Abiola, please watch this

[TheLeahfaith]

i have this shit, when im falling asleep i go to a different state of consciousness kinda and then her voices, sometimes i catch myself talking to voices about hearing voices and then i freak out a bit. but im not worried bout it moms a schizophrenic tho, and i think ill end up with it but i agree this is sleep paralysis

[CiudadanoSubversivo]

very common! many people say that they got kidnapped by aliens!

[stevenjohnireland]

You are a medical model minded idiot!!! Using stats to tell someone there more likly to have panic attacks because of the race. Did you ever think its because of life related stresses???

PRICK!

[imrational]

stevenjohnireland,

Yes, I also thought it might be related to life-stressors... and advised her as such in PM.

However, I am curious as to why you feel the need to call me an idiot and prick when all I was trying to do was encourage a girl to seek a medical evaluation.

[stevenjohnireland]

Thus medical evaluation equals psych labeling!!! which is more damaging!

[imrational]

stevenjohnireland,

I think you have some personal issues of your own involving medicine/psychiatry. Your first comments to me are insults and then follow with the equation that being evaluated for treatable medical conditions is equivalent to "psych labeling".

I suggest you root through your own closet, examine your own personal biases before you start throwing around insults.

[stevenjohnireland]

As i work within a mental health/social inclution orginisation i find what you say damaging to people!

[TheLovePizza]

Stevenjohnireland,

You're listed occupation's website readily admits in its infomation section that it defines and treats 'hearing voices' differently to the established medical professions.

Considering your insulting manner and use of common Anti-psychiatry rhetoric, it is difficult to take what you say seriously.

"i find what you say damaging to people!"

You opinion does not carry more than anicdotal evidence, at best.

Good video imrational. (Subscribed)

[myturn59]

It couldn't possibly be God could it. Actually it could be and probably is. BTW, no need to opologize for atheistic meanness, it is what atheists are. Crazy is what atheists are because they know in the heart God exists yet they refuse to accept Him. To me that makes all atheists as crazy as they come. Also BTW, everyone hears voices, it is called the conscience, yes, you do have a conscience or you could not reason. for her, it was to choose God over the lie.

[imrational]

myturn59,

I do not know that a god exists. I think it is near impossible (99.9%) for the christian god to actually exist in a rational universe.

She may have heard from a god however, I never discounted that. I just thought that she should rule out other, more harmful, explanations. Don't you agree that would be the best course of action?

[myturn59]

imrational, it seems to me that this girl is simply from a culture who's language is spoken faster than calm cold english, and also she probably thought the Youtube time clock might run out to say what she wanted said. Nobody figured this into the equasion. As for the rational world, believing that everything came from nothing and organized itself and caused it's own existence is irrational at best. God does exist. I happen to believe He is the God of the Jews and Christians.

[imrational]

myturn,

If believing that everything came from nothing is irrational... where did your god get the material to create the universe?

If he created it from himself, then the material always existed and a creator is unnecessary. If he created it from nothing, then obviously, something can come from nothing.

[myturn59]

Spirit is another dimension and having not been in this dimension and can only see it's effects as we are limited to an energy-matter universe subject to time and decay. All things came from spirit. You and I both understand that those who believe in God do so by faith. It is my belief that God created all things. You don't believe this and I understand that too. The beauty of it all is that we are each persuaded by our own belief and thought.

[imrational]

myturn59,

The only thing is, my view of reality is based upon testable theories and evidence, whereas yours is not.

How can you say that believing in suicide bombing to achieve paradise after death is wrong when they use the same method as you to reach those beliefs (i.e. faith)?

[myturn59]

imrational, I don't serve the Islamic god, that being said, my faith does not say I should kill. As for theory and evidence, I have the universe as evidence and the theory (which is far more believeable than not) is that God created it because you cannot create nor destroy energy and matter, thus you cannt get something from nothing. Your view is an assumption and has no evidence to prove any theory absent God.

[imrational]

myturn,

No, my theories are based on physical evidence and mathematical constructs (ex. big bang & multiverse).

You do realize the paradox you wrote in your comment to me, right?

"God created it because you cannot create nor destroy energy and matter"

If you cannot create energy/matter, then how could god create it? Where did the god come from?

You may find it easier to believe, but please don't imply that those beliefs come from a logical & rational foundation.

