Sam Harris: Faith vs. Reason in the Modern World (1/5)

[dkthg]

Religion: where logic goes to die.

[franciszek8D]

Sam is a demagoge And playing as a atheist. He is inteligent, educated And at the same time ignorant. He strives with his little, limited mind to penetrate the mystery Of life, dignity And destiny Of mankind.

He says that there are no evidences as to the existence Of God! Let him look at the mirror And see the reflection Of God's existence in himself and in any creature as well.

[Mahdai]

@franciszek8D Looking in the mirror proves that we were created by a glass of chocolate pudding, a flying spaghetti monster or [insert optional belief system here]. It proves evolution, not a God.

[SCAREDBANANA]

At 04:04 some christian decided that he will not like the speech opened his evenings first can of beer.

[OrthodoxDarwinist]

Sam Harris is one of the biggest hypocrites around.

According to him, terrorism is bad (but if Zionist Jews do it it's OK).

This guy is not an atheist in the true sense of the word at all. His allegiance is clearly with Zion.

[ClumsyRoot]

Harris starts speaking at 3:00.

[franciszek8D]

God is one. It does not matter how you call Him, Jehowa, Allah And so on if you understand that He is one, all powerful, loving Creator Of everything what is.

[Blasthood]

@franciszek8D Are you a troll?

[blattt188]

"faith vs reason" actually, faith is the product of cause-effect reason. when you see a guy with a glove on, it's safe to assume there's a hand controlling the glove. even if you'll never get close enough to prove it, you go by the evidence.

[franciszek8D]

There is a difference between manners of giving messages. We Christians proclaim our faith on the streets or in the churches without implying that the others (unbelievers) stand is unreasonable. Mr Sam, on the other hand, strives to convince us that only his belief is reasonable and acceptable by science standards.

After all what is science? Theology is also a science operating by reason and logic, that is why we may believe in existence of God but exclude the existence of winged horses.

[franciszek8D]

We do not believe that a man became God because it is not possible. God is able to embrace human nature and act as a human, it is reasonable and logically possible but not the other way. No man is able to embrace divine nature and act as God because it is not possible.

Christian faith is very reasonable and logical.

[franciszek8D]

Sam you have no any business to give any messages to Christians. Simply, state your belief and that is all we expect from you.

Reason and faith do not have to be enemies. Both come from God. Without faith reason is blind, without reason faith will be trapped and be unreasonable. Reason can help us to understand what we believe and exclude what is nonsense and illogical. That is why we believe that God became a man(Jesus ), because God is able to accomplish that. Being reasonable we do not beli

[IgnoranceAlliance]

@franciszek8D "Sam you have no any business to give any messages to Christians. " you have no any business to give any messages to Sam.

[wokkitout]

@franciszek8D // What is the reason that you believe in Yahweh over the other gods?

[yvranx]

3:00 to skip the introduction

[Futurecop2012D]

"UFO Disclosure A Global Deception Conspiracy" ON

YOUTUBE is a disclosure of major lies and with held

information regarding life outside of Earth. Footage containing statements

from, military personnel, astronauts, American presidents and politicians.

+ credible news footage. The compilation contains revelations

regarding awareness of life beyond Earth along with it's current and ongoing

presence which is being hidden from the public + more.

[4bbc]

"Today scientists are interested in new inventions. The advancement in science and technology has also led to imbalance in Nature. As a result, there are earthquakes and no timely rains. Science should be utilised only to the extent needed. Science has its limitations, and crossing those limits leads to danger."

- Sathya Sai Baba ( 21 Feb 2001 )

[StuartGilliganGriff]

@4bbc That guy was a fraud.

[4bbc]

You have to inquire: What is God? Who is God? Who am I?

[xxshruthixx]

@4bbc God is a figment of our imagination which people have invented in order to ensure that when they feel alone, someone will always be with them. God is part of your subconscious. God is no one but you. I am me. Self explanatory.

[4bbc]

@xxshruthixx YES! Many people have been critical of Baba for having frequently made the statement that He is God. However, His basic teaching for each of us is that our real self is God, and as with the example of the light bulbs, the difference lies only with the intensity of the light given forth by each of us. The next step is to understand from this statement that not only is Baba God, and that each of us is God, but that the true identity of everyone in the world is God.

