You have an incredible gift and so glad you are using it to bring us reality. Being a Christian for as long plus a decade even I don’t have the amazing ability to articulate the way you do. Thank you, thank you, thank you our family truly appreciate you!
Those things that Jesus said that the disciples could do such as drink poison and live were signs for the Jews in order for them to believe because the bible clearly states that Jews will NOT believe without a sign. The apostle Paul wasn't even in the picture at the time because the Jews had yet to reject Jesus as their Messiah for the final time and that occurred at the stoning of Stephen. After the stoning of Stephen, the focuses of the gospel actually changed from saving Jews to saving Gentiles from the requirement of water baptism to receive the Holy Spirit and getting saved which was for the Jews to receiving the Holy Spirit and getting saved by faith alone without water baptism which is for the Gentile and also any Jews that choose the believe (trust) the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Just read the book of Acts, it's a transitional book clearly revealing such a thing.
A murderer while keeping his hands clean: Deuteronomy 34 Names of God Bible 10 There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom Yahweh dealt with face to face. 11 He was the one Yahweh sent to do all the miraculous signs and amazing things in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to his whole country. 12 Moses used his mighty hand to do all the spectacular and awe-inspiring deeds that were seen by all the Israelites. The LORD of flies: Isaiah 7 Names of God Bible 17 “Yahweh will bring on you, your people, and your ancestor’s family a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah. He will bring the king of Assyria. 18 On that day Yahweh will whistle for the flies that are at the distant branches of the Nile River in Egypt and for the bees that are in Assyria. 19 All of them will come and settle in the deep valleys, in the cracks in the cliffs, on all the thornbushes, and at all the water holes.
When i was a christian, my husband and i were titheing 10% of our small income...then a pastor came to our church who stressed that 10% meant tithe of pretax income. So we increased our tithe until we had to borrow money to live before we just couldnt do it. We did not have a big house...my husband built it himself with recycled wood. He was a carpenter...i was a stay at home mom. I felt guilty for years after we stopped the tithe. Gosh i wish i had that money back. What a grift christianity is...in so many ways.
No joke! And the whole point of tithe should have been to the poor and widowed not church building and salaries. I too felt convicted to give off the pretax and i think about how much better off we would be with all that money back
I admire you for being a True Believer, you came out of your pocket to the point of impoverishing yourself. But you look at the Preachers on TV, have you checked their net worth?
Sometimes I wish I was wrong about the whole god-thing, just so on Judgement Day, I could sit and watch those greedy preachers (especially televangelists & prosperity preachers) be judged by their deity whom they claim to speak on behalf of and follow. I'm sure I wouldn't be judged too nicely, but I'm guessing my sentence will be lighter than theirs since I've never tricked a pensioner out of their life savings.
Is it true that a verse can be taken out of context? For example, Jesus told the rich young ruler to leave all and follow Him. Is the context that every Christian should do so? Yet, how can I 'follow' Jesus since He is no longer walking the earth? As the old saying goes, "A text without a context is a pretext." By the way, I do follow Jesus, but not in Palestine! Yet, if you do not believe in God, why is it 'wrong' to make excuses? I thought we are all simply chemical reactions. Are we not all animals? Would you try to shame a lion for killing another lion? As it is written, you know God, but 'suppress the truth in unrighteousness.' If you persist in your denial, it will not go well for you. God will judge the world in righteousness and all liars will have their place in the lake of fire. Yet, Christ died on a Cross so that you may know Him. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
@@kenshiloh I wasn't implying that something can't be taken out of context, but that when a Christian is caught out by their irrational thinking, it is far easier to make an excuse of it being out of context than to even consider they might just be incorrect. Why is it wrong to make excuses? Because more often than not, excuses are dishonest! "It is written..... ". So prove that what is written is accurate, non contradictory, true, or relevant? There are many things written in this world, and a whole lot of them have verifiable evidence to back them up. Much of what is written in your bible has no such verification, only faith. Christ died for nothing then, cos I don't know him..... And don't want to! Then again, he only died for a weekend - hardly a sacrifice.
@@tonyclif1 If you reject the Bible, why is it 'wrong' to be dishonest? Suppose I told you that dishonesty is a Darwinian survival mechanism. Would you be ok with that or would you point to an objective moral law for which people are required to obey? Concerning Christ's death on a Cross, would you trade all your earthly pains and sorrows to endure that Cross? I hope that you will want to get to know your Creator! I do know this: if you reject Christ, you will eternally regret your decision! The foolishness of the Cross is your only hope. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
@@kenshiloh you seem to be assuming people need the bible for morality? That is simply ridiculous, especially when you consider the immoral actions of your god and his followers. In fact the bible is so immoral that Christians refuse to cite many sections of it in sermons etc....they cherry pick the so called "good" bits, and ignore the inconvenient bits. As for dishonesty, a lie is a lie is a lie, and is generally wrong (sure you can find exceptions and justify them, often with semantics, but almost any time someone is injured, harmed, deceived etc by any action, or omission, it is wrong, and dishonest) As for a Darwinian survival mechanism, it is hilarious that a member of a group that generally rejects Darwin's theories want to use his name as a point of argument. Unless of course you can show me a direct line of evidence that Darwin supported this concept and how it applies to this discussion? As for "I do know this" in reference to Christ, you have absolutely zero way to know this. You can't even prove he exists, let alone verify any of his actions, his words, especially his failed words.... Eg he was to return before life had ended for his audience, yet here we are 2000 years later, and he is still not returned. I knew my creator - sadly Dad died last month, after horrific health issues that should not exist if an all powerful god was real.
@@tonyclif1Thanks for writing. My condolences on your loss. When you cite 'immorality', what moral code are you referring to? For example, I read a book where the suicide bomber was the hero of the village. Why is your morality 'good' and theirs 'bad'? Moreover, you say that whenever anyone is harmed, it is wrong. For example, it is therefore 'wrong' to kidnap someone, but why is it, then, not 'wrong' to imprison a thief or murderer? Moreover, you say that it is 'wrong' to harm others, but why? If evolution were true, you are 'just another life form.' Therefore, why do people deserve any special moral privilege? Subjective morality is really no morality at all, as everyone creates their own rules. You cannot say that I did not warn you! If you die in your amorality, you will be stuck in amorality forever. In fact, Jesus said that there are torturers in hell. On the day that you stand before God, it will be clear that it is you, not God, who has done wicked things such as lying, stealing, and general rebellion towards God. Be careful! Hell lasts forever. If you do not make things right with God, if you reject Him, you will not have Christ in eternity. Hell is torment; how could it not be? Yet, Christ died on a Cross so that we may know Him. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
The "disciples not tasting death" thing is what had my mother, at 10 years old, saying "uh, wait a minute... y'all are waiting for 2000+ years for something that probably already happened." She noped out on it entirely when her local church drove out a minister who had converted from Judaism. They hated him for 'being Jewish' and she couldn't reason that one away because Jesus was Jewish, they said 'no he was Christian' and she just laughed and left.
You nailed it: I am a Christian and this is the most difficult dilemma for me in the Bible. Yet, unlike proud atheists, I trust God over what I do not understand. I won't get dishonest over it, mind you. I will just say, "Good one! I don't have an answer." The difference between someone on their way to heaven and one that heading for hell is pride. You think your brain is the supreme intellect in the universe. If that is not so, then tell me whose opinion you trust more than your own? Yet, you are missing life, real life, in Christ. My life is blessed every day - and I am not even in heaven yet. That is because I am good friends with the One Who threw the stars in place. Believe the lie of the big bang and you lose! Christ died on a Cross so that your every lie and treason against everything that is good can be nailed to that same Cross. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
@@kenshiloh You think that atheists are proud? We realize that the universe is big, very big, we are nothing but a speck of dust. That feeling makes you humble. The Christian on the other hand thinks that his god created this universe for him so he could marvel at its sight. No, if there is a group that feels pride it is the Christians. They go to heaven and conveniently they forget that billions of people (mostly children) like all Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists go to hell. But please do not think about it and pretend you do not have an answer. And as for Jesus, a bad weekend on the cross and an eternity in heaven next to his father is not that much of a sacrifice. Think for once.
I am an agnostic and always try to keep an open mind about religions, no matter how much I disagree with them. But when Christian commandments sound eerily similar to cult practices, my mind doesn't feel so open anymore...
Context is everything. Jesus said that unless we hate our own lives, we cannot enter heaven. It is hyperbole. It is written that Jesus spoke in parables. Yet, fools will mock what they do not understand. Know that Christ will judge the world in righteousness. I hope that you will make things right with God. He died on a Cross so that you may know Him. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
It’s interesting that you said “if you can’t do these things and if you believe you should, don’t call yourself a Christian” That’s how my deconversion began. I couldn’t tell people about my faith honestly, so I just said “I believe but I don’t think I’m worthy of the title”. Then I eventually realized why.