[myturn59]

Nothing God does can be undone. The universe is a work of God. Although you have theories and base that on what you see, you cannot prove anything because you cannot know the source. This is where faith comes in on both sides, yours and mine.

[imrational]

myturn59,

There is no faith involved in my position. I acknowledge that mine is ultimately unknowable, but that is true of all positions. At least with mine, the worldview is slowly built up with testing and evidence. Should something be proven wrong, my worldview adapts and incorporates what I learn.

[myturn59]

imrational, I see nothing amiss with your statement. As humans we often require proof of what is unknowable. Until that proof comes along, faith is all we have to go on. My faith is in a God Creator, and your's is on the hope of science to discover, and that also takes faith. Faith is not a bad thing and only describes an assurance one has that his position may be shown to be true in the end. For that we have to wait and see.

[imrational]

myturn,

again, there is no faith in my position. I fully acknowledge that science may not give the correct answers to things, now or in the future. I merely state that it provides a rational worldview based upon evidence and testing.

[myturn59]

imrational, Ok.. I'm teased to ask, what, if I may ask, is rational about the origin of the universe, and what scientific evidence is there to support the viewpoint you're holding. I was an atheist once and can only speak for myself, but does it not frustrate you that there are so many unanswered questions begging for answers, namely how does a universe come from nothing at all? I'm just curious at this point.

[imrational]

myturn59,

The big bang is based on mathematical models derived from our understanding of physics. Last year, it was announced that there is a testable mathematical model for prior to the big bang that involved a multiverse.

Also, what's wrong with saying "I don't know"? I would think that would be a more honest answer than suddenly declaring faith in a bunch of insane stories.

[corecombat9]

I just starting searching these type of things after something really strange happened to me last night. I was falling asleep but I was conscience and it felt like I was going deeper and deeper into it and I could feel that my imagination was becoming much more life-like. Then I couldn't voluntarily open my eyes or yell. I kind of wanted to fall into whatever it was, but it felt very dangerous. So I kept on trying to get out of it and finally I did and I woke up yelling. What happened to me??!

[imrational]

sounds like sleep paralysis given what you've written...

[snowbiker111]

have you experienced sp? its not something you can know anything about if you havent experienced it yourself... hallucinations? i get visits much the same and they are real...

[Helena18Loo]

Nice video. Although I must point out that people who suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder are not CRAZY people. They are normal, but have good days, and bad days. Even terrible days.

I'm sure the word 'crazy' was used because some people just think that Bi-Polar patients are, and get insulted if it is not mentioned that it isn't your intentions to call them crazy. My oh my was that a confusing and improper sentence. Sorry.

Anyway, just wanted to point that out.

[facecore]

hahahaha, not to be rude, but i find it hilarious that said guy confused sleep paralysis with a divine experience. ;o

[imrational]

Abiola was actually a girl... I noticed that she's since closed her account down.

Sleep paralysis can be a very scary thing, especially when you are surrounded by believers exerting strong, slow and steady pressure on you to conform and they tell you that such signs are from the divine.

Any child raised in a such a superstitious environment would be terrified after such an experience.

[facecore]

Sorry if I sounded rude, heh. I just get a bit irritated when all she had to do was google a few keywords, and she could've came up with the same results. But, instead, she assumed supernatural. :/

[binkle1]

GOD! I had the WORST problem with sleep paralysis when I was nine, but I couldn't open my eyes. I had the classic "old hag" bit with the pressure on the check and feeling of incipient terror. I eventually outgrew it. However, I was diagnosed Bipolar II about 35 years later, and PRAY my daughter won't inherit it! She has had episodes of sleep paralysis, as well, but not lately.

[ziggo3]

So I've noticed that you've had videos put up in the time that I've been subscribed to you (for *months) but I never see your videos on my subscription lists. Could you fill me in as to why (if you know)?

[imrational]

I'm catlike in my video-posting stealth.

That, or YouTube is just hates me because they're jealous over my good looks and hides my videos.

[ziggo3]

Obviously that second one.

[crabheart]

hmm... good advice... others just seemed to try to help emotionaly

[Mozza314]

Great video man. You've got rationalism down to a fine art lol

[SimplyMeHooray]

talk to me if u need some help with bipolar if it is bipolar. just to make this a non serious comment...purple monkey dishwasher

[corryngf]

the good Lord works in mysteriouse ways, I understand sleep paralyisis, it happens to everybody it is a part of the sleep cycle, but when God speaks to you, he makes his presence known, There is no mistaking the presance of God for bipolar disorder.