[pawndominance1]

I think Harris needs to include a 4th way people argue...the deistic god, or perhaps better named inadvertent deistic God. Which seems to be the most common imo. Where people say things that only support there being a Deistic god, and not the reason to specify Jesus or Thor etc..."I saw my baby being born and i knew there was a god." or something like that.

[supahsekzy]

"It is true that he has an afro of sufficient diameter as to suggest a total detachment from the opinions of his fellow human beings, but I'm not sure this is reason enough to worship him." best quote ever, especially when taken out of context

[granville5121]

this speech was the nail in the coffin last year that made me an atheist. my mind is in debt to this man. thank you

[shandcunt]

Ohhh way too long intro again, great speech tho!!

[ASonOfMan]

Love that he brings up Satya sai Baba. That idiot is a pedofile.

[4bbc]

@ASonOfMan "I do not insist that a person should have faith in God. I refuse to call any person a Naasthika (an atheist). Beings exist as a result of His Will, in accordance with His Plan; so no one is beyond His Grace. Besides, every one has Love towards some one thing or other, and that Love is a spark of the Divine; every one has ultimately to base his life on some one Truth; that Truth is God."

- Sathya Sai Baba

[4bbc]

@ASonOfMan "No life can be lived out in complete defiance of Truth; one has to pay heed to truth and speak the truth to some one in order to make life worth living. Now, that moment is God's moment and at that moment when he utters the truth or loves, or serves or bends, he is a theist."

- Sathya Sai Baba

[giggletronics]

@bogusito

Would you mind pointing out something that was incorrect?

[maddyboi1973]

@giggletronics I agree...

[justatallguy]

@bogusito The aspects you pointed are the last thing I saw in this video. Please point out one or two specific examples where he shows ignorance or disregards important facts that would cause his conclusions to be unaccurate in some way or completely wrong. Otherwise your claims only seem superficial and without basis (ironic right).

[roszko]

@bogusito haha you make me laugh

[adraim69]

I think it's a great sign how many people have disliked this video. It means having these resources and views available isn't just preaching to the choir... The people who really need to hear it, are.

[TonyBtheEG]

Sam Harris is hilarious intelligent. He's awesome.

[adraim69]

4:01 cameraman opens a soda.

[theothertube]

Just finished listening to this entire talk on fora tv and it's well worth the time investment.

[beenn15]

@theothertube I just did the same thing, and this is the first time I've heard of Sam Harris. He's saying a lot of things that I've been thinking about for a few months now.

I like his graciousness in presenting his honest thoughts...

[MichaelSJLH]

Brilliant

[laneylikewhoa]

Wow.... these are definitely the words of someone who just doesn't get it.

[ThatGuyWhoSucksBoobz]

@laneylikewhoa care to elaborate on that? what did sam say that you didn't agree with?

[laneylikewhoa]

@ThatGuyWhoSucksBoobz I'll gladly explain more through a personal message if you're interested.

[yatter1]

Come on americans, be honest, it can´t be that you´re as dumb as you are presented, stand and be counted

[PotSmokingAtheist]

the spiritual thing makes me queezy

[matthewdoucette]

"he never does, but it should"

[yarafeld]

Wonderful presentation.

[dharmangersch]

spot on @Clitorisaurus re @samcorin!

[Clitorisaurus]

I was not aware that Atheists could be so humble. Good for him.

[samcorin]

Goes to show how ignorant the people on the religious side can be. Humility isn't in any way connected with religion today.

[Clitorisaurus]

@samcorin Assess the irony level in that statement and try again.

Non-theist here, by the way.

[ahioud]

Any religious fanatic put 1 on 1 with Harris will quickly realize his superior logical and elegant arguments. The dry british humor of Hitchens and Dawkins are entertaining, but this guy cuts through it and serves it ice cold.

[jimbrown257]

The guy who opened said he felt that controversy and debate was healthy to people of faith. It might be good for the people but it is the worst thing in the world to the religion.

[abailor76]

healthy debate and controversy is bad for religion? why, because it may get criticism?

[boyinthedrain]

@abailor76

Critical thinking and demanding logic and reason from authority are the enemies of religion.