Honestly, my friend, this damaging thought pattern comes from the top (i.e. pastors), to the "lesser" leaders (i.e. elders, deacons), down the hill to the church gossips who practically *swear* that they've "never sinned." 🤣 NOBODY has the right to TRY to make you feel less than who you are. You are a precious human being, and THAT is what matters.
@@MindShift-Brandon I think this was done to him by the cult... oops, I mean church he was involved with. Same thing happened to me, but I left the cult... dang, I mean church simply because dangerous spiritual freedom is much better than religious slavery.
Thisssss. As someone deconstructing, knowing these things has always given me an extra sense of always feeling guilty. For not having good thoughts, for not evangelizing, for not giving to the homeless, for being "selfish." I still pass by homeless people and feel immensely guilty, but I am one little millennial working to sustain myself. And it's sickening to see SOME (not all) Christians that have massive houses and go on extravagant vacations or the only "Christian" thing they do is go to church and believe. Christianity has given me an overall extreme feeling of always feeling guilty for a multitude of ridiculous reasons and I'm trying my best to unlearn what is so deeply engraved in me. That's why we need passionate people like you Brandon! Thanks for another good video!
Beautiful comment !! Brandon is great. He is making a difference one mind at a time. We all need to do the same... "bless" so we may "be blessed"... with one fellow being with us on this sweet earth at a time. In a "community" like this, we can improve more folks more quickly for a, hopefully, much better world.
@@loriw2661 Evangelicals constantly reinforce the idea that it is not works that save but beLIEving in the bible. That is why they don't think catholics are christians (but unbeLIEvably think Mormons are!). With constant repetition of this evangelical premise, "just say 'the prayer' ", is it any wonder prosperity "teachings" are so popular ?
@@onedaya_martian1238Gee, I wonder why a group of hate-preachers, prosperity Gospel grifters, and white/Christian nationalists would choose to believe that all you need to do to get to heaven is believe, and that being a complete douche canoe won't make a difference...
I was raised in an ultra fundamentalist Christian household and currently deconstructing. Not been an easy journey due to the mental stronghold of religious ideology. I find your content super useful and I’m glad I found your channel! Keep up the great work!!
Same here. It's been so hard to untangle from all the little ways they went about explaining and justifying belief. There was an explanation for absolutely EVERYTHING. And it's so hard to untangle from the ways of thinking that feel programmed into my brain. I'm getting there but it's taking awhile.
In the USA the crazy thing is how many Christians don't vote their faith. Like medicare for all, thriving wages, etc etc things that makes life better for people.
Ahh yes thats a good point. Id say they do vote their version of their faith. That disconnect is what this is all about. But social programs should be right up the christians alley, agreed
Its all about cherrie picking. Christians allways choose the verses they like in the Bible and bash the rest. All christians do that so why shouldnt the right wing evangelicals do the same thing? They hate gay people, hate paying taxes and love guns. Dont know were they find Bible verses that approve those things but Hey, what the heck.
Maybe it is the honor, prestige of being "The Elect"? The rest are unworthy. It was Christians who scrubbed the Indians off the earth, owned and sold slaves. That was possible OK b/c of the "Favored" mindset.
I feel like I just got slapped in the face by the mighty hand of logic, and I’m not even religious! Just subbed, thank you for being out here helping folks❤
Satan is also uses logic to put victims under his control John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” the slavery refered to in the Bible is the result of sin and not an endorsement so why is someone giving the false notion about the Bible endorsing slavery when they are in chains to sin
So I was in church once before I became an atheist and my Amish bishop was preaching from the text of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus says it is better to cut off your hand than to go to hell. He made comment that he believes this to be a literal command. I was astounded and after the service ended I approached him and asked him if he really meant to actually cut off your hand if it is causing you to “sin”. Yes, was his answer. This blew my mind and I began to see how dangerous the Bible really is, because it doesn’t qualify it’s statements. Jesus never said about this command that “I’m only meaning this in a metaphorical way. Thus, radical idiots like my former Bishop can believe and preach this as a literal command. Yikes!!!!!!
Whenever they pray sickness away, and inevitably it doesn’t happen, it’s always the sick persons fault. I was told my movement disorder was because, at 16, was my fault for not having enough faith, reading my Bible enough, or not praying enough. Come to find out 20+ years later, that I’m autistic and the Christian push to hide everything is what caused my brain to rewire my anxiety and stress to come out as my movement disorder.
The nicer Christians say that it's God's Will and that He has a plan for you. You just have to figure out what it is. That's still errant nonsense, but not as devastating.
My sister was rather sick for a while in her 30's and my grandparent who is very religious had the whole church pray for my sister, 3 weeks later she had a small stroke and her health has gotten worse in the past ten years despite all the prayers.
That awkward moment then an atheist TH-camr is a more hard-hitting preacher than John Piper and John MacArthur ever dreamt to be. If I was watching this while still a Christian, my conscience would have been screaming 😅
John MacArthur is an evil cultist. He will join the ranks of American preachers like Oral Roberts, Herbert Armstrong, Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell(s), Robert Schuller, etc.... all millionaires who started their own "churches" and perpetuated a perverse form what the archetypal Jesus supposedly taught. The damage will continue until more TH-camrs like our hero here undoes the twisting of people's minds, one by one.
Shall we allow the Bible to define what a Christian is? Did you know the Lord? If not, then no wonder you love preachers like Brandon to tickle your ears over Bible teachers! Just know that there is good and evil! People are not merely animals. Do you shame a lion for killing another lion? People are moral agents subject to and accountable to God. I know Him and love Him. Due to the hardness of your heart, you never asked to meet Christ. In fact, the common denominators of 'former Christians' (there is no such thing) is that they 'beg and beg and beg' to know God. I don't know who you were praying to, but it was not the Lord Jesus Christ. He always keeps a promise. He died on a Cross so that you may know Him. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
@@jamespcrown128 that is funny. My grandfather said a very short prayer. It was a family chant and then we would eat. He would let anyone pray at meals.
I was in grade school when I realized that no matter how hard I tried, I would never be good enough in the eyes of my church. That's when I started to pull away. It took a lot more years to finally say I didn't believe in their bs anymore.
I asked a Christian friend of mine how his fancy new TV fits with his stated goal of living humbly and making sure all his purchases honor Christ. His response was, and I quote, "*pause* There's nothing that says you can't have nice things!" That was a level of selfish hypocrisy I just couldn't stand.
Ok Brandon, I’m going to call you a name…you elucidator! Dividing the word and exposing the flaws, using the sword effectively. Good points all around. Keep up the good work. 👨🏻🦰❤️
@@Aurealeus I must be missing some context to get this joke. I can't fathom why anyone would join a religion started by a guy who said "the easiest way to become a millionaire is to start your own religion."
@@zar3434 Because Scientology uses Hubbards philosophy of Dianetics and a device called an E-meter to remove cognitive thinking from the brain, so instead of opting for a lobotomy, Scientology could be the next best thing. Less invasive too.
The oath-taking thing has always struck me as bizarre. For 30 years I chose to be affirmed rather than swearing on the Bible because I believed it was true and it told me not to swear oaths. In future I'll ask to be affirmed because any oath I swear on a fictional book is meaningless.
Christian here, just to comment on your first portion. I agree that there is no excuse for us when we don't do the things we are supposed to do, and anything else is just a cop out, i agree. Accountability is important, christian or not, and we should all be held accountable when we do not own up to the things we say that we are going to do, or the things that we are supposed to do. Thank you for that, much love.
@@jacliveshere well not just other people, we should also hold ourselves accountable as well. But yes, having others, especially good people in your "circle" to hold you accountable is important, as we all slip up.
Another strong video Brandon. I like how you point out not just Christians being very lax in their faith but also how contradictory the new testament is!
The one I like the most is: Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. I ask a Christian friend to give me his car. He didn’t answer. Then I ask him to lend me his car but to not demand it back. The look in his face was priceless. Christian’s are the masters of hypocrisy. They know it’s what Jesus said and are incapable of obeying his commands.
Rather your Christian friend should have known you were trying to deceive him with your intent. That is wickedness on your part. Yo need to repent and totally trust Jesus to forgive and cleanse you from all your unrighteousness. He is ever so faithful !
Great video! I have a feeling that most Christians don’t take the Bible as literally as they think they do, and the things you brought up are a prime example.
If a literal interpretation suits their agenda, then that is the interpretation they will take. If they need it to be figurative, then they will go that route. Basically it all depends on which suits their argument the best.
First! Haven’t gotten through the whole thing yet but it’s looking like another top tier show. Just wanted to reiterate your frustration with the Christians who can’t fathom why we have to be concerned with their religion. When Hitch talked with Sharpton he put it well. I don’t care if you have your toys and play with them at home, but I am not to be made to play with them and you cannot force my children to play with them either.
