I can't remember the exact book-title. But you may care to read 'I Leap Over The Wall' by Monica Baldwin who left a severely enclosed order of nuns after 28 years. Her uncle was the UK prime minister, Stanley Baldwin.
I have a pet theory that the reality TV show phenomenon (Big Brother, Britain's got talent, etc.) are the 21st century equivalent of the visit to the Bedlam. We love to watch the deluded make fools of themselves primarily because it makes US feel so much better about ourselves.
Oh, but a lovely deconversion Can be the result of the youtube factor! It was here that I first heard the voices that offered a different view of the bible: one that I had never heard before. I was astounded that the atheist position made more sense to my mind than a lifetime of doctrine-cramming. I took courage that the unbelievers spit in the eye of god and lived to tell of it! I studied. And..Sunshine!!! Atheist youtubers are precious to me. They showed me the door to the exit from the maze.
Back in school someone made an interview for our school's "newspaper" and asked the pupils "who was Jesus?" Well, I was a heavy metal fan back then, long hair, spikes and leather and all that, so he must have expected an unusual answer from me. I told him "Jesus was the first Hippie!" Maybe that nun would have said the same if there were Hippies around in her days, wouldn't she?
As always, you made a wonderful video, Teneral! Thank you for sharing your insights and views.
I'm reminded of the old joke: "How many psychotherapists does is take to change a light bulb?" "One, but the light bulb really has to *want* to change."
I think people are often simply resistant to the idea of changing. I remember explaining to a believer in astrology why it was absurd. He wouldn't have it. A year later, having abandoned his belief, he told me that he'd simply not wanted to know back then. He'd had no real curiosity. He'd just wanted to be right.
(Was also out with my girlfriend the day before yesterday and found 4 Richard Dawkins books - they were in Popular Science in the bookshop, rather than in Philosophy or Religion where I'd looked before. I got The God Delusion, The Selfish Gene, The Ancestor's Tale and Unweaving the Rainbow. A little light reading for me. :) )
To agree with brainouty, people form their own opinions internally in all cases. Videos act as information to feed people's opinions, and seeing videos can help provide a template of behaviour to follow (say to people who are under massive peer pressure). For me I would find religious videos unlikely to convert me, simply because they won't have any persuasive content at all. Less well-informed people might get sucked in. I don't see the religious/atheism opposition as being equal.
I think that many more people who are undecided or not very commited either way are converted than serious believers/atheists. We have to remember though, many (most?) people who call themselves Christian do so out of habit and don't even go to church.
I would say that if youtube content does not directly contribute to conversion, it at least serves as a background against which one may convert. I think we all know how difficult it can be to break from our peers without the support of external agents. Also, we've just had an election here and I did manage to sway four close friends to my party of choice with just words. Several of these same friends I dissuaded of creationism. If this woman's view of Jesus is correct, he have had an easy time.
Interesting points. One could add that "conversion" isn't really conversion, if it's not internal. If I change my mind due to something you say (or, as you pointed out, something you hear Dr. Dawkins say) -- then the thing said might be an AGENT involved in the conversion, but IT really didn't convert you. YOU converted, internally.
And, imo, that's how it should be. If someone ever tells me they convert due to my videos, I'll try to talk them out of it. :)
Nice video gentleman, regards
jorgecarrillo2 2 years ago
Who was the nun, and what is the book? This sounds so very interesting. Thanks.
jlzkcarlos 2 years ago
I can't remember the exact book-title. But you may care to read 'I Leap Over The Wall' by Monica Baldwin who left a severely enclosed order of nuns after 28 years. Her uncle was the UK prime minister, Stanley Baldwin.
tenneral 2 years ago
I have read it. A good one. There are so many of the Vatican II era nuns who left. Waiting for the new conservative ones...
You ought to do some book recommendations. Especially since most of us are from the US.
jlzkcarlos 2 years ago
And of course 'Spiral Staircase' by Karen Armstrong - a highly brilliant writer and broadcaster.
tenneral 2 years ago
First I saw Cosmos on tv.
Then I read Cosmos by Carl Sagan.