[imrational]

corryngf,

if that is true, then she has nothing to worry about and getting checked out will reveal that she is healthy and okay.

[duckyjess]

In all seriousness - I hope she gets checked out anyway, my Nanna who had a pretty serious brain tumor had some of the qualities she's displaying in that video and I thought she was just getting old. Turns out the brain tumor had developed into late stages, and she passed on within 3 months of diagnosis.

I'm not saying she has a brain tumor or anything like that, I just think anyone who notices a friend or family member acting strange or abnormally within a short time period should offer help.

[imrational]

duckyjess,

Sorry to hear about your Nanna. :(

[duckyjess]

She just wants to get famous on youtube. Maybe in 12 months time, she'll write a fictional book series that proclaims she knows the "one true god" and round up a few followers!

[imrational]

Think that would work? I could use some ideas for when I start my attempt at world domination.

[cougar182]

Have you auditioned for Dr. Phil voice overs?

[imrational]

lol

[sirsomethingorother]

well said imrational

[Octamed]

You know what the worst thing about this is? Not that it may or may not be a hoax, but that real christians are utterly denying any suggestion that she should get her self checked out first to be sure and are praising her experience. All the while saying the only reason athiests are saying this is they deny god. That's either a horrid attitude or they themselves should get themselves checked.

[Octamed]

I had a friend who had epilepsy and had intense religious feelings. To the point that god talked to him and he talked back, literally, in audible words. His religious family thought it was great. Well he fell off a cliff and died and they STILL manage to fit god in, saying 'god needed him in heaven', 'his work here was done' etc etc. They are all exceptionally intelligent too. What can you say to that? You're just left slack jawed sometimes.

[imrational]

Yeah, if you haven't seen it yet, I suggest you check out SableChicken's video and my response to her on this issue.

[diehardskeptic]

What puzzles me is how an odd experience could not only cause her to believe in a supernatural explanation (understandable) but also make her believe in a very specific set of supernatural beliefs for which she had many intellectual protestations previously. How did that experience explain away intellectual problems she could not overcome before?

[diehardskeptic]

As a narcoleptic who often has sleep paralysis with hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis as an explanation came to my mind right away too. I have actually heard a lot of personal testimonies from theists about supernatural experiences which seem like text book sleep paralysis symptoms. Most were unwilling to consider it as a possible explanation though.

[abortedsoul]

Very rational and honest, even when feelings are involved. Patient study is important, and the ability to postpone judgment until there is sufficient evidence is important. I am glad you made this video; even if it doesn't help her, it does make a really good point.

[imrational]

Well, she's blocked me. I'm curious as to how it all turns out for her. I'm still concerned for her.

[abortedsoul]

I've seen similar things before; I wish her well as a person- I really do. Her logic doesn't seem to hold much water here, although I guess that goes without saying.

[Octamed]

If she blocked you then that makes me much more suspicious. You haven't said anything even slightly offensive and have been the main person actually trying to help.

[toolajm]

I agree that she may have jumped the gun on running to belief over seeking a rational explanation. For someone who claimed to be a staunch atheist with affiliations to atheist groups, her reation seems suspect to me. Great Video!

[tingtangs]

No, she did NOT jump the gun.

She was never an atheist.

This was all just a setup by the lying assholes at WOTM. You know, the 'banana is the atheist's nightmare' morons.

[preput]

i think she speed up the movie to fit it in the 10 mins

[imrational]

You didn't see the first video she did after her "reconversion". She used part of it in the one you say. The first one was a little more "intense".

[joebot1]

I have experienced this before, I was asleep but awake, I saw things.

It was truly terrifying.

I never took it as anything other than just part of a dream state.

[allahisapunk]

Optimistic17 is a lonelygirl15 clone!

[limpdogg]

She won't seek help...just as an atheist will do everything possible to deny the existence of God, someone who has "seen the light" will rule out all other options. They are just as close minded as they claim us to be.

[SilasWolfe]

I can understand your sympathetic and compassionate take of the situation, and commend you for it. She's a lot more likely listen when you're not talking down to her.

However, I can also fully understand anger many atheists feel. In doing what she's done, she only reaffirms and propagates ignorance. Her ridiculous "testament" only strengthens ignorant resolve among Christians who hear her.