When I was a Christian, I got really frustrated with other Christians (for many reasons, but specifically...) because of the Christians in my circle who where denying climate change. At that time, I thought it might "be a hox" too (thankfully I don't now) but I thought "even if it is fake, doesn't god command us to be good stewards of the Earth? Shouldn't we try to protect it?" And (at that time) fellow Christians would look at me like I grew a third eye! "God gave us dominion over the Earth so we can do whatever we want to it! Besides, God is going to come back any day now and destroy everything anyways."
"Dominion over the Earth" has nothing to do with responsible stewardship. God didn't even know what shape the Earth was, much less the complexities of biodiversity and the ecosystem.
It's cause climate change is buckshot, its another propaganda piece that dummies fall for cause instead of looking at the data themselves they always appeal to authority.
I would've said, "well, we've been waiting for over 2000 years and the believers when he was still living thought he would come in THEIR lifetimes. What's YOUR idea of any day now?!?"
Thank you. A large part of my maternal and paternal family never had faith. My parents raised me through a collection of books on myths including biblical, I learned about Christian (ism), Juda(ism), Islam(ism) as being culturally significant but as Greek, Roman, Sumerian myths, Incas, Aztecs, Buddhists… Fortunately, I lived and live in secular countries. I accept all religions on the sole condition that they do not harm me or others. Above all, they are literature or myths. I am not wary of religions, I have never been religious. On the other hand, I am wary of preachers and other fanatics who want to impose their literature on me.
I'm in America, where religious believers are using their religious beliefs to do harm in America. From changing laws - ie overturning Roe v Wade - to passing laws outlawing African American advanced placement courses in schools. (Florida for example.)
@@AllThingsFilm1 The United States has a big problem with religion. From the Protestant great "awakening" a significant part of American society to turn its back on the values of the Enlightenment of the 18th century. From then on, the tension between theocrats and secular people is obvious.
Yup. Proves Jesus was apocalyptic. Modern End of Times cult leaders do the same thing. They have their followers leave their jobs, homes, give away their worldly possessions. Why? Because they won't need any of that for long. The end is nigh...before everyone sheepishly goes home and the cult leaders try a different date. Jesus was no different.
7:20 Fun fact: Unlike most Christians, the Quakers actually do refrain from swearing and taking oaths. This is why the US Presidential Oath of Office contains an option to "affirm" rather than "swear" to uphold the constitution....so that Quakers could become president.
Brandon--another great job on this topic, thanks. I'm now armed to the teeth for a debate with my Christian friends. It *is* weird that the 2 close friends of mine who are Christian, and who consider themselves to be good, solid Christians, adhere to virtually *none* of these (now) 40 points you've made. They're both financially more-than-comfortable and are both in second marriages (adultery not being the cause of the end of either first marriage.) And, man, if nothing else, Jesus was dead set against material wealth and divorce. I honestly think at this point I'm better versed in Christian doctrine than they. Probably more than most causal Christians. Thanks to you and other TH-camrs, so, much appreciation.
It really is crazy to compare almost any modern christian with jesus’ teachings. Your personal examples were spot on. Glad to be useful, and thanks for being here.
You are not as well versed as you thought. Jesus is not dead set against money..He is clearly saying dont make it your god! Don't forget the first commandment. Ben Graham said Jesus would be a better money manager than guys working on Wall street (footnotes of the intelligent investor..i think it was in reference to the parable of the talents or the workers in the vineyard) in any case you reap what you sow and i think original teacher of the warren buffett system makes a good point! Buffett, an agnostic, is finding out what Carlos Slim has been saying forever "You cant take it with you" Remember the praise Jesus gave the women who gave one penny to the offering..thats what she had..its a deeper lesson about money but one we all need..in fact Buffett's lunch he auctions off went to benefit a church his first wife susan used to hand out boxed lunches for the homeless at! Those pictures are somewhere on the internet..anyway hope that was helpful in some way.
The hardest thing in all these conversations, I find, is getting people to recognize they don't actually care whether their beliefs are true. It's basal, fundamental - and yet....
I was a Catholic. One thing I liked about that philosophy was that it was about DOING what Jesus said and "the church" accepted the allegorical nature of the bible. I was taught evolution in my catholic school. I also believed that God would eventually allow people people into heaven after they died if they only committed venial sins. Listening to evangelicals and the "protestant" philosophy is a) the bible is literally true. b) saying some dumb prayer is the Silly Wonka gold ticket to heaven, full stop. c) THEY are the christians, oh and those that agree with them. As you are pointing out, this is all "bunk". But I believe the evangelical perspective is more dangerous in general as at least being catholic takes more effort. Notice the difference between this and the last leadership's efforts to be president. But, both protestant and catholic organizations have lead to gross abuses of authority throughout history .... which we both have been victims of in the present time. Thank you for speaking out !!! Especially with today's comments of the shear hypocrisy of "the followers". Sundays would be great if everyone just took time to remember to a) be appreciative b) forgive and patiently correct the stupid c) take time to love and reach out to the afflicted and hurt d) smile when you feel blessed.
Catholicism was like the Military, the priests were the Generals, more revered than Elvis, they called God down into the host. They forgave sins, or not in confession. The Faithful were the troops. Granted they were OK with evolution and science so long as it was not birth control or euthanasia.
Cool. I went through RCIA and became a Catholic because my theology always leaned in that direction. I don't attend mass now, and I barely go to church because I hate the arrogance modern Christianity has produced. I study the earliest pre-Constantine church. Jesus was all about taking all people and making them family. That's what I'm down with.
@@gg2008yayo When asked about my "faith" by evangelicals, I respond, "I'm a "True Christian (tm)", a Catholic", with a straight face. I then "witness" that one does not need an infallible book, to live/do, as best as one can, the teachings of the person these religious folks take their name from. Does that answer the question ?
The first 6 minutes and 40 seconds of the video were amazing. The call outs were on point and your analogy about the college and grades was excellent. I love your approach to getting Christians to at least think about what it is they actually believe.
When they flip an ambiguous coin, they always think they are winners. Is cheating a word not found in the bible ? Explains a lot about a party that wants to lead in the secular world.
Excellent content and insightful comments. About the first one from Matthew 6; elsewhere in the gospels Jesus was especially critical of the Pharisees for doing these things and hypocritically showing off their religiosity in public. I live in a southern state, and see this all the time: people "asking the blessing" in restaurants, businesses showing off their religiosity with statements referring to God or their christian faith in their advertisements, prayers before high school football games, etc. Every time I see this happen it reminds me of those pharisees and why Jesus was so critical of them.
@MindShiftSkeptic It's because the Church made up all these traditions after he died. None of it had much to do with what he actually taught. He basically taught people to pray in a closet quietly, not like the heathens do in the street.
Evangelical preachers usurp the appreciation each of us need to give to each other as we do our jobs making society work, from farmers, to truckers, to manufacturers etc and divert that appreciation to a god, who is a terrible character in a flawed anthology. Wow !!! And then those preachers take our money, to "thank" them for pointing it out, using our own guilt of "sin" to do it. Religion has hindered, not helped humanity.
Hey Brandon, thanks for a great video as always. I’ve been deconverting for over a year now, and have been non theistic for the last several months. Thank you for your content in this journey. There’s been family issues and personal issues. I’ve had conversations with my mom about the same verses in this video too, she says “god is testing me”, I know she dosent see things the same way as I do. The past two years of my life have felt more like ten, after losing my little sister to the fight with cancer and to struggling with suicidal ideation. Videos like yours and others have always been a great resource for me. Again, thank you, your passion is very honorable.
For all of this excuse-making by Christians, you are having an effect, trust me, by the mere act of pointing out the many inconsistencies, even if they don't admit this. I know because when I was younger and believed maintaining my faith was a virtue, these sorts of challenges mattered, particularly when I thought about them in private.
Thats far too kind. I think we already have the next Hitchens, Alex Oconnor. I fear without a formal degree (and also a nice British accent) i can only go so far lol
@@MindShift-Brandon Mr. O'Connor is also a fave of mine. Formal degree aside, you are easily on the same level as him IMO, especially since you come from the perspective of a born againer. I had an older brother who was a solid born again christian for years until he thought his way out. His perspective afterwards was always deeply intellectual and philosophical.
Just found this channel loving it ! I too was indoctrinated since childhood in fundamentalist Christian dogma didn’t get out til 30 … so glad but still over coming the damage it did through trauma.. thank you for what you do
On the lines of "thought crimes", I believe it was written to make sure no one felt guiltless. Its a way to make everyone feel sinful and worthy of hell. First, create the problem. Second, offer the solution.
Just shared your channel with a few friends that I used to have a bible study with in my early 20s. We were hardcore. Just as friends we decided to study the bible together. We all went to different churches and the perspectives varied. It was one of the most significant periods of Christian "growth" in my life. We are all long-distance now from each other. Some came to our house for a visit and BOY how we have all changed our religious mindset and lack thereof. I am hoping we can follow along together on your secular bible study and spark new discussion among our group. Thanks for your work man. Your content is helpful.
that is really kind, but man am I jealous. How amazing if my two best buddies made the switch with me and we could discuss. But they are two of the most devout believers out there.
