The story of your last caller on the show really got to me. I have Cerebral Palsy and my religious mother always tells me that when I die God is going to heal me and give me a perfect body. When this guy said he actually went to a church service to get healed and it didn't happen for him I was deeply saddened because it reminded me of how I felt during the conversation with my mother. It makes me angry when people make those types of healing claims. They do a disservice to themselves and the people they love. The reality is that we are stuck with these disabilities for life. Why is it so hard for those who love us to accept us as we are? People with disabilities are capable of living happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. When religious people do things like this it says that they believe we cannot be happy exactly as we are and it is another form of dehumanization. It says our lives are somehow less than their own.
Yeah well, the whitened sepulchres that Seth believes in told my grandad that there was no alternative they categorically had to cut his kidneys out, and then instead my woo believing grandmother took him the fuck out of that hellhole they called a hospital and fed him on macrobiotics and in 3 I shit you not 3 weeks he was back in work and never looked back. So why the fuck don't you keep looking because something is very likely out there that will liberate you from your wonderful happiness
I suppose you guys are stuck with said disabilities with lif, but... ...if anything is going to help with any of it it's like medical advancements and shit, not prayer.
I haven't reached that part of the broadcast just yet, but will tell you that I am also disabled. I was born with spina bifida (I'm almost 45). Very rarely have I had members of my family say that "one day, you will have a normal body in the after life." This could be because I come from people who primarily believers, but not religious to the point Seth's family. I have had other people on the street want to talk to me and preach to me while I'm trying to get my pug under control. I am in a wheelchair, so the disability is very obvious and have made the same observation as yourself. People seem to think we as handicapped people are not or can not be happy simply because we are not "normal."
I live with a 90 year old Catholic and a born again Christian. I feel like an intruder in my own home because I am atheist and they know it... God comes up nearly daily and I often have to mentally fortify myself to listen to and smile as I'm just languishing in my own head... Thank you for your work Seth... I secretly listen to you a lot here just to keep sane.
Shouldn't have to be in secret. It's your home as well. Listen like they would their Christian broadcast. Maybe something will pierce the wall of ignorance that is their brain.
Hey Seth, I can only imagine how frustrating is has to be to fight the same fights over and over. But you can be sure that in every round you are fighting, you got more people on your side to fight with you! :) You are an inspiring force for good and together we can make a change! This fight won't be over soon but we won't stop until we are done.
Seth.. you need a hug. You're doing good, and we need guys like you, asking the hard questions and willing to take the flack so other people can know they are not alone... Thank you so much for keeping this going.
One of the reasons I quit being Mormon was because no matter what I did or how much of my time and life I devoted to the church I was still not doing enough to be worthy of love. And if I don't get married and pop out a bunch of kids then I won't inherit the highest order of heaven. It got to the point where I felt guilty no matter what. Like I was just so incredibly sinful. I would spend all day in church on Sunday. Even after people left I was doing extra tasks that needed to be done. I went to the temple several times a month, paid my tithe, paid fast offering, fasted once a month, read my scriptures daily, helped those in need, no coffee, no tea, no alcohol, no sex. I can't even have those thoughts to this very day. It is so ingrained in me that I'm disgusting for having lustful thoughts that I can't even begin to try. And on top of that if you're not converting people then you're not a good Mormon. There are so many little things a Mormon has to do to be considered a good Mormon and be worthy of heaven and love. It's absolutely exhausting. And the broken record in Mormonism is every Mormons' testimony of Joseph Smith. "Just pray and fast and read your scriptures and God will manifest a revelation to you" or "the church is perfect, the members are not". There are so many but those come to my mind first. Being an atheist is the most liberating thing anyone can do. This podcast was excellent, like always. Thanks Seth.
Seth, we needed this podcast so much. We have returned to the States after four years overseas (in way more secular Germany), and we're living in North Carolina, where it's still 1892, and I felt like my head would explode this weekend. Thank you for the voice of sanity. I really appreciate it.
I’m in Wilmington NC. What part are u in?? Yes unfortunately the south has not evolved. Wilmington is not too bad. Like 4 universities here. Where are u located?
The woman getting preach at on the beach reminds me of this charity my sister-in-law used to volunteer for. They gave away a box of food every week (a couple of chickens, rice, vegetables, etc.). My SIL would get so mad, because before these poor people were allowed to get their box of food, they had to listen to an hour-long sermon. Most of the people were the working poor, working more than 1 job, and they had to waste an hour in order to get their food.
I'm just now getting comfortable with life again after going through a ton of drama at home. I haven't had the internet for a long time, and now that I have youtube again I've been listening to it while gaming, my old go to to come down after a long day. I went back to the amazing atheist and tbr, two old standbys (who I still love), but I forgot how soothing your voice is, and how mellow your content is compared to the other two. I mean that in the best way, I really like them, but they can be abrasive in a way that you just aren't. Not so far at least. You give me a little slice of nirvana after work every day. Thank you so much for doing what you do.
you are so refreshing to listen to....as a fringe old school underground person....I don't hear anyone, lately, bitching as well as you do.......you make me smile. refresh my courage.
