is sort of like Margo. I believe He's real, but everyone will meet Him and come away thinking about Him and imagining Him differently. Some might think He's full of crap, or the funniest dude ever, or the most anal-retentive. No one's exactly wrong, but no one's exactly right. We try our best and search. It's like that analogy in "John Dies at the End" by David Wong. To God, we're like bacteria in a microscope, and the higher forces are so immense that we can only try to understand them.
Nani101 8 months ago
@Nani101 That is an amazingly cool comment, in that reading it felt like hearing my own brain after taking a crash course in elegance.
SparklingWink 7 months ago
I don't have a specific religion, I guess I kinda skip around, if you can call it that. I've heard of a lot of different religions and I've learned a lot about each of them. My belief is that every single religion has some tiny aspect of the truth of what really goes on, but none of them have all of it. Right now I really like the Japanese religion of Shinto, but I still don't think it's totally correct. Whatever goes on, I think every religion has a little bit of insight to offer about it.
NicoleSalamen 9 months ago
ya for Buddhism we are very nice and have never killed anyone :) i love my faith and i love learning about everyone elses we can all be peaceful and we can all love so we should all just do that and live together in harmony.
maluse227 9 months ago
Most of my family is Christian, but I can't accept what the bible views as true. So I'm the lone secular person. I try to understand it and respect what they believe, but I just find it impossible to have that faith.
graybutcolorful 9 months ago
ok so like im hellenic pagan (so like i believe in the greek gods) which i know is weird but like my friend emily keeps trying to make me christian and its not gonna work because im who i am for a reason and she shudnt try to change that because thats what she is. i really hate religion because it just causes fighting and wars and stuff and it pisses me off how like we cant be predjudiced to christians and stuff but they can be to us. so ya really ticks me off. it makes zero sense
msDFTBAnerdfighter 9 months ago
@msDFTBAnerdfighter I hate when people try to shove beliefs down other people's throats as well, but i would hate for you to think that all christians are like that, or that religion is about that. Chrisitians have no right to be prejudice anymore than anyone else does and being christian or any other certian religion doesn't give you that right. i'm really sorry that your friend is trying to convert you or something.
immaturatycentral52 6 months ago
Something that has often bothered me is that people are constantly looking for evidence, either theists trying to demonstrate God's existence or atheists his lack thereof. As though something as mysterious as God is quantifiable... But the truly sucky part is that I have somehow empiricism'd myself into this sort of thinking, and that's why I'm agnostic. It's only when I come into contact with passionate (yet tolerant) theists that I can bring myself to think beyond limited human experience...
maichips 9 months ago
Hank, I just want to say... thanks for being awesome! :)
I am a Christian and I haven't felt offended in ANY way during the last couple videos on this topic! One of the worst feelings in the world, for me, is when I hear Athiests or people with any other belief, for that matter, trash Christianity and treat Christians as if we're unintelligent life-forms. So I just wanted to thank you for keeping an open mind and, well... just being awesome :)
BalletBeauty97 10 months ago
My dad and I were reading the Bible the other day, and he said "This Bible verse says that God killed 16 random people just to save an apostle." So, I was like, okay, that makes sense - it was Peter or Paul or something. But then he said "SO God would kill some people to save you." Before, I always took his Bible "smarts" seriously and believed it, but that just sounded WRONG. Liek, that just didn't add up - God loves everybody, and I shouldn't be worth... other peoples' lives. Nobody should.
lemondrop5578 10 months ago
I love religion. I'm an atheist... but I love religion. It's a favorite topic of mine. And you did this video on April 22. My birthday. FUCK YES! Hank! You rule, man.
uiruu 10 months ago
@uiruu yaaa for being an earthday kid it always rains tho at least for me :)
maluse227 9 months ago
@maluse227 Same for me! Ehh, I don't mind rain that much actually.
uiruu 9 months ago
@uiruu nether do i its my favorite kind of weather
maluse227 9 months ago
I think kinda like that too. And to know this is makes me feel good :)
bassmanco 10 months ago
I know you made this vid a long time ago, but I have to know what you were looking at on the side!!
luvs2danc 10 months ago
this isn't meant to sound mean or offensive, but did any one else notice that "religion" is always tied to Christians? or God?
just pointing out that they're others out there.
SabbyXluv 11 months ago
I read this article recently and it reminded me a lot of this video, so I thought you might like to read it.
cracked.com/article_15759_10-things-christians-atheists-can-and-must-agree-on.html
rezurrxtion 11 months ago
Ok, I'll say from the outset that I'm an atheist, and that really, as far as I'm concerned, there is no god/gods, and belief in Yaweh is no more justified than in FSM. The way you talk about 'god' in this video - it seems to me to be what people use to fill the void in their understanding of their beliefs or how/why we are here, to justify their morals, which is kinda ok. But for me, it really annoys me when people stick their fingers in their ears, shown evidence that 'god' isn't what's true.