@@MindShift-Brandon That's what was so surprising about these guys. One of my buddies was even a worship pastor. Very devout as well. I was on the "de-construction" island by myself for a long time in our friend group. It's a breath of fresh air to be able to talk to them and be understood on this side so well; because we walked together so closely in our faith. Peace man and good luck with your best buds.
I love this! One of your most telling distillations: "I get it why you don't want to do this", follow every command of Jesus. But then what do you have, if you don't? "Sort of Christians"? And I get that too! I like fried chicken, mac and green bean casserole. I like having a community who can vouch for me, "Well now, I know SC, he's in my prayer group." Great! But, being Real with yourself for me counts for more. A good vid and excellent channel.
I'm fully a Christian but I do appreciate you pointing out a lot of the things that Christians fail to uphold and live! Randomly discovered your channel yesterday and I want to apologize on behalf of the Christians who called you names! It's so funny that the biggest hypocrites that I've ever met in my life happened to be people who claim to be followers of Jesus! I've definitely been a hypocrite myself I've done things that are very clearly against what Jesus taught but like you said when you quoted from the Bible that you have to deny yourself which I try to do but it's easier said than done lool. I'm not saying this in a weird sarcastic or condescending way or anything but genuinely I want to say God bless you! Though I don't think I'll ever leave my faith, your videos definitely do touch many things I've often thought about and debated with myself and with others! To you and to everyone who reads this, have a great day 😁
Thank you Brandon. I wish I had taken this journey 30 to 40 years ago. I've wasted so many decades trying to live up to these impossible standards. I feel so cheated.
The old testament was a metaphor?! So i can finally shave the corners of my beard? Cool! I was looking pretty homeless. Awesome commentary as always,bro.
I really struggle with religion at times and your channel so helps with that! Being an atheist isn’t easy, being closeted, and the ones who do know ridicule you sometimes. Not only that, but healing from the religion is tough! I love your videos!
"As an athiest you have no right to......" If I watch a football game and I see an offside, can't I call it out? "As a spectator you have no right to....."
I've told people before that my Love Language is sarcasm. You are a straightforward, easy-to-understand guy, Brandon. But your sarcasm eeks through sometimes, and I love it. I love your sense of humor. I love when you get blurry and tell us to look at the books and the chessboard. You're great. And BTW, your truth is beautiful and SOOO needed.
You are the first person I have heard speak the way you do about these things. I am a relative newcomer to your chanel but I have been listening alot. I would absolutely love to hear you talk to Dr.Jordan Peterson about your conclusions. I think he is a brilliant man, but I think you could really put him to task in a nice series of talks about this. He extracts practical values from these stories but he hasnt touched on it like this yet. I think you two would make for some great and insightful conversation.
Loved the video today! Looking on these verses and the before and afters in my own time really helps solidify my changing beliefs and knowledge of the Christian faith. Over this weekend, I went to a Christian concert featuring some big bands. It was free of cost, but there were merch tables and opportunities for “offerings.” Lots and lots of people were there in this outdoor venue. I went to this for a friend of mine. And one question I bet people’s ask is: “Why do that if you’re in the process of deconstructing? If you’re finding the faith to be irrelevant, why participate with those whose values and beliefs you’re contending with?” A few reasons: 1) **Separate emotional experiences from so-called “spiritual.”** As a musician, music is everything to me…being able to understand that crying over the right sounds or beats or words is a part of human nature is a beautiful thing in itself. Even if I’m singing the words and dancing around, I’m learning to attribute it to a good time. And I’m glad I did! 2) **For my friends.** I’m currently closeted in my deconstruction journey, so a lot of my friends who challenge my beliefs - knowingly or not - are still valuable to my life and I love them regardless (until bad things happen..:should they let them). 3) **Observing teachings from an outsider perspective.** I was born and raised in the faith. Going through this deconstruction process, I can listen to speakers or the words in songs, understand what is going on for people to be in worship or “spiritually high.” The main message at this concert was the cookie cutter gospel - “We all have sinned, Jesus came to pave a way for us; will you choose him?” My mind - thanks to this community and my own observations - is strengthened, that I can recognize when people are being conditioned, ushered, gaslighted. And it’s so freeing to see that from the outside looking in. This all might come across to some as hypocritical and untrue to my character, but I need to take care of myself. I can’t just jump the gun on shaky faith and let my world come crashing down. As specified in Brandon’s other videos, there’s always a better way to approach critical situations…and I feel like I’m doing so. If you’ve gotten this far, thanks for reading my update. And I’ll continue to keep thinking.
Man i love your videos, do something on Jehovah's Witnesses, that's a real deep dive. I can't afford to be a patron but i watch and like all your videos, thank you.
"Can't wait to hear the excuses" made me smile. It's so true. I believe there is a translation issue with Matthew 5:28 as most evangelicals understand it. The red flag comes from realizing that if a single man actually has relations with a single woman, they have NOT committed adultery, so how could simply thinking about relations be adultery in the heart? We can check the original language text and see that the specific word for adultery is used, not the generic word for immorality. We can also see that the word for "covet" is used - somehow translated as "lust" this time. I believe a correct translation would be that if you look at a "wife" to "covet" her (to intend to take her away from her husband to be yours), you've already stolen her (which is adultery) in your heart. The verse has nothing to do with admiring nice curves. --- That said, the interpretation you talked about is what evangelicals think that verse says, so your point absolutely stands. Evangelicals are not even close to consistent in following what they believe scripture says.
1. Pray secretly (Matthew 6:5-6) 2. Don’t take oaths (Matthew 5:33) 3. Drink poison (Mark 16:17) 4. Heal people (ibid) 5. Speak in tongues (ibid) 6. Cast out demons (ibid) 7. Beat the slaves (Luke 12:35f) 8. Don’t rebuke (1 Timothy 5:1) 9. Encourage each other (ibid) 10. Believe like children (Mark 10:15) (was part of first list) 11. Cut off hand instead of sin (Mark 9:42) 12. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) 13. Denying self (Matthew 16:24) 14. Don’t lust (tear out eye) (Matthew 5:27) 15. Anger = Murder (Matthew 5:21) 16. Calling another a fool = Murder (ibid) 17. Smallest faith could do great things (Luke 17:5) 18. Give away possessions (Acts 2:42) (see #3 in first video) 19. Renounce all that you have (Luke 14:25-27, 33) 20. Observe all Jesus’ has commanded (Matthew 28:19)
Matthew 6:5-6 really hit home with me. I’m sure you recall Joe Kennedy, the high school football coach from Washington state who lost his job for leading prayers on the field after games. While I do have an issue with him leading prayers at a school function, the backlash I got from discussing this with neighbors and acquaintances was just mind blowing. After a game, Joe would go to the 50-yard line, take a knee, and pray in full view of everyone. This would attract players and the audience to participate. But that act alone was directly in violation of Matthew 6:5: “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corner, so that they may been seen by others…” I knew lots of Christians who felt he had the right to pray (and I do agree-everyone should have the right to pray-I think the bigger issue here was doing it during a school sanctioned event but I digress). But I would bring up Matthew 6:5-6 and these were the mind blowing responses I would get: * You’re taking it out of context. * That only applies when giving to charity (???) * He was not at a synagogue or street corner. * It doesn’t matter-Jesus said to be humble. * It doesn’t matter-Christians should be able to pray publicly if they want to. * There are other instances in the bible where people prayed publicly. * Jesus prayed publicly. And there were probably a few more. But you get the gist. I would repeatedly ask them how they got their interpretation when the verse itself is incredibly straight forward-there is no misinterpreting it. But they would just say “because Jesus…” and dance around the issue more.
yup exactly, these people are not brave Christian heroes, they are in open opposition to gods commands or show they dont love him enough to even read his word, yet they love him enough to go proclaim it publicly... almost seems like they care more about the attention than the god. Its all gross no matter how you look at it.
I accidentally published my comment before I submitted it, I’ve updated it. It doesn’t change your original response though. I just couldn’t get over how out of touch they were with their own scripture. Don’t get me wrong-you and I both know there’s a lot of parts in the bible that have to be interpreted because it isn’t clear-but this verse is not one of those.
Its pretty clear Jesus is condemning making a show out of giving to the poor and praying and recommending they be done in secret/private. I am also not aware to any thing in the Bible where Jesus actually prays in Public.
I recently had an offer from a preacher using a sound system in front of Sydney Town Hall in rush-hour to pray for my healing (I use a walking stick due to a disability I've had since birth), not much private prayer in that situation. I even told him no thanks (though must admit my language was a little more colourful than that), and he went right ahead and prayed anyway! ... and no, I do still need my walking stick 😊 if you were wondering, no miracle for me... was it something I said? 🤔😉
This is one of my favorites! Thank you for exploring this angle. It's nice to have this material in one's pocket for the inevitable response from Christians upon hearing of one's leaving Christianity: "You were never a 'real' Christian."