Faith rewards people who do not think critically and faith rewards those who allow others to think for them

[SirPwn4lot]

The first guy's voice sounds like John McCain's.....

[lumpfish99]

he says religion but he should say the abrahamic religions.....hinduism has never espoused killing in the name of god and neither has jainism, zuastrianism, rastafarianism, shinto nor bhudism.......christianity, islam and judaism are evil religions that seek to control their followers and destroy their deniers......

[reasonableHUMAN]

Simply not true (save for jainism), there have been militant buddhists, shintoists (ever heard of the samurai?), etc...

[lumpfish99]

sure but its no comparison what so ever.....

[0debug]

@reasonableHUMAN Regarding militant buddhists: the death cult Aum Shinrikyo was somewhat based on some concepts from buddhism. They also, however, incorporated Armageddon concepts from the abrahamitic relgions (I guess they liked a violent end of the world, or something). Maybe they would have found a reason to perform their terrorist acts without influence from abrahamitic religions, maybe the wouldn't. In any case, being a buddhist does not mean that acts of terrorism are impossible.

[keggerous]

some pilots on the japanese side in ww2 were buddhists im sure if u looked back ud find more examples

[lumpfish99]

sure there exceptions to every rule.....but the religion does not sanction it as the abrahamic ones do.....

[WilAwesome11]

@keggerous Yeah but did they kill in the name of buddha or the emperor of japan. (He was considered a god by his people)

[gotrootdude]

It's questionable how many deaths have occurred that could have been prevented if technological progress hadn't been stymied by superstition. Whether one kills by sword or lack of progress the end result is the same. Superstition, at the least costs, takes away our objectivity towards discovery and replaces it with subjectivity. Subjective progress places a totalitarian restriction on objective progress which, in turn, stymies our derived abilities.

[Aaberg123]

Sorry, but that's not entirely correct. At least Hinduism has a some violence in the past.

Dogmatism is the foundational root of all the evil in religions. But religions wouldn't be religions if they had no dogma.

[lumpfish99]

well hinduism isnt a religion.

[Aaberg123]

Excuse me?! I think the people of Bali who introduced me to Hinduism would beg to differ.

They worship a god/gods, hence a religion.

I think you're confusing it with Buddhism.

[lumpfish99]

no confusion.....hinduism is more a way of life....there are no prescriptions....no 10 comandments/7 sins etc.....

[Aaberg123]

They worship and give offerings to gods = Hinduism is a religion. At least the Bali branch.

As long as they have any dogmatic texts and a belief in a deity, they qualify as a religion.

[lumpfish99]

i dont know anything about bali.

[Aaberg123]

Sorry, but if you believe in a god and have a dogmatic text, then you belong to a religion. What else do you call Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma and all the others, but gods?

[lumpfish99]

they are gods but they do not prescribe a lifestyle....there is one central focus in hinduism and that is karma.....you live and let live and follow a universal code of right and wrong but nobody tells you what that is....either way my initial point was that the gods do not call for the death of people in their name.....

[Aaberg123]

That may be, but it still qualifies as a religion.

[jimbrown257]

I was going to criticize what you were saying until I read this:

"either way my initial point was that the gods do not call for the death of people in their name....."

...I think that is the perfect definition of a real religion; if you aren't supposed to kill anyone because of it then it's not a real religion.

[ASonOfMan]

@lumpfish99 So what you're saying is that the abrahamistic religions are more effective than other religions? because that's the point of religion. To bring people together under one rule, one dogma with the help of physical, psychological and spiritual violence. I've seen it done with Budhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism so there's no real difference just effectiveness.

[lumpfish99]

@ASonOfMan well i think religion is a political tool....are they effective??? sure just look at how angry people get about islamic extremism or "burn the koran day" or israeli genocide because we are "gods chosen people"....

[Ramshobraja]

Thanks for the video. I like how he touched on sai baba. I'm an atheist who was a former devotee of sai baba. A modern day Jesus like figure who claims divinity.

[lumpfish99]

you dont mean the guy who used to magic gold rings out of thin air do you???

[StephenDurnin]

This is one kick-ass speech!

[beenn15]

@StephenDurnin agreed. This was very well presented. I like his style. He presents his ideas very well and makes a lot of sense.

[bbistor]

This video series is a great summary of his two books.