MrJakemckenna 11 months ago
OK
I'm just gonna stop watching this before I hate Hank.
rachelhenderson28 11 months ago
Hank, you are kind of the person I wish I was. And I really look up to you. A lot. I mean, no pressure though:) DFTBA.
JagklikestheMacarena 1 year ago
not a value judgment, just an observation: The view of religion that you expressed in this video is soooo entrenched in Enlightenment individualism. People in pretty much any part of the world who lived before the Enlightenment would not even comprehend what you're saying, not because they didn't have the intellectual capacity, but because it would be so alien to them.
It is very hard for someone (now or then) to step outside their worldview.
pwe5000 1 year ago
The thing that bugs me when people talk about their "personal god" is that it always makes me think that if religion (any religion) were so perfect as it is described by it's god(s) or by its dedicated followers, then why wold there be any need top amend it in your own personal way.
christianmatthe 1 year ago
Well from my personal perspective all religions essentially teach the same thing. Although one would have to see if from a very broad perspective and understand many (what would be considered) occult or metaphysical world views to even start with it. Then there is the problem that many of them think it's heresy. That is the belief that you are God. I am not going to explain. Just my opinion.
Some of us are gay and believe in God. That changes things. (I'm pagan though)
MahouOtoko 1 year ago
Religion can be scary to deal with sometimes.
ferngirltlc 1 year ago
But, Hank, the fact that everyone has a different god only means that they each have their own individual interpretation of and relationship with 'the one true God'. And the apparent change in our view of Homosexuality doesn't have anything to do with a change in God or how we understand him, as far as I can see. I think that there are still loads of people who believe it is wrong, and that years ago there were loads of people who thought it was ok, they were just too scared or too uninformed
NewMusicFan91 1 year ago
SO hes athiest...? and what "other" video is he talking about???
wowthatsailor 1 year ago
@wowthatsailor He's a Christian, and he says that his belief and view of God is just different than other people's views of God and religion. The "other" video is "Discussions Continued". But I don't know if it's true for Hank, but John has stated that he even has doubts about his beliefs in Christianity. I don't know if Hank has doubts, but I think all religious people (including myself) have somesort of doubt concerning their God or gods, which is basically being human.
Kikkies68 1 year ago
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wowthatsailor 1 year ago
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wowthatsailor 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@Kikkies68
Thanks ( I too am Christian) When did Hank say he was?
And when did John discuss his doubts?
I was really happy finding out that John was Christian and now Hank!
I mean, I am younger but I enjoy hearing peoples views (I don't tell them like what to believe, because as a Catholic, that is actually considered improper to tell others they are wrong or bad, we are just suppose to live our life as an example! )
:) Thank You!!!!!!!!!!
wowthatsailor 1 year ago
Instead of saying that God has changed, we've changed the definition of God because that's what the times demand.
TeslaWasHere 1 year ago
You are such a cool guy, Hank. :) I like that you are being very thoughtful and real in this video.
saikogrrl 1 year ago
I can't help but think of "Personal Jesus" by Marilyn Manson. Haha.
shlortv 1 year ago
@shlortv you mean depeche mode, marilyn manson just covered it.
Leolmlr 1 year ago
Hank, the reason people have different takes on it is because that is what God gave them. Free will. I'm not super Christian, but I like the perspective it that I am able to understand because of Christianity. And with free will, you get to not be a little sheepling. And you are supposed to have to right given by God to question his very existence, and everything that surrounds you and make your own theories such as evolution, or the big bang.
LesterDragon 1 year ago
I don't see how this could be taken offensive. You're right, Hank. Lately, everybody has their own personal god or gods. Nobody believes in the same thing anymore. Even though the say they believe the same as somebody else, it's impossible. They have their own views of religion.
kafre67151 1 year ago
There is only one Hank, but he means something slightly different to everyone. Same with God, except God is more encompassing than Hank, so the diffierent views are more... different :) Doesn't mean there isn't one true God though.
Virini 1 year ago
Also, I just wanted to mention, although I'm guessing you know this, that the Catholic Church does not accept homosexuality or women priests, etc. as many of the Protestant sects have done recently in order to strive towards political correctness. The Church's teachings have remained constant throughout its existence and are not subject to contemporary politics and fads (as it seems the Church of England is, among others). Please note that I intend no offence to any Protestants/Anglicans/etc.
seamus1580 1 year ago
Hey Hank,
I appreciate, as it seems others do, your diplomatic, relaxed approach to this topic. However, I just want to clarify one thing: Keep in mind that although there are over 27,000 Protestant Christian sects who have broken off from the Catholic Church, there is still only one Catholic Church. To speak of the Church as just another of these Christian sects is not right. They all originated from this one religion, which continues today with 1.1 billion faithful, headed by the Pope.
seamus1580 1 year ago
There are many gods that people worship, the commandment is saying that God is the one true God. This God never changes, but we are just people, trying to figure out life, so our conclusions may change. I really appreciate your attempts to be sensitive-esp. to Nerfighters, and I would like to add that I'm Christian, and you got very close to the point with the whole 'personal view' because the whole Christian experience is a personal relationship. :)
Zoesstuff 1 year ago
I took an American Religion class in college 3 years ago, and the main thing we talked about was how Americans have really taken religion and made it their own. We've molded and modeled it according to what we need and want at the time. So I think your idea is verya accerate.