Listening to christians defend the indefensible is like listening to toddlers do gibberish. Once again, great and well articulated referencing, Brandon. Your videos are well researched, coz it gives us context. I appreciate your knowledge of that other side, coz it's really opening up more eyes, from this side. We here for the long haul🖖
Even more so than other religions, it seems that Christianity actually *forces* people into being thoroughly dishonest liars in order to maintain their faith in something that is demonstrably untrue and likewise compels them to become egregious hypocrites by making dictates that, if followed earnestly by all believers, would be personally and societally ruinous (forsaking family, the renouncement of possessions, and so on).
@onedaya_martian1238 they seem to assume that Christianity is an umbrella term for all these denominations, when most are refuted, eastern orthodoxy holds true to Christianity. Man is full of inconsistencies but God isn't. This guy fails to make that distinction.
The simple fact that you got conflicting responses should tell everyone exactly how important it was for God to deliver His message with anything resembling coherence.
Yes exactly! Its such an obvious red flag especially since christians believe we have the witness of the holy spirit still with us today. We all should be getting the same exact info. I cover this more in a video about denominations called Pick Your Poison.
When it comes to the many social inconsistencies within Christianity, I think most Christians (including myself when I was a believer) overlooked what Jesus said in Luke 9:23; he said whoever wants to be his disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow him. Those are terrifying requirements; any person who wants to be Jesus' disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily. Not yearly, not monthly, not weekly. Daily. Everyday. They must daily deny their rights, wants and desires, AND they must take up their cross, which entails willfully enduring suffering, hardship and unjust treatment without self-defence. If Jesus' disciples are known by those requirements, heaven will be an empty place, indeed.
I really appreciate your challenges here,Brandon! Your points from thee bible is one of the many reasons I’m no longer a Christian. I was once an Amish person, and they indeed tried to adhere to at least some of the more unpopular commands of the New Testament - specifically the ones in the Sermon on the Mount. Like not swearing at all. They will not swear, even in a court of law. They instead will simply “affirm”. This is actually allowed in our country.But you must be able to state that it is a part of your religious faith not to swear, if I’m correct. Yet there are other Bible commands they obviously don’t follow, that you point out, like drinking poison or not going to a doctor.
Another good one. Nice work. My two cents: Some of these commands (a minority, but some) make better sense if you understand Jesus as an apocalyptic prophet. He thought God was about to decisively intervene in history, destroy the forces of evil and everyone aligned with them, and preserve the good guys. If you think that sort of upheaval is imminent (which Jesus did), then some of his commands (e.g., don't save up for the future) -- which are really bad advice in normal life -- become a little more understandable. If you think the world is about to end, who cares about a 401K.
You are 100% right. But if the christian cant admit this because it means Jesus was wrong then they do t have this as an excuse to fall back on. No cake and eating it too!
Even better than the last one 🙂great delivery. The believe as a child, some interpretations tie this in with "give all to the poor" also, that is to say, come as a child with no worldly possessions and rely on father in heaven for everything.
I said it every night, laying in bed scared to death, between the ages of 5-12. And you only said it once? How lame is that. I bet at least one of those times I was way more sincere than you were. Later. On second thought, maybe I didn’t mean any of those prayers. Was my possible secret sin preventing me from being the sincere child I was called to be? Thanks a lot James. Hope you’re happy you caused me to gaslight myself. 🤣🤣
Thanks for being here!
We must keep all the teachings in their proper dispensations based upon rightly dividing the word of truth as stated in 2 Timothy 2:15.
You have an incredible gift and so glad you are using it to bring us reality. Being a Christian for as long plus a decade even I don’t have the amazing ability to articulate the way you do.
Thank you, thank you, thank you our family truly appreciate you!
Those things that Jesus said that the disciples could do such as drink poison and live were signs for the Jews in order for them to believe because the bible clearly states that Jews will NOT believe without a sign.
The apostle Paul wasn't even in the picture at the time because the Jews had yet to reject Jesus as their Messiah for the final time and that occurred at the stoning of Stephen.
After the stoning of Stephen, the focuses of the gospel actually changed from saving Jews to saving Gentiles from the requirement of water baptism to receive the Holy Spirit and getting saved which was for the Jews to receiving the Holy Spirit and getting saved by faith alone without water baptism which is for the Gentile and also any Jews that choose the believe (trust) the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Just read the book of Acts, it's a transitional book clearly revealing such a thing.
It's a pleasure.😅
A murderer while keeping his hands clean:
Deuteronomy 34
Names of God Bible
10 There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom Yahweh dealt with face to face. 11 He was the one Yahweh sent to do all the miraculous signs and amazing things in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to his whole country. 12 Moses used his mighty hand to do all the spectacular and awe-inspiring deeds that were seen by all the Israelites.
The LORD of flies:
Isaiah 7
Names of God Bible
17 “Yahweh will bring on you, your people, and your ancestor’s family a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah. He will bring the king of Assyria.
18 On that day Yahweh will whistle for the flies that are at the distant branches of the Nile River in Egypt and for the bees that are in Assyria.
19 All of them will come and settle in the deep valleys, in the cracks in the cliffs, on all the thornbushes, and at all the water holes.
When i was a christian, my husband and i were titheing 10% of our small income...then a pastor came to our church who stressed that 10% meant tithe of pretax income. So we increased our tithe until we had to borrow money to live before we just couldnt do it. We did not have a big house...my husband built it himself with recycled wood. He was a carpenter...i was a stay at home mom. I felt guilty for years after we stopped the tithe. Gosh i wish i had that money back. What a grift christianity is...in so many ways.
No joke! And the whole point of tithe should have been to the poor and widowed not church building and salaries. I too felt convicted to give off the pretax and i think about how much better off we would be with all that money back
I admire you for being a True Believer, you came out of your pocket to the point of impoverishing yourself. But you look at the Preachers on TV, have you checked their net worth?
Tithing = supporting parasites, i.e. pastors.
Sometimes I wish I was wrong about the whole god-thing, just so on Judgement Day, I could sit and watch those greedy preachers (especially televangelists & prosperity preachers) be judged by their deity whom they claim to speak on behalf of and follow. I'm sure I wouldn't be judged too nicely, but I'm guessing my sentence will be lighter than theirs since I've never tricked a pensioner out of their life savings.
@@scrider5493 well...good point...back then I took them at their word. Sadder but wiser now.
"You're taking that out of context...". the favourite Christian excuse of all time!
Is it true that a verse can be taken out of context? For example, Jesus told the rich young ruler to leave all and follow Him. Is the context that every Christian should do so? Yet, how can I 'follow' Jesus since He is no longer walking the earth? As the old saying goes, "A text without a context is a pretext." By the way, I do follow Jesus, but not in Palestine!
Yet, if you do not believe in God, why is it 'wrong' to make excuses? I thought we are all simply chemical reactions. Are we not all animals? Would you try to shame a lion for killing another lion? As it is written, you know God, but 'suppress the truth in unrighteousness.' If you persist in your denial, it will not go well for you. God will judge the world in righteousness and all liars will have their place in the lake of fire. Yet, Christ died on a Cross so that you may know Him. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
@@kenshiloh I wasn't implying that something can't be taken out of context, but that when a Christian is caught out by their irrational thinking, it is far easier to make an excuse of it being out of context than to even consider they might just be incorrect.
Why is it wrong to make excuses? Because more often than not, excuses are dishonest!
"It is written..... ". So prove that what is written is accurate, non contradictory, true, or relevant? There are many things written in this world, and a whole lot of them have verifiable evidence to back them up. Much of what is written in your bible has no such verification, only faith.
Christ died for nothing then, cos I don't know him..... And don't want to! Then again, he only died for a weekend - hardly a sacrifice.
@@tonyclif1 If you reject the Bible, why is it 'wrong' to be dishonest? Suppose I told you that dishonesty is a Darwinian survival mechanism. Would you be ok with that or would you point to an objective moral law for which people are required to obey?
Concerning Christ's death on a Cross, would you trade all your earthly pains and sorrows to endure that Cross? I hope that you will want to get to know your Creator! I do know this: if you reject Christ, you will eternally regret your decision! The foolishness of the Cross is your only hope. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
@@kenshiloh you seem to be assuming people need the bible for morality? That is simply ridiculous, especially when you consider the immoral actions of your god and his followers. In fact the bible is so immoral that Christians refuse to cite many sections of it in sermons etc....they cherry pick the so called "good" bits, and ignore the inconvenient bits.