[SilasWolfe]

The fact she claims to have been an atheist beforehand (I suspect she only picked up the atheism routine for shallow reasons, like being able to sleep in Sundays, considering her lack of conviction) only makes her testament more potent in the eyes of those who want to believe.

[imrational]

SilasWolfe,

Her previous videos and comments before her reconversion indicated a hatred of religion on many levels. It didn't sound as if she switched to atheism for "shallow reasons".

This video (and her first one when she reconverted) represent a marked difference in her stance.

[SilasWolfe]

Finally, people who see this video and who are uninformed regarding the psychological issues and underpinnings for why she may have experienced this may see it as clear proof there's a higher power, which is ridiculous and reason enough to be angry.

Ideologies aside, I dislike her already simply for the fact she gave me the impression of being a presumptuous, egotistical bitch when she brought up that SAT bullshit at the start.

[themoderateextremist]

you seem like a smart guy, but you fail to realize that bi-polar disorder could also explain her once converting from theism to atheism once upon a time. There are other reasons for talking fast. Sleep paralysis could explain some of it, but not all, plus, she is seems intelligent enough to already know about that.

[imrational]

themoderateextremist,

I agree with you. Hyper-religiosity could include becoming a die-hard atheist ranting against religion. Just because you're an atheist does not mean that you are mentally sound.

I'm not saying that she has Bipolar. I've only seen a 9 minute video (and the previous conversion video she had done) and 9 minutes isn't enough to judge someone.

All I'm saying is that it is a possibility and should be ruled out.

[sinfulmoose]

Bipolar is very unlikely. Sufferers rarely turn to religion but instead turn away from it. Sleep paralysis is possible for her first mystical experience but it does not cause hallucinations. Her rapid delivery is predictable if she really did have these experiences. If she IS lying which I doubt (eventhough I myself am an atheist) a medical explanation could be Munchausens.

[imrational]

Sinfulmoose,

Munchausens?!? What are you basing that on?

Also, for sleep paralysis, please read up on hypnogogic experiences (I've included a link in my video description).

Hyper-religiosity IS a symptom of a manic state.

Yes, her delivery could be caused from her experiences (3 weeks ago). I'm merely suggesting other possibilities and that should she be checked out to absolutely rule them out.

[SilasWolfe]

What are you talking about? Sleep paralysis does cause hallucinations while you're still in that state. Sleep paralysis can be used as a lead-in to lucid dreaming. The sleep phase that often leads to so many people hallucinating alien abductions (when falling asleep) or "shadow-people"/ghosts by their bedside (coming out of sleep) is closely tied into it.

[FunkyJogaBonito]

I am glad that you have made this video. This situation happened to me while I was at University. I woke up, was fully conscious, yet I couldn't move a muscle. It was a very strange experience and it lasted for several minutes.

I checked it out and realized that it was sleep paralysis. I haven't seen any of the comments made by other atheists, but if people have given her a hard time, it is disgraceful.

I would rather that people were happy, to be honest. Good video.

[optifog]

Because of others' and my experiences I believe sleep paralysis can be caused or affected by spiritual activity. I used to get sleep paralysis with what I assumed after research were hallucinations, until one night, the night I converted from Protestantism to Orthodox Christianity, when a tall being I could sense but not see (wrong angle) visited me. When I had no more episodes, I concluded that the being was an angel sent as a gesture to let me know my choice was right (or at least not wrong).

[diehardskeptic]

Considering you already realized and accepted a natural explanation for your paralysis, it seems rather desperate to me, that you would have to cling to some form of arbitrary magical thinking that "well that one part was actually supernatural even if the rest wasn't". What made that one part seem more probably real to you?

[optifog]

It was the timing and the nature of the content. I'm not Christian anymore anyway, I've dropped it over the last few days. I still think there is a supernatural element to sleep paralysis sometimes, but I think the way I interpreted it was wrong. Maybe I was crazy or desperate before, but emotionally I'm more of a wreck now than then; perhaps that's to be expected. And I'm even more scared of demonic visitation, ironically.

[optifog]

I wish I'd never got involved, because if I'm wrong then I'll never be able to go back anyway, as when you leave Christianity you're supposedly forever doomed. Now the SP is back (when I started to doubt - either something is messing with me or I was warned) and I don't even think it's harmless anymore. I get scared of going to sleep now. :-( Smilies can't express how much it sucks. So confused.