I know this is old but i LOVE this vent podcast! I want to vent about the exact same things on my channel and hold back at times. But damnit you've inspired me to have my own little vent session!! Thanks Seth!
But, you know, what you do is worth it. Sometimes the logical argument breaks through the bullshit and helps someone like me who's brain was in a religious deadlock. And after a day of being around my family who will throw all these ridiculous circle-jerk arguments at me, I sit back in a hot bath with some lavender oil and candles and TTA podcast. It's good to know I'm not alone. So thank you so much for what you do.
Seth, you are a gem among atheists. Your compassion feels truly genuine, much more than most religious people "compassion". I only recently discovered the atheist side of TH-cam, but I believe you embody everything right about this movement, and many atheists should take a page out of your book.
The man who spoke about the faith healing at the end left me in tears. I'm mostly stuck in bed so it kinda cut too close to home for me. Him in a chair & having to hide in America is phucked up. I had to hide at work for over a decade but that is nothing to dragging is ass up on stage as a prop. To TheUnhollyRoller, TheAssHoleAthiest prays The Flying Spaghetti Monster touches you with HIS Noodly Appendage. & thx Seth for creating the space for me to hear from my fellow traveler, Luv Ya Brah ; )
The wife and I were at the Clearwater event. We spoke at the book signing. I was the guy who was child napped and religion was used as a weapon to keep me from asking questions. I gave up the "G" drug years ago but my wife has been on the fence. After seeing Seth, her mouth was just hanging open in shock. The sat down and consumed the book and has not stopped learning since. SETH, YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Thanks for coming here and hope you come back again sometime. Eddie and Robin Z
When I first deconverted, I was excited and felt the need to share what I had learnt with as many people as possible. But after a while, I realised that most people simply aren't interested. Also, I realise now that I was putting myself under too much pressure. I am not responsible for deconverting the whole world any more than Christians are responsible for evangelizing the whole world.
My sister believes that prayer is going to not be allowed in her own home....I am adopted and im an Atheist, i just met my biological family 4 years ago at the age of 21. They want nothing to do with me now. It took me a couple of years to be content with this. I've been an Atheist since i was 15-16. I'm not sure why this bothered me like it did, but it also made it easier for rejection in a sense. I'm proud and I embrace who i am, i just wish others would speak out more. Change is made in numbers my friends.
I was sent here from your most recent podcast and I have to say, I like Sethrant. This is a salve for my bad day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hey Seth, I don't know if you'll see this, but just in case: I am writing 5 years after you recorded this episode and yeah, it's making a difference. I came out of religion about 18 months ago and I am finding your podcasts especially good for "easy listening" when I can reflect on what you and your guests say.
it's like talking to someone brainwashed into a cult. It's just a very large cult. On occasion a cult member figures it out and gets out. That's the amazing part. Way to go apostates!!! How are major religions different than a cult?
+Bill Keon A "cult" is a "religion" that wears saffron robes instead of business suits. (I respect that "cult" is a technical term used by anthropologists in reference to "a sub-set of a cultTURE that adhered to a slightly altered belief system", but normally, it's what defines a small religious group likely to break serious laws and live on a compound)
Living here in the south were on every corner there is a church. I sometimes feel alone with my view and everybody around me are Christians and are very vocal about. I feel a bit scared to voice my views. Now I know that I am not alone.
Yes, I think a lot of Christians doubt on some level and are ultimately preaching to themselves. For that matter, when I was in seminary, it was understood that anytime you preach you SHOULD be preaching to yourself.
i find it so therapeutic to listen to Seth rant like this. the entire time all i think is: THANK YOU! people DO feel the exasperation that i do about all this nonsense and repetition and dead end arguing.
Great podcast. It's so frustrating sometimes. The Christian arguments are so lame. Just going over and over on the same issues is like a non-stop. Especially after 35 years of me being a believer . The same arguments have been used since I was a kid.
The eye argument for 5 years, Seth? Wrong. It's been around a lot longer than that, and it was debunked long before anyone started making computer models of anything. That argument has been around since Darwin's book was first published, and they always leave out the next few sentences which pretty well debunk the argument.
It's offensive because you are saying "in order to get along with each other we all have to be the same". You're saying that we can only accept people who are the same as us: that's hugely offensive. As i stated before, the path to "peace" is accepting that there are people who are different from you, and not judging them solely on the fact that they are different. Making everyone the same, is NOT the same thing as equality.
This was absolutely the best podcast I have heard from you Seth. GOD DAM you had me laughing from 1:00 until you took some calls. This rant was classic and I might listen to this as much as I listen to hitchslaps. Thanx for the laugh my fellow heathen.
19:54 "I don't care what evidence you bring to the table, I'll never give up my belief in God." That is how my wife and my best friend both act. Its definitely not worth the time to try to argue anything with them. I showed my wife some science facts and she said "you believe stuff from books, I believe in stuff from a book too." /facepalm
I was reading something about how the conscious mind will basically confabulate for the emotional ideas held by the person. Some people want to know what's what.. some people just want confirmation for what they hold dear to their heart.
Even if Jesus was to show himself to me, I would have to think about if I would join him. Knowing some terrible Bible verses, it pushes me even further away from religion.