As for dishonesty, a lie is a lie is a lie, and is generally wrong (sure you can find exceptions and justify them, often with semantics, but almost any time someone is injured, harmed, deceived etc by any action, or omission, it is wrong, and dishonest)
As for a Darwinian survival mechanism, it is hilarious that a member of a group that generally rejects Darwin's theories want to use his name as a point of argument. Unless of course you can show me a direct line of evidence that Darwin supported this concept and how it applies to this discussion?
As for "I do know this" in reference to Christ, you have absolutely zero way to know this. You can't even prove he exists, let alone verify any of his actions, his words, especially his failed words.... Eg he was to return before life had ended for his audience, yet here we are 2000 years later, and he is still not returned.
I knew my creator - sadly Dad died last month, after horrific health issues that should not exist if an all powerful god was real.
@@tonyclif1Thanks for writing. My condolences on your loss.
When you cite 'immorality', what moral code are you referring to? For example, I read a book where the suicide bomber was the hero of the village. Why is your morality 'good' and theirs 'bad'? Moreover, you say that whenever anyone is harmed, it is wrong. For example, it is therefore 'wrong' to kidnap someone, but why is it, then, not 'wrong' to imprison a thief or murderer?
Moreover, you say that it is 'wrong' to harm others, but why? If evolution were true, you are 'just another life form.' Therefore, why do people deserve any special moral privilege? Subjective morality is really no morality at all, as everyone creates their own rules.
You cannot say that I did not warn you! If you die in your amorality, you will be stuck in amorality forever. In fact, Jesus said that there are torturers in hell. On the day that you stand before God, it will be clear that it is you, not God, who has done wicked things such as lying, stealing, and general rebellion towards God. Be careful! Hell lasts forever. If you do not make things right with God, if you reject Him, you will not have Christ in eternity. Hell is torment; how could it not be?
Yet, Christ died on a Cross so that we may know Him. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
As a Christian I did pray for wisdom. I did pray for truth. I am now an nontheist. Prayers answered. 🎯
😂 bingo
well done
Yep… me, too!
Same here.
Same here! I prayed for the truth and I found it 😂
The "disciples not tasting death" thing is what had my mother, at 10 years old, saying "uh, wait a minute... y'all are waiting for 2000+ years for something that probably already happened." She noped out on it entirely when her local church drove out a minister who had converted from Judaism. They hated him for 'being Jewish' and she couldn't reason that one away because Jesus was Jewish, they said 'no he was Christian' and she just laughed and left.
Right!
You nailed it: I am a Christian and this is the most difficult dilemma for me in the Bible. Yet, unlike proud atheists, I trust God over what I do not understand. I won't get dishonest over it, mind you. I will just say, "Good one! I don't have an answer." The difference between someone on their way to heaven and one that heading for hell is pride. You think your brain is the supreme intellect in the universe. If that is not so, then tell me whose opinion you trust more than your own?
Yet, you are missing life, real life, in Christ. My life is blessed every day - and I am not even in heaven yet. That is because I am good friends with the One Who threw the stars in place. Believe the lie of the big bang and you lose! Christ died on a Cross so that your every lie and treason against everything that is good can be nailed to that same Cross. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
@@kenshiloh You think that atheists are proud? We realize that the universe is big, very big, we are nothing but a speck of dust. That feeling makes you humble.
The Christian on the other hand thinks that his god created this universe for him so he could marvel at its sight.
No, if there is a group that feels pride it is the Christians. They go to heaven and conveniently they forget that billions of people (mostly children) like all Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists go to hell. But please do not think about it and pretend you do not have an answer.
And as for Jesus, a bad weekend on the cross and an eternity in heaven next to his father is not that much of a sacrifice.
Think for once.
Nost tasting thing probably ment that they will see the church age, which they did. Aka Gods kingdom
I am an agnostic and always try to keep an open mind about religions, no matter how much I disagree with them. But when Christian commandments sound eerily similar to cult practices, my mind doesn't feel so open anymore...
So on the one hand if you hate anyone you go to hell but Jesus says to follow him you have to hate everyone else, solid
Perfect sense. Right?
Context is everything. Jesus said that unless we hate our own lives, we cannot enter heaven. It is hyperbole. It is written that Jesus spoke in parables. Yet, fools will mock what they do not understand. Know that Christ will judge the world in righteousness. I hope that you will make things right with God. He died on a Cross so that you may know Him. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
@@kenshilohthis is nonsense. Try again
@@kenshilohdied on a cross? He took a weekend off.
It’s interesting that you said “if you can’t do these things and if you believe you should, don’t call yourself a Christian”
That’s how my deconversion began. I couldn’t tell people about my faith honestly, so I just said “I believe but I don’t think I’m worthy of the title”.
Then I eventually realized why.
Thats very interesting
Honestly, my friend, this damaging thought pattern comes from the top (i.e. pastors), to the "lesser" leaders (i.e. elders, deacons), down the hill to the church gossips who practically *swear* that they've "never sinned." 🤣
NOBODY has the right to TRY to make you feel less than who you are. You are a precious human being, and THAT is what matters.
@@MindShift-Brandon I think this was done to him by the cult... oops, I mean church he was involved with.
Same thing happened to me, but I left the cult... dang, I mean church simply because dangerous spiritual freedom is much better than religious slavery.
Do be aware that the enemy is a liar and unto the bible there were added commandments, and the serpent twists them
Thisssss. As someone deconstructing, knowing these things has always given me an extra sense of always feeling guilty. For not having good thoughts, for not evangelizing, for not giving to the homeless, for being "selfish." I still pass by homeless people and feel immensely guilty, but I am one little millennial working to sustain myself. And it's sickening to see SOME (not all) Christians that have massive houses and go on extravagant vacations or the only "Christian" thing they do is go to church and believe. Christianity has given me an overall extreme feeling of always feeling guilty for a multitude of ridiculous reasons and I'm trying my best to unlearn what is so deeply engraved in me. That's why we need passionate people like you Brandon! Thanks for another good video!
Appreciate that very much! So glad youre finally free of it all!
Beautiful comment !!
Brandon is great. He is making a difference one mind at a time.
We all need to do the same... "bless" so we may "be blessed"... with one fellow being with us on this sweet earth at a time. In a "community" like this, we can improve more folks more quickly for a, hopefully, much better world.
What a fantastic comment. So honest that I *felt* every word of it.
@@loriw2661 Evangelicals constantly reinforce the idea that it is not works that save but beLIEving in the bible. That is why they don't think catholics are christians (but unbeLIEvably think Mormons are!).
With constant repetition of this evangelical premise, "just say 'the prayer' ", is it any wonder prosperity "teachings" are so popular ?
@@onedaya_martian1238Gee, I wonder why a group of hate-preachers, prosperity Gospel grifters, and white/Christian nationalists would choose to believe that all you need to do to get to heaven is believe, and that being a complete douche canoe won't make a difference...
I was raised in an ultra fundamentalist Christian household and currently deconstructing. Not been an easy journey due to the mental stronghold of religious ideology. I find your content super useful and I’m glad I found your channel! Keep up the great work!!
oh man, thats really kind to hear. Wish you well on this journey! I know how hard it is. Reach out if you need anything!
Same here. It's been so hard to untangle from all the little ways they went about explaining and justifying belief. There was an explanation for absolutely EVERYTHING. And it's so hard to untangle from the ways of thinking that feel programmed into my brain. I'm getting there but it's taking awhile.
Good wishes to you as you continue on your journey.
I’ve learned more about the Bible from watching you, Kristi Burke, and Belief it or Not than I’ve ever learned in church. Which is… sad. 😂 Keep it up!
ha! i'll take it, thanks so much for being here.
Lmao why is this sooo true
@@MindShift-Brandonmy husband and I regularly watch your videos on Sundays. We call you Pastor Brandon. 😂🙏☺️
I love that!
Pastor Brandon 💀💀💀
In the USA the crazy thing is how many Christians don't vote their faith. Like medicare for all, thriving wages, etc etc things that makes life better for people.
Ahh yes thats a good point. Id say they do vote their version of their faith. That disconnect is what this is all about. But social programs should be right up the christians alley, agreed
@@MindShift-Brandonyup! I have called out multiple Christians with this.
American Protestantism is merely a fad and political statement.
Its all about cherrie picking. Christians allways choose the verses they like in the Bible and bash the rest. All christians do that so why shouldnt the right wing evangelicals do the same thing?
They hate gay people, hate paying taxes and love guns. Dont know were they find Bible verses that approve those things but Hey, what the heck.
Maybe it is the honor, prestige of being "The Elect"? The rest are unworthy. It was Christians who scrubbed the Indians off the earth, owned and sold slaves. That was possible OK b/c of the "Favored" mindset.
I feel like I just got slapped in the face by the mighty hand of logic, and I’m not even religious! Just subbed, thank you for being out here helping folks❤
Oh man thanks! Welcome to the fam and thanks for being here
Satan is also uses logic to put victims under his control
John 8:31-32
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
the slavery refered to in the Bible is the result of sin and not an endorsement
so why is someone giving the false notion about the Bible endorsing slavery when they are in chains to sin
he didn't read be a EUNUCH.