[TheBlindWatchmaker]

When I was younger I had sleep paralysis without the hallucinations. I can definitely tell you that the experience is very strange and frightening the first time. I kept fighting to move but couldn't. I thought I'd be that way forever, but it only lasted a minute or two. After 3 or 4 times it happened, it was sorta normal for me. I'm glad I haven't had an episode of sleep paralysis in 4 or so years.

[keyz2life1]

i just dont understand why you keep saying she need to be checked out if she has been normal all her life and her family hassent seen anything wrong with her sence day 1 then i dont think she has a problem telling her that she needs to get checked out is not a ideal way of saying i wish the best of luck to you! theres no way around that comment

[imrational]

I don't know anything about her family situation, other than that they are religious.

If she simply said that she had given up atheism in a calm manner... I would wish her well and let that be the end of it.

However her manner and description of events (without further information) would warrant a checkup.

If she was a christian who became an atheist and acted the same way and described similar symptoms... I would suggest the same.

[alienspy07]

watch?v=LVnY7XKYgC0

This video of hers also makes me suspicious.

[thefakeyeti]

I sometimes cant move...

Like I fall asleep, then i wake up, and it is like I am paralized..

(i see you explain it later)

It freaks me out, but rocks at the same time!

I never had panic attacks, but I think "move come on move!! move damn it!"

I am not even sure if my eyes are open when that happens.. but It appears like my eyes are open (i can see my surroundings sometimes)

[MissXaverie]

Happens to me, too. Or has happened before, at least. Once right after drowning/suffocating dream, which was kind of freaky because I'm laying there thinking "I'm awake... how come I still can't breathe?" It's never lasted more than a couple seconds, but afterward I thought it was kind of cool.

Never realized it was something treatable, or even worth treating.

[CastleofArghhh]

I hope all people (any age) are willing to have an open-mind. Why choose any religion or no religion without trying all of them out? Why can we beleive in alittle of everything? Why even care what others think why not decide for yourself without pressuring or influencing others or having others effect or influence you?

[imrational]

The point of my response video here is NOT to tell her to stick to atheism. I am saying that what she experienced possibly has other causes and that for her health and wellbeing, she seriously needs to have them ruled out.

[CastleofArghhh]

So what is she in now an ex-athiest. She spent the whole summer trying to figure out what to beleive in (or what not to beleive in)and now she has made a choice. She is intitled to make her choices and change them. Its about being experienceing new things and learing. She has found something that has made her happy and its not drug or murderering people so she will be fine and there is no need to worry.

[imrational]

She is welcome to believe ANYTHING she wishes.

However, the fast-talking, anger, hyper-religiosity (in atheism and in belief), not wanting to sleep, paralysis, panic, auditory and tactile experiences, etc. makes me think that she should check to make sure that maybe this isn't something medical. I'm not diagnosing her... I just want to make sure that this isn't something serious.

If you cared for her health and wellbeing, you'd want her to have other options ruled out.

[CastleofArghhh]

I do care. I am positive those are not the options

[imrational]

How are you positive? Most people with Bipolar refuse to even consider that they might be ill until they are treated.

Why don't you want her checked out? What harm would there be if she were evaluated? The worst case scenario is that she would be diagnosed... but then she could be treated!

If she isn't ill, then there is nothing to worry about and she should breeze through an examination, right?

[CastleofArghhh]

I know her I got to school with her. I would know it, see the symptoms myself. there are none

[CastleofArghhh]

She is a fast talker and feels very strongly about her beleifs. She does not have bipoloar disorder, mania, or sleep paralysis. She is not crazy and by saying she needs to get it checked out you are implying she is.

[imrational]

CastleofArghhh,

I'm not saying that she does have those things, merely that they are other options that NEED to be ruled out for her health. Once she is ruled out by a professional, then she won't have to worry, right?

Afterwards, she'll have the luxury of realizing that her experiences were not caused by those things.

Have her play it safe. Encourage her to be checked up... just for safeties sake.

[CastleofArghhh]

just so you know wikipedia isnt exactly the most reliable source seeimg how regular people without medical degrees and etc can post "information" on the site.

[imrational]

Very true, but I checked before posting the links. The information is currently accurate.

[imrational]

thanks philosophicalinguist,

I'm not all that respectful though... I like to poke fun at a lot of things.

[TheDude0fLife]

Never heard of this "former atheist" before this. My first reaction while watching her overly-dramatic rant was that she's a Christian who'd planned this out all along for attention. Seemed a bit contrived. Now her channel has a picture of her clutching a bible. lol!