I am very blessed having found this show. I especially enjoyed After the Rapture. I was disappointed it did not happen as expected as I really needed some intelligent conversation
Have you heard the comedian Lewis Black's skits called "The Rant Is Due"??? I listen to his comedy shows on TH-cam any time I'm in need of a release from my anger!
That believer's accent is spot on. It puts me in mind of my stepdaughter, a woman who unfriended me for telling someone else their god's live was similar to being lived by my son's stuffed tiger. Yet dissimilar that the stuffy actually exsists. Ain't Xian love special?
Seth, you mentioned the atheist monument in Florida. You really ought to have a look at the Pantheon in Paris some time. This is a cathedral-like structure built during the revolution and dedicated to secular values. It has a foucault pendulum in the centre. The crypt is the last resting place of everyone from Victor Hugo to Emile Zola. It shines as a beacon to us all.
Where was Alisha calling from? I know she said Georgia, but I could not understand the name of the town. I ask because I live just over the boarder in Alabama. She is not as alone as she thinks.
Seth, I had a negative experience on facebook last night and hearing this from you really helped me remember that we aren't alone with the frustrations of being atheists around Christians with persecution complexes.
I finally figured out what would get me to reconsider my atheism. Science has given us all kinds of new things ever since a human has said to him/herself, "I wonder how this works?" But religion has not given a single new thing or concept since its inception, which everyone should think strange from a creator god. If religion ever creates one single new thing, just one, I will reconsider my atheism and give god a chance.
Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation. Oscar Wilde, De Profundis, 1905
When someone states (as most of the creationist organizations do) that it doesn't matter what evidence they are presented with they will NOT give up their beliefs, it is not worth continuing the conversation. Their minds are closed, and they willfully have shut down their capacity to learn.
The book thing - That's the same argument as "Atheists/scientists take things on faith too" and if you can actually show them how that's actually not true, there's a chance there could be some way to, down the line, change their minds on the whole faith/religion thing. People can learn all the time. In general, most people never leave religion when they're that far into it, though. Unfortunately.
Thank you for this. I was a believer for about a dozen years in the 70s and 80's. All the same lies and nonsense. Hasn't changed. I've been waiting for someone to just go ahead and list All the things, which is everything, wrong about Christianity and it's "teachings". Instead of taking believers on one point at a time, we need to just say now, Enough. Then list all of it at once. Don't even give them a chance to speak for five minutes while you list the hundreds of lies they believer. Thx.
Seeing your short videos about different topics makes me think that it would be awesome if u produced a documentary with interviews and other interesting topics like religuous.
Unholy Roller, I know I'm posting this 9 years later but I hope you are doing good. I don't know why people tell you anger isn't a perfect valid reason to be an athiest. If their god is all loving(he wouldnt have put someone through that situation if he truly was)then anger is very valid. If my father claimed to love me but put me through and emotional and/or physical hell, anger and distancing myself from them is the normal response. They act like we(atheists in general)are throwing a childish tantrum; that we are angry like a child who didn't get a piece of candy at the store. It's infuriating. Keep strong
Pat Robertson: "Believes that killing someone in a video game is the same as killing someone in real life." Stay Alive (2006): "If you die in the game, you die for real!" Robertson is a gold mine for movie ideas. I look forward to hearing how gays will cause a Sharknado(tm) to appear over Florida.
It is not even remotely true that criticism of a religion is racism. Do you want me to provide you with a definition of racism and a definition of religion so you can sort this out on your own? Yes, I do know what you are saying. I am simply pointing out the absurdity of it by creating a rationale for it and attributing it to you. As far as research goes, it doesn't take any research. I already knew the definition of "racism" and "religion" and I know that they don't equate.
Have you actually read Josephus? The Antiquities? If the passages in 18 and 20 actually existed in the 2nd century, they would've been quoted over and over again. They're not quoted until after Eusebius had them. The passages don't exist in their present form in other translations of the 2nd and 3rd century. Do some actual research before coming across as super-gullible.
There needs to be some sort of handicap assigned for young people newly out of magical thinking. A type of remial schooling should be offered to kids denied an education by these indoctrination institutions. They are not schools but more a factory to build warriors and heifers. We have truly fallen into a darkness. We have to get through though and support our fellow nonbelievers in this journey. When I came to my senses and accepted the truth about magical beings i for once felt life without shame, without guilt. The TRUTH really did set me free and I thank you and the other content creators for helping me see that my thoughts are not solitary and having community is not just the realm of churches.
For "scholarly opinions" I usually trust myself. Having read the Ante-Nicene Fathers and all the extant Apocryphal New Testament writings, I trust my own findings before those of lesser exposure. I am not rigid, and have changed my mind on occasion. This is not one of those occasions.