So I was in church once before I became an atheist and my Amish bishop was preaching from the text of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus says it is better to cut off your hand than to go to hell. He made comment that he believes this to be a literal command. I was astounded and after the service ended I approached him and asked him if he really meant to actually cut off your hand if it is causing you to “sin”. Yes, was his answer. This blew my mind and I began to see how dangerous the Bible really is, because it doesn’t qualify it’s statements. Jesus never said about this command that “I’m only meaning this in a metaphorical way. Thus, radical idiots like my former Bishop can believe and preach this as a literal command. Yikes!!!!!!
Yikes!
Whenever they pray sickness away, and inevitably it doesn’t happen, it’s always the sick persons fault. I was told my movement disorder was because, at 16, was my fault for not having enough faith, reading my Bible enough, or not praying enough. Come to find out 20+ years later, that I’m autistic and the Christian push to hide everything is what caused my brain to rewire my anxiety and stress to come out as my movement disorder.
The nicer Christians say that it's God's Will and that He has a plan for you. You just have to figure out what it is. That's still errant nonsense, but not as devastating.
My sister was rather sick for a while in her 30's and my grandparent who is very religious had the whole church pray for my sister, 3 weeks later she had a small stroke and her health has gotten worse in the past ten years despite all the prayers.
That awkward moment then an atheist TH-camr is a more hard-hitting preacher than John Piper and John MacArthur ever dreamt to be.
If I was watching this while still a Christian, my conscience would have been screaming 😅
Ha! In another life…
John MacArthur is an evil cultist. He will join the ranks of American preachers like Oral Roberts, Herbert Armstrong, Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell(s), Robert Schuller, etc.... all millionaires who started their own "churches" and perpetuated a perverse form what the archetypal Jesus supposedly taught. The damage will continue until more TH-camrs like our hero here undoes the twisting of people's minds, one by one.
Someone is going to make an edit when they realize this 😂 Thank Jeebus.
John McCarthur: a privileged dolt.
Shall we allow the Bible to define what a Christian is? Did you know the Lord? If not, then no wonder you love preachers like Brandon to tickle your ears over Bible teachers! Just know that there is good and evil! People are not merely animals. Do you shame a lion for killing another lion? People are moral agents subject to and accountable to God. I know Him and love Him. Due to the hardness of your heart, you never asked to meet Christ. In fact, the common denominators of 'former Christians' (there is no such thing) is that they 'beg and beg and beg' to know God. I don't know who you were praying to, but it was not the Lord Jesus Christ. He always keeps a promise. He died on a Cross so that you may know Him. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
Thank you for another amazing video.
When I was a Christian, two things which bothered me was the praying in public and the long group prayers
My pleasure. Thanks for being here.
@@jamespcrown128 that is funny. My grandfather said a very short prayer. It was a family chant and then we would eat.
He would let anyone pray at meals.
I was in grade school when I realized that no matter how hard I tried, I would never be good enough in the eyes of my church. That's when I started to pull away. It took a lot more years to finally say I didn't believe in their bs anymore.
Glad you made it out!
I asked a Christian friend of mine how his fancy new TV fits with his stated goal of living humbly and making sure all his purchases honor Christ. His response was, and I quote, "*pause* There's nothing that says you can't have nice things!" That was a level of selfish hypocrisy I just couldn't stand.
But the words of Jesus are only to be taken literally when they do not cause personal inconvenience!
@@maggiebarrett7300- Exactly.
Kudos to you for remaining friends.
@@janetdouglas1272- Oh we're not friends anymore. Like I said, that's a level of selfish hypocrisy I don't want to be around.
Are you really a friend if you feel this way? it's ok for people to buy tvs.
Ok Brandon, I’m going to call you a name…you elucidator! Dividing the word and exposing the flaws, using the sword effectively. Good points all around. Keep up the good work. 👨🏻🦰❤️
Lol. Thanks, Beegee. Made me laugh and smile!
The only body part that "causes me to sin" is my brain. I've got an appointment with my doctor to see about getting it removed.
Ha!
Why not just become a Scientologist instead?
@@Aurealeus I must be missing some context to get this joke. I can't fathom why anyone would join a religion started by a guy who said "the easiest way to become a millionaire is to start your own religion."
@@zar3434 Because Scientology uses Hubbards philosophy of Dianetics and a device called an E-meter to remove cognitive thinking from the brain, so instead of opting for a lobotomy, Scientology could be the next best thing. Less invasive too.
The kinds of abuse perpetuated by the "church" is staggering!
The oath-taking thing has always struck me as bizarre. For 30 years I chose to be affirmed rather than swearing on the Bible because I believed it was true and it told me not to swear oaths. In future I'll ask to be affirmed because any oath I swear on a fictional book is meaningless.
Ha. Love both points
As a Christian, I would not "swear on the Bible". The bible itself clealy forbids it.
Christian here, just to comment on your first portion. I agree that there is no excuse for us when we don't do the things we are supposed to do, and anything else is just a cop out, i agree. Accountability is important, christian or not, and we should all be held accountable when we do not own up to the things we say that we are going to do, or the things that we are supposed to do. Thank you for that, much love.
Appreciate that. Cheers
What do you mean by "held accountable?"
@@jacliveshere well not just other people, we should also hold ourselves accountable as well. But yes, having others, especially good people in your "circle" to hold you accountable is important, as we all slip up.
Another strong video Brandon.
I like how you point out not just Christians being very lax in their faith but also how contradictory the new testament is!
@paulbrandel5980 thanks, Paul!
The one I like the most is: Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
I ask a Christian friend to give me his car. He didn’t answer. Then I ask him to lend me his car but to not demand it back. The look in his face was priceless. Christian’s are the masters of hypocrisy. They know it’s what Jesus said and are incapable of obeying his commands.
Ahh yes thats a great one!
You really think your friend should have given you their car?
@@sigmaforge5088 of course not. I don’t need his old Deawoo. I should of ask for the watch that was a Rado.🤣
Rather your Christian friend should have known you were trying to deceive him with your intent. That is wickedness on your part. Yo need to repent and totally trust Jesus to forgive and cleanse you from all your unrighteousness. He is ever so faithful !
@@christophergibson7155 🤣🤣🤣
Great video! I have a feeling that most Christians don’t take the Bible as literally as they think they do, and the things you brought up are a prime example.
Thank you much! Yes i think most actually think they are doing what they are supposed to and just haven’t been reading that pesky bible much.
Most Christians don't even know about many of them listed here
If a literal interpretation suits their agenda, then that is the interpretation they will take. If they need it to be figurative, then they will go that route. Basically it all depends on which suits their argument the best.
First! Haven’t gotten through the whole thing yet but it’s looking like another top tier show. Just wanted to reiterate your frustration with the Christians who can’t fathom why we have to be concerned with their religion. When Hitch talked with Sharpton he put it well. I don’t care if you have your toys and play with them at home, but I am not to be made to play with them and you cannot force my children to play with them either.
Thank you very much. It is impossible to read a hitch quote and not hear it in his voice! Love that.
God bless Hitch! Irony intended. I miss his lucidity & logic & wit so much! RIP to Hitch.
When I was a Christian, I got really frustrated with other Christians (for many reasons, but specifically...) because of the Christians in my circle who where denying climate change. At that time, I thought it might "be a hox" too (thankfully I don't now) but I thought "even if it is fake, doesn't god command us to be good stewards of the Earth? Shouldn't we try to protect it?" And (at that time) fellow Christians would look at me like I grew a third eye! "God gave us dominion over the Earth so we can do whatever we want to it! Besides, God is going to come back any day now and destroy everything anyways."
"Dominion over the Earth" has nothing to do with responsible stewardship. God didn't even know what shape the Earth was, much less the complexities of biodiversity and the ecosystem.
I know right ....even if it was fake what's wrong with a clean planet?
There’s a verse in revelations that says God will destroy them that destroy the earth so their attitude is wicked
It's cause climate change is buckshot, its another propaganda piece that dummies fall for cause instead of looking at the data themselves they always appeal to authority.
I would've said, "well, we've been waiting for over 2000 years and the believers when he was still living thought he would come in THEIR lifetimes. What's YOUR idea of any day now?!?"
The two words in the Gospels that always stood out me are "You hypocrites!"
I love how people love to cite Paul about homosexuality and then completely ignore Paul about being chaste and abstinent for life. 3:)
Thank you. A large part of my maternal and paternal family never had faith. My parents raised me through a collection of books on myths including biblical, I learned about Christian (ism), Juda(ism), Islam(ism) as being culturally significant but as Greek, Roman, Sumerian myths, Incas, Aztecs, Buddhists… Fortunately, I lived and live in secular countries. I accept all religions on the sole condition that they do not harm me or others. Above all, they are literature or myths. I am not wary of religions, I have never been religious. On the other hand, I am wary of preachers and other fanatics who want to impose their literature on me.