SaithJC 1 year ago
I happen to be a big fan of Kevin Smith's view of beliefs and ideas from the movie Dogma. Beliefs are exceedingly hard to change, whereas ideas change all the time. I think you're right about god in that way. I don't think anyone can really be entirely certain what he/she/it is. Some people connect to God, some to Yahweh, some to Allah, and some to the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I think that's their right. And I think that a lot of people disallow that right because of their beliefs.
SkiesOfYellow 1 year ago
You have demonstrated a much more diplomatic approach, which I will strive to achieve in future.
dasisbabe 1 year ago
Thank you for demonstrating how to be so diplomatic about religion Hank, something I'm not always very good at being myself. Being gay, I'm generally just angry at mainstream religions for their lack of understanding, and, in my eyes, downright hypocrisy. I think that because of this, I sometimes also scoff and attack (only verbally of course) religious people, feeling they are responsible for their religions ignorance.
dasisbabe 1 year ago 7
(continued from my last comment) another. What everyone needs is grace from each other, forgiveness, and love. not hate, condemnation, and negativity.
SirScottimus 1 year ago
I want to thank you for your tactful dealing with the subject of religion. I happen to fall under the category of Protestant Christianity in terms of my beliefs. I happen to come across a number of individuals who condemn me for being "intolerant" without knowing me. I may disagree with some opinions, one of which is homosexuality, i believe it is wrong, but i won't condemn anyone for it. I know that everyone desires to love and be loved. Everyone has done something "wrong" in the eyes of
SirScottimus 1 year ago
I think God is a reflection of ourselves. That is why, like Hank said, there is not just one ultimate and only God. We each create our own images of God depending on the life we've led, or the outlook we have on that life. Personally, I think that's amazing. Listening to a person talk about their idea of God tells a lot about that person, more, I think, than most people realize. I just have to say, Hank, clearly, you are an awesome person. Thank you. DFTBA!
0fermata0 1 year ago
Thank you Hank for sharing your views in such an unoffensive, non-arrogant and respectful way. It's nice to hear somebody speak about religion without expecting or starting a debate. So I guess thank you for not planning this one! It's nice to see you expressing your own views intelligently and comfortably, I think that's why I watch so often:)
smellslikerawpumpkin 1 year ago
I believe there is no more several gods than there are several Hanks. I guess your mother knows a slightly different Hank to the one we know. It's true, the creation (we) can't fully know or comprehend all aspects of the creator (God). The 'different' gods we see are different aspects of one God, some might be misinformed or limited. God who strengthens the weak and comforts the weary is always the same, His word, is always true but you can't fully believe or know Him until it's personal.
smellslikerawpumpkin 1 year ago 3
@smellslikerawpumpkin I really like how you compared the idea of people seeing a different one God, to the idea of that of a close friend, in this case Hank's mother. I might see a friend as funny and cool, but someone else might see him as lazy and boring. Same person, just a different view. I liked how Hank took the topic into a understanding matter, instead of doing what most people do which is saying "Christians are stupid and ignorant, God isnt real"
compnerd2797 1 year ago
I think it's awesome that you are willing to post this kind of video and take whatever crap you get back. I personally believe that there is a hell and that sadly, unless you accept Christ as your saviour, you will go to hell. I wish it wasn't that way but I can't exactly change what God has chosen. If others, like yourself, want to believe something different, that's fine. I won't ever judge you. I hope you'll keep being open about your beliefs and listening to those who may disagree with you.
GrownUpArtist 1 year ago
i agree with you hank about everyone has a different view of God and that that view changes according to times or events. Also the commendment, one and only God, is still true, its still the same God but in different views. Not to go all paper towns references but we see a person (or God ) completely, and that commendment is just says this is the on God for our religion (which at the times of the commandments was judaism and is also Christian)
smcgaff222 1 year ago
@smcgaff222 srry about the typo we dont see a person (or God ) completely
smcgaff222 1 year ago
Its nice that you can talk so openly about religion in such a calm way. I like that nerdfighters can have a relatively polite discussion about this.
KaylaCakes87 1 year ago
I'm glad to see you being so awesome about such a delicate topic. I usually hate these kinds of videos because people don't seem to get religion, but I really liked this one. I don't think you were very offensive at all. DFTBA
pineapplez342 1 year ago 33
I totally agree that we each conceptualize our own vision of god!
But as for homosexuality, when the bible was originally compiled, the Catholic religion was not very large. Being in a homosexual relationship was not necessarily wrong in their eyes, it just wouldn't forward the religion. So, those christians did not disapprove of being homosexual, unless you were in that relationship exclusively, and not having children that would be raised in the way of that religion.