On Elder Scrolls Online, I created a beautiful Warden (with mighty bear protector) that is now a master woodworker and clothier. I'm working on being at the same level with cooking, enchanting, and blacksmithing. Because my character is learning these skills up to and including master-level craft, I am also gaining this knowledge. Since murder and criminal behavior in video games is the same as the equivalent in reality, then certainly if my character can craft a sweet robe out of precious fabrics, so can I. Show me a sewing machine and a little bit of time out in a field somewhere and I'll prove it to you. Well, honestly speaking, I'll show you that I have no clue what I'm looking for and my skills with an ol' Singer machine died out after high school.
i sympathize and empathize a lot about the kids. my nephews and nieces live in Texas and it breaks my heart knowing the education (or lack thereof) they're getting. and the worst part is i adore these kids with all my heart but i can't help them. i try to send them books so they can learn on their own, but the books almost never reach them because of the people who care for them. it kills me these wonderful little people just don't have a chance.
I remember a quote from a Garfield strip that I think makes a great point about the whole believing in the Bible even after knowing what's in it: Jon brings home a plant and says something to the effect of "Now you know what this is right?" The implication that he knows Garfield eats plants and knows that Garfield know's he isn't supposed to eat plants. To which Garfield replies "The triumph of hope over experience?" A bit labored perhaps but I think about that alot when it comes to religion.
I empathise with the disabled guy, I'm disabled too & been told if I just believed in god & prayed enough I could be cured as if its my fault I'm disabled!
We need to make atheism an officially recognized religion . A no god religion. no saints, no prophets, no ministers. Nothing but fellowship. We can have a state, country, and global membership. No dues, no boss. We have to fight fire with fire . We have rights. This means a tax break as well. They all get it . We get it too.
I don't know if anyone else has this but during Christmas and Easter we get a person or persons standing on the sidewalk at the corner of a busy intersection and they are holding up a repent sign and are blasting their religious message through a bull horn!Also it seems quite unfair you are expected to have the knowledge of a scientist in order to fight their fantasy beliefs which requires no knowledge at all.
best show yet. I remember being dragged to church on Sundays and the pentecostal parafirnalia you mentioned with the preacher calling for people who are in sin, masturbating even watching television.
So to be clear here, you ARE saying that people of different colors physically become the same color when they are baptized into your faith? Are you baptizing people with grey skin dye? Since atheism is a diverse group of people, you shouldn't generalize your comments so much. I don't personally think men believe they are superior to women. Some do, sure. Some women think they're superior to men as well. That's a fact too, not my opinion. Could you clarify your point on gender equality a bit?
WLC humiliates himself. he's the laughing stalk of the scientific community and philosophers just shake their heads at him. he's the reason people don't take philosophy seriously.
My heart goes out to Unholy Roller. Religion has treated him really bad. Now, in spite of them he's doing great and I wish him all the best for the future. I find that some Christians can have some of the most evil thoughts and evil words to ever be spoken. Shame on them!
Wow, this is the first Thinking Atheist podcast that I've listened to. So many podcasts, so little time. Why do I have the feeling that I just watched the fan-service episode of a show, in which they break format and character, and they parody the normal story-line? Heh. I'll have to go back and listen to a few of the older episodes to get a feel for how the show normally flows.
It is fun to feed some of them though. There's plenty that I won't touch, but there's others I absolutely love talking to, if for nothing else but to learn more.
The story of your last caller on the show really got to me. I have Cerebral Palsy and my religious mother always tells me that when I die God is going to heal me and give me a perfect body. When this guy said he actually went to a church service to get healed and it didn't happen for him I was deeply saddened because it reminded me of how I felt during the conversation with my mother. It makes me angry when people make those types of healing claims. They do a disservice to themselves and the people they love. The reality is that we are stuck with these disabilities for life. Why is it so hard for those who love us to accept us as we are? People with disabilities are capable of living happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. When religious people do things like this it says that they believe we cannot be happy exactly as we are and it is another form of dehumanization. It says our lives are somehow less than their own.
happyascheese I love what you call yourself that's original.
Yeah well, the whitened sepulchres that Seth believes in told my grandad that there was no alternative they categorically had to cut his kidneys out, and then instead my woo believing grandmother took him the fuck out of that hellhole they called a hospital and fed him on macrobiotics and in 3 I shit you not 3 weeks he was back in work and never looked back. So why the fuck don't you keep looking because something is very likely out there that will liberate you from your wonderful happiness
What. Too much cheese? Cry me a pizza
I suppose you guys are stuck with said disabilities with lif, but...
...if anything is going to help with any of it it's like medical advancements and shit, not prayer.
I haven't reached that part of the broadcast just yet, but will tell you that I am also disabled. I was born with spina bifida (I'm almost 45). Very rarely have I had members of my family say that "one day, you will have a normal body in the after life." This could be because I come from people who primarily believers, but not religious to the point Seth's family. I have had other people on the street want to talk to me and preach to me while I'm trying to get my pug under control. I am in a wheelchair, so the disability is very obvious and have made the same observation as yourself. People seem to think we as handicapped people are not or can not be happy simply because we are not "normal."
I live with a 90 year old Catholic and a born again Christian. I feel like an intruder in my own home because I am atheist and they know it... God comes up nearly daily and I often have to mentally fortify myself to listen to and smile as I'm just languishing in my own head... Thank you for your work Seth... I secretly listen to you a lot here just to keep sane.