Then I read the Bible (something that I think most xtians never bother to do)
That combination along with some critical thinking led me to discard my childish mystical beliefs.
I owe a huge debt to Dr Sagan for introducing me to reality and showing me the wonder that is the universe. He was truly a great man.
PFWoody488 2 years ago
I have a pet theory that the reality TV show phenomenon (Big Brother, Britain's got talent, etc.) are the 21st century equivalent of the visit to the Bedlam. We love to watch the deluded make fools of themselves primarily because it makes US feel so much better about ourselves.
thatgaybloke 3 years ago
This must be the only reason we can bring ourselves to watch such programmes - and even I draw the line at Jerry Springer and co.
tenneral 3 years ago
I hate all of them. My only guilty pleasure in that department is Judge Judy. The rest of it, I can't bear.
thatgaybloke 3 years ago
Oh, but a lovely deconversion Can be the result of the youtube factor! It was here that I first heard the voices that offered a different view of the bible: one that I had never heard before. I was astounded that the atheist position made more sense to my mind than a lifetime of doctrine-cramming. I took courage that the unbelievers spit in the eye of god and lived to tell of it! I studied. And..Sunshine!!! Atheist youtubers are precious to me. They showed me the door to the exit from the maze.
8journey8 3 years ago
Yes, the great YouTube Atheists certainly confirmed my enlightenment: I revere them all.
tenneral 3 years ago
Back in school someone made an interview for our school's "newspaper" and asked the pupils "who was Jesus?" Well, I was a heavy metal fan back then, long hair, spikes and leather and all that, so he must have expected an unusual answer from me. I told him "Jesus was the first Hippie!" Maybe that nun would have said the same if there were Hippies around in her days, wouldn't she?
As always, you made a wonderful video, Teneral! Thank you for sharing your insights and views.
tmafkap 3 years ago
Fun to a certain extent, certainly.
hairyreasoner 3 years ago
I'm reminded of the old joke: "How many psychotherapists does is take to change a light bulb?" "One, but the light bulb really has to *want* to change."
I think people are often simply resistant to the idea of changing. I remember explaining to a believer in astrology why it was absurd. He wouldn't have it. A year later, having abandoned his belief, he told me that he'd simply not wanted to know back then. He'd had no real curiosity. He'd just wanted to be right.
QualiaSoup 3 years ago
(Was also out with my girlfriend the day before yesterday and found 4 Richard Dawkins books - they were in Popular Science in the bookshop, rather than in Philosophy or Religion where I'd looked before. I got The God Delusion, The Selfish Gene, The Ancestor's Tale and Unweaving the Rainbow. A little light reading for me. :) )
stevebritgimp 3 years ago
To agree with brainouty, people form their own opinions internally in all cases. Videos act as information to feed people's opinions, and seeing videos can help provide a template of behaviour to follow (say to people who are under massive peer pressure). For me I would find religious videos unlikely to convert me, simply because they won't have any persuasive content at all. Less well-informed people might get sucked in. I don't see the religious/atheism opposition as being equal.
stevebritgimp 3 years ago
I think that many more people who are undecided or not very commited either way are converted than serious believers/atheists. We have to remember though, many (most?) people who call themselves Christian do so out of habit and don't even go to church.
Mozza314 3 years ago
Those Popes and Antipopes have always made history fun. :)
RustyTube 3 years ago
I would say that if youtube content does not directly contribute to conversion, it at least serves as a background against which one may convert. I think we all know how difficult it can be to break from our peers without the support of external agents. Also, we've just had an election here and I did manage to sway four close friends to my party of choice with just words. Several of these same friends I dissuaded of creationism. If this woman's view of Jesus is correct, he have had an easy time.
SkirtsUpPantsDown 3 years ago
Interesting points. One could add that "conversion" isn't really conversion, if it's not internal. If I change my mind due to something you say (or, as you pointed out, something you hear Dr. Dawkins say) -- then the thing said might be an AGENT involved in the conversion, but IT really didn't convert you. YOU converted, internally.
And, imo, that's how it should be. If someone ever tells me they convert due to my videos, I'll try to talk them out of it. :)
brainouty 3 years ago