I'm in America, where religious believers are using their religious beliefs to do harm in America. From changing laws - ie overturning Roe v Wade - to passing laws outlawing African American advanced placement courses in schools. (Florida for example.)
@@AllThingsFilm1 The United States has a big problem with religion. From the Protestant great "awakening" a significant part of American society to turn its back on the values of the Enlightenment of the 18th century. From then on, the tension between theocrats and secular people is obvious.
When you remember that they believed that the end was right around the corner, in their lifetime, it all makes a lot more sense.
Yup. Proves Jesus was apocalyptic. Modern End of Times cult leaders do the same thing. They have their followers leave their jobs, homes, give away their worldly possessions. Why? Because they won't need any of that for long. The end is nigh...before everyone sheepishly goes home and the cult leaders try a different date.
Jesus was no different.
7:20 Fun fact: Unlike most Christians, the Quakers actually do refrain from swearing and taking oaths. This is why the US Presidential Oath of Office contains an option to "affirm" rather than "swear" to uphold the constitution....so that Quakers could become president.
Brandon--another great job on this topic, thanks. I'm now armed to the teeth for a debate with my Christian friends. It *is* weird that the 2 close friends of mine who are Christian, and who consider themselves to be good, solid Christians, adhere to virtually *none* of these (now) 40 points you've made. They're both financially more-than-comfortable and are both in second marriages (adultery not being the cause of the end of either first marriage.) And, man, if nothing else, Jesus was dead set against material wealth and divorce. I honestly think at this point I'm better versed in Christian doctrine than they. Probably more than most causal Christians. Thanks to you and other TH-camrs, so, much appreciation.
It really is crazy to compare almost any modern christian with jesus’ teachings. Your personal examples were spot on. Glad to be useful, and thanks for being here.
Funny that. The more one knows the bible, the less one wants to be, what others call, a "christian".
You are not as well versed as you thought. Jesus is not dead set against money..He is clearly saying dont make it your god! Don't forget the first commandment. Ben Graham said Jesus would be a better money manager than guys working on Wall street (footnotes of the intelligent investor..i think it was in reference to the parable of the talents or the workers in the vineyard) in any case you reap what you sow and i think original teacher of the warren buffett system makes a good point! Buffett, an agnostic, is finding out what Carlos Slim has been saying forever "You cant take it with you" Remember the praise Jesus gave the women who gave one penny to the offering..thats what she had..its a deeper lesson about money but one we all need..in fact Buffett's lunch he auctions off went to benefit a church his first wife susan used to hand out boxed lunches for the homeless at! Those pictures are somewhere on the internet..anyway hope that was helpful in some way.
The hardest thing in all these conversations, I find, is getting people to recognize they don't actually care whether their beliefs are true.
It's basal, fundamental - and yet....
I was a Catholic. One thing I liked about that philosophy was that it was about DOING what Jesus said and "the church" accepted the allegorical nature of the bible. I was taught evolution in my catholic school. I also believed that God would eventually allow people people into heaven after they died if they only committed venial sins.
Listening to evangelicals and the "protestant" philosophy is a) the bible is literally true. b) saying some dumb prayer is the Silly Wonka gold ticket to heaven, full stop. c) THEY are the christians, oh and those that agree with them.
As you are pointing out, this is all "bunk". But I believe the evangelical perspective is more dangerous in general as at least being catholic takes more effort. Notice the difference between this and the last leadership's efforts to be president. But, both protestant and catholic organizations have lead to gross abuses of authority throughout history .... which we both have been victims of in the present time. Thank you for speaking out !!! Especially with today's comments of the shear hypocrisy of "the followers".
Sundays would be great if everyone just took time to remember to a) be appreciative b) forgive and patiently correct the stupid c) take time to love and reach out to the afflicted and hurt d) smile when you feel blessed.
Catholicism was like the Military, the priests were the Generals, more revered than Elvis, they called God down into the host. They forgave sins, or not in confession. The Faithful were the troops. Granted they were OK with evolution and science so long as it was not birth control or euthanasia.
Cool. I went through RCIA and became a Catholic because my theology always leaned in that direction. I don't attend mass now, and I barely go to church because I hate the arrogance modern Christianity has produced. I study the earliest pre-Constantine church. Jesus was all about taking all people and making them family. That's what I'm down with.
@@aestroai8012 Down with you, brother !! Smiling for the comment.
@onedaya_martian1238 Are you still a Catholic, if i may ask?
@@gg2008yayo When asked about my "faith" by evangelicals, I respond, "I'm a "True Christian (tm)", a Catholic", with a straight face. I then "witness" that one does not need an infallible book, to live/do, as best as one can, the teachings of the person these religious folks take their name from. Does that answer the question ?
The first 6 minutes and 40 seconds of the video were amazing. The call outs were on point and your analogy about the college and grades was excellent. I love your approach to getting Christians to at least think about what it is they actually believe.
that is so encouraging. Thank you!
It's factual... except when it's allegory.
It's allegory... except when its only for a specific person.
Lol just cant win
When they flip an ambiguous coin, they always think they are winners. Is cheating a word not found in the bible ?
Explains a lot about a party that wants to lead in the secular world.
Excellent content and insightful comments. About the first one from Matthew 6; elsewhere in the gospels Jesus was especially critical of the Pharisees for doing these things and hypocritically showing off their religiosity in public. I live in a southern state, and see this all the time: people "asking the blessing" in restaurants, businesses showing off their religiosity with statements referring to God or their christian faith in their advertisements, prayers before high school football games, etc. Every time I see this happen it reminds me of those pharisees and why Jesus was so critical of them.
Yes! Exactly. I really just cant understand why christians would want to actively go against the teachings of jesus and then do so in his name.
@MindShiftSkeptic It's because the Church made up all these traditions after he died. None of it had much to do with what he actually taught. He basically taught people to pray in a closet quietly, not like the heathens do in the street.
Evangelical preachers usurp the appreciation each of us need to give to each other as we do our jobs making society work, from farmers, to truckers, to manufacturers etc and divert that appreciation to a god, who is a terrible character in a flawed anthology.
Wow !!!
And then those preachers take our money, to "thank" them for pointing it out, using our own guilt of "sin" to do it.
Religion has hindered, not helped humanity.
Hey Brandon, thanks for a great video as always. I’ve been deconverting for over a year now, and have been non theistic for the last several months. Thank you for your content in this journey. There’s been family issues and personal issues. I’ve had conversations with my mom about the same verses in this video too, she says “god is testing me”, I know she dosent see things the same way as I do. The past two years of my life have felt more like ten, after losing my little sister to the fight with cancer and to struggling with suicidal ideation. Videos like yours and others have always been a great resource for me. Again, thank you, your passion is very honorable.
Appreciate you sharing here! Thank you
For all of this excuse-making by Christians, you are having an effect, trust me, by the mere act of pointing out the many inconsistencies, even if they don't admit this. I know because when I was younger and believed maintaining my faith was a virtue, these sorts of challenges mattered, particularly when I thought about them in private.
Thats very encouraging. Thank you for saying so
I'm bingeing on your videos. Excellent commentaries. I envision you stepping into the vacant shoes of Hitchens.
Thats far too kind. I think we already have the next Hitchens, Alex Oconnor. I fear without a formal degree (and also a nice British accent) i can only go so far lol
@@MindShift-Brandon Mr. O'Connor is also a fave of mine. Formal degree aside, you are easily on the same level as him IMO, especially since you come from the perspective of a born againer. I had an older brother who was a solid born again christian for years until he thought his way out. His perspective afterwards was always deeply intellectual and philosophical.
@Northman1963 thank you for that. Its a wonderful compliment
Thanks!
Thanks, Mike!
Brother I'm so proud of you. Keep it up. Your doing the right thing. 👍🏼😁
Thanks for that encouragement!
Just found this channel loving it ! I too was indoctrinated since childhood in fundamentalist Christian dogma didn’t get out til 30 … so glad but still over coming the damage it did through trauma.. thank you for what you do
Appreciate that! Thanks so much for being here.
On the lines of "thought crimes", I believe it was written to make sure no one felt guiltless. Its a way to make everyone feel sinful and worthy of hell.
First, create the problem.
Second, offer the solution.
Just shared your channel with a few friends that I used to have a bible study with in my early 20s. We were hardcore. Just as friends we decided to study the bible together. We all went to different churches and the perspectives varied. It was one of the most significant periods of Christian "growth" in my life. We are all long-distance now from each other. Some came to our house for a visit and BOY how we have all changed our religious mindset and lack thereof. I am hoping we can follow along together on your secular bible study and spark new discussion among our group. Thanks for your work man. Your content is helpful.
that is really kind, but man am I jealous. How amazing if my two best buddