The History of Yahweh - Storm God to Israelite Deity

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 พ.ค. 2024
  • This episode contains a paid partnership with BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month: www.betterhelp.com/alexoconnor
    For early, ad-free access to videos, support the channel at / alexoc
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    - VIDEO NOTES
    Justin Sledge is currently a part-time professor of philosophy and religion at several institutions in the Metro-Detroit area and a popular local educator.
    His TH-cam channel is "Esoterica": @TheEsotericaChannel
    - LINKS
    Buy "The Early History of God" by Mark Smith: amzn.to/44ezTes
    Buy "The Origins of Biblical Monotheism" by Mark Smith: amzn.to/3JyyZ32
    - TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Pronunciation of YHWH
    02:33 The Origin of YHWH
    07:01 Oldest References to This God
    18:00 How Translation Influences the Bible
    20:00 Evolution of YHWH's Influence
    27:55 Assimilation of the Gods
    30:59 From Many Gods to One God
    37:09 Link Between Religion & Intoxication
    40:19 How Different Regions Worshipped YHWH
    51:48 What is Jewish Apocalypticism?
    54:47 The Introduction of Jesus
    1:01:50 How Jesus Became Identified With YHWH
    1:09:03 Paul’s Mystical Visions of God
    1:12:41 Is This Theology Gnostic?
    1:18:52 Christians Believing Jesus is YHWH
    1:23:17 What is the Demiurge?
    1:35:43 A More Attractive Christian Narrative
    1:40:28 Recommended Books
    - SPECIAL THANKS
    A special thanks to my top-tier supporters on Patreon:
    Tom Rindell
    James Younger, DDS
    - CONNECT
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    SOCIAL LINKS:
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    - CONTACT
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    Alex O'Connor
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    ------------------------------------------

ความคิดเห็น • 2.7K

  • @TheEsotericaChannel
    @TheEsotericaChannel 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +1577

    Thanks for having me on Alex - it was an honor and a wonderful conversation!

    • @waido_
      @waido_ 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +43

      Thanks for being so knowledgeable. :)

    • @truenezito
      @truenezito 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

      Hello

    • @kidslovesatan34
      @kidslovesatan34 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

      Thank you, Justin. Great discussion.

    • @TheEsutan
      @TheEsutan 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +16

      Thanks for being on! You're hugely knowledgeable and you did great! I hope to reach your level one day! Thanks mate!

    • @scottythetrex5197
      @scottythetrex5197 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

      This was so interesting! Thanks!

  • @HisZotness
    @HisZotness 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +507

    Alex, my wife worked for Better Help, and they treat their therapists poorly, they grossly underpay them, and even demand that they perform unpaid duties. Avoid!

    • @StarlightEdith
      @StarlightEdith 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +78

      They also sell your confidential data

    • @HisZotness
      @HisZotness 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +15

      @@StarlightEdith Yay!

    • @DemainIronfalcon
      @DemainIronfalcon 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

      He has heard these concerns and he will be doing what he can I believe, why is this so triggering how bad are they as an org or just individual maybe removed staff?

    • @DemainIronfalcon
      @DemainIronfalcon 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@HisZotness nice moustache

    • @HisZotness
      @HisZotness 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +35

      @@DemainIronfalcon Their business practices can most charitably be described as unscrupulous.

  • @MythVisionPodcast
    @MythVisionPodcast 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +490

    Dr. Justin Sledge is an juggernaut! May he get imported into cults of the 31st century as a divine internet storm God who defeated the chaos apologetic dragon bare-handed!

    • @GnosticInformant
      @GnosticInformant 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +22

      lol

    • @Herodotus77
      @Herodotus77 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +20

      Just need to get Megan, Josh, and Bart to comment and all of my TH-cam teachers will be represented on this page.

    • @lukavukcevic6429
      @lukavukcevic6429 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      What a cringe comment, makes me wanna kms

    • @bankiey
      @bankiey 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      @@Herodotus77 Yo, who are these folks?

    • @bartkl
      @bartkl 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

      ​@@bankieyI'm pretty sure they're referring to Bart Ehrman, Joshua Bowen and Megan Lewis (Digital Hammurabi)

  • @neclark08
    @neclark08 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +51

    LOVE this:
    "...This town's not Big Enough for TWO Warrior Storm gods..."

    • @urbannsquirrel
      @urbannsquirrel 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      They would definitely clash 🤭

    • @smillstill
      @smillstill 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      "my god can beat up your god!"

    • @johnwheeler3071
      @johnwheeler3071 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      This guy is saying nothing new. Christianity knows very well that their are other divine beings that the capital G God of the bible created. He created heaven and earth and gave those in the heavenly realm free will and man free will. Some divine beings turned against God and some men worshipped those same divine beings instead of Yahweh.

  • @S1apShoes
    @S1apShoes 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +842

    The idea that the name of God could be "yahoo" is funny af

    • @seanbeadles7421
      @seanbeadles7421 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +42

      Yoohoowoohoo

    • @drsatan3231
      @drsatan3231 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +23

      It could also be "Mr Puckles"

    • @JUNKJACKZACK
      @JUNKJACKZACK 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +14

      The best pronouncing I habe seen is yahava.

    • @TheSimpleDudeOne
      @TheSimpleDudeOne 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +33

      That's exactly the story behind how Yahoo (the email service) was named.

    • @elliotfisk1099
      @elliotfisk1099 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      @@seanbeadles7421 cartoon history of the universe??

  • @the_luggage
    @the_luggage 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +305

    The context behind _why_ the Israelites were worshipping a calf and how monotheism was inserted into their faith was fascinating. Such an insightful chat, thank you!

    • @Mark761966
      @Mark761966 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +14

      Not many people know that it happened twice. And that the second time they really doubled down.

    • @owncraticpath
      @owncraticpath 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

      They worshipped a calf because they were deep into polytheism and idolatry since that was what Egypt had deteriorated into.
      Moses peace be upon him was sent to them, to purify them from that, and they followed a narration from the Samari telling them the god of Moses was the cow, a lie basically.
      This is the same, claiming YHWH is an idol just because some pagans made an idol of God and lied about him, just like Christians made an idol about the son of Mary and claim lies about him.
      Idk this is kinda funny from a Muslim perspective, since some Christians accuse us of worshipping the "moon god" based on precisely the lies pagans attributed to God, not realizing the book came to uncover such lies, and that the pagans just made up stuff without proof after having monotheism, not the opposite.
      This is like Christians claiming the Trinity was from the beginning, then Unitarians seem like "making monotheism up" but the truth is that the Trinitarians lie, Monotheism was the origin, not the end, and Unitarianism is just a revival of the original faith.
      There is nothing wrong with investigating, and honesty is a must, but assumptions must be treated as what they are.
      Praise be to God, the actual unity which is logical unlike atheism or paganism.
      Peace

    • @the_luggage
      @the_luggage 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +33

      @@owncraticpath what scholars have discovered about the two forms of Yahweh- worship and how the bull was incorporated into one and not the other can be fascinating! I recommend listening to the video :)

    • @exaucemayunga22
      @exaucemayunga22 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +28

      ​@owncraticpath you clearly don't belong here with your dogma

    • @owncraticpath
      @owncraticpath 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@exaucemayunga22 Peace

  • @shassett79
    @shassett79 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +388

    "Hotboxing inside the Holy of Holies" is the best phrase I'll hear this week.

    • @matthemming9105
      @matthemming9105 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

      Evokes the image of am Ancient Matisyahu concert

    • @Aquamayne100
      @Aquamayne100 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      makes sense now that you think about it lol

    • @calebadams8525
      @calebadams8525 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      My favorite way to spend an afternoon

    • @kellydalstok8900
      @kellydalstok8900 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +16

      Makes you wonder if that’s the burning bush Exodus is referring to, that being high was a way to “experience” the presence of god(s).

    • @shassett79
      @shassett79 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

      @@kellydalstok8900 I've burnt a few bushes in my day, I can tell you...

  • @Herodotus77
    @Herodotus77 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +70

    Dr. Sledge gets deep into the complexity and details on his channel. Having this overview was fantastic...kind of primer for Esoterica.

    • @Herodotus77
      @Herodotus77 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      No if Alex can bring him back to give an overview of the history of magic.

    • @smillstill
      @smillstill 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      The more I listen to him, Sledge has got to be a voracious reader with nearly total recall.

  • @mymyscellany
    @mymyscellany 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +225

    Esoterica + Alex is a combination I did not expect

    • @waido_
      @waido_ 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

      Ikr? I remembered seeing an Esoterica video on this topic, so I thought it was interesting that Alex was covering it. I didn’t expect to actually see Esoterica in the video.😂

    • @seankelley3033
      @seankelley3033 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +20

      I feel like the one weird guy who's somehow managed to be a fan of both

    • @thoughtful1233
      @thoughtful1233 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.

    • @thoughtful1233
      @thoughtful1233 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

      @@seankelley3033 Really? I think atheists like myself and I would guess you... indeed, further, ex-Christians like myself and I would guess you, make up most of the listeners/viewers of Esoterica, MythVision, Gnostic Informant, Israel Finkelstein, Richard Carrier, Bart Ehrman, any number of people focused on the texts and archeology surrounding Israel, Canaan, and Christianity, and finally, Alex and other atheist TH-camrs. I think most Christians listen to preachers and motivational or therapist type content - apologists if they really want to go deeper. It's mostly (not entirely) ex-religious people who want to get deep into this stuff.

    • @Cross-Carrier
      @Cross-Carrier 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +10

      ​@@seankelley3033 I love both. ESOTERICA is a fantastic channel. So is Let's Talk Religion

  • @danachirico623
    @danachirico623 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +303

    The Biblical history behind the scriptures is much more interesting than the shallow, modern interpretation that most people are accustomed to. Reading the biblical text from a modern perspective is just plain inaccurate.
    Thank you for bringing this information onto your platform. You’re doing great work here.👍

    • @billwalton4571
      @billwalton4571 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      But why are his sources more accurate than the Bible? In fact these people are bias against the Bible so they will pretend as if they have a superior source to it when theyve got nothing as he had to admit multiple times.

    • @user-soon300
      @user-soon300 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

      great comment ❤

    • @rhondah1587
      @rhondah1587 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +23

      Cultures evolve to adapt to the times in which they are existing in and must accommodate new information and technology to at least some extent. Regional and temporal interpretations will naturally happen and have happened throughout history. Nothing is ever static within human cultures. Religions, being human inventions, will naturally fracture and split into many different sects and forms of belief even in the same textual scripture. I hope to see the day when humanity comes to its senses and puts all religions where they belong, the category of legend and mythology.

    • @natedizzy4939
      @natedizzy4939 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      ​@rhondah1587 yeah let's throw out the reason we decide to be moral and care about objective reality and things will be better

    • @minhnguyenphanhoang4193
      @minhnguyenphanhoang4193 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +33

      @@natedizzy4939 I am a buddhist I can claim to be a moral person - or at least as moral as an average follower of Christ. So why does morality must be form your God and not mine ?

  • @TheAustinDockery
    @TheAustinDockery 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +31

    Probably the most interesting episode I have seen yet. A huge thank you to both gentlemen for this fascinating interview. Please knock on doors such as this more Mr. O’Connor!

  • @kurremkarmerruk8718
    @kurremkarmerruk8718 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +32

    What a tour de force narrative from Dr. Sledge. Talk about sitting back and weaving it all together; I couldn't even script what he just did. Each digression and topic was unpacked so pertinently (big props to Alex for marshalling the conversation with a deft touch), and all with effortless context. Deep wells of knowledge and understanding. I particularly enjoyed his read on the transitions through the Deuteronimic reforms and the Rabbinic theological innovations.
    The praise for Athanasius was intriguing, I might have to give it a try. Sounded very Manly Hall.

  • @PyrrhicPax
    @PyrrhicPax 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +354

    "I think the average ancient Israelite was just like "I don't care what you call god, as long as it rains."
    I love the idea of the ancient "average Joe" caring more about his crop yields than which god his landlord worships.

    • @Deepfake820
      @Deepfake820 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +34

      They cared about which God was worshipped but not what it's name was. In this case they wanted a storm God to water their crops

    • @jasonGamesMaster
      @jasonGamesMaster 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +23

      It's not just Justin saying this, either. If you look deeper into polytheistic beliefs around the world you find a much stronger element of reciprocity at play (and, to be sure, the Old Testament faithfully records stories of this nature, but Christianity has retextualized them so much people don't often think of it that way). A polythiestic person has a buffet of deities to worship, and so only those that "come through" on their "deals" (prayers and rites, basically) get revered.
      Very much a "If Zeus doesn't come through, see what Apollo says," kind of scenario. If you want some info on reconstructionist polytheism (modern polytheism that tries to discover what Christianity buried, not modern polytheism that just makes up stuff that sounds good) check out OceanKeltoi here on TH-cam.

    • @audreysilver-fq5rh
      @audreysilver-fq5rh 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +22

      Average Yosef*

    • @Neptunion118
      @Neptunion118 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      It's crazy when you think that our modern conception of god is so loaded with meaning yet in ancient times god was the steward of ideal natural processes. It's like rain drops have been replaced by meaning, god is now a steward for the point of existence

    • @Deepfake820
      @Deepfake820 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@Neptunion118 God isn't the steward of the process God is the process. Personifications are methods of mapping reality communicating it.

  • @WolfoxBR
    @WolfoxBR 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

    Glad to see Dr. Justin Sledge here. Truly a fantastic scholar and one of my favorite creators in the whole of TH-cam. His channel is a delight and I'm glad he got some exposition on a channel that's surely full of people who might appreciate his work. Thanks Alex!

  • @Dogpool
    @Dogpool 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +171

    As a former Jehovah’s Witness , I know that if I was a current practicing witness watching this video would probably get me shunned

    • @Aquamayne100
      @Aquamayne100 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      So glad to be out of that repressive cult. Crazy how they keep people in a cage intellectually.

    • @ekatzel3210
      @ekatzel3210 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

      It definitely would have gotten you shunned

    • @TheAmericanAmerican
      @TheAmericanAmerican 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +33

      Congrats on escaping the cult! I got out of the catholic one myself back in 2018 😁

    • @markrichter2053
      @markrichter2053 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +13

      Thanks for sharing that. It’s so interesting to hear you’re angle in how your faith group would react to you if you explored the history and origins of the Hebrew god.
      I came originally from an evangelical tradition. I could get away with studying anything. However, if I were to bring these things up in a Bible study there would have been an uncomfortable silence. No one would have engaged me and the subject would get changed. I tried this a number of times in the year before I left the faith.
      What I find fascinating is that evangelicals would see JWs as a cult. Which I think it is. But in in reality, from my experience, a lot of religious groups behave in a cult like manner, especially Evangelicals! There’s an authoritarian literalist interpretation of specific scriptures, which is extremely selective to suit their preferred theology. It’s always the scriptures and translations and interpretations that justify their own particular world view, which is extremely conservative and judgmental of those outside the group or those within the group who transgress the laws. Evangelicalism makes a lot of grace when it comes to hooking individuals into the cult, because sin-guilt-forgiveness becomes an addictive shame cycle. But in terms of social ethics, evangelical churches operate a strict legalism that’s totally at odds with their theology. But they live with a whole raft of irreconcilable theological contradictions and fanatically persue a creed that’s both inauthentic to the scriptures they claim to venerate and toxic to the culture they live in.

    • @OmniversalInsect
      @OmniversalInsect 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +17

      It amazes me how people will try to defend a group that promotes shunning of members who seek knowledge. And claim that it isn't a cult.

  • @SeanMach
    @SeanMach 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Wow, what a fantastic conversation! I want to hear more of Dr. Sledge. Please have him back.

  • @FluidThinker
    @FluidThinker 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +124

    Isn't it crazy that I've been researching this topic the last few days, even watching Esoterica and then you upload a video about it.. thanks. Keep going!

    • @thepooaprinciple5144
      @thepooaprinciple5144 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      Careful following "Synchronicities", the final stop is being chosen.

    • @Jaymastia
      @Jaymastia 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @@thepooaprinciple5144 explain further...

    • @guaporeturns9472
      @guaporeturns9472 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      Seems Zoroastrianism is one of the earliest version of monotheism

    • @allensnea9335
      @allensnea9335 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      same

    • @Kyle111
      @Kyle111 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      The lord works in mysterious ways 🙌🏻

  • @AustinOKeeffe
    @AustinOKeeffe 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +45

    I've heard bits and pieces about the development of Judaism and Christianity over the years but this was a great summary given more or less in chronological order giving the influences on these religions and the meanings of theological beliefs. One of the best discussions on the subjects I have watched. It would take years of study to know all this so it is great to learn it in a more concise way. Thanks to both of you.

    • @lauchlanguddy1004
      @lauchlanguddy1004 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      and all utter garbage... people believe in these ..."gods"?? its two gods , its one god, its a storm god, its Baal, its married, its divorced, its a storm God that made the universe, its a bull.... its all bull. Lets steal a country

  • @seekingtruth3825
    @seekingtruth3825 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    This is an excellent interview! Well done Alex, and as always, I appreciate Justin's approachable teaching style

  • @andeez4663
    @andeez4663 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +47

    I would have loved to heard more on the influence of Zoroastrianism on Judaism during the Babylonian period

    • @perpetuostudens8819
      @perpetuostudens8819 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

      Yes, I think it's influence is most likely vastly underrated. Ahura Mazda=God (monotheism), Ahuriman=Devil, + angels, end of world etc

    • @JosephVargas-ck8zj
      @JosephVargas-ck8zj 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I Think Muslim identity why erased the face not recognize the muslim statue
      Yes babylon

    • @warrior4christ578
      @warrior4christ578 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

      the other way around LOL

    • @nmvhr
      @nmvhr 9 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@warrior4christ578 Zarathushtra and his message are ~4 thousand years old now 😂

    • @warrior4christ578
      @warrior4christ578 9 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@nmvhr incorrect zoroastrian was invented during the Persian Empire. The Babylonian empire fell for pagan worship by the Persian Empire. There Persian empire free the Jews from captivity, in doing so Daniel become the 2nd most powerful man in all the Persian empire and was the Leader of the wise men, magicians, fortune tellers, seers and wizards. Daniel was not a pagan but worshiped the GOD of the BIBLE and foretold prophecy of the coming world. Certain wise men under Daniel rule did not like daniel and tried to have him killed but ended up dying themselves from a brutal death from the King of Persia. (Daniel and the lions den)
      Then about a 100 years later give or take Zoroastrians was created by false teacher in Persia to mislead people from the GOD of the Bible, why? Because the Persian King accepted the GOD of the Bible (GOD of the Hebrew-Judeo Christians)

  • @garycpriestley
    @garycpriestley 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +49

    Absolutely FASCINATING conversation! I learned so much and it gives the context to the early bible so well.

    • @stephenzaccardelli5863
      @stephenzaccardelli5863 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Just Alex BTW is bound to beautifully bring out a eureka momentous response in zoroastrian ✡️ monks

  • @dylanjames8792
    @dylanjames8792 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Insightful and informative! Justin Sledge has an amazing wealth of knowledge to offer. Thank you for posting this!

  • @Philanthrophxyz
    @Philanthrophxyz 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +48

    As a believer and bible nerd I had mixed feelings going into this video, but was suprised to come away from it encouraged and intrigued. TH-camrs like the late Michael Heiser, Michael Jones, Tim Mackie, and others have put out a lot of content from a similar viewpoint, but from the other side of the fence so to speak. This content was amazing and the conversation was brilliant and sparked a fresh interest!
    A few notes from some of the topics:
    That the early Israelites struggled with polytheism and pagan patheon worship leaking into their belief system shouldn't come as a surprise. Reading the end of Joshua (chapter 24) kind of spells that one out. The note about the God of Israel having prominent attributes to that of war, conquest, and raiding makes sense considereing the book of Judges (read Judges 2:16 it's literally what they were put into place for). In one breath you point out the fact that we have little to no info about how Yahweh was viewed early on and then with the next breath you seem to push the claim that they only viewed Him in relation to war and storms. That to me is a little bit of a stretch and the biblical text suggest that he was viewed much more complexly even early on. I think the attacks on the bull worship within the northern tribe was related the actions of King Jeroboam after the split of Nothern Israel and Southern Judea, through there are similar elements to the story in Exodus. Sacred geography is definitely a thing in biblical literature and it was indeed common practice to have dwellings for deities, yet in that same text you have verses like 1 Kings 8:27, 2 Chronicles 2:6, and Jeremiah 23:24 that suggest that view was challenged among some Isralites in relation to Yahweh, some of which would have been written before the destruction of the temple by Babylon. I would argue, looking at literature from the prophets, that post temple theology was already present long before the pharisees came into play and was culminated in Jesus. From 1:01:52 onwards there are a lot of interesting theories brought up that could each be a topic of debate and scrutiny.
    Again though, this discussion overall was much enjoyed. Thank you both.

    • @amu7379
      @amu7379 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I think a lot of atheists overexaggerate how this is supposed to be some sort of shocking revelation for Christians. Maybe it's an Evangelical thing but as a Catholic I've always known that the Biblical narrative literally has the Israelites constantly worshipping polytheistic deities, and theologically it doesn't really bother me that people had a flawed understanding of capital G God as religion is supposed to be mankind's progressive revelation in the Christian narrative.

    • @ancientfiction5244
      @ancientfiction5244 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

      ​​​@@amu7379 It should be obvious to you that a primitive Hebrew war/storm god that indulges in animal sacrifices, loves the smell of burnt meat, who battles mythological sea creatures like other fictional gods from ancient Canaan, who can't help the Israelites overcome iron chariots and who evolved over time from one of many tribal gods and patron deities to become "God of the universe" is obviously man made.
      Whether or not there's some sort of god or higher power that created the universe, who knows?

    • @EVANSSAMUELBIJU
      @EVANSSAMUELBIJU 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Hey yo!It would be amazing to talk more on this and share information.Are you on any Bible,Chrstianity related discord servers or other sites?

    • @ryanerwin1544
      @ryanerwin1544 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +20

      ​@ancientfiction5244
      What's obvious to me is people who strawman other beliefs in order to tear them down lack wisdom and discernment and shouldn't be taken seriously.

    • @amu7379
      @amu7379 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@ancientfiction5244 Even if we grant all of that dubious speculation, I don't see how that follows. God revealing himself to a people with a highly deficient theology and understanding of Him is the motif throughout the entire Bible. At the end of the day we see through reason and revelation that the only God that makes sense is the God of the philosophers.

  • @interestedbaldy
    @interestedbaldy 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    The most interesting and invigorating interview I have seen in a while. Thank you both.

  • @AkaedatheLogtoad
    @AkaedatheLogtoad 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Holy shit I didn’t know y’all were doing an episode together! This is awesome.

  • @erenjaegersrightbicep63
    @erenjaegersrightbicep63 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Such as amazing and informative conversation! I've always been a fan of the sort of archaic and mainstream adjacent religions and mythos, Demonology, Panagism, so on and so forth, and this evidence based and impartial dive into the history of theology was such a treat. The conversation flowed well and goes to show just how great of an academician Dr Sledge is!

  • @nickhumphreys2638
    @nickhumphreys2638 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Amazing. Loved it. Definitely keen to see more of this type of content. Fascinating 🙏🏼

  • @limecandy7099
    @limecandy7099 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    This is a fascinating video and a great addition to your first one Dr. Sledge. Thank you both!
    P.s. would it be possible to add Dr. Sledge name to the title?

  • @KeenanCrow
    @KeenanCrow 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

    Gonna have to watch more Dr. Sledge after this. Great episode.

  • @leahandriley
    @leahandriley 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Excellent guest. The depth of subject knowledge on display is truly Ehrmanian! Thank you Justin for sharing

  • @historywithhilbert146
    @historywithhilbert146 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Super interesting conversation so thank you Alex and Professor Sledge. You've mentioned his ideas a few times in interviews, Alex, so would you consider talking to Tom Holland? I think yous would have a great discussion on the role of Christianity in shaping modern Western morality.

  • @mirelchirila
    @mirelchirila 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +285

    The funniest part of this whole new atheist thing is the fact that in the end they end up knowing more about the religion than most practicing people .

    • @7.2
      @7.2 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Usually religious people are blind, Jews tend to be more educated.

    • @funkatron101
      @funkatron101 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +85

      Amusing but not at all surprising. Skepticism isn't born out of ignorance.

    • @y5anger
      @y5anger 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +27

      Some of them. Early online atheist activists either seem to have become amateur historians of religion or regressive culture warriors. Probably speaks to the two motives of new atheism- a love of truth and contrarianism.

    • @drooskie9525
      @drooskie9525 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      That's more-so because most people aren't intellectual types. Not even atheists. Most claimed atheists aren't even truly atheist either.
      People really need to think a little more critically about what these terms mean. Most atheists don't actually understand religion. They understand it in a very superficial way, and only from their philosophical materialism point of view. They do not understand the ancient mind.

    • @eoinc9511
      @eoinc9511 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Anti religious intellectuals invariably have a better grasp of history and culture than those who join the religious cults of the earth.
      Understanding is something that happens when you don’t rely on “faith” as an answer.

  • @moontreeboutique7995
    @moontreeboutique7995 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Man, i love Dr. Sledge!! @theEsotericaChannel is the BEST!

  • @jasonmartinez9008
    @jasonmartinez9008 9 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    This conversation connected so many dots and added context to my understanding of biblical authors that I didn’t realize I needed. Appreciate y’all so much.

  • @butter_nut1817
    @butter_nut1817 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Usually call-in podcasts are out of sync but this was super smooth. Good job

    • @canchero724
      @canchero724 5 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      Yahweh made sure we are entertained by his story.

  • @humn_rights
    @humn_rights 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +22

    Being of Muslim background, this episode is mind-blowing to me, which makes me relate how all religions of the ME look much more similar to each other. In some aspects, they overlap and sometimes transition from one to another in non homogeneous but gradual. Over geography, tribes, languages, and time. It feels like a one peace of very long symphony of different episodes.

    • @DaniilDimitrov
      @DaniilDimitrov 9 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

      Welcome to the awaken world bother.

    • @smillstill
      @smillstill 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      The difficulty in finding a common ground in religions is really paradoxical considering the interdependency they had on each other in their origins and early development.

    • @humn_rights
      @humn_rights 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @smillstill I am speculating that It could be related to psychology of derby, I mean the rivalry becomes more intense when the competition is closer to home. In English football league, the rivalry is more intense when the teams playing are from the same city.

    • @yf1177
      @yf1177 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Because all mortal humans yearn for some kind of transcendence and salvation, even if these are illusions and delusions.

    • @humn_rights
      @humn_rights 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @yf1177 Yes, and they lead to unfortunate consequences between groups following their great great great ...... grandfathers. I think secularism has an important role in world peace.

  • @Kingstanding23
    @Kingstanding23 8 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Strangely, I think about these origins often but don’t have anyone to talk to about them. Thank you so much for making this at this moment.

  • @Dragoon803
    @Dragoon803 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Great discussion. I love throwing these videos on in the background while I do stuff.

  • @jnorris0712
    @jnorris0712 23 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    This was the best interview so far. Huge fan of Esoterica. Please have him in again.

  • @nietzschescodes
    @nietzschescodes 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    I just loved that interview. Great guest!

  • @Picasso_Picante92
    @Picasso_Picante92 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Never seen Alex so happy. He was in his element. Good for him.

  • @sarahk5380
    @sarahk5380 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Two of my favorite TH-camrs coming together and taking about one of my favorite subjects. Instant favorite.

  • @blackbeauty5817
    @blackbeauty5817 10 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    This is definitely my favourite episode of within reason. Dr. Sledge's work is so interesting

  • @beanndip
    @beanndip 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Justin Sledge has one of the best youtube channels. Awesome sauce

  • @piaraskelly1038
    @piaraskelly1038 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Informative is an understatement, fantastic discussion

  • @Stoneworks
    @Stoneworks 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Couple of my favorite creators, love it

  • @spicysealion-et8kf
    @spicysealion-et8kf 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Thank you Alex and Justin, this talk was so enriching. I had previously read there was a major evolution during the exile but this put so much meat to it.

  • @taipingwashighaf6514
    @taipingwashighaf6514 10 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    The idea of gods and deities having a physical dwelling and control over a territory can be found in all ancient religions and traditions. A very fascinating example was the ritual of "evocatio" performed by the Romans in the republican period and it was literally evoking the gods from an enemy city or territory and bribing them to come to Rome where they would be offered better worship, temples and offerings.

  • @joshdb142
    @joshdb142 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

    I like how the Bible addresses this very thing, saying "i appeared to your fathers but i did not make my name known to them". Which is interesting whether you are a believer or not i think.

    • @billwalton4571
      @billwalton4571 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I see "but in my name Iehouah was I not known unto them". This may disrupt these guys narrative.

    • @joshdb142
      @joshdb142 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@billwalton4571 what version?

    • @Philitron128
      @Philitron128 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      ​@@billwalton4571Apparently not because different religions have very different theologies.
      That verse sounds like convenient hand waving to me.

    • @joshdb142
      @joshdb142 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      @@billwalton4571 ‭Exodus 6:3 NKJV‬
      [3] I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.

    • @billwalton4571
      @billwalton4571 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@joshdb142 Tyndale version and KJV is pretty much the same.

  • @stranger2Utube
    @stranger2Utube 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    This was a phantastic conversation, thank you so very much!
    P.S. I was very surprised by Alex saying that it's all new to him, which made me realise I unconsciously assume Alex knows everything 😂

  • @BerryCran420
    @BerryCran420 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    This interview was fascinating beyond belief. 👏

  • @Peace-Weaver
    @Peace-Weaver 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +22

    Yaaah! weh have been waiting for an episode like this for some time. Excellent episode, straight fire!

    • @ginismoja2459
      @ginismoja2459 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      We have the same profile picture...

  • @hugoohta4437
    @hugoohta4437 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

    Best conversation on Abrahamic religion I think I've ever listened to

  • @Teejaye1100
    @Teejaye1100 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Alex and Dr. Sledge are huge and valuable to humanity. This type of work is so therapeutic and it really shows the truth of things. I’m taking all type of notes.

  • @LesActive
    @LesActive 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

    This feels like tattling and I'm here for it. Great show!

  • @panta_rhei.26
    @panta_rhei.26 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    Esoterica is one of my favorite TH-cam channels, and now this is one of my favorite episodes of Within Reason. Great conversation Alex ✌🏻

  • @spyro5484
    @spyro5484 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +206

    stop promoting betterhelp.

    • @Kryptic712
      @Kryptic712 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

      why

    • @StuntpilootStef
      @StuntpilootStef 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@Kryptic712 It's a terrible company that underpays its workers and has no interest in actually providing care. This has been documented extensively for years.

    • @TheMrblobbie
      @TheMrblobbie 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@Kryptic712 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a proposed action against the online therapy service BetterHelp, Inc. for mishandling consumers' private health information, particularly regarding mental health issues, and using it for advertisement purposes.

    • @DylanGeick
      @DylanGeick 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +36

      @@Kryptic712they’ve been accused of some malpractice in making mental health work into a gig economy kinda like Uber

    • @Fixedopinion
      @Fixedopinion 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​​@@DylanGeick I went to a mental health facility in my town, official mental health office of the city. I'm having a real hard time maintaining life, tied to this is financial difficulties, and going to this facility cost 295 dollars a visit. I went weekly, my financial difficulties were made apparent in the sessions. I believe that mental health is a responsibility of the church, not a career practice.
      And this exact experience illustrates my point. I went, explained that I was struggling in life, it was very much effecting my ability to hold a job and therefore pay for things. I have a 1095 dollar bill to pay. Adding to my mental health which was largely coupled with anxiety. I think any career that leverages someones need or health to make an abnormal amount of money fits into your category of malpractice. 295 dollars a hour. But they are professionals and their time is extremely valuable so I guess you could just add it to the side effects: financial burden. Lol
      Anyway, I think Betterhelp is a legitimate platform for therapy. There is no difference, and it's cheaper. So team Betterhelp!!!! Lol

  • @graemem111
    @graemem111 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +25

    No way! Two of my favourite TH-cam guys, together? Amazing work guys. Content, style and delivery par excellence. Thanks, both.

  • @RVP4Crew
    @RVP4Crew 6 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thank you for this content: opening up history and ideas this way makes my day!

  • @Queenread82
    @Queenread82 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Thank you. This is interesting and thought provoking. I was surprised when you said it had been two hours.

  • @SimonSpalinger
    @SimonSpalinger 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    When ever I want my faith deepened and strengthened I now can also turn to this channel❤

    • @krembryle7903
      @krembryle7903 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +7

      And it strengthens my atheism too ❤️

    • @Son_of_zeus
      @Son_of_zeus 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      and it strengthens my polytheism too!

  • @owenmcmahon3511
    @owenmcmahon3511 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +34

    heyooo big 1 hour 45 minute pod drop, thank you alex, you rock

    • @whisperingleaves
      @whisperingleaves 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      in other words, Yahooooo!

    • @wannabe_scholar82
      @wannabe_scholar82 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Only an hour and 45 minutes 🥲

    • @neikodigg4964
      @neikodigg4964 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Not a 5 hour conversation?! Very big mistake Alex! Unsubscribed! (Kidding)

    • @BennyAscent
      @BennyAscent 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Could've been 3 hours and I'd have been over the moon

  • @fudgesauce
    @fudgesauce 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I just finished listening to the podcast version and I have to say it was not only my favorite podcast of yours, Alex, but one of my favorite podcasts of all time.

  • @baraharonovich2926
    @baraharonovich2926 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Fabulous! this was fascinating. even though I am somewhat familiar with most of what was discussed it gave me certain clarity on the historical narrative that I didn’t have before which is super meaningful. Thank you so much!

  • @koenigcochran
    @koenigcochran 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

    Amazing. My favorite interview you've done so far

  • @melo5303
    @melo5303 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +6

    This is the best and most unexpected cross over to show up on my feed! And I’m here for it

  • @BSwenson
    @BSwenson 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Another fantastic conversation, Alex. Wow!

  • @TheRealShrike
    @TheRealShrike 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    This interview with Dr Sledge is fantastically riveting. More of this! More of this! You've had many great episodes and this may be my favorite. He introduced new material to me as well. Why have I never heard of little Yahweh?

  • @xoanwahn
    @xoanwahn 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Always a fascinating discussion, when it comes to the origin of this deity and cult, etc. It would be amazing if we could get a list of Biblical books or passages divided according to whether scholars think they emerged in the north vs south, so we could have a better idea of what each cult believed, emphasized, etc. The question being, had the northern kingdom not fallen and the two Israelite populations not merged, what would each kingdom's holy text look like? What would a northern Bible be vs a southern Bible? This could then be expanded to include commentary based on archeological findings and comparative mythology (Syria/Syro-Hittite Kingdoms/Mesopotamia vs Egypt), etc. That would be an incredible book to have.

  • @BenJuan123
    @BenJuan123 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +22

    Saw the title of this episode and was expecting an interview with Francesa Stavrakopoulou - literally gasped when my boy Justin Sledge popped up on screen. Great episode 🙏

  • @edwardoapc
    @edwardoapc 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Don't get me wrong, Alex always brings top notch content and guests, but this has been the most awesome episode for me in a long time.

  • @RealTrentertainment
    @RealTrentertainment 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Great episode! I love this junk! Super informative. Listening to your Josh Bowen ep sent me on a deep dive. I never knew the Bible could be so interesting lol.

  • @daudazai
    @daudazai 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    so after hearing this I fell on my knees and found no-one to worship and decided to start playing the accordion instead! Win-win all round (except for my neighbour) ! Stonkingly mesmerificent!

    • @Max__apex
      @Max__apex 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      One the forehead on the ground then Allah is who you will find

    • @sananton2821
      @sananton2821 2 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@Max__apex speak English

  • @Wilson-Jr
    @Wilson-Jr 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    "The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook." (Psalm 77 : 18) Hail Odin, I mean, Yahweh!

  • @WeyounSix
    @WeyounSix 9 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    One of the things I like about you Alex is you are exceedingly genuine, and I think that is why a lot of religious people are fine debating or otherwise having discussions with you, you are honest and un-hostile, and simply want to open a larger discussion. I really really respect it.

  • @danielsmith6436
    @danielsmith6436 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Man, this is good! Thank you both.

  • @jhunt5578
    @jhunt5578 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Fascinating. One of the best podcasts this channel has put out imo. Will definitely be subscribing to Esoterica.

  • @timothyice463
    @timothyice463 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

    As a fan of the Esoterica channel long before I discovered Alex’s content, when I saw “Esoterica” in the podcast title for this episode I thought my app was glitching. When I realized it wasn’t I was so stoked. Legit two of my favorite channels right here.. hell yes👏

    • @AkaedatheLogtoad
      @AkaedatheLogtoad 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      I discovered them the other way around but nonetheless was so happy. I am burning through Esoterica. I can’t get enough of it.

  • @vanessa1569
    @vanessa1569 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    How very niche and interesting. You’re a star Alex, good stuff 👌

  • @ripleycravin1078
    @ripleycravin1078 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I was pretty pumped when I saw this crossover. Did not disappoint.

  • @feliloki7
    @feliloki7 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +14

    Love Dr. Sledge and am really happy to see him platformed on your show!

  • @garrgravarr
    @garrgravarr 13 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Awesomely rich discussion! Dr Sledge is pure rolled gold.

    • @garrgravarr
      @garrgravarr 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@billwalton4571 How's that? Be specific. Provide an example.
      EDIT: So this was just an emotional outburst. Got it.

    • @garrgravarr
      @garrgravarr 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@billwalton4571 Good job setting out your criticisms so eloquently buddy 👍

    • @garrgravarr
      @garrgravarr 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@billwalton4571 *you're

    • @billwalton4571
      @billwalton4571 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@garrgravarr you stupid fake scientist with no evidence

    • @billwalton4571
      @billwalton4571 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@garrgravarr your father was a monkey, mine wasn't.

  • @MegaDonzee
    @MegaDonzee 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    So good, I learned so much and enjoyed this!

  • @pilotnamealreadytaken6035
    @pilotnamealreadytaken6035 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Great collaboration
    Top tier content. Thank you

  • @skepticalbutopen4620
    @skepticalbutopen4620 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +12

    This was a thoroughly interesting conversation.

  • @ChristopherAndTheLostBinoculer
    @ChristopherAndTheLostBinoculer 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    Amazingly wellspoken scholar!

  • @kredonystus7768
    @kredonystus7768 10 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    My favourite of your guests so far. Super interesting listening to him outside the context of his own channel. It's one thing to be able to make scripted videos on this stuff, it's another entirely to field questions for 2 hours. Really proves how much he knows.

  • @aarongibson8179
    @aarongibson8179 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Sobering. Thanks for a great interview, both of you. So clean and pointed in the questions. Never convoluted, and such honest answers.

  • @leonardofink4236
    @leonardofink4236 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    One of my favorite podcasts to date Alex! Thank you for the conversation.
    The only thing I didn't like, it's that it wasn't longer.

  • @madjarov42
    @madjarov42 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +8

    What an unexpected but welcome crossover episode. Love this dude's dad jokes on his channel.

  • @sethyarborough356
    @sethyarborough356 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I learned so much from this interview!

  • @giuseppersa2391
    @giuseppersa2391 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    The two of you together has made a superb episode! 🇿🇦😎✌️🌹🌹

  • @auntied4950
    @auntied4950 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    Wow, the time flew! Thank you for this very interesting talk! 🏆

    • @efegokselkisioglu8218
      @efegokselkisioglu8218 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Nice profile pick. I bet you are a very nice person.

    • @avryeditz
      @avryeditz 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@efegokselkisioglu8218yeah i bet😂😂

    • @seanrush3723
      @seanrush3723 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      One of those times I had to turn off 2x speed😂. Dr. Sledge has an awesome channel, I can't recommend it enough. Cheers 😊

  • @therongjr
    @therongjr 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    I seriously wish Dr. Sledge was my personal friend.

  • @LandanJ
    @LandanJ 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    This information and history is fascinating to me. It feels like it scratched an intellectual itch (is the best way I can put it). Top tier conversation!

  • @Epoch11
    @Epoch11 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Wonderful dialogue you both had, and I learned two new words, euhemerize and hermeneuitic, which I must admit I don't use in my daily speech. And also steel manning your opponent maybe one of the best things I've ever heard in terms of debating someone or simply engaging in conversation.

  • @SeekingTruth2023
    @SeekingTruth2023 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +9

    Mr. Sledge has interesting things on his desk. What is he brewing? 😉
    Haven't watched the whole video yet, but thank you for the interesting topic!

    • @rawcopper604
      @rawcopper604 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      meth.

    • @pansepot1490
      @pansepot1490 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +4

      Check his channel. He recently made a video about home brewing something following the recipe from an ancient alchemy book.

    • @SeekingTruth2023
      @SeekingTruth2023 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@pansepot1490 thanks. I didnt know that. I will visit his channel.

  • @jamentrojcak2852
    @jamentrojcak2852 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +17

    THIS IS THE CROSSOVER IVE BEEN WAITING FOR

    • @funkatron101
      @funkatron101 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Now they just need to add Dan McClellan.

    • @jamentrojcak2852
      @jamentrojcak2852 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@funkatron101real

  • @Acewarren
    @Acewarren 12 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Fantastic learning experience! Thank you for having this conversation.
    There was only one issue that I came across. The fact that Alex has somehow failed to experience the greatness that is Dungeons and Dragons! 😆 If I am ever in the same town as you Alex I would happily DM a D&D session for you 👍

  • @goldenvalkyrie7142
    @goldenvalkyrie7142 7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    What an intresting conversation. I was hooked the entire 2 hours!