[TheDude0fLife]

Lot's of Christian correspondence dating way back before October on her MySpace, hmmm.

[imrational]

She sent me a pro-atheist comment a few months ago and posted about 14 anti-religion videos also. She has since removed those videos.

[ftom2006]

The wonder of Abiola's sudden conversion smells very fishy. Myspace account abigal90 has best friend Monica Dennington from TicTocMinistries. Some Abiola's closed YT account abigal90 enjoyed actively promoting the notorious fundamentalist TicTocMinistries. Coincidence? LOL!

[rowsdowersavesus]

Now, was her best myspace friend Monica BEFORE this, or AFTER this?

Also, notice that one of her top friends is one "FoulHeretic"

[8journey8]

Not all of them...type in

christians- where is god now??

You will see a video she made 2 months ago. I am stunned that she has forgotten this. It is a case study of why we know the idea of god is a foolish notion. What happened to this girl???

[alienspy07]

I noticed that as well, although her atheism may very well be the reason why there are so many Christians giving her those comments on her Myspace. Although it does seem odd that she removed the link to her Myspace on her profile page.

[imrational]

If it was a hoax, wouldn't it have been a little better presented? I mean, she definitely didn't come off as having a polished presentation.

I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt.

[jussts]

True, but if her symptoms were 'textbook'... maybe that's where she got them. That's what keeps me skeptical about the whole thing.

That, and her dramatically clutching the bible to her chest (almost mockingly) and her new website titled "END WORLD SUFFRAGE" (anyone who doesn't get the joke should look up 'suffrage'... and then chuckle... or chortle, your choice). This whole thing could be a grand experiment to see how atheist and theists alike react to the situation.

[imrational]

I hope it is a hoax.

[themoderateextremist]

as a believer, I know it could be a hoax, but there are already many non-believers in the church pretending to be believers to make money, or to get a girl/boy-friend or to keep a parent or spouse happy. Believers should show everyone possible the love of christ and be true to his example, whether someone is trying to make us look stupid or not.

[jussts]

As much as I hate to say it, new information is coming to light about Abiola... and it looks like she wasn't the Atheist she claimed to be. It seems more likely she was masquerading as an atheist for the sole purpose of having a 'miraculous' conversion. So the joke's on the atheists, not you.

Also, if this turns out to be true, it means "END WORLD SUFFRAGE" wasn't a joke... that's kinda sad...

[rowsdowersavesus]

She was actually shouted out by someone...I think it was thequestionmarkofgod or nadiateeze.

[ZizzyB23]

I watched the video. She seems a very, VERY manic (and perhaps even arrogant about her grades). Great video. You never disappoint.

[superfisto]

schizophrenia

[trevdogg100]

Unintentional PWNAGE!!!!

[Mordecai36]

I have sleep paralysis quite often. It's a terrifying experience. I remember the first time I ever had it. I was watching tv, drifted off to sleep... but I could still hear the tv. I could feel my blanket. Yet, it was impossible for me to move. I heard strange voices and a very high-pitched noise. I've learned to control it, however. I sometimes just lay there, relax and take in what I'm hearing and what is happening. Still not a believer though...

[thoughtlessforever]

Thats is a Nice Hat I must say..

Indiana Jones is in the House :D

[me1513]

wear can i get a hat like that

[imrational]

not telling.  ;)

[maarakailet1]

Just a quick criticism. Hopefully this will not be taken as an insult, it is not meant as one. I agree with what you are trying to say, but I think it should have phrased a little differently. Perhaps suggesting that, yes it might have been a religious experience it might have been a sign to get help. God telling her that something was wrong because it was so negative. That might be better received. *shrugs*

[imrational]

Possibly. No insult taken.

[maarakailet1]

The only reason I mentioned it was because I've had a lot of therapy. Sometimes contrary comments will get misinterpreted when one is stressed.

[imrational]

I tried to downplay 'em. I didn't say that it wasn't have a holy vision... only that I think she needs to check out a couple of other avenues.

I know what you're saying though and you may be right. I can't say. I imagine that her family will step in and get her help if it is bipolar.

[alien8ted]

I had an episode of sleep paralysis as a teenager, it was one of the most terrifying experiences I have ever had. I woke up (or thought I did) unable to move and 'seeing' a man floating down towards me from the ceiling, I couldn't even scream. I checked out books and found 2 explanations; demons or sleep paralysis, and found the latter more convincing reason, a simple waking dream. This put my mind at rest and I never had another episode since.