Shouldn't have to be in secret. It's your home as well. Listen like they would their Christian broadcast. Maybe something will pierce the wall of ignorance that is their brain.
Hey Seth,
I can only imagine how frustrating is has to be to fight the same fights over and over.
But you can be sure that in every round you are fighting, you got more people on your side to fight with you! :)
You are an inspiring force for good and together we can make a change!
This fight won't be over soon but we won't stop until we are done.
Religion: the first and longest lasting conspiracy theory.
Luv this one !!!!
And propaganda bullshit.😂
Seth.. you need a hug. You're doing good, and we need guys like you, asking the hard questions and willing to take the flack so other people can know they are not alone... Thank you so much for keeping this going.
One of the reasons I quit being Mormon was because no matter what I did or how much of my time and life I devoted to the church I was still not doing enough to be worthy of love. And if I don't get married and pop out a bunch of kids then I won't inherit the highest order of heaven. It got to the point where I felt guilty no matter what. Like I was just so incredibly sinful. I would spend all day in church on Sunday. Even after people left I was doing extra tasks that needed to be done. I went to the temple several times a month, paid my tithe, paid fast offering, fasted once a month, read my scriptures daily, helped those in need, no coffee, no tea, no alcohol, no sex. I can't even have those thoughts to this very day. It is so ingrained in me that I'm disgusting for having lustful thoughts that I can't even begin to try. And on top of that if you're not converting people then you're not a good Mormon. There are so many little things a Mormon has to do to be considered a good Mormon and be worthy of heaven and love. It's absolutely exhausting.
And the broken record in Mormonism is every Mormons' testimony of Joseph Smith. "Just pray and fast and read your scriptures and God will manifest a revelation to you" or "the church is perfect, the members are not". There are so many but those come to my mind first.
Being an atheist is the most liberating thing anyone can do.
This podcast was excellent, like always. Thanks Seth.
Vegan is BULLSHIT!! We EVOLVED to eat meat!!
Seth, we needed this podcast so much. We have returned to the States after four years overseas (in way more secular Germany), and we're living in North Carolina, where it's still 1892, and I felt like my head would explode this weekend. Thank you for the voice of sanity. I really appreciate it.
I’m in Wilmington NC. What part are u in?? Yes unfortunately the south has not evolved. Wilmington is not too bad. Like 4 universities here. Where are u located?
I listen to your show on youtube. Just want you to know that I appreciate what you do. Thank you! :-)
The woman getting preach at on the beach reminds me of this charity my sister-in-law used to volunteer for. They gave away a box of food every week (a couple of chickens, rice, vegetables, etc.). My SIL would get so mad, because before these poor people were allowed to get their box of food, they had to listen to an hour-long sermon. Most of the people were the working poor, working more than 1 job, and they had to waste an hour in order to get their food.
I'm just now getting comfortable with life again after going through a ton of drama at home. I haven't had the internet for a long time, and now that I have youtube again I've been listening to it while gaming, my old go to to come down after a long day. I went back to the amazing atheist and tbr, two old standbys (who I still love), but I forgot how soothing your voice is, and how mellow your content is compared to the other two. I mean that in the best way, I really like them, but they can be abrasive in a way that you just aren't. Not so far at least. You give me a little slice of nirvana after work every day. Thank you so much for doing what you do.
you are so refreshing to listen to....as a fringe old school underground person....I don't hear anyone, lately, bitching as well as you do.......you make me smile. refresh my courage.
I know this is old but i LOVE this vent podcast! I want to vent about the exact same things on my channel and hold back at times. But damnit you've inspired me to have my own little vent session!! Thanks Seth!
But, you know, what you do is worth it. Sometimes the logical argument breaks through the bullshit and helps someone like me who's brain was in a religious deadlock. And after a day of being around my family who will throw all these ridiculous circle-jerk arguments at me, I sit back in a hot bath with some lavender oil and candles and TTA podcast. It's good to know I'm not alone. So thank you so much for what you do.
Seth, you are a gem among atheists. Your compassion feels truly genuine, much more than most religious people "compassion". I only recently discovered the atheist side of TH-cam, but I believe you embody everything right about this movement, and many atheists should take a page out of your book.
The man who spoke about the faith healing at the end left me in tears. I'm mostly stuck in bed so it kinda cut too close to home for me. Him in a chair & having to hide in America is phucked up. I had to hide at work for over a decade but that is nothing to dragging is ass up on stage as a prop. To TheUnhollyRoller, TheAssHoleAthiest prays The Flying Spaghetti Monster touches you with HIS Noodly Appendage. & thx Seth for creating the space for me to hear from my fellow traveler, Luv Ya Brah ; )
The wife and I were at the Clearwater event. We spoke at the book signing. I was the guy who was child napped and religion was used as a weapon to keep me from asking questions. I gave up the "G" drug years ago but my wife has been on the fence. After seeing Seth, her mouth was just hanging open in shock. The sat down and consumed the book and has not stopped learning since.
SETH, YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Thanks for coming here and hope you come back again sometime.
Eddie and Robin Z
When I first deconverted, I was excited and felt the need to share what I had learnt with as many people as possible.