Does that make any sense?
kaiinwonderland 1 year ago
"what I thought were quite clear messages were taken to unusual extremes.
My teachings taken out of context to meet the agendas of others,
Interpretations taken to many different ways and hidden meanings 'discovered'"
-Letter From God To Man by Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip. The song shows how reckless, arrogant and destructive we are, as a species. Personally, I'm a deist; I believe there is some sort of higher authority, I just don't know what it is.
waldron76 1 year ago
for what it's worth, i believe there is one true god. individual people can choose to have a personal relationship with god, and those relationships will look somewhat different depending on the different people. this makes sense to me because i know that two people can witness the same event and have different perceptions and feelings about that event. in the same way, my personal relationship with god is different from yours. there will be some commonalities, of course, but also differences.
minus9599 1 year ago
@hankschannel oh ok. Sorry for bothering you. And nice point on religion... unfortunately not everyone will get it and will condone you as they usually do with people who don't share the same beliefs
CanisLupus1987 1 year ago
everybody beleives in what they find to be the truth to them i beleive that this chair will hold my weight it has done so for a good amount of time thats one truth that i can say is fact i do not know what it feels like to go into space therefore i can not say oh yeah you feel weightless and know what im talking about unless youve been on a falling roller coaster or something crazy like that you wouldnt know and the fact is we dont know what its like after we die because death is final
marilyndarlingshow 1 year ago
@marilyndarlingshow in todays day in age if your not dead than you are alive yay i totally forgot where i was going with this but im glad your understanding yourself better that is the meaning of life to understand ones self and be that is all smooches mmd
marilyndarlingshow 1 year ago
I really appreciate your respectfulness about all of this because I am a christian and so while I do disagree with some of your opinions, I'm not at all offended. I think you've very respectfully and tactfully shared your thoughts and been very gracious towards those who believe differently. So, thank you for not being one of those people who thinks everyone who is religious is an idiot :)
Herenye93 1 year ago
I saw a guy in a resturant last night that looked like you. But it wasn't.
lunatunarox 1 year ago
not everyone believes or has their own personal god.
lessasgirls 1 year ago
The only thing that bothered me was that you said that everyone believes in their own god; a lot of people don't believe in any god, or in many gods. But I realize that you were referring to primarily those of some sort of Christian faith. Still, I think you could have been a little clearer on that, or at least generalized a little bit less ("most people believe in their own god" or "everyone believes in their own god or gods or lack of god" or something similar).
JamieG17 1 year ago
of what that force is...and those are further divided by the various groups within a religion and then the individuals themselves. That's what I love about faith. It's so versatile but at the same time, it carries with it this aged tradition. Very interesting video.
afoolplaysitcool 1 year ago
In response to the idea that there is a God for every person -
I feel like it's not about having multiple theological forces up there - the idea that there is one God is probably based an each individual's interpretation of this "higher force." I don't think there are multiple beings that run the universe...I think its just one main force that guides us and the religious faiths that branch from that (whether they're monotheistic or not) all have an individualized interpretation
afoolplaysitcool 1 year ago
This was/is a very respectful and interesting vlog; not to mention positive and cheerful, too. I'd say you have a very healthy attitude and approach about/to different beliefs. 10/5 stars, Hank! You're awesome!
jeremyshaw 1 year ago
I don't think it was offensive at all, Hank. I'm glad you're being considerate of that and of others but I would find it pretty difficult to believe that what you said in this vlog is offensive in any way. You have your beliefs and they have theirs and you keep an open mind to and respect others religions/beliefs. It's not like you put anyone or anything down in this vlog. Don't worry about it so much.
jeremyshaw 1 year ago
if there is a god for every person, and those gods are true for them and not necessarily for anyone else, those gods are imaginary and there is no God. truth is not relative. you say it yourself, hank: 'facts are facts, okay?' beliefs are not without fact. faith is not belief without evidence. if we are talking about an omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent being, there is either one true God or there is no god. by definition of the word God, there is no other option.
fecklessman 1 year ago
i'm a christian, you didn't offend me. for me, i believe that jesus died for our sins on the cross and, because i am a christian, i try to bring other people to that realization. this is usually something christians called being "Saved".
a lot of christians seem to think it's a good idea to get into political arguments which i think is really lame, because it makes them look terrible.
i'd say more but there isn't enough room here.
mackenzieinthesky 1 year ago
So many people believe in God, but every single person has a different idea of who God is. This is why I don't see the point in believing in one God. I feel like it wouldn't be God. It'd just be what I WANT to see; it wouldn't be what actually exists.
...I hope that makes sense.
whitefluffyhat 1 year ago
I am an athiest, but I respect everyone else and don't judge...but everyone judges me for that, and I can't help but think that if there is a god, he can't approve of that.