[dee0x29a]

My sister have had that once, I could describe it with basically sleeping with eyes wide open.. you see shapes, shadows moving you hear tv in the other room you hear things you heard before its so much similar to a dream except that your senses takes it more seriously.. The doctor had us check on my sister regulerly for a while and wake her up if her eyes were ever open while she was sleeping.. it only happened to her during a week of tough exams at school, so it could be the same..

[Angelflesh]

I've suffered from sleep paralysis before, it seems similar to what this individual experienced.

[Avatra1]

Heck i "woke" up one day scared pink & blue (that´s scary!) that a figure was walking into my bedroom and stood next to my bed, the figure walked at a normal pace but seemed to "blink" between the paces making it move faster. I couldn´t move (I could with enough force, force myself to turn my head, and my arms)Now I know that my brain was awake and my body was asleep, but that could really change someone. It was really freaky though.

[TingTang1234567]

As someone who suffers from mania myself, I can recognise that she displays many signs.

I've had many a vivid nightmare, many about hell itself. I recognised it as a mental condition, she interpreted it as a religious vision. The abilty and right to free interpretation of what happens to ourselves gives some..interesting results.

[Jacnas]

Holy cockfuck, if someone told me one hour ago that there are atheist fundies out there I would first laugh at them and get angry and try to explain why they are wrong and ignorant. Now I'm not so sure about that. The comments on her channel like "you were never an atheist to begin with" sound dreadfully like the stuff we hear from fundies about deconverts.

[Jacnas]

Fortunately the guys who said it to her seemed also to be evil racist pricks so I hope it was just some nutcases who happen to be atheists... Still I will keep an eye on this whole atheist extremism and see if i can get more evidence of it's existence.

[xJediHowieX]

Well said. Good luck to her.

[antierratum]

I just remembered something else(sorry for spamming). I've heard it's not uncommon to hear voices in your head as you're falling asleep. I've experienced this. I felt like I was hearing several conversations from different people all at once, like I was tapping into their consciousness', but I knew when I woke up it was just this phenomenon. I, like opti17, have never hallucinated while awake, or had anything paranormal happen to me while awake.

[imrational]

Pffh, you're not spamming. Don't worry about it. The mind works in weird ways. That's one of the reasons that I think it's important to be skeptical, we know that our senses and thoughts can be deceived very easily.

[antierratum]

Yeah, exactly. I wonder why someone as intelligent and successful as Opti17 would not halt before jumping to conclusions and search for all possible answers. There are so many religions that believe in heaven, that don't tack on ridiculous bronze age beliefs that are obviously false, so why turn back to Christianity? Puzzling, but I agree that sensitivity is required in this situation.

[nicanicabad]

this has happened to me too many times, as well as paranormal stuff-many times for both. Calm rational interpretaion is the key. I must say I find neither of her experiences significant-and that's not an attack-just an observation.

[nicanicabad]

What IS significant, is her interpretation, subsequent behaviour, and affect. These say more than the original event.

[WizardJim]

TheAmazingAtheist has a video in which he said that he has sleep paralysis and described some hallucinations he had that were quite terrifying by the sound of them.

[imrational]

The atheist Susan Blackmoore had a near-death experience that sent her into investigating the paranormal for a long time... her story of realizing the falsity of her experience is a fascinating read.

[Mjhavok]

Link?

[atheismislogic65]

If people were more educated about psychological conditions, less people would attribute strange experiences such as hearing things to a supernatural power.

Problem is, a main reason more people aren't educated about mental health issues is because they're too busy believing in a supernatural power/religion.

[imrational]

I'm sure that a great many people in America would attribute her brief stint as an atheist and resultant problems as demon-possession.

[johnmicstring]

i am slight agitated...with her video, when someone off hand makes a comment directed at everyone saying "I'm probably smarter than you" i find it very offensive, i still hold the belief that humility is a "good" thing, or rather it is something that we should hold in high regard, because humble people seem to have a better sense of community and also seem to be more open to others opinions.

[johnmicstring]

if one is not humble they are normally lacking an ability of cohesion, to a certain degree, which is a great handicap, IMO.

[nicanicabad]

and I agree with you as well. As I've said-I've only just run across this person-and heard of insults-not seen them, yet I found her video offensive and insulting and belittling to atheists. Anger at us for not gushing over her exeperience, -how christian-how same old same old. I don't see peace.