[TruthHurtzAllDaTime]

what is screwed up about an ashkenazi reiterating what we already know about religion is that his group created and purposely misinterpreted the Egyptian Mystery texts in which the bible is based. This guys can't go any deeper than what he is because that will be revealed. When they talk about christianity they are usually talking about black christians. White christians they don't touch.

[Feldmm1]

How is the name of the guru spelled?

[boamuro]

Well, I'm not religious myself, but what turns me off about this guy is how he implies that he DOES believe in the 19 hijackers, the gov. coverup 9/11 story, so he is a hypocrite himself for falling into the bandwagon concept, a gov's religion of their own ("official 9/11 story" - encouraging to attack conspiracy theorists as nutjobs just like if you attack Christianity) without real research. The guy is a sheep himself, but he acts like some sort of prophet.

[BBCWorldNewsTonight]

You don't have to like the man, his truths cannot be denied. He is a messenger, not a messiah. Don't cloud the issue with bullshit about what ELSE he thinks. Hypocrisy only matters when you are discussing moral issues. Sam Harris is doing nothing of the sort.

[boamuro]

Well, you go ahead and consider this "messanger" as your idol. Don't be mad just because not everyone is a major fan of your idol.

"Hypocrisy only matters when you are discussing moral issues."

Your opinion.

BBCWorldNews? I believe "your" network reported WTC7 collapsing before it even did. Try doing some research.

[BBCWorldNewsTonight]

Don't quote me if you're not going to spell correctly.

I'm mad because you're an idiot - that's a perfectly reasonable position. I didn't fully understand your first comment because you're so terrible with the english language. I didn't realize you're a conspiracy theorist nutcase.

Now that it's obvious, we don't really need to continue any kind of discussion. You're far beyond rational thought.

Watch my video, maybe it'll change your perspective about my network.

[boamuro]

"I didn't fully understand your first comment because you're so terrible with the english language."

Your opinion again. In reality, it's more so that you can't read and comprehend.

"nutcase"

Ah, it never gets old with sheeps resorting to ad hominem.

Well, you believe what you want to believe because you're clearly just an a-hole to me.

[ChaoticChris5150]

6:45-6:55

Sam Harris, you freaking rule!!!!!!!!!

[n3ubsickle]

parthenogenesis doesn't guarantee your gonna turn the other cheek lol

[matthewdoucette]

can you spell this one out for me. i never understood this joke and i've watched this ten times now.

[n3ubsickle]

yeah np lol. your misunderstanding in the joke probably just stems from not understanding what parthenogenesis means, which is essentially the creation of a living thing without fertilization ie virgin birth- jesus

[matthewdoucette]

lol, no i understand both was parthenogenesis and turning the other cheek means... but i must be missing the actual joke (embarassing but i have to ask!)

[SWAC424]

Sam Harris is an excellent speaker and author on this interesting topic. His books are very thought provoking.

[shieldsff]

I think it may also prove helpful to some of the viewers here to try to evaluate many of the more strident claims of the anti-theist critique ("brights") from a ideological/ metaphysics perspective. Check out the recent article by Jackson Lears in the May 16, 2011 issue of the The Nation entitled "Same Old New Atheism" .The article offers a compelling analysis of Sam Harris' works. Consideration is given to general atheistic social perspectives

[irishmauddib]

04:05 you can hear someone popping open a beer and settling back :)

[hjernevasket]

last minute of this video is epic

[tigerw222]

what about the countless scientist who are agnostics? who argues that u cant disprove god nor can u prove there is a god therefor whatever u believe is fine... just dont claim to know?

[gungner78]

It´s impossible to prove nonexistence. You can´t disprove the existence of the flying spaghetti monster. That doesn´t mean you should assume it´s there. And certainly it´s a bad idea to live your life according to the "rules" of such a redicilous thing.

[tigerw222]

ok flying spaghetti monsters was hilarious. studying mikrobiology atm i see how incredible life is, this leads me to believe there could be something more than just evolution at work... i think an omnipotent creator is far less redicilous than flying spaghetti monsters. although living ur life according to what other ppl tell you about this extremly unlikley but perhaps plausible creator is insane... thats why most christians just cherry pick what they like and excuse the insane stuff

[tigerw222]

also id like to add that when u attack people on any beliefe they will defend themselves nomatter what.. you cant ask a christian wether or not they know there is a god cause they will get defensive and say yes. You gotta ask them in a way where you dont pose any threat and i think you will see a signifigant amount that would agree that they believe there is a god and not claim to know. basic behavioral psycology.

[gungner78]

I agree that God is a bit more likely than the spaghetti monster. It seems to me that the more qualitys you ascribe to God, the more unlikely he(gender for example) becomes. If you say: God is the laws of nature, I could be a believer. If you say God writes books, intervenes in history, and cares about your sexual preferences, I think he becomes just about as likely as His Noodlyness.

[tigerw222]

agreed. it just has to be said that religion doesnt believe god wrote the bible. they believe humans who in one way or another interacted with god wrote the bible and that the bible is the word of god cause they believe in those people who say they interacted with god... only the idiots who say they are religious but have no idea wtf their religion is about say that the bible is written by god. or am itotally wrong here?

[gungner78]

Well, I agree with most of that, but the muslims for example believe that the quran is actually written by Allah. With the Bible it varies ofc, but I know for example the Jehovas Witnesses say that the author of the Bible is God. And don´t you think it´s sort of a slippery slope to say people interacted with God to write the bible? Which parts shall we consider more or less "inspired" by God? Many, many Christians say that the Bible is the literal word of God. It´s idiocy, I agree!

[gungner78]

Såg just att du var svensk, jag med haha. Lustigt att vi haft ett meningsutbyte på engelska. :)

[aj1141]

the flying spaghettin monster, based on reason, is Faar more probable than a biblical God.! Why??? because we can at least see the Matte (spaghetti) which would make up the flying spaghetti monster.. =). ayn rand objectivism!

[CntrBrdr]

gungner - I liked the way you stated that

[Crow512]

RAmen!

[mysweetgb]

word up

[aj1141]

lol.. youve been watching tooooo much of richard dawkins.

[GBart]

Holy fuck, that afro comment at the end cracked me up

[matthewdoucette]

i tried to get flying 101 (christian) dunk crew to watch this video...

[matthewdoucette]

"...it never does, but it should."

[cafffinated4201]

nice video. Not "in your face." recommend to everyone. Thought provoking.

[thelittlebastardface]

good vid...thanks for posting,this is a very interesting discussion.

[ndmclash]

Beautifully said.

[majorglich]

Who is this Santi Sai Baba that he speaks of towards the end of this vid. How do I spell it correctly, I just want to see who he's talking about. Thanks, and btw I love the vid's, thanks for posting them!

[brutalsheldon]

it's spelt Sathya Sai Baba.

[majorglich]

Thanks!

[babri62]

Yes. The word of the Lord came to an Ezekiel priest, and God told him that he had to bake a cake with dry human shit. He said it was for punishment, and thus shall the people of Israel eat their bread unclean. Then, when a priest complained to God, God changed his mind and said to him, "I will let you use cow's shit instead of humans' shit."

[babri62]

(Of course, this was an old recipe.) Jesus came and changed God's old recipe. Now, we are able to use logs made from wood instead of cow's shit. Now, my dumb believers, Jews, Christians, Muslims, do you believe the Bible is the word of God? If you do, I think you should visit a psychiatrist so that he can take out some dung from your brain. (Bible Ezekiel 4:1-4:17)

[mikesego]

I like his arguments about atheism and against the bible, both it's metaphics and ethics - the entire series is worth watching. However, I disagree with his ethics, helping people (altruism) and golden rule. That type of ethics usually comes out of religions and I think it isn't justified by looking at reality and the nature of humans. I suppose Harris isn't an ethicist. I hold to Ayn Rand's philosophy, which is also atheistic, and has a moral system that is benevolent and based on reality.

[vietrmx]

The nature of humans? The ethics that people gain from religion is used by picking and choosing which stories they want to adhere to. What does that tell you about the nature of humans? Religion actually stopping someone from performing an "evil" act is rare; people will do what they want, no matter what their creed says they should or shouldn't do.

[AnunC8]

I'm an atheist, so you don't have to tell me. Few things irritate me more than these babbling mysterians who think concepts are only special if you don't get them. Be careful about telling people what they should be inspired by though. As wonderful and important as it is, there is more to the world than science.

[UcanbeGOD]

LOL The afro thing cracked me up!

[factvfiction]

Bring on the rationalist revolution.

It is time to come out of the dark

[Sondre7]

Dawkins and Harris are my definitive favourites. Dawkins has slightly more weight and knowledge. But Harris is more sharp and cunning in his debate.

[teeyodi]

Harris, Dawkins, and Hitchens! The New Trinity! Reason shall prevail!

[requiemdexter]

Dan Dennett as well, the four horsemen

[redscooby99]

Don't forget PZ Myers. He is pretty cool too

[DetectiveTackett]

PZ makes lots of noise, but he never gives anything like a good reason for his wild-eyed hostility.

[popecorkyxxiv]

People like this is why theism is facing a slow death. The Athiestic speaker like Harris, Dawkins, and such present the highly educated, non confrontational nature of atheism. Willing to stand up and argue if need be, but not evangelizing or ranting like their competition. Think about it, the most vocal theist voice is the Phelps family of the Westboro Baptist Church, and they are a pack of stark raving psychos. Eventually we'll win the moderates over to our side, then it will be over.

[joesoccerus]

I agree!! where is the passion!? academia took that passion away! Where is the one who argues with a fire that fits his words?!

[readtherulesdamnit]

Passion isn't necessary when you have evidence and reason at your disposal.

[AnunC8]

I disagree. It would be an awfully cold world without passion. That is the very world many theists fear. It's okay to be passionate about logic, and reason, and evidence. It's okay to take pleasure in sense. This too is an essential part of the human experience.

[readtherulesdamnit]

"I agree!! where is the passion!? academia took that passion away! Where is the one who argues with a fire that fits his words?!"

I argued that if you have evidence and reason, you simply don't need any cheap tricks like passion in your argument in order to convey your point, you've already won. Oceans of ignorance can be hidden behind passion and a confident manner.

Passion for the arts, or something along those lines, is something else entirely and has no place in any debate of this sort.

[AnunC8]

Not everyone responds to pure evidence and reason. It may be the most sensible and efficient way of going about things, but to the average person, it's boring. That's why any American Idol video will always have a million more views than any debate or scientific lecture will ever have. We need a little passion, a little humor, and a little irony; especially in science. We are in full agreement however, that it should not cloud judgment, and should not be used in place of an argument.

[DJAnihilist]

lol.

What is "pure" evidence?

[AnunC8]

By "pure evidence", I meant "evidence only".

[Birdieupon]

Somehow I think you're confusing passion with shouting.

[neoritter]

@popecorkyxxiv HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...wooh that was so funny I think I pee'd a little... good joke.

[sylviabombs15]

im no longer an atheist, cause sam harris is a GOD!

[moltenslag]

Sam Harris is so calm and reasonable that he makes any theist retort sound like an adrenal rant.

Spread his word..

[saxmanchiro]

Anytime I hear Sam talk, it gives me hope for the future. People with his courage give me comfort and more patience while I wait for reason to permeate our society. I just hope that he keeps up his public speaking after his work on his doctorate. We need more Horsemen than just four. We need 4 million more 'Sams'.

[LordSlag]

"Apparently, parthenogenesis doesn't guarantee that you will turn the other cheek." HAHAHAHAAA!! F-ing CLASSIC! GO SAM GO!!

[martynblackburn1977]

Excellent!

[EpicHiroDJ]

"has an afro of sufficient diameter as to suggest a total detachment from the opinions of his fellow human beings" lol, golden : P

[limpnail]

5 star

[Antichrist4Life]

I love this man!

[DadLabs]

smart guy.

[TAGZ22]

thanks. i wish harris would post his speeches on his website so we didnt have to wait months for them.

[msginca]

Thanks for the heads-up Piro, It's always nice to hear from Harris. I learn something new everytime I see this guy.

[PiroNiro]

No problem. :)

[jogayot]

you're looking at my afro? huh, yeah, i'm talking to you... whatya staring... stop looking at my afro like that. ha ha...

[Chrismoore1281]

awesome

"This marriage of modern technology... destructive technology, and iron age mythology, is a bad one."

[phreecfrancis]

Pretty cool.