Alchemydude667 1 year ago
I just don't think that I can believe that there is an all powerful man who created us all and loves us so unconditionally.... But who would send us to burn in hell forever. That just doesn't logically make sense to me. I respect all opinions but it's not what I choose for myself. I think that love is the most important things and if you do that and it makes you happy, you're good.
Seaton6017 1 year ago
Atheist FTW
crspark 1 year ago
Hank, very nicely said. If you interested in thinking more about how humans view god over time has changed, I would recommend the book The Evolution of God - by Robert Wright. I believe we need to keep thinking about God, or love, or truth or whatever you would like to call it. It is a way of creating a shared belief system that can help unify groups if done properly.
SarahEZiegler 1 year ago
All hail the one true god? So say we all? ^_^
coolstream1 1 year ago
I am pagan and I must admit that you are right we do have different views of god and yet some people still think that being gay is wrong and some ones choice and I must say that we need to educate them telling them that no one wants to be ostracized for who they love.
ilovelokie 1 year ago
i felt like you were disappointed in me the whole time
andwhynotgrant 1 year ago
Hank, Thank you. You brought up a tough forum and you were open to what the commenters said and responded with a very conscientious set of thoughts. This community is diverse, but that doesn't mean we have to disagree. Thank you for acknowledging religion. :)
TheBrandonface 1 year ago
Not offensive at all, Hank! : D I think you hit the mark with this one. While I'll admit, no i'm not a science nerd ( Sorry D : ) I do find all the workings of the world to be increasingly fascinating. Whether we are all talking about a different God or the same one, one thing is clear. God is not an objective entity. God is rather made up of all of us. We contribute to the idea of God the same way we contribute to the world around us. This has been very enlightening for me as well! Thanks Hank!
Lyssykins 1 year ago
I believe in a God, not in any particular form, but there must be some sort of ultimate force. Although, I don't believe that everything the Bible says it fact or true or rules and what not. because with time, things change and become different is some way. Also, with humans natural instinct for power and to control, it's hard to believe that someone hasn't changed it.
These are my views, I am not intending to offend or make anyone wrong.
LittleSam14 1 year ago
I agree with you on every point. I'm not religious and I don't know if I believe in God, but I understnad whyy people's beliefs are so important and it fascinates me.
kira902k 1 year ago
they aren't multiple gods, they are just people who see god a different way.
defense360 1 year ago
pogobat put it a good way in a tweet he said "Is God a figment of our imagination, or are we a figment of His?"
lgnbrm970 1 year ago
I think with beliefs and religion comes a sense of tolerance, acceptance and respect. I applaud you for talking on the topic.
kimberkali77 1 year ago
I honestly expected this to be offensive, but it really wasn't. Someone's open honesty coupled with obvious respect and understanding shouldn't ever really be offensive. :)
fictitiously 1 year ago 8
@fictitiously thanks :-)
hankschannel 1 year ago
@hankschannel I don't usually reply to a reply, but I felt like adding that my extremely conservative upbringing led me to believe that I would find parts of Will Grayson, Will Grayson offensive...but I didn't. At all. And I would never be able to summarize it to someone as "A book about a straight kid and some gay kids." Because it's not really about that at all. That's not even the point. But I'll probably just make a vlog about that later...
fictitiously 1 year ago
You have summed up for me how I view god. My in-laws have an on going issue with my husband and I's view of god and what we are teaching out three children. My husband and I are teaching our children that god is every were. We do not attend church because we feel you don't need to go to church to be with god and there for that is why we "baptised" our son outside under the tree my grandparents planted when I was born and will be doing the same for our twins this summer.
Pinkpoodle654 1 year ago 5
Regarding your example of homosexuality, I think you're absolutely right that we understand God better. Regarding homosexuality, the only Biblical references are in the Old Testament and in the Epistles of Paul (who was very anti-Greek). I don't htink Christ had any problems with homosexuality; he certainly never taught anything regarding it. So I think that God in in the business of love and compassion, not rules.
HighKingTurgon 1 year ago 2
Religion by its very nature cannot move with the times because its roots are in an age long passed. Personal faith is not so bound by those dogmatic principles which I think can only be a good thing because hopefully with it will come an evolved sensablity that lends itself more to tolerance than competition.
grnlfe01 1 year ago
@grnlfe01 religion does change with the times now. There are female and homosexual priests in several faiths.
hankschannel 1 year ago 21
@hankschannel Indeed but is that not due to the fact that the strict adhearance to doctrine has given way to a more liberal interpretation the tennents of a particular faith. I could be wrong but I've not heard of very many gay or female (or both) Rabbis or Imams. Progress has been made but I still think there is a long way to go.
grnlfe01 1 year ago
@grnlfe01 There are female rabbis. While in the strictest sects of the Jewish cultures they can't, they are allowed in lax sects.