But after a while, I realised that most people simply aren't interested.
Also, I realise now that I was putting myself under too much pressure.
I am not responsible for deconverting the whole world any more than Christians are responsible for evangelizing the whole world.
Oh my gosh I die laughing when you do your southern preacher impersonation!.
My sister believes that prayer is going to not be allowed in her own home....I am adopted and im an Atheist, i just met my biological family 4 years ago at the age of 21. They want nothing to do with me now. It took me a couple of years to be content with this. I've been an Atheist since i was 15-16. I'm not sure why this bothered me like it did, but it also made it easier for rejection in a sense. I'm proud and I embrace who i am, i just wish others would speak out more. Change is made in numbers my friends.
Anybody else see Dana Carvey as the "Church Lady" on SNL and smile whenever Seth does his preachy voice?
Yes. Isn't that spacial.
Remember those Sunday morning Christian-friendly cartoons like Jot and Davey and Goliath?
I was sent here from your most recent podcast and I have to say, I like Sethrant.
This is a salve for my bad day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hey Seth, I don't know if you'll see this, but just in case: I am writing 5 years after you recorded this episode and yeah, it's making a difference. I came out of religion about 18 months ago and I am finding your podcasts especially good for "easy listening" when I can reflect on what you and your guests say.
it's like talking to someone brainwashed into a cult. It's just a very large cult. On occasion a cult member figures it out and gets out. That's the amazing part. Way to go apostates!!! How are major religions different than a cult?
+Bill Keon A "cult" is a "religion" that wears saffron robes instead of business suits. (I respect that "cult" is a technical term used by anthropologists in reference to "a sub-set of a cultTURE that adhered to a slightly altered belief system", but normally, it's what defines a small religious group likely to break serious laws and live on a compound)
In a cult, there is a prophet at the top, that knows it's a scam, in religion, this prophet has long been dead. That's the difference.
Living here in the south were on every corner there is a church. I sometimes feel alone with my view and everybody around me are Christians and are very vocal about. I feel a bit scared to voice my views. Now I know that I am not alone.
I am a black Atheist in Atlanta Georgia, dont be afraid to use your voice, to your young girl caller :)
Yes, I think a lot of Christians doubt on some level and are ultimately preaching to themselves. For that matter, when I was in seminary, it was understood that anytime you preach you SHOULD be preaching to yourself.
I'm a first time viewer and I love all the points you brought up. You've made a new fan, I'm looking forward to future content.
i find it so therapeutic to listen to Seth rant like this. the entire time all i think is: THANK YOU! people DO feel the exasperation that i do about all this nonsense and repetition and dead end arguing.
Great podcast. It's so frustrating sometimes. The Christian arguments are so lame. Just going over and over on the same issues is like a non-stop. Especially after 35 years of me being a believer . The same arguments have been used since I was a kid.
The more we ridicule religion, the MORE WE WIN!!! YES, BE OFFENSIVE!! Thanks for your work Seth!!
The eye argument for 5 years, Seth? Wrong. It's been around a lot longer than that, and it was debunked long before anyone started making computer models of anything.
That argument has been around since Darwin's book was first published, and they always leave out the next few sentences which pretty well debunk the argument.
It's offensive because you are saying "in order to get along with each other we all have to be the same". You're saying that we can only accept people who are the same as us: that's hugely offensive.
As i stated before, the path to "peace" is accepting that there are people who are different from you, and not judging them solely on the fact that they are different. Making everyone the same, is NOT the same thing as equality.
I really enjoyed your video Seth, well done sir. Keep them coming, you help keep me sane!
This was absolutely the best podcast I have heard from you Seth. GOD DAM you had me laughing from 1:00 until you took some calls. This rant was classic and I might listen to this as much as I listen to hitchslaps. Thanx for the laugh my fellow heathen.
19:54 "I don't care what evidence you bring to the table, I'll never give up my belief in God."
That is how my wife and my best friend both act. Its definitely not worth the time to try to argue anything with them. I showed my wife some science facts and she said "you believe stuff from books, I believe in stuff from a book too." /facepalm
renragged our books are hold facts that are verifiable in our modern world...right now... christians can’t say the same for their own book...
While I don't know if this is your best podcast, it certainly made me laugh the most. Good job, Seth!
Literally, you sound like my internal monologue. Thanks for being real.
Seth! En nombre de todos Los ATEOS Latinos ...GRACIAS!!!
I was reading something about how the conscious mind will basically confabulate for the emotional ideas held by the person. Some people want to know what's what.. some people just want confirmation for what they hold dear to their heart.
Even if Jesus was to show himself to me, I would have to think about if I would join him. Knowing some terrible Bible verses, it pushes me even further away from religion.
Wow am I glad this is here. Having this kind of discussion a lot.
Been having a rough week, couldn't think of any way of winding down and then I see a new TTA podcast to listen in on, I've been saved \o/
I find seths dulcet tones almost hypnotic, hopefully the odd christian does too.
i know that voice....goddamn it, i like to listen to things not watch and this is hypnotic when i try to sleep like right now.
Seth would make a great hypnotist; his voice alone could create the proper level of relaxation.