[iconoclastic23]

That's an excellent point. That same hubris will probably lead her to believe that she couldn't possibly have experienced a hallucination because that would mean she's crazy, and she's too smart and perfect to be crazy. And that's a completely false belief, perfectly sane people can have episodes of sleep paralysis accompanied by an unusual experience caused by one's brain being only half awake.

[happyjesus123]

Being much more intelligent and successful than you could ever imagine: I have come to realization that people who make extravagant claims about how intelligent or successful they are usually aren't. Such people are just insecure, often with good reason.

[RyukenII]

It's good that you offered possible, rational explanations for what she experienced, but I feel that it will fall on deaf ears. The line about being an A+ student, scoring a 1700 on her SAT and those meaning that she's probably "more intelligent than you" as well as the "I don't hallucinate" quip seems to me as though she completely rules anything out that suggests she's less than perfectly sound of mind.

[imrational]

Yeah, I'm expecting her to block me... if she even watches this video. I really think she needs to be checked out.

I'm seriously worried about her.

[happyjesus123]

I think you have a point here. Her religious experience did not seem to be wholly positive. She doesn't mention feeling loved by God/Jesus/FSM she has scary voices.

I agree with the manic appearance it is possible though, that this is drug induced or a product of anxieties about making the video.

[nicanicabad]

Yes, yes yes--to all of this-it is also how I see it. I've written enough already on Sara's vid and here but what you've just said is important.

[CompanionableIlls]

Great video, my sentiments exactly.

[00suspect00]

man.... my atheism is shaky now

=(

[antierratum]

Also, when I was a Christian, I used to attribute many things to the paranormal for no reason. I remember sitting on my porch swinging on my porch swing, and I heard faint angelic-sounding music behind me. I attributed it to angels, but in reality, someone probably just had their radio on, since I lived in a suburban neighborhood. I've heard wind, trees and leaves blowing that I thought was rain, and was surprised when nothing was wet until I released what was actually happening.

[thequestionmarkofGod]

Thankyou for offerring some alternate explanations while remaining supportive and empathetic. I think that is what is most called for during any change of belief system.

[Katalyzt]

Indeed

[iconoclastic23]

Very compassionate video, but unfortunately it's unlikely to be received in the spirit that it was made in. If she watches it, all she'll get from it is another atheist trying to tell her she's crazy.

But I agree that she sounds manic and that she described the symptoms of sleep paralysis to a tee.

[imrational]

iconoclastic23,

Yeah, I'm kinda worried that she'll think that I'm just passing off her experience as her being crazy. I really think she needs to get checked out.

I'm also extremely pissed off at the people who berated her for having left atheism. GRRR...

left atheism.

[Kajo75]

good stuff IMR... atheists should always try to be this understanding, and not condescending! onto another subject entirely...i'm no interior decorated, but have you considered throwing up a poster behind you? to give the aesthetic of your videos less of a mental institution feel? Maybe an Einstein or Darwin poster... or an awesome dragon or something

[imrational]

You've got a good point about my cinderblock walls, but obviously you haven't seen my Halloween video yet. I'm still in my bunker. :)

[Kajo75]

Stay safe in your bunker my brother. The handful of Atheist survivors holed up in the local shopping mall are on their way, we've fashioned a make-shift armored vehicle and plan to plow through the zombie hordes. We'll make sure to bring rations, shot guns and lots of awesome posters and good music... :D

[Octamed]

haha, doesn't sound THAT exaggerated

[zzbullan]

your so caring for others....this is why i like you

[Lunch4lyfe]

Very nice video. I sure hope she watches this.

[monicavm]

Happens to me all the time. The hallucinations, I mean. I get woken up by loud knocking at the door or phone calls. When I wake up there's nothing. No phone calls and no one at the door. The brain fires lots of random electric shots. Nasty but innocent.

[opmbb]

My grandmother has narcolepsy, and she has episodes of sleep paralysis from time to time. My family blames it on demons...

[antierratum]

Sleep paralysis is often misconstrued in something paranormal; I've seen people interpret it as anything from alien visitations, to demons, to religious experiences, but in reality its just your consciousness waking up before the rest of your brain and body do, and its sort of mid-dream at first. Its happened to me before, complete with visual hallucinations... but I knew what it was, so I didn't panic at all, and I knew it wasn't real.