HPMM01 1 year ago
@HPMM01 Thank you. I've gone and checked it out now. Interesting. Nice to see that some progress has been made in those areas. Given most monotheistic religions starting point with womankind thats nothing short of remarkable.
grnlfe01 1 year ago
@hankschannel in fact, there are priests who are BOTH homosexual and female in some faiths. (which i think is awesome, personally.)
what you said hank, for some who claims to have those deeply held religious convicions, said something very insightful. religion itself changes constantly...i think it's our job to change it constantly as we try to understand who God is. one belief i've always held true about my God: he definitely wants us to end world suck.
alcox990 1 year ago
@hankschannel There are female prophetess and female deacons in the the Bible. Deborah was a judge and a "warrior".
But yes... religious people always respond to their time. They will bend their faith so that it always remains "relevant". When they wanted slaves they ignored all parts of the Bible where is says its easier for slaves to enter heaven than masters. A lot of Islamic books today claim relevance by claiming the Quran contains scientific facts that are just now being proven.
mealie1613 1 year ago
@hankschannel
There are also religious organisations that have always accepted diversity and supported social justice.
Like the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Loverwife 1 year ago
@Loverwife UUs are awesome! I'm not currently a UU, but I'm considering it...
avidhpfan 1 year ago
@hankschannel That's not the religion changing. That's the people changing. Religions are by definition bound to the tenets of their founding/er. To affirm that a religion can change its fundamental tenets and still remain the same religion is to implicitly deny the validity of those original tenets. Of course, many people have no problem with such a denial; that's another discussion.
pwe5000 1 year ago
I don't see how anything you said there could be offencive. I agree with you that religion and faith generally is becoming a much more personal thing for many people, much less based on the dogma of the particular faith.
grnlfe01 1 year ago
I can't say that I personally believe in God, but I like what this video said about each person seeing their own version of God. The one thing I always disliked about organized religion is how the rules seem to be so concrete; in some religions they're literally written in stone. I think I would be more open to joining a religion if the rules were able to change along with the times and the people, since God has changed over the years (in some people's eyes at least) too.
purplegirl117 1 year ago 2
i love this. you sound so much calmer than you usually are in scripted videos. and i LOVE the philosophical discussion
shesxnuts 1 year ago
I definitely agree with you, Hank. :)
I think agnostic theism has really influenced my ideas -- I'm currently a Christian (more or less), but extremely open-minded and "liberal," for lack of a better word. I'm pro-choice, I have no problem with homosexuality, and I think everyone has the right to their own beliefs. I believe in some type of God (describe him, her, or it however you like), but I admit that there's no real scientific way to validate my beliefs. Does that make sense?
TBarrett12 1 year ago 4
Thanks for this video, Hank.
I liked how you articulated the stance I tend to have on religion: that I don't have deeply-held beliefs so I may better understand other people's deeply-held beliefs. I've had people, including my parents, criticize me for not attending a church or identifying with any religion, but, as one of my Catholic friends said, that just means that I accquire a routine instead of a moral code.
CapitaineJolie 1 year ago
This is great, Hank. God, I love Nerdfighters. (See what I did there?)
JustMargaret 1 year ago
Heh, the title of this one scared me a lot more than it turned out to be necessary.
Good blog, Hank.
elangworthy 1 year ago 2
It's not that society has changed or moved away from God, but that we've come to a better understanding of God... Interesting thought Hank. I like that idea.
I also like that you were willing to revisit and extend the conversation on a subject that most people avoid ever talking about on youtube. Kudos.
-Jess
shakes1327 1 year ago
the captioning was pretty accurate, except "nerdfighteria" was "near-death experience" haha!
idefine777 1 year ago 2
I've never been an ultra religious person. I believe in god and have accepted Jesus as my savior but I have always believed that Gos is all-loving. I believe that God loves everyone from birth and unless something incredible happens he loves them straight to heaven. I think whatever religion you are, if you are a good person, you will go to heaven
Matsuifan13 1 year ago
I'm not a religious person and I don't think I believe in God, but I agree with you. If there is a God, he has to change with the times. People have their own God. This reminds me of a piece of art I saw somewhere, not sure where, that said "Sometimes I think the God I know is different than everyone elses God." I think that person was right.
I guess I have trouble understanding religion sometimes, this helps. Great video Hank, and no offense taken here.
desertislanddream 1 year ago
@desertislanddream God transcends time, so if he did need to change with the times, it would prove that he isn't really God.
trekkiebeth 1 year ago
this american life had an amazing episode about a preacher who no longer believes in hell. it's a great piece. search google for "this american life org heretics"
jaireaux 1 year ago
Your view seems almost existential. Life, and religion being part of that life is what we make it.
vampyricamoeba 1 year ago
I still think that you should acknowledge that there are people here that aren't Christian. In this video, you pretty much used the words "Christianity" and "religion" interchangeably, and that bothers me. Your ideas themselves don't bother me, necessarily, but the way in which you presented them did a little bit. Thanks for the video though - it was very thought-provoking.
tammytamnov 1 year ago 5
@tammytamnov right, well, I was making the video to the commenters of the previous video, which were probably 99% christian. The rest, Jewish or atheist.