We feel the same way Seth. I live in the Bible belt and it sucks. Thank you Seth!
Awesome! Loved the accents, all the love you get from your listeners! Cool voice!
We're with you brother. Thanks for speaking out.
I am very blessed having found this show. I especially enjoyed After the Rapture. I was disappointed it did not happen as expected as I really needed some intelligent conversation
Have you heard the comedian Lewis Black's skits called "The Rant Is Due"??? I listen to his comedy shows on TH-cam any time I'm in need of a release from my anger!
That believer's accent is spot on. It puts me in mind of my stepdaughter, a woman who unfriended me for telling someone else their god's live was similar to being lived by my son's stuffed tiger. Yet dissimilar that the stuffy actually exsists.
Ain't Xian love special?
Seth, you mentioned the atheist monument in Florida. You really ought to have a look at the Pantheon in Paris some time. This is a cathedral-like structure built during the revolution and dedicated to secular values. It has a foucault pendulum in the centre. The crypt is the last resting place of everyone from Victor Hugo to Emile Zola. It shines as a beacon to us all.
Where was Alisha calling from? I know she said Georgia, but I could not understand the name of the town. I ask because I live just over the boarder in Alabama. She is not as alone as she thinks.
Seth, I had a negative experience on facebook last night and hearing this from you really helped me remember that we aren't alone with the frustrations of being atheists around Christians with persecution complexes.
I felt so bad for the guy who had to keep his identity confidential because he was afraid of repercussions
I finally figured out what would get me to reconsider my atheism. Science has given us all kinds of new things ever since a human has said to him/herself, "I wonder how this works?" But religion has not given a single new thing or concept since its inception, which everyone should think strange from a creator god. If religion ever creates one single new thing, just one, I will reconsider my atheism and give god a chance.
Religion is money driven. They will do anything say anything to keep it going no matter how wrong or untrue. Keep up the good work Seth
Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.
Oscar Wilde, De Profundis, 1905
That was an awesome commentary, Seth.
When someone states (as most of the creationist organizations do) that it doesn't matter what evidence they are presented with they will NOT give up their beliefs, it is not worth continuing the conversation. Their minds are closed, and they willfully have shut down their capacity to learn.
The book thing - That's the same argument as "Atheists/scientists take things on faith too" and if you can actually show them how that's actually not true, there's a chance there could be some way to, down the line, change their minds on the whole faith/religion thing. People can learn all the time. In general, most people never leave religion when they're that far into it, though. Unfortunately.
lol, if killing someone in video game was the same as killing someone in real life, i would be as much cruel as yahwey in many way...
Jules S FUS RO DAH!
Jules S FUS RO DAH!
I mostly only kill bad guys in games, so it's cool.
I realize this was done 9 years ago, but it should be repeated again. This is so true in today's society.
Thank you for this. I was a believer for about a dozen years in the 70s and 80's. All the same lies and nonsense. Hasn't changed. I've been waiting for someone to just go ahead and list All the things, which is everything, wrong about Christianity and it's "teachings". Instead of taking believers on one point at a time, we need to just say now, Enough. Then list all of it at once. Don't even give them a chance to speak for five minutes while you list the hundreds of lies they believer. Thx.
I really enjoy the more extemporaneous shows you do, Seth.
Seeing your short videos about different topics makes me think that it would be awesome if u produced a documentary with interviews and other interesting topics like religuous.
When i was 7 , I stayed home from church , so i could watch the super bowl preview !!! Well that was that !!!! lol lol lol
Unholy Roller, I know I'm posting this 9 years later but I hope you are doing good. I don't know why people tell you anger isn't a perfect valid reason to be an athiest. If their god is all loving(he wouldnt have put someone through that situation if he truly was)then anger is very valid. If my father claimed to love me but put me through and emotional and/or physical hell, anger and distancing myself from them is the normal response. They act like we(atheists in general)are throwing a childish tantrum; that we are angry like a child who didn't get a piece of candy at the store. It's infuriating.
Keep strong
13:27 LOL, my stomach hurts from laughing Seth
Pat Robertson: "Believes that killing someone in a video game is the same as killing someone in real life."
Stay Alive (2006): "If you die in the game, you die for real!"
Robertson is a gold mine for movie ideas. I look forward to hearing how gays will cause a Sharknado(tm) to appear over Florida.
10 years later, and they are still giving the same arguments
welcome back seth. hope your vacation was fun :)
It is not even remotely true that criticism of a religion is racism. Do you want me to provide you with a definition of racism and a definition of religion so you can sort this out on your own?
Yes, I do know what you are saying. I am simply pointing out the absurdity of it by creating a rationale for it and attributing it to you.
As far as research goes, it doesn't take any research. I already knew the definition of "racism" and "religion" and I know that they don't equate.
A truly awesome opening and episode. Keep it up.
Have you actually read Josephus? The Antiquities? If the passages in 18 and 20 actually existed in the 2nd century, they would've been quoted over and over again. They're not quoted until after Eusebius had them. The passages don't exist in their present form in other translations of the 2nd and 3rd century. Do some actual research before coming across as super-gullible.
