This is a personal message for Christians struggling with confusion and concern over loved ones leaving the faith. If you don't understand what's happening, these 18 minutes might help.
When I told my parents over two decades ago, that “I’m an atheist”, my mother said (in horror), “I didn’t raise you that way”. That one sentence made my point. It was never my choice. I was told what to believe.
Same here with my older brother. I researched family bringing and found diss functional family's . When parents make the children parents its a Sign of harsh Narcissism and sort of hereditary like many American behaviors. some more or less strict in religion of denominational colts.
This alone is quite condescending! It implies that you should "shut up and accept/take it" and that you aren't allowed to have your own opinion, adult or not! Then again (my non-fanatic or non-zealot father, who is not crusading or trying to do missionary work or something) I got compared with a dumb animal - "Believe is the only thing that makes us different from animals!" (yeah, thank you daddy, how kind of you to compare me to whatever animal you were think of at that point!)
I simply searching for truth being brushed off the in some way also? Belief and eating animals is o.k. but, treating humans the same whether your family or not is Ludacris" in its sick fact it calls reality.@@dreamingflurry2729
When you have a brother who Raises you in your family as it was in my family when my parents used us children when we are supposed to be in school doing homework or playing out side? we were not fully developed!!! this continues today as Narcissism in the Dysfunctional religious family's of America USA. the only difference today in some cases families might have a care provider but less trained educated and not fully developed. the answer is family's financial cases trusting religion more than Education interrupts just like the Bible admits and Ministries' tell us today. Staying Dumb is better than the ever lasting gates of hell fire! Said, Minister Joyce Myers top television Evangelist 2 weeks ago .
From Nebraska here. A VERY red and Christian state. It’s very difficult to have this conversation in the vast majority of this State. Even if you show up to the conversation wanting to be receptive and understanding of the other side, the conversation is never in good faith and always turns into a sales pitch. When the sales pitch fails, it turns into a threat of hell. It’s very disheartening. I did not change relationships with the believers. Believers changed their relationships towards me. Which is shame. I hope that your message reaches as many people as possible, Seth. Your channel was instrumental in my deconstruction and my path forward.
You need to treat them with as much love as you can muster, because then they will think, "Hey, that goddamned atheist wasn't so bad as I thought they were!"
So.....they take out the Flame Thrower in the end....well I suppose that gave you an idea of what World War II was like...Hell on Earth...🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🩸🩸🩸🪦🪦⚰️⚰️
Sorry for what you are going through. I am from Omaha originally but left in my 20's because I saw the writing on the wall ( in the early 80's). Best thing I did was head for Denver to make a life there and later, moved to the Pacific Northwest. Good people there but if you do not vote and believe like they do and they find out about it, you are ostracized at best. We never used to discuss politics or religion when I was growing up. That started to change with the election of Reagan and the rise of the "Christian right". If you can't leave the state, consider moving to Omaha because at least there, you will find many with whom you have lots in common with. Stay safe and free.
I am an atheist (could you tell?) that chooses not to reveal myself publicly. My close friends know I'm atheist, but for personal reasons, I choose to remain anonymous. Some day, when conditions are right, I'll let everyone know where I stand. I'm glad there are atheists like Seth who are willing to work with religious people in a fully accepting way. I like the message: take YOUR journey in YOUR own way, being authentic to yourself.
I have been an atheist since the fall of 2010. My spouse is still a believer and just can't wrap her head around why I have made the decisions I have. I have forwarded this video to her this morning. She will probably never understand, but maybe if she's will to watch, it might help at least a little. I think she feels betrayed, since I was an ardent Christian when we met and that is no longer the case.
@@gsp3428 i'd bet she married Steven due in no small part to the fact that he is just a decent and respectable and thoughtful human being. it's easy to see, even just reading your comment Steven, that nothing has changed there
Believe in True God. God sent His only Son to keep us OUT of hell by Christ's perfect sacrifice! God gives ALL mankind the freedom to choose heaven or hell, we choose heaven by clinging to Jesus, and trusting the finished work of the cross ... But people who decide to reject the Way to heaven the Lord Jesus. (THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD) have already CHOSEN eternal hell, PLEASE THINK ABOUT It and FOLLOW JESUS! while it's STILL NOT too late!
@@aprilmay7816 and how do you supposedly know all that? The bible? The fictional folklore and legends and tales borrowed from other older religions and passed off to the indoctrinated brainwashed masses as "the word of god"? It's a fiction. Man-made. Nothing true or divinely inspired about any of it. And I say as that someone who DID believe in all of it 40+ years before "the truth set me free" and I realized it was utterly and wholly made up. Fabricated fairy tales...nothing more.
I was a non-religion person - not yet an atheist and I did not belong to any religious denomination. I fell deeply in love with a young woman to whom I have been married with for 45 years. We were married in the Catholic Church and one of the promises required was to raise any children in the Catholic faith. I allowed this to happen. Although neither my wife or daughter are involved in the Catholic Church now, I now regret fulfilling that promise. As I look back, such training to believe was part of a generational system of brainwashing young children to believe mythology is fact with the insertion of the horrific concepts of guilt, fear and belief of being sinful simply on the basis of another fantasy Adam and Eve. So, yes, I get along with all of my wife's relatives, but I do not view their projections of wanting to me believe as sincerity, but rather an extension of the very effective brainwashing developed. I do not reject my relatives and friends, but I deeply reject the foundation upon which they have had their beliefs created for them.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Millions of non-Catholic husbands have been duped by the Catholic Church. They just didn't know the secret to avoid committing to this shameful promise was simply to cross their fingers (or their toes) when they made the promise. What was the Catholic Church going to do? Send the Jesuits (or the Opus Dei albino) after you? It wasn't a binding contract -- unless you signed something. (Did they make you sign something? If so you could claim it was done under duress.) Don't let those holier than thou Catholics push you around. The important thing is that you, your wife, and your daughter survived the Catholic indoctrination machine. That's no trivial accomplishment. You don't need to identify as an atheist. I don't call myself an atheist because I don't want to give theism any recognition. I call myself a universist. I believe in the universe of which I am a part. It was around long before I was born, and will be around long after I am dead, but my atoms will always be a part of it. No god required. No indoctrination. No bad Christian music -- except for some Christmas holiday songs. Just striving to be the best human being I can be and try not hurt anyone in the process. Your penance now is to watch atheist channels and Biblical scholars so you can learn about the history and truly appreciate the gullibility of humans. Live your life free of delusion and fear. Delight in positive nihilism, knowing that there is no god and life has no meaning, but the meaning you give it.
Teaching children religion isn’t brainwashing and is not considered brainwashing by any credible mental health group. Even a psychologist who suggested having a religious themed mental disorder added to DSM doesn’t think religion is brainwashing
@@VictoriousCatholic If a child is raised to believe mythology is true with all manner of inserted guilts and fears, that's child abuse no matter how societally accepted that abuse may be.
I'm new to the channel and appreciate your content. I have been an atheist either subconsciously or consciously almost my entire life, and I am 62 years old. I never struggled with my beliefs, I never had any. They just never took root. My family was extremely religious, and all of my many siblings are Christians. When it became clear that I was an atheist, they went through a series of attempts to bring me back to the Christian way. They ambushed me in several ways, and they used some guilt trips to try to guide me, to no avail. But I have no ill will towards them. We all get along fine, and they have mostly given up their attempts overtly to Christianize me. I think all of us have become old enough to understand that religion isn't the thing that makes you a decent or successful human being. And I think we've all come to terms with each other's beliefs.
That is an encouraging and wonderful thing to hear. I've pretty much been dropped by my bio-family. Part the reason is not about my beliefs, or lack if them, but the difference we have in the way we see the world is certainly a contributing factor. I'm so happy for you that your family has come to a kind of equilibrium with their differences in beliefs. I'm sorry to hear that it took so long for it to happen.
Quite compassionate of both you and them. I actually cut my family off for a year, knowing both the lack of connection and eventual explanation would solidify my position and get them to crank down the rest of the family. I am also very fortunate to have a compassionate family that wanted me around, regardless of my belief system. My deepest condolences to those who have intollerant families that cannot accept you based on your beliefs (or current journey, for that matter). Unfortunately, no magical sky daddy is going to change their perspective. One can only hope they witness events of compassion and start self-reflecting. That's a real challenge for christians, though. To me, "woke" means being self-aware enough to try and both sort out as well as validate how I feel about something befoe opening my gigantic yapper. Many christians interpret their feelings through the lens of their bible and magical sky daddy. I'd offer my prayerss, however, despite the fact that I do believe in an intelligence that lives outside our space/time, I have no illusions that it cares about us beyond what it can learn from our eventual self-destruction. I believe this universe is just an experiment, and the creator is curious what species develops FTL first, or becomes even more advanced than that. Thnk simulation theory, only I believe it endeavors to retain all of the intelligence it creats, and sort of mixes us in a spirit/soul/life force pool after death. I mean, everyone needs to decide for theirselves, but having faith in some sort of existence after death helps me sleep at night. YMMV.
I was never a religious person. Mom is an atheist, dad believes, but he thinks it's a personal thing -- "God is whatever you need it to be" is his description. It was a shock to me to realize that some folks take this seriously. I thought "Yeah, that's what it says, but you don't really believe that, do you?" The volume of stories of people who lived the experience I was fortunate to have never had still amazes me. This message seems like the kind of thing that shouldn't be necessary, but that's contrasted against the realization that it absolutely is. It's sad that it is necessary, but that doesn't change the fact that it is necessary. There are so many that I grew up around with this kind of weight, this kind of damage being done to them that I recognize now (but didn't at the time) that I feel like I failed all of them in presenting a rational understanding of the world around us. I wish I had been better equipped at a younger age to deal with this, but what kind of asshole would ask a kid to be the voice of reason? I had it good, in a way that many of my peers did not, and I know that now. Love the presentation, and I love that it may actually be useful in preventing the harm that extreme religious beliefs cause.
In my family, there is a Wiccan, an agnostic , a satanist , and 2 Christians. We love each other with NO judgement. We respect each other without judgement. I wish our country would work like our family.
FREE WILL means all human beings are FREE to be Atheists, Agnostics, Evolutionists, Christians or fanatic members of any Religion of their own choice. Atheists, Agnostics, Evolutionists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, SDAs, Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Born Again Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and fanatics of all kinds of Religions in the world KNOW and are fully aware that they REJECTED the authority and teachings of Jesus Christ about the "Kingdom of God" and "Resurrection of the Dead" as worthless and useless, without any value at all Jesus Christ KNOWS that thousands of years ago, he was hated, insulted, falsely accused, tortured, and murdered by arrogant, cruel, and merciless persons who REJECTED his authority and teachings about the "Kingdom of God" and "Resurrection of the Dead" as worthless and useless, no value whatsoever Jesus Christ KNOWS that through the years to present time, all lowly, ordinary, and kind persons on earth who - 1. respect and value the lives, dignities, and existence of their co-humans beings 2. willingly submit to his authority and believe his teachings about the "Kingdom of God" and "Resurrection of the Dead" as written in Matthew 28: 18, Luke 4: 43, and John 11: 25, 26. will definitely bring themselves honor and the loving, kind, and merciful Creator's favor and reward of ETERNAL LIFE and existence without sufferings, pains, griefs, sickness, and death on a safe and peaceful Earth without liars, slanderers, perverts, traitors, and murderers as written in Revelation 21: 3, 4, 8 The Creator KNOWS that all human beings will just return to dusts after their deaths just like the animals as written in Ecclesiastes 3: 19, 20 ; 9: 5, 6 but he knows too that the teaching of Jesus Christ about the "RESURRECTION of the DEAD" is the guarantee that he will not let all loving, kind, and respectful persons on earth who died recently and thousands of years ago like Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Job, King David, Jesus Christ's Followers, and many others to remain as worthless dusts forever, instead, in the right and proper time, he will let Jesus Christ RESURRECT them back to life so they can happily, abundantly, and peacefully live and exist on earth forever as submissive and obedient subjects and citizens of the "KINGDOM of GOD" or His Kingdom and fully enjoy his and his Christ's eternal love, kindness, goodness, generosities, compassions, favors, and blessings for eternity under the loving and kind rulership, guidance, and protection of Jesus Christ as his Chosen King and Ruler of the heavens and the earth as written in Revelation 11: 15.
I'm just happy to see there are still some atheists who don't feel the need to engage in agnostic-erasure because that kind of behavior is needlessly toxic.
I'm genuinely curious as to how Christians can look upon non-Christians without judgment. Don't Christians claim to know that Jesus is the one and only way to God, and the only way to gain eternal life and salvation? How can a Christian look at an atheist or a Satanist and not feel anything but pity for them because they won't share in that same salvation? That sounds judgmental to me.
@@GodcodeX77 Their parents are to blame for the family loving and respecting each other?? Probably technically true I guess but that's some strange phrasing.
I really want to send this to my mom. We live in Malaysia instead of the US though and don't enjoy the same amount of religious freedom but I remember her crying intensely when I told her of my deconversion from Christianity. Thanks for this.
well i think it's more that god has been shown to be not the almighty he thought he was, i have more rights than god and everywhere god goes, the satanic temple can go too.
@@zedmeinhardt3404 to me it seems like no one wants to restrict religious freedoms until anyone outside the big 3 wants the same privileges. From my perspective, if everyone was actually allowed to practice as they pleased we wouldn't have so many issues (speaking in the context of American society specifically) *I realize my words might sound harsh I'm genuinely interested in a dialogue*
@@Kaltag2278 I think we agree. I'm not Christian for what that matters. If the government is going to allow one religious group to place statues/etc on public property, then any and all should be welcome.
This is just as much a letter to those struggling with guilt after starting to doubt faith or walking away from religion. I would wager that it can be just as hard to start the process knowing you're going to hurt people along the way as it is to watch it happen as a believer.
absolutely. i think a lot of atheists see their family and friends as simply people... not christians or muslims or buddhists, etc. seeing their faults is part of it yes, as we all have faults, but more than that they see the parts of them that are truly good - the things that are truly endearing about them. those traits would be there and available, regardless whether one knew what their religious beliefs were... and it breaks a lot of our hearts as atheists to know we might be hurting such people... people that DO have goodness in them because it's part of who they are... people that we love.
@@calldwnthesky6495 This is exactly what I feel for my deeply religious mum and the rest of my family. The deeper she's gotten into it in the last years, the further away I've been moving from faith, and now I consider myself to be an atheist. I didn't want to tell her out-right because I knew she'd be heartbroken for me and I had no reason to do it to her till it actually affects my life (like if I plan to get married and don't want a church wedding). She still figured it out on her own, at least the fact that I don't go to church anymore. I haven't heard one word of rebuke from her (I'm sure she prays for me daily!). We just focus on what connects us and make the most of our time together. She's still the best person I know, and the person I love the most in the world, even if politically we disagree on almost everything.
Seth, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video! My own Christianity is wavering and I know my Christian friends and family are concerned about me. I am sharing this one.
Not one damn reply. Seth doesn’t care, neither do these atheist. You have come too far. Do not forget your true identity. Highest level of self and identity is God. Go back to God.
Good message. The only thing a Christian like me should say to a loved one who loses/struggles with their faith: "You are on your own journey. I love you and I am here for you." I don't believe in conditional love as I felt loved well before I became a Christian. It hurts me when people put their belief over their children, friends etc. My family are agnostic/ atheist and we respect each other for our journeys.
I'm glad you are mature enough to see it this way. I grew up in a high control religion and have lost most of my family and friends because I stopped sharing their faith.
@@dianahill5116 We all need money in western society and yes religion can easily be misused to con people out of theirs. Doesn't change my faith though.
So Paul Harvey is the one Seth was reminding me of. and that's the rest of the story instead of 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 - blast off or someting like that? lol 👍@@sirclarkmarz
My journey was slightly different. I was raised in the church, but never believed the far fetched stories that they were preaching. I recognized the brainwashing and wanted no part of it. I left religion altogether by age 20, over 50 years ago. For almost all of those years I had a live and let live attitude about Christianity, as my family and some friends were Christians. That has now changed as I watch the church preaching hate and intolerance toward those they disagree with, and getting into right wing politics and pushing for Christian nationalism. I have drawn the line at them forcing their beliefs onto everyone else. Keep religion in the church, home, and personal lives and out of government. America doesn't need or want a Christian Taliban.
Seth, when you just sit with us, and talk to us from your heart and from your brilliant mind, you change us. You teach us. Thanks for sharing - you make this world better.
Much as I agree with your sentiment, I think this is a counterproductive comment in case of a video that specifically aims to help people build bridges over their differences, as opposed to alienating them from each other. There's time for venting and for broad-stroke statements, but... is this really it? I deconverted a few years ago, and before and during that process I was lucky to be surrounded with atheist friends who were happy to talk to me about everything and accepted me as I was. I'm convinced that if, instead of them, I was surrounded with atheists who jumped on every chance to speak badly of my then-beliefs, not only it would not have helped me on my deconversion journey, it would have actually stalled me. And I'm sure that's not your goal 🙂
You seem very angry: that is NO improvement from honoring God and putting others first in service to help them. At least what Christianity teaches. I am sure in your eyes Christianity is the worst religion: most American atheists don't even think about the horrors Islam is doing around the world.
@@AW-uv3cb Building bridges is one thing, but that doesn't mean giving up your own beliefs or feeling you can't express yourself. I, too, have had it with Christians judging me or anyone else they disagree with, and I've certainly had it with their arrogant attitude and attempting to force their beliefs on everyone else. That includes right wing politics, book banning in schools, and women's rights, as well as their intolerance toward the LGBT community. And as far as God is great, they have ignored the pain and suffering in this world. Would a great and loving God allow innocent children to suffer birth defects or childhood cancer? That imaginary, invisible diety in the sky is pretty difficult to praise. It's hard to build a bridge when religion demands it is built on their terms.
This is very timely. I just shared this with my closest, most beloved brother who is distraught by my journey. I hope he watches it. Thank you, Seth. Thank you for putting the words I couldn’t find out there. Thank you.
Wow. You said so much of what I want to say to all my family. I'm going to have share this with all of them. I'm crying at work because I feel so seen. Thank you!
As always Seth, this was very articulately, intelligently, and lovingly presented. You were the first TH-cam atheist I watched when I was coming out of my faith, and you were a lifeline for me. Thanks for all the helpful videos that you produce.
I was on the opposite side of this one for a while. My wife was a regular church-goer when we met - I was not. A few years later we both became evangelicals, stayed that way for two decades, carefully raised our two kids that way. The kids walked away from it first...then my wife...and last, me. I don't think I always took it so well all of the time as I watched them leaving. Now I'm an atheist, my wife is something of a universalist, my older kid is an atheist as well, and my younger one is (I think) a pagan. Life is really, really interesting.
I was ghosted by all my former Christian friends. Not even a "good bye" or "I can't be your friend anymore." Nope....just crickets. It hurt for a short time, but now they've been replaced so I'm good.
Thanks for this. A good reminder to live an authentic life, which I have not been doing. I'm 50 years old and I've been an atheist for only 2 years (with doubts starting 7-8 years ago) after growing up in an fundamentalist evangelical christian home and with parents and siblings who would be devastated by my thoughts on god. I'm not sure how to broach the subject with them. Easter and Christmas and other christian holidays have been strange for me and I wonder if my family has some sense already, but are just afraid to ask. I'm open to advice of where to go from here. In many ways it's easier to live this secret life, but I would rather be authentic.
I guess I have had it pretty easy. I remember doubting the existence of god when I was 6 yrs old, but seeing my father and brother sitting next to me at church (mother was reading her mass at home because was a different Christian religion), I thought that I'm just a little kid. What do I know? At the age of 45, I had a long recovery from a surgery and did a lot of reading and research about religions, and decided that I didn't need to worship a superior being, but just try to live a good life, be kind to others and do no evil. I knew that this was a secret I needed to keep to myself because many of my friends were VERY religious. When someone asked me which church I attended, I told them that I just hadn't found the right one for me yet (in a small rural town that is a reasonable answer - then they would invite me to their church and eventually even ask what my name was. 😊). Since I was raised Catholic, I've decided that I'm slowly "coming out of the Confessional. " (Gays came out of the closets; witches come out of Broom closetes!) People slowly stopped talking about church or religion around me for the most part, and we talk about other topics. It's not easy, but it feels freeing to me.
As for holidays, I love gifts, so I do give gifts to a few friends - my family has died and most people I knew at jobs have moved away. I like cooking and eating, so baking cookies or making a special dessert if I am invited to a holiday meal is no problem. Yes, I do buy myself Christmas gifts! But so many of the "Christian traditions " were really just adapted from pagan religions. I even set up my mother's very religious funeral when she died. That is what she would have wanted, and I didn't want to disappoint relatives and mom's friends. Large church funeral, beatiful casket and her clothes (the clothes from an upscale resale store in the metropolitan area near where I live), prayers at the graveside, and a luncheon made by the church ladies to help support the church. It was on Good Friday, so no meat for which they apologized, but I liked it. I told them that I got to eat all the recipes that I grew up with but could not find in the state in which I now live. They were happy. I donated a reasonable sum of money to the church (tiny, tiny church that sold nut rolls and other eastern European foods on holidays to help run the church). Religion wasn't really talked about, just stories about Mom and her 6 siblings growing up. Nothing uncomfortable. I guess I just over did what they all wanted and then didn't have to discuss religion the rest of the time. I've been doing that now for over 20 years now. I'm part way out of the Confessional. 😊
Very wise and smart opening. Religious People fear the word “ Atheist! We are not here to change others’ opinions or beliefs. You hit all the points from resistance to just see the truth about our living authentically. My mother did t get it and died with the belief I was …lost. One of her last acts was to send me a letter stating her disappointment. What is sad to me, still today, is she could not appreciate the man I am without the yoke of religion. I have not descended into the depths of ‘hell.’
Seth, thank you for this. I will not be sharing this video with my loved ones. Not directly, in any case. But I will be sharing the points and concepts of this video in my conversations with believers. You have given me a tool kit which I can use to assure my believing family and friends that my disbelief does not make me a monster.
I’m sorry to hear of the death of your father, Seth. I would add, to those believers in relationship to someone questioning, deconstructing or declaring non-belief: Don’t Squirm. Don’t Squirm if unbelief, if the questions and doubts, of others occasion a possible tremor in your faith Don’t Squirm if you find yourself having to dig deeper into your own beliefs Don’t Squirm being around the person who no longer shares your faith - connect with them in a different way than belief
I wish people of all faiths could listen and appreciate what you are saying. This is how I feel, but lack the articulate ability to impart such wisdom.
I live in England. It's so different here than the US. Being an atheist is almost the default position. And if you're a Thiest, good for you. 😊 At least, that's how I see it. Whatever, love your work, Seth. 🫡
I'm a christian and I've loved listening to your content for years, Seth. Your ability to communicate these differences among us is impeccable. Strangely, it has been you and other atheists, agnostics, and exvangicals, that have lead me to seek greater beauty, truth, and goodness from where ever that is sourced. Thank you as always for helping so many people.
One of the most rare atheistic theme vid. I noted several times your honest tears while recalling your memories about your dad, family gatherings, intentions etc...I am sending you my sincere online virtual hugs. I feel my journey similarly. Once I awaken from my Jehovahs witness cult indoctrination, being born into it, I several times kneel down in front of my dear mom, I spoken my heart out with literal tears of a grown man, I tried my best to ensure her about my love and my wish to be with her and my kids every week as for previous decades. Than her response was always: unless you come back as JW you are not welcome here and strict shunning is applied from her ever since. Thank you. Even most of the atheistic channels provide pure emotionless flood of scientific facts destroying fairy tails, like my favourite series AmonRa on the flood. Even atheists are a lot ironic and sarcastic concerning religious themes, You successfully showed that we deeply and truly love too. Hopefully christianity and religiosity generally evolve to a state of tolerance to see it clearly.
as one who also grew up in a household full of regular churchgoers, I understand what this guy went through. I too had to deal with true believers and figure out a way to get along with them on a daily basis. It wasn't easy, but I managed 😛
Religious people validate their religion's laws, rules, regulations and restrictions by imposing their religion's laws, rules, regulations and restrictions.
@@dianahill5116 that's right. That's the real issue that needs to be resolved, whether people have a right to impose religion by force of law. Everyone agrees people can practice whatever personal belief system they want on themselves, but they just can't impose whatever belief system they want on others. We have an official belief system that is fair-minded and democratic and we're required by constitutional law to stay with that system until a convention of the States is called to change it to something else. That's the best way to avoid otherwise endless disputes with agitated believers who think we were once a Christian nation and want to get back to being that again by who they elect for public office
So beautifully and perfectly said. I'm scared to have two people close to me see this video as I haven't come out yet. I'd like to share it as it would be from their viewpoint. It is so very difficult for me as these are people I cannot nor would want to lose. One is my sister, who is my best friend, and the other is considered my best friend of to whom I'm not related, and is a very devout Catholic. I was raised in this religion so much so that I still find myself saying "oh dear Lord" or "oh God please help me", even I'm not really believing in an omniscient being in the sky. Show me proof of you then ok. Until then, eh, not so much.
I have never really been a religious person and I realised I was an atheist when I was about 8 years old, I am now over 71 and served my country in the British army for 23 years. During my service I was actually ordered to report to the unit padre for, and this is exactly how it was put on part 1 orders, religious conversion, needless to say it didn't work and I'll give the padre his due, he accepted the fact I didn't believe and I was honest about it.
I cant thank you enough. You said all th e things ive longed to say but i cannot organize it, in my mind. You put it all together. Thank you so much, Seth. You are an honorable man.
This is outstanding. I "came out" to my Christian wife a year ago after a lot of stress about what might happen. So far, things are fine, but I'm going to show her this video because I know she doesn't really understand how and why I gave up 50 years of being a Christian. Thank you SO much for making this!
As a non Christian but believer I think this message is true and fair. I have found more love for humans and animals among tne tattood, nose ringed, agnostics, atheists, than those in the church. Follow the kindness compassion and love NOT the religion or the preacher
I’m a progressive christian. I have no need to convert anyone or desire to change anyone’s beliefs. My family was catholic but over the years I evolved and changed the way I worship. My sister is now Jewish, some friends are conservative christians, some catholic, some agnostic, some atheists. I can only be free to worship the way I do, if they are all free too.
I remember your radio days. It was during that time period that I discovered Shakespeare and with it Hamlet. "This above all to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man." Those words propelled me away from my Pentecostal upbringing. I didn't abandon my family they abandoned me. They are all dead now, I hope in their final hours their faith eased the passage into the great unknown.😇
Not with my spouse but this hits hard with my parents. We are at the stage of quiet tolerance and not discussing certain things cause they don't want to confirm what they already suspect and I am not interested in dealing with it. *shrugs*
Thank you for this Seth, you say it exactly as I would've. I sent it to my sister (born again christian) a week ago and have not heard from her since other than her reply saying "stop trying to prove that god does not exist". 🤷🏽♂️
Thank you for this honest and important message. I've been an atheist for half a century. I never had the family conflicts. It was much easier for me, and I needed this reminder of the drama and pain that others have had to wade through. I take my situation too much for granted.
I became an atheist when I was 12, I am 40 now. Was raised in a lukewarm catholic family. Reading the Bible with my family made me an Atheist. It did upset my mom then. Now, she's an Atheist too.
Wow, that was so well said, Seth. You sound as if English was invented for you and then the Lord of Natural Selection gave you a voice that sounds like a musical instrument. Nice pastoral talk.😊
Thank you, Seth. Somehow in just a few minutes, you have put into words what I have spent the last 10 years trying to explain to the people I love, who are Christian. I am blown away by your ability to simplify something that I have made so complex when trying to explain myself to loved ones. You are a great communicator. Please never stop the work you do; it's invaluable.
The "You just want to sin" is pathetic. I'm sure they just say that as more of a guilt trip than an actual argument. Amazing talk Seth, you should be a broadcaster. 😁
Beautifully spoken, Seth. Especially its core truth: don't deny others what you expect and deserve for yourself. As a lifelong atheist, I've never once tried to argue believers out of their beliefs. If they ask, I'll tell but otherwise discuss other topics.
This is great advice for friends and family of people who have come out of the atheist closet, or any other closet. We’re trying to be ourselves, and not trying to hurt them. Thank you for being here.
What a wonderful, heartfelt, empathetic example of decency and outreach in this divisive world. As a lifelong agnostic I couldn’t concur more. Subscribed.
Oh poor religious family members! What they DO to family members who no longer believe is fabulously cruel and very religious in the most delusional way. As an atheist, who figured it out early, I had to mourn the lovely little lies and delusions that had been fed to me, the community of church and family. The knowledge that you no longer connect with or have a relationship with your parents and siblings and that they don't want relationship unless YOU change.
A Mormon man wrote "Letter for my wife" to explain his deconstruction of his faith. There is also Dr John Dehlin who did a 3 part episode with Mormon Stories Podcast about how to tell friends and family about ones faith transition away from a belief in the religion. Thank you for adding to this reference material in such a solid refreshing way and valudating the spouse and family who still believe that we non-believers still love. It seems to be an all to common codependency in religious relationships- if you stop believing in the religion and loving God have you stopped believing in and loving your spouse? Of course not. But thats not an easy discussion to have.
I've been an atheist for thirty years and have shared this with religious family today. Thank you for such quality content, Seth.
How was it?
I've noticed, that many news medias don't like people to criticize and/or mock religions or religious people.
Excellent point. Never thought about it from that perspective. @@Jcs57
When I told my parents over two decades ago, that “I’m an atheist”, my mother said (in horror), “I didn’t raise you that way”. That one sentence made my point. It was never my choice. I was told what to believe.
Same here with my older brother. I researched family bringing and found diss functional family's . When parents make the children parents its a Sign of harsh Narcissism and sort of hereditary like many American behaviors. some more or less strict in religion of denominational colts.
This alone is quite condescending! It implies that you should "shut up and accept/take it" and that you aren't allowed to have your own opinion, adult or not! Then again (my non-fanatic or non-zealot father, who is not crusading or trying to do missionary work or something) I got compared with a dumb animal - "Believe is the only thing that makes us different from animals!" (yeah, thank you daddy, how kind of you to compare me to whatever animal you were think of at that point!)
@@dreamingflurry2729 Ugh! I know exactly how that feels. The disappointment (and fear) on my moms face was obvious
I simply searching for truth being brushed off the in some way also? Belief and eating animals is o.k. but, treating humans the same whether your family or not is Ludacris" in its sick fact it calls reality.@@dreamingflurry2729
When you have a brother who Raises you in your family as it was in my family when my parents used us children when we are supposed to be in school doing homework or playing out side?
we were not fully developed!!! this continues today as Narcissism in the Dysfunctional religious family's of America USA. the only difference today in some cases families might have a care provider but less trained educated and not fully developed.
the answer is family's financial cases trusting religion more than Education interrupts just like the Bible admits and Ministries' tell us today. Staying Dumb is better than the ever lasting gates of hell fire! Said, Minister Joyce Myers top television Evangelist 2 weeks ago .
From Nebraska here. A VERY red and Christian state. It’s very difficult to have this conversation in the vast majority of this State. Even if you show up to the conversation wanting to be receptive and understanding of the other side, the conversation is never in good faith and always turns into a sales pitch. When the sales pitch fails, it turns into a threat of hell. It’s very disheartening. I did not change relationships with the believers. Believers changed their relationships towards me. Which is shame. I hope that your message reaches as many people as possible, Seth. Your channel was instrumental in my deconstruction and my path forward.
You need to treat them with as much love as you can muster, because then they will think, "Hey, that goddamned atheist wasn't so bad as I thought they were!"
I can confirm. Omaha here.
So.....they take out the Flame Thrower in the end....well I suppose that gave you an idea of what World War II was like...Hell on Earth...🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🩸🩸🩸🪦🪦⚰️⚰️
Sad, Stay Safe and Stay Free
Sorry for what you are going through. I am from Omaha originally but left in my 20's because I saw the writing on the wall ( in the early 80's). Best thing I did was head for Denver to make a life there and later, moved to the Pacific Northwest. Good people there but if you do not vote and believe like they do and they find out about it, you are ostracized at best. We never used to discuss politics or religion when I was growing up. That started to change with the election of Reagan and the rise of the "Christian right". If you can't leave the state, consider moving to Omaha because at least there, you will find many with whom you have lots in common with. Stay safe and free.
I am an atheist (could you tell?) that chooses not to reveal myself publicly. My close friends know I'm atheist, but for personal reasons, I choose to remain anonymous. Some day, when conditions are right, I'll let everyone know where I stand. I'm glad there are atheists like Seth who are willing to work with religious people in a fully accepting way. I like the message: take YOUR journey in YOUR own way, being authentic to yourself.
I have been an atheist since the fall of 2010. My spouse is still a believer and just can't wrap her head around why I have made the decisions I have. I have forwarded this video to her this morning. She will probably never understand, but maybe if she's will to watch, it might help at least a little. I think she feels betrayed, since I was an ardent Christian when we met and that is no longer the case.
why did she marry you
@@gsp3428 I was still a believer at that time. I deconstructed and deconverted later.
@@gsp3428 i'd bet she married Steven due in no small part to the fact that he is just a decent and respectable and thoughtful human being. it's easy to see, even just reading your comment Steven, that nothing has changed there
Believe in True God. God sent His only Son to keep us OUT of hell by Christ's perfect sacrifice! God gives ALL mankind the freedom to choose heaven or hell, we choose heaven by clinging to Jesus, and trusting the finished work of the cross
... But people who
decide to reject the Way to heaven the Lord Jesus. (THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD) have already CHOSEN eternal hell, PLEASE THINK ABOUT It and FOLLOW JESUS! while it's STILL NOT too late!
@@aprilmay7816 and how do you supposedly know all that? The bible? The fictional folklore and legends and tales borrowed from other older religions and passed off to the indoctrinated brainwashed masses as "the word of god"? It's a fiction. Man-made. Nothing true or divinely inspired about any of it. And I say as that someone who DID believe in all of it 40+ years before "the truth set me free" and I realized it was utterly and wholly made up. Fabricated fairy tales...nothing more.
I was a non-religion person - not yet an atheist and I did not belong to any religious denomination. I fell deeply in love with a young woman to whom I have been married with for 45 years. We were married in the Catholic Church and one of the promises required was to raise any children in the Catholic faith. I allowed this to happen. Although neither my wife or daughter are involved in the Catholic Church now, I now regret fulfilling that promise. As I look back, such training to believe was part of a generational system of brainwashing young children to believe mythology is fact with the insertion of the horrific concepts of guilt, fear and belief of being sinful simply on the basis of another fantasy Adam and Eve. So, yes, I get along with all of my wife's relatives, but I do not view their projections of wanting to me believe as sincerity, but rather an extension of the very effective brainwashing developed. I do not reject my relatives and friends, but I deeply reject the foundation upon which they have had their beliefs created for them.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Millions of non-Catholic husbands have been duped by the Catholic Church. They just didn't know the secret to avoid committing to this shameful promise was simply to cross their fingers (or their toes) when they made the promise. What was the Catholic Church going to do? Send the Jesuits (or the Opus Dei albino) after you? It wasn't a binding contract -- unless you signed something. (Did they make you sign something? If so you could claim it was done under duress.) Don't let those holier than thou Catholics push you around.
The important thing is that you, your wife, and your daughter survived the Catholic indoctrination machine. That's no trivial accomplishment. You don't need to identify as an atheist. I don't call myself an atheist because I don't want to give theism any recognition. I call myself a universist. I believe in the universe of which I am a part. It was around long before I was born, and will be around long after I am dead, but my atoms will always be a part of it. No god required. No indoctrination. No bad Christian music -- except for some Christmas holiday songs. Just striving to be the best human being I can be and try not hurt anyone in the process.
Your penance now is to watch atheist channels and Biblical scholars so you can learn about the history and truly appreciate the gullibility of humans. Live your life free of delusion and fear. Delight in positive nihilism, knowing that there is no god and life has no meaning, but the meaning you give it.
Teaching children religion isn’t brainwashing and is not considered brainwashing by any credible mental health group. Even a psychologist who suggested having a religious themed mental disorder added to DSM doesn’t think religion is brainwashing
@@VictoriousCatholic If a child is raised to believe mythology is true with all manner of inserted guilts and fears, that's child abuse no matter how societally accepted that abuse may be.
I'm new to the channel and appreciate your content. I have been an atheist either subconsciously or consciously almost my entire life, and I am 62 years old. I never struggled with my beliefs, I never had any. They just never took root.
My family was extremely religious, and all of my many siblings are Christians. When it became clear that I was an atheist, they went through a series of attempts to bring me back to the Christian way.
They ambushed me in several ways, and they used some guilt trips to try to guide me, to no avail.
But I have no ill will towards them. We all get along fine, and they have mostly given up their attempts overtly to Christianize me.
I think all of us have become old enough to understand that religion isn't the thing that makes you a decent or successful human being. And I think we've all come to terms with each other's beliefs.
religi0n can make you very successful, though. You just have to scam enough people with it.
That is an encouraging and wonderful thing to hear. I've pretty much been dropped by my bio-family. Part the reason is not about my beliefs, or lack if them, but the difference we have in the way we see the world is certainly a contributing factor. I'm so happy for you that your family has come to a kind of equilibrium with their differences in beliefs. I'm sorry to hear that it took so long for it to happen.
Quite compassionate of both you and them. I actually cut my family off for a year, knowing both the lack of connection and eventual explanation would solidify my position and get them to crank down the rest of the family. I am also very fortunate to have a compassionate family that wanted me around, regardless of my belief system.
My deepest condolences to those who have intollerant families that cannot accept you based on your beliefs (or current journey, for that matter). Unfortunately, no magical sky daddy is going to change their perspective. One can only hope they witness events of compassion and start self-reflecting. That's a real challenge for christians, though. To me, "woke" means being self-aware enough to try and both sort out as well as validate how I feel about something befoe opening my gigantic yapper. Many christians interpret their feelings through the lens of their bible and magical sky daddy.
I'd offer my prayerss, however, despite the fact that I do believe in an intelligence that lives outside our space/time, I have no illusions that it cares about us beyond what it can learn from our eventual self-destruction. I believe this universe is just an experiment, and the creator is curious what species develops FTL first, or becomes even more advanced than that. Thnk simulation theory, only I believe it endeavors to retain all of the intelligence it creats, and sort of mixes us in a spirit/soul/life force pool after death. I mean, everyone needs to decide for theirselves, but having faith in some sort of existence after death helps me sleep at night. YMMV.
Feel really fortunate to have never had a religious upbringing, or to have had any real faith-based education or training. Thanks for sharing.
Having never been religious, this is such a great message. Well done Seth👍👍👍
I was never a religious person. Mom is an atheist, dad believes, but he thinks it's a personal thing -- "God is whatever you need it to be" is his description.
It was a shock to me to realize that some folks take this seriously. I thought "Yeah, that's what it says, but you don't really believe that, do you?" The volume of stories of people who lived the experience I was fortunate to have never had still amazes me. This message seems like the kind of thing that shouldn't be necessary, but that's contrasted against the realization that it absolutely is. It's sad that it is necessary, but that doesn't change the fact that it is necessary.
There are so many that I grew up around with this kind of weight, this kind of damage being done to them that I recognize now (but didn't at the time) that I feel like I failed all of them in presenting a rational understanding of the world around us. I wish I had been better equipped at a younger age to deal with this, but what kind of asshole would ask a kid to be the voice of reason? I had it good, in a way that many of my peers did not, and I know that now.
Love the presentation, and I love that it may actually be useful in preventing the harm that extreme religious beliefs cause.
In my family, there is a Wiccan, an agnostic , a satanist , and 2 Christians. We love each other with NO judgement. We respect each other without judgement. I wish our country would work like our family.
FREE WILL means all human beings are FREE to be Atheists, Agnostics, Evolutionists, Christians or fanatic members of any Religion of their own choice.
Atheists, Agnostics, Evolutionists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, SDAs, Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Born Again Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and fanatics of all kinds of Religions in the world
KNOW
and are fully aware that they REJECTED the authority and teachings of Jesus Christ about the "Kingdom of God" and "Resurrection of the Dead" as worthless and useless, without any value at all
Jesus Christ KNOWS
that thousands of years ago, he was hated, insulted, falsely accused, tortured, and murdered by arrogant, cruel, and merciless persons who REJECTED his authority and teachings about the "Kingdom of God" and "Resurrection of the Dead" as worthless and useless, no value whatsoever
Jesus Christ KNOWS
that through the years to present time, all lowly, ordinary, and kind persons on earth who -
1. respect and value the lives, dignities, and existence of their co-humans beings
2. willingly submit to his authority and believe his teachings about the "Kingdom of God" and "Resurrection of the Dead"
as written in Matthew 28: 18, Luke 4: 43, and John 11: 25, 26.
will
definitely bring themselves honor and the loving, kind, and merciful Creator's favor and reward of ETERNAL LIFE and existence without sufferings, pains, griefs, sickness, and death on a safe and peaceful Earth without liars, slanderers, perverts, traitors, and murderers
as written in Revelation 21: 3, 4, 8
The Creator KNOWS
that all human beings will just return to dusts after their deaths just like the animals
as written in Ecclesiastes 3: 19, 20 ; 9: 5, 6
but
he knows too that the teaching of Jesus Christ about the "RESURRECTION of the DEAD"
is the guarantee that he will not let all loving, kind, and respectful persons on earth who died recently and thousands of years ago like Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Job, King David, Jesus Christ's Followers, and many others to remain as worthless dusts forever,
instead,
in the right and proper time,
he will let Jesus Christ RESURRECT them back to life so they can happily, abundantly, and peacefully live and exist on earth forever as submissive and obedient subjects and citizens of the "KINGDOM of GOD" or His Kingdom
and fully enjoy his and his Christ's eternal love, kindness, goodness, generosities, compassions, favors, and blessings for eternity
under the loving and kind rulership, guidance, and protection of Jesus Christ as his Chosen King and Ruler of the heavens and the earth as written in Revelation 11: 15.
I'm just happy to see there are still some atheists who don't feel the need to engage in agnostic-erasure because that kind of behavior is needlessly toxic.
I'm genuinely curious as to how Christians can look upon non-Christians without judgment. Don't Christians claim to know that Jesus is the one and only way to God, and the only way to gain eternal life and salvation? How can a Christian look at an atheist or a Satanist and not feel anything but pity for them because they won't share in that same salvation? That sounds judgmental to me.
Sounds like your parents are to blame.
@@GodcodeX77 Their parents are to blame for the family loving and respecting each other?? Probably technically true I guess but that's some strange phrasing.
It’s not something that you choose, it’s something that you face. Well said!😊
I really want to send this to my mom. We live in Malaysia instead of the US though and don't enjoy the same amount of religious freedom but I remember her crying intensely when I told her of my deconversion from Christianity. Thanks for this.
Thanks for this, Seth. I’m atheist and have been married to a Catholic for 20 years. It’s been a journey.
Gnostic atheist here. Not married. Not very keen on it yet....still. I've been with my Baptist girlfriend for 17+ years. It too has been a ride!
Yes. Our rights to worship, or not, are protected by law.
So far.
So far....that is a relevant comment.
well i think it's more that god has been shown to be not the almighty he thought he was, i have more rights than god and everywhere god goes, the satanic temple can go too.
"So far" is far too accurate.
My state is trying to pass some B.S. restricting religion. Luckily there are a few decent politicians fighting back.
@@zedmeinhardt3404
to me it seems like no one wants to restrict religious freedoms until anyone outside the big 3 wants the same privileges. From my perspective, if everyone was actually allowed to practice as they pleased we wouldn't have so many issues (speaking in the context of American society specifically)
*I realize my words might sound harsh I'm genuinely interested in a dialogue*
@@Kaltag2278
I think we agree. I'm not Christian for what that matters.
If the government is going to allow one religious group to place statues/etc on public property, then any and all should be welcome.
This is just as much a letter to those struggling with guilt after starting to doubt faith or walking away from religion. I would wager that it can be just as hard to start the process knowing you're going to hurt people along the way as it is to watch it happen as a believer.
absolutely. i think a lot of atheists see their family and friends as simply people... not christians or muslims or buddhists, etc. seeing their faults is part of it yes, as we all have faults, but more than that they see the parts of them that are truly good - the things that are truly endearing about them. those traits would be there and available, regardless whether one knew what their religious beliefs were... and it breaks a lot of our hearts as atheists to know we might be hurting such people... people that DO have goodness in them because it's part of who they are... people that we love.
@@calldwnthesky6495 This is exactly what I feel for my deeply religious mum and the rest of my family. The deeper she's gotten into it in the last years, the further away I've been moving from faith, and now I consider myself to be an atheist. I didn't want to tell her out-right because I knew she'd be heartbroken for me and I had no reason to do it to her till it actually affects my life (like if I plan to get married and don't want a church wedding). She still figured it out on her own, at least the fact that I don't go to church anymore. I haven't heard one word of rebuke from her (I'm sure she prays for me daily!). We just focus on what connects us and make the most of our time together. She's still the best person I know, and the person I love the most in the world, even if politically we disagree on almost everything.
I'm 75 and a new atheist. It took me a long time. Thanks for your excellent posts.
I'm in tears. Just sent it to my dad and now I wait. I'm so very scared of his reaction, but he needs to hear this.
Seth, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video! My own Christianity is wavering and I know my Christian friends and family are concerned about me. I am sharing this one.
Not one damn reply.
Seth doesn’t care, neither do these atheist. You have come too far. Do not forget your true identity. Highest level of self and identity is God.
Go back to God.
Good message.
The only thing a Christian like me should say to a loved one who loses/struggles with their faith: "You are on your own journey. I love you and I am here for you." I don't believe in conditional love as I felt loved well before I became a Christian.
It hurts me when people put their belief over their children, friends etc. My family are agnostic/ atheist and we respect each other for our journeys.
How come, religions need money?
I'm glad you are mature enough to see it this way. I grew up in a high control religion and have lost most of my family and friends because I stopped sharing their faith.
@@dianahill5116 We all need money in western society and yes religion can easily be misused to con people out of theirs. Doesn't change my faith though.
@@annarichter484 Why does the omnipotent magic pie man in the sky need money tho? Show your work or STFU with your idiotic "belief"...
@@dianahill5116 Many atheists also want you to become a valued member of their channels (giving them money of course)
Wow Seth, you really knocked it out of the park with this one. Bravo!
Seth has a very strong Paul Harvey vibe to his voice ................ And that's the rest of the story .
So Paul Harvey is the one Seth was reminding me of. and that's the rest of the story instead of 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 - blast off or someting like that? lol 👍@@sirclarkmarz
My journey was slightly different. I was raised in the church, but never believed the far fetched stories that they were preaching. I recognized the brainwashing and wanted no part of it. I left religion altogether by age 20, over 50 years ago. For almost all of those years I had a live and let live attitude about Christianity, as my family and some friends were Christians. That has now changed as I watch the church preaching hate and intolerance toward those they disagree with, and getting into right wing politics and pushing for Christian nationalism. I have drawn the line at them forcing their beliefs onto everyone else. Keep religion in the church, home, and personal lives and out of government. America doesn't need or want a Christian Taliban.
Agree 💯
"christian taliban" ...great choice of words
Yep...a christian funny bunny Talibunny...🐰🐇
Well said. I feel the same way.
Seth, when you just sit with us, and talk to us from your heart and from your brilliant mind, you change us. You teach us. Thanks for sharing - you make this world better.
I will fight for the right to be free from other people’s religions. We should all remember that ‘religion spoils everything and god is not great.’
Much as I agree with your sentiment, I think this is a counterproductive comment in case of a video that specifically aims to help people build bridges over their differences, as opposed to alienating them from each other. There's time for venting and for broad-stroke statements, but... is this really it? I deconverted a few years ago, and before and during that process I was lucky to be surrounded with atheist friends who were happy to talk to me about everything and accepted me as I was. I'm convinced that if, instead of them, I was surrounded with atheists who jumped on every chance to speak badly of my then-beliefs, not only it would not have helped me on my deconversion journey, it would have actually stalled me. And I'm sure that's not your goal 🙂
You seem very angry: that is NO improvement from honoring God and putting others first in service to help them.
At least what Christianity teaches.
I am sure in your eyes Christianity is the worst religion: most American atheists don't even think about the horrors Islam is doing around the world.
@AW-uv3cb I completely agree with your reply to Bano. The video was more about respect and empathy rather than pushing (fighting for) beliefs.
@@AW-uv3cb Building bridges is one thing, but that doesn't mean giving up your own beliefs or feeling you can't express yourself. I, too, have had it with Christians judging me or anyone else they disagree with, and I've certainly had it with their arrogant attitude and attempting to force their beliefs on everyone else. That includes right wing politics, book banning in schools, and women's rights, as well as their intolerance toward the LGBT community. And as far as God is great, they have ignored the pain and suffering in this world. Would a great and loving God allow innocent children to suffer birth defects or childhood cancer? That imaginary, invisible diety in the sky is pretty difficult to praise. It's hard to build a bridge when religion demands it is built on their terms.
@@AW-uv3cb
Everyone is born atheist.
Religion has to be taught.
Atheism doesn't have to be taught.
This is very timely. I just shared this with my closest, most beloved brother who is distraught by my journey. I hope he watches it. Thank you, Seth. Thank you for putting the words I couldn’t find out there. Thank you.
Wow. You said so much of what I want to say to all my family. I'm going to have share this with all of them. I'm crying at work because I feel so seen. Thank you!
That sound you hear is thunderous applause followed by the sending of texts starting with, "Can we talk?".
👏👏👏
As always Seth, this was very articulately, intelligently, and lovingly presented. You were the first TH-cam atheist I watched when I was coming out of my faith, and you were a lifeline for me. Thanks for all the helpful videos that you produce.
I was on the opposite side of this one for a while. My wife was a regular church-goer when we met - I was not. A few years later we both became evangelicals, stayed that way for two decades, carefully raised our two kids that way. The kids walked away from it first...then my wife...and last, me. I don't think I always took it so well all of the time as I watched them leaving. Now I'm an atheist, my wife is something of a universalist, my older kid is an atheist as well, and my younger one is (I think) a pagan. Life is really, really interesting.
I was ghosted by all my former Christian friends.
Not even a "good bye" or "I can't be your friend anymore."
Nope....just crickets.
It hurt for a short time, but now they've been replaced so I'm good.
Thanks for this. A good reminder to live an authentic life, which I have not been doing. I'm 50 years old and I've been an atheist for only 2 years (with doubts starting 7-8 years ago) after growing up in an fundamentalist evangelical christian home and with parents and siblings who would be devastated by my thoughts on god. I'm not sure how to broach the subject with them. Easter and Christmas and other christian holidays have been strange for me and I wonder if my family has some sense already, but are just afraid to ask. I'm open to advice of where to go from here. In many ways it's easier to live this secret life, but I would rather be authentic.
I guess I have had it pretty easy. I remember doubting the existence of god when I was 6 yrs old, but seeing my father and brother sitting next to me at church (mother was reading her mass at home because was a different Christian religion), I thought that I'm just a little kid. What do I know? At the age of 45, I had a long recovery from a surgery and did a lot of reading and research about religions, and decided that I didn't need to worship a superior being, but just try to live a good life, be kind to others and do no evil. I knew that this was a secret I needed to keep to myself because many of my friends were VERY religious. When someone asked me which church I attended, I told them that I just hadn't found the right one for me yet (in a small rural town that is a reasonable answer - then they would invite me to their church and eventually even ask what my name was. 😊). Since I was raised Catholic, I've decided that I'm slowly "coming out of the Confessional. " (Gays came out of the closets; witches come out of Broom closetes!) People slowly stopped talking about church or religion around me for the most part, and we talk about other topics. It's not easy, but it feels freeing to me.
As for holidays, I love gifts, so I do give gifts to a few friends - my family has died and most people I knew at jobs have moved away. I like cooking and eating, so baking cookies or making a special dessert if I am invited to a holiday meal is no problem. Yes, I do buy myself Christmas gifts! But so many of the "Christian traditions " were really just adapted from pagan religions. I even set up my mother's very religious funeral when she died. That is what she would have wanted, and I didn't want to disappoint relatives and mom's friends. Large church funeral, beatiful casket and her clothes (the clothes from an upscale resale store in the metropolitan area near where I live), prayers at the graveside, and a luncheon made by the church ladies to help support the church. It was on Good Friday, so no meat for which they apologized, but I liked it. I told them that I got to eat all the recipes that I grew up with but could not find in the state in which I now live. They were happy. I donated a reasonable sum of money to the church (tiny, tiny church that sold nut rolls and other eastern European foods on holidays to help run the church). Religion wasn't really talked about, just stories about Mom and her 6 siblings growing up. Nothing uncomfortable. I guess I just over did what they all wanted and then didn't have to discuss religion the rest of the time. I've been doing that now for over 20 years now. I'm part way out of the Confessional. 😊
Very wise and smart opening. Religious People fear the word “ Atheist! We are not here to change others’ opinions or beliefs.
You hit all the points from resistance to just see the truth about our living authentically. My mother did t get it and died with the belief I was …lost. One of her last acts was to send me a letter stating her disappointment. What is sad to me, still today, is she could not appreciate the man I am without the yoke of religion. I have not descended into the depths of ‘hell.’
Everyone is born atheist.
Religion has to be taught.
Atheism doesn't have to be taught.
Seth, thank you for this. I will not be sharing this video with my loved ones. Not directly, in any case. But I will be sharing the points and concepts of this video in my conversations with believers. You have given me a tool kit which I can use to assure my believing family and friends that my disbelief does not make me a monster.
Thank you, Seth. I wish this video existed when my mother was still alive.
So well done. Thank you, Seth!
I’m sorry to hear of the death of your father, Seth.
I would add, to those believers in relationship to someone questioning, deconstructing or declaring non-belief: Don’t Squirm.
Don’t Squirm if unbelief, if the questions and doubts, of others occasion a possible tremor in your faith
Don’t Squirm if you find yourself having to dig deeper into your own beliefs
Don’t Squirm being around the person who no longer shares your faith - connect with them in a different way than belief
I wish people of all faiths could listen and appreciate what you are saying. This is how I feel, but lack the articulate ability to impart such wisdom.
I live in England. It's so different here than the US. Being an atheist is almost the default position. And if you're a Thiest, good for you. 😊
At least, that's how I see it.
Whatever, love your work, Seth. 🫡
Heard this Sunday and is a great listen and hit me hard with what I'm dealing with my kids.
You are the best, Seth. Keep speaking the truth.
Seth, i could listen to you all day. A simple message that screams volumes! "You do you.”"
What a beautiful message. ❤ I'm sure it will help a lot of people.
You have an awesome voice. Very reminiscent of Paul Harvey. Now, on to watch your message.
I'm a christian and I've loved listening to your content for years, Seth. Your ability to communicate these differences among us is impeccable.
Strangely, it has been you and other atheists, agnostics, and exvangicals, that have lead me to seek greater beauty, truth, and goodness from where ever that is sourced.
Thank you as always for helping so many people.
I very much appreciate you being an accepting & kind Christian. Thank you🦋
Thanks for your thoughts, Seth.
One of the most rare atheistic theme vid. I noted several times your honest tears while recalling your memories about your dad, family gatherings, intentions etc...I am sending you my sincere online virtual hugs. I feel my journey similarly.
Once I awaken from my Jehovahs witness cult indoctrination, being born into it, I several times kneel down in front of my dear mom, I spoken my heart out with literal tears of a grown man, I tried my best to ensure her about my love and my wish to be with her and my kids every week as for previous decades. Than her response was always: unless you come back as JW you are not welcome here and strict shunning is applied from her ever since.
Thank you. Even most of the atheistic channels provide pure emotionless flood of scientific facts destroying fairy tails, like my favourite series AmonRa on the flood. Even atheists are a lot ironic and sarcastic concerning religious themes, You successfully showed that we deeply and truly love too. Hopefully christianity and religiosity generally evolve to a state of tolerance to see it clearly.
Such a reassuring message from such a lovely man. Thanks, Seth. 💚
I’m a Christian who has an atheist son. I appreciate your video.
as one who also grew up in a household full of regular churchgoers, I understand what this guy went through. I too had to deal with true believers and figure out a way to get along with them on a daily basis. It wasn't easy, but I managed 😛
Religious people validate their religion's laws, rules, regulations and restrictions by imposing their religion's laws, rules, regulations and restrictions.
@@dianahill5116 that's right. That's the real issue that needs to be resolved, whether people have a right to impose religion by force of law. Everyone agrees people can practice whatever personal belief system they want on themselves, but they just can't impose whatever belief system they want on others. We have an official belief system that is fair-minded and democratic and we're required by constitutional law to stay with that system until a convention of the States is called to change it to something else. That's the best way to avoid otherwise endless disputes with agitated believers who think we were once a Christian nation and want to get back to being that again by who they elect for public office
So beautifully and perfectly said. I'm scared to have two people close to me see this video as I haven't come out yet. I'd like to share it as it would be from their viewpoint. It is so very difficult for me as these are people I cannot nor would want to lose. One is my sister, who is my best friend, and the other is considered my best friend of to whom I'm not related, and is a very devout Catholic. I was raised in this religion so much so that I still find myself saying "oh dear Lord" or "oh God please help me", even I'm not really believing in an omniscient being in the sky. Show me proof of you then ok. Until then, eh, not so much.
Great job, Seth! Lots of truths in here that need to be heard.
Great! Thank you, Seth!
I have never really been a religious person and I realised I was an atheist when I was about 8 years old, I am now over 71 and served my country in the British army for 23 years.
During my service I was actually ordered to report to the unit padre for, and this is exactly how it was put on part 1 orders, religious conversion, needless to say it didn't work and I'll give the padre his due, he accepted the fact I didn't believe and I was honest about it.
On point, as always-gotta love ya Seth
I am a Christian and I appreciate this video and I in turn would also fight for ur right to be an atheist.
Love it ! and will share with a few family members.
Thanks Seth, for being your authentic and compassionate self! ❤
Gawwd dam, this is a masterpiece, a Picasso if you will. I’m definitely sharing with my believing family.
Thank you Seth you have put into words what most of us feel.
Thank you for your eloquence. Thank you for the message.
I cant thank you enough. You said all th e things ive longed to say but i cannot organize it, in my mind. You put it all together. Thank you so much, Seth. You are an honorable man.
We love you seth!!!! ❤❤❤
Great words, thank you sir.
Another spot-on presentation Seth. If I had a voice like yours I could probably make the pitch myself! You are truly a beacon for rationality.
I am an atheist because of your videos, Seth. You saved me. Thank you.
This is outstanding. I "came out" to my Christian wife a year ago after a lot of stress about what might happen. So far, things are fine, but I'm going to show her this video because I know she doesn't really understand how and why I gave up 50 years of being a Christian. Thank you SO much for making this!
That was beautiful and moving . Impressive message!
I love this. Thank you.
Good one, thank you Seth
As a non Christian but believer I think this message is true and fair.
I have found more love for humans and animals among tne tattood, nose ringed, agnostics, atheists, than those in the church.
Follow the kindness compassion and love NOT the religion or the preacher
Very convincing and thoughtfully articulated - an excellent representation of the great deceiver in all his glory!
I’m a progressive christian. I have no need to convert anyone or desire to change anyone’s beliefs. My family was catholic but over the years I evolved and changed the way I worship. My sister is now Jewish, some friends are conservative christians, some catholic, some agnostic, some atheists. I can only be free to worship the way I do, if they are all free too.
Thank you Seth!
I remember your radio days. It was during that time period that I discovered Shakespeare and with it Hamlet. "This above all to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man." Those words propelled me away from my Pentecostal upbringing. I didn't abandon my family they abandoned me. They are all dead now, I hope in their final hours their faith eased the passage into the great unknown.😇
Not with my spouse but this hits hard with my parents. We are at the stage of quiet tolerance and not discussing certain things cause they don't want to confirm what they already suspect and I am not interested in dealing with it. *shrugs*
Thank you for this Seth, you say it exactly as I would've. I sent it to my sister (born again christian) a week ago and have not heard from her since other than her reply saying "stop trying to prove that god does not exist". 🤷🏽♂️
Thank you for this video. I sent it to my mother in the hopes that she may understand me better. Fingers crossed.
Thank you for this Seth. It gives me something to share.
Thank you for this honest and important message. I've been an atheist for half a century. I never had the family conflicts. It was much easier for me, and I needed this reminder of the drama and pain that others have had to wade through. I take my situation too much for granted.
I became an atheist when I was 12, I am 40 now. Was raised in a lukewarm catholic family. Reading the Bible with my family made me an Atheist. It did upset my mom then. Now, she's an Atheist too.
Wow, that was so well said, Seth. You sound as if English was invented for you and then the Lord of Natural Selection gave you a voice that sounds like a musical instrument. Nice pastoral talk.😊
Thanks for this great speech and so many others. Will share this with some people that should hear this approach
this was great Seth... thank you
Thank you, Seth. Forwarded.
Thank you, Seth. Somehow in just a few minutes, you have put into words what I have spent the last 10 years trying to explain to the people I love, who are Christian. I am blown away by your ability to simplify something that I have made so complex when trying to explain myself to loved ones. You are a great communicator. Please never stop the work you do; it's invaluable.
Amazing video. Thank you for everything you do.
The "You just want to sin" is pathetic. I'm sure they just say that as more of a guilt trip than an actual argument.
Amazing talk Seth, you should be a broadcaster. 😁
Beautifully spoken, Seth. Especially its core truth: don't deny others what you expect and deserve for yourself. As a lifelong atheist, I've never once tried to argue believers out of their beliefs. If they ask, I'll tell but otherwise discuss other topics.
If I ever come out to my parents, I will be sharing this video with them.
Thank you for this!❤
Saving this to show my husband who is still a believer. I appreciate what you do Seth! ❤
This is great advice for friends and family of people who have come out of the atheist closet, or any other closet. We’re trying to be ourselves, and not trying to hurt them.
Thank you for being here.
What a wonderful, heartfelt, empathetic example of decency and outreach in this divisive world. As a lifelong agnostic I couldn’t concur more. Subscribed.
This is an amazing message
AMEN! No one says it better.
Thanks for that! 🙏👍💎🎯
Oh poor religious family members! What they DO to family members who no longer believe is fabulously cruel and very religious in the most delusional way. As an atheist, who figured it out early, I had to mourn the lovely little lies and delusions that had been fed to me, the community of church and family. The knowledge that you no longer connect with or have a relationship with your parents and siblings and that they don't want relationship unless YOU change.
A Mormon man wrote "Letter for my wife" to explain his deconstruction of his faith. There is also Dr John Dehlin who did a 3 part episode with Mormon Stories Podcast about how to tell friends and family about ones faith transition away from a belief in the religion. Thank you for adding to this reference material in such a solid refreshing way and valudating the spouse and family who still believe that we non-believers still love. It seems to be an all to common codependency in religious relationships- if you stop believing in the religion and loving God have you stopped believing in and loving your spouse? Of course not. But thats not an easy discussion to have.
Thank you Seth, this is an amazing and very empathetic message. I will share this with many people I know that are struggling.
Beautiful and succinct.
Well done as always.
This can be applied to a Jewish spouse and a Muslim one as well.
This is one of your best, Seth. 🖤
The persecution and hatred is not coming from the people asking questions. 🤦♂️
We live in interesting times.