I was making it for a specific audience. I pretty much left atheists out of it completely...with the hope that they would understand.
hankschannel 1 year ago
@hankschannel you forgot the muslim nerdfighters hank im one of them
ghamdifirst 1 year ago
@hankschannel We generally do. My personal belief is that atheism lends itself to not being acknowledged, and for me, that's part of the point. I don't want things beyond this world to really interfere with this world. If there is anything or anyone out there, I like to take the position "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I'm not going to fret over crossing it now, when I've got miles and years to go."
latestranger 1 year ago
The world would have been so much better without religion.
megdondero 1 year ago
About there not being a one true God, but a God for every person....
I find that very interesting. I'm not religious at all and I find it very difficult to understand religion(s). It has often struck me that I've met many religious people with very different beliefs. Yet most of them seem to feel that the've "got it right" and that their own view is the "true one". I don't really know where I'm going with this... I just find the question of one/many? interesting.
nicciweasley 1 year ago
@nicciweasley this is more or less what I really wanted to point out. We haven't all "got it right" because even by the admition of most religious people, god, his acts and his goals are unknowable.
So what right do they have to pretend like they know.
hankschannel 1 year ago
Awesome video, Hank! It warms my heart to see how wonderfully (on the whole) all of Nerdfighteria has been dealing with this topic. So often, it has nothing to do with agreeing or convincing, it's about feeling respected and I really appreciate that this is a such a place. :-)
TzarinaMystra 1 year ago
Just because we each see God differently, does not mean that there are different gods.
just like if someone looks at me one person might see a fat girl, who eats all day and is very lazy; another person might see someone who has a hypothyroid problem; someone who knows me well, would know it runs in the family, I don't eat more than a "typical" person, and often less, and although I don't "work out" I lead a fairly active lifestyle.
Same Me-Different views of me... Same God-Different views
SakuraHirot87 1 year ago 2
I don't affiliate myself with any religion at all because I really do believe they cause more harm than good. I just believe everyone should treat living things properly, and if they don't, they will be punished in some way if they never experience any remorse. What bothers me about the Christian God is that simply not believing will send you to hell, no matter how virtuous you may be, which is ludicrous to me.
gemmascarlett 1 year ago 2
My friends and I were discussing this sort of thing at work the other day. One of my friends believes that whatever religion or belief you possess will ultimately be what happens in the end. Like if you're Hindu, then your spirit will come back, or if you're Christian, you'll go to heaven, etc. I don't know if I believe this. My world view is a bit more simple. If you're terrible in life w/o remorse, I do believe you'll have to pay the consequences eventually.
gemmascarlett 1 year ago
What do you think about this different view of hell... In the Mormon belief system Hell is defined as living out of the presence of God. There are therefore different kingdoms or glories that each individual will inherit based on there actions while living on Earth. I look at it like this: would the axe murderer who is un-remorseful and a man who stole from people while in his youth deserve to live the same in eternity? I think not. There are to a certain extent degrees of sin.
americas1stborn 1 year ago
@americas1stborn And we will be rewarded according to our actions, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
americas1stborn 1 year ago
I don't mind people's opinions about religion, what I hate is how none of them ever question things. And I'm not referring to the online community - I grew up in a place where religion pretty much reigns over everything (Malta, if you know where that is) and everyone is so... brainwashed. And being fifteen years old, I think it really is about time that people my age start questioning things and building a mind of their own not letting others telling them what to believe in.
Venomonous 1 year ago
Thanks for the vulnerability, Hank. Very much appreciated. I still strongly disagree with your overall conclusion, but I do appreciate your honesty. :D
My videos are mostly juggling videos, and I haven't made a video of any kind in a while, but maybe I can make a video more fully explaining the orthodox Christian view of Hell (I think there is just one, ergo, my disagreement with your conclusion here), and perhaps you'll watch it. :-)
pwe5000 1 year ago
I think the focus that we as nerdfighters should have is the idea of picturing others in a more complex way, and not be judged by the fact that we follow this or that religion, but to find those common denominators and build our relationships from there. People will disagree on many things, from religion to their favorite cola drink, but as long as we are not judging others by what we see at first, we will create peace and stronger bonds with our peers.
eanad24 1 year ago
Unless you're saying that there are literally as many actual gods as there are people, this simply does not make sense. If God is real, he has a specific nature that can not change. If two people have different ideas about what's right, they can't both be right in the eyes of God, or God himself would be a hypocrite.
It sounds very nice and very tolerant to say that everyone can have their own view of who God is and what he wants. Unfortunately this is not an intellectually viable opinion.
trekkiebeth 1 year ago
@trekkiebeth I think the whole point is that it doesn't really matter who's right, it matte's that they both believe they are right. It doesn't matter if there is actually one god, or no god at all. There are billions of people in the world who believe in many different gods and who do things in the name of that god, thus making that god real in a sense.
Real to them at least.