Seth, Be sure to post that WLC v Krauss debate when you find it.
There needs to be some sort of handicap assigned for young people newly out of magical thinking. A type of remial schooling should be offered to kids denied an education by these indoctrination institutions. They are not schools but more a factory to build warriors and heifers. We have truly fallen into a darkness. We have to get through though and support our fellow nonbelievers in this journey. When I came to my senses and accepted the truth about magical beings i for once felt life without shame, without guilt. The TRUTH really did set me free and I thank you and the other content creators for helping me see that my thoughts are not solitary and having community is not just the realm of churches.
For "scholarly opinions" I usually trust myself. Having read the Ante-Nicene Fathers and all the extant Apocryphal New Testament writings, I trust my own findings before those of lesser exposure. I am not rigid, and have changed my mind on occasion. This is not one of those occasions.
I always enjoy your show but at 1:08:40 when the caller said Craig "was either gone or maybe been raptured", I busted out laughing!
I cant believe its been 10 years.
On Elder Scrolls Online, I created a beautiful Warden (with mighty bear protector) that is now a master woodworker and clothier. I'm working on being at the same level with cooking, enchanting, and blacksmithing. Because my character is learning these skills up to and including master-level craft, I am also gaining this knowledge. Since murder and criminal behavior in video games is the same as the equivalent in reality, then certainly if my character can craft a sweet robe out of precious fabrics, so can I.
Show me a sewing machine and a little bit of time out in a field somewhere and I'll prove it to you. Well, honestly speaking, I'll show you that I have no clue what I'm looking for and my skills with an ol' Singer machine died out after high school.
i sympathize and empathize a lot about the kids. my nephews and nieces live in Texas and it breaks my heart knowing the education (or lack thereof) they're getting. and the worst part is i adore these kids with all my heart but i can't help them. i try to send them books so they can learn on their own, but the books almost never reach them because of the people who care for them.
it kills me these wonderful little people just don't have a chance.
TTA, please make another "Don't Feed The Trolls" video. One of my absolute favorites
I never knew he debated Krauss, but I can safely say that Krauss probably destroyed him!
You are such an awesome (and intelligent) entertainer!
I remember a quote from a Garfield strip that I think makes a great point about the whole believing in the Bible even after knowing what's in it: Jon brings home a plant and says something to the effect of "Now you know what this is right?" The implication that he knows Garfield eats plants and knows that Garfield know's he isn't supposed to eat plants. To which Garfield replies "The triumph of hope over experience?" A bit labored perhaps but I think about that alot when it comes to religion.
I empathise with the disabled guy, I'm disabled too & been told if I just believed in god & prayed enough I could be cured as if its my fault I'm disabled!
Postscript:
"It is impossible to debate a person who will not handicap himself with a knowledge of the facts." -- Anon
We need to make atheism an officially recognized religion . A no god religion. no saints, no prophets, no ministers. Nothing but fellowship. We can have a state, country, and global membership. No dues, no boss. We have to fight fire with fire . We have rights. This means a tax break as well. They all get it . We get it too.
I don't know if anyone else has this but during Christmas and Easter we get a person or persons standing on the sidewalk at the corner of a busy intersection and they are holding up a repent sign and are blasting their religious message through a bull horn!Also it seems quite unfair you are expected to have the knowledge of a scientist in order to fight their fantasy beliefs which requires no knowledge at all.
Show us some texts written when he was supposed to be alive. The first of the gospels was written at the earliest, about 30 years after the "death".
best show yet. I remember being dragged to church on Sundays and the pentecostal parafirnalia you mentioned with the preacher calling for people who are in sin, masturbating even watching television.
Awesome as always, thank you so much for making these videos, THANKS MAN!!
So to be clear here, you ARE saying that people of different colors physically become the same color when they are baptized into your faith? Are you baptizing people with grey skin dye?
Since atheism is a diverse group of people, you shouldn't generalize your comments so much. I don't personally think men believe they are superior to women. Some do, sure. Some women think they're superior to men as well. That's a fact too, not my opinion. Could you clarify your point on gender equality a bit?
When you start listing things, true believers get everything wrong. Everything.
WLC humiliates himself. he's the laughing stalk of the scientific community and philosophers just shake their heads at him. he's the reason people don't take philosophy seriously.
My heart goes out to Unholy Roller. Religion has treated him really bad. Now, in spite of them he's doing great and I wish him all the best for the future. I find that some Christians can have some of the most evil thoughts and evil words to ever be spoken. Shame on them!
God damn it! I love this channel!! Jesus fucking Christ I can't get enough!! Sorry for cursing.....
Yes Heracles, but most people know him not by his story but by the TV series and there they used the romanized version Hercules
Wow, this is the first Thinking Atheist podcast that I've listened to. So many podcasts, so little time.
Why do I have the feeling that I just watched the fan-service episode of a show, in which they break format and character, and they parody the normal story-line? Heh. I'll have to go back and listen to a few of the older episodes to get a feel for how the show normally flows.
Cool, I always look forward to these videos.
It is fun to feed some of them though. There's plenty that I won't touch, but there's others I absolutely love talking to, if for nothing else but to learn more.