DividedBlackAndWhite 1 year ago
@DividedBlackAndWhite The only good reason to believe something is if it's true. Conflicting views of god can not all be true. Therefore encouraging people to embrace whatever view of God they want is intellectually dishonest. What people should be doing is investigating which view of God is true, if any. Saying that each person's view of God is equally valid is false and pointless.
trekkiebeth 1 year ago
I know you probably don't want to raise this kind of question on Vlogbrothers since it has such a high viewership, but I'd love to hear you and John talk more about religion sometime, especially b/c of John's background in it. Too bad John doesn't have a little separate channel like this too - maybe he could make a guest video on here?
SilmarilSam 1 year ago
I have such a complicated relationship with religion . . .
There is a large part of me that wants to be Unitarian Universalist, but I went to Catholic school from preschool to 8th grade, so I have all this stuff engrained with me that makes me afraid to believe things like that b/c of that whole hell thing. Yeah, Catholic school messed with my brain :(
SilmarilSam 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
... re. "one true God"... anyone who believes in a creator God (be it god of religion or philosophy) could only logically hold that there must be one true God only - ie, the one from which the universe and everything else followed. All the others are therefore false gods.
Whilst they may be called "god", they surely aren't as real and as true.
I guess the biggest question we need to ask ourselves in any such debate is, "which god do you believe in?"
HectorsHouse 1 year ago
... re. "one true God"... anyone who believes in a creator God (be it god of religion or philosophy) could only logically hold that there must be one true God only - ie, the one from which the universe and everything else followed. All the others are therefore false gods.
Whilst they may be called "god", they surely aren't as real and as true.
I guess the biggest question we need to ask ourselves in any such debate is, "which god do you believe in?"
HectorsHouse 1 year ago
... re. "one true God"... anyone who believes in a creator God (be it god of religion or philosophy) could only logically hold that there must be one true God only - ie, the one from which the universe and everything else followed. All the others are therefore false gods.
Whilst they may be called "god", they surely aren't as real and as true.
I guess the biggest question we need to ask ourselves in any such debate is, "which god do you believe in?"
HectorsHouse 1 year ago
You title is not congruous with the video. The title makes me think you're going to be attacking or complaining about some aspect of religion, while in the video you are definitely doing your best to have a conversation and not to offend.
YamiChippy 1 year ago
I feel kind of stupid because I don't really have anything to say, while everyone else's comments are 5 miles long. Ahah ;)
Flweep 1 year ago
I think that's so cool that you are learning from viewers and everyone is learning from everyone else in this very interesting, difficult discussion.
I think that there are as many religions as there are people who say they are religious. Everyone has a slightly different take on things even if they say they believe the same thing.
emilylime88 1 year ago
Glad it's been enlightening!
nnnhhmmmn... To read the bible and conclude that we've understood God a little bit better than is illogical. It states very clearly that God is the alpha & the omega - ie, beginning and the end, ie, the original Time Lord! So, God is at all points of time at the same time (think h2G2 Mk II, but v much less manipulative) - so how could his character change?
what can (but shouldn't) change is our own reading of scripture- because we're human, and v v fallible...
HectorsHouse 1 year ago
I love discussing faith and what people believe, and I often find I'm in the middle of many discussions, because as a Catholic living in the bible belt I don't quite mesh with many protestant beliefs, but I'm still a Christian.
My general thought is that I find all types of religion (even the lack of it formally) interesting, and the only time I feel like discussion is problematic is when adherence to one's belief system leads to judgement and close-mindedness. That's a shame.
Great video!
xvicklesx 1 year ago
/is not offended at all/.
Flweep 1 year ago
I think dan brown needs to see this video
lposrggg 1 year ago
also, i'd like to say that having deeply held beliefs doesn't cause you to not be able to understand others' deeply held beliefs. i have my own beliefs, and yet i am still gradually understanding different beliefs (or at least would like to).
h0pef0r 1 year ago
ok i don't know why there are debates about the existence of God in these comments. that's not even touched on in the video! he did mention something i've been wondering about for some time though.. there's so many differing views of God/the universe, even within a single religion. i've been thinking about how we can ever really know the truth or whether there really is truth out there, if everything we believe is filtered through our personalities/experiences/etc. anyone got a take on this?
h0pef0r 1 year ago
A game I like to play is, "Watch things move weirdly in Hank's background between jumpcuts." I love this game.
ADEdwards5 1 year ago
That was a very lovely video, Hank. "Maybe we're just understanding God a bit better." I think that's a wonderful way to put it. I think the world would be a much better place if more people could take this stance, not only regarding religion, but regarding...anything. I think that's one of the major tasks at hand for mankind. We must learn to open our minds and understand life and one another better, admitting that we don't know everything. Our learning is perpetually a process. Thanks, Hank!
zouljiin 1 year ago
Homosexuality is wrong and people that practice it will go to hell
whatsnextgod 1 year ago
@whatsnextgod Oh...thanks for clearing that up... At least hell will be well-decorated.
truthorfailnosub 1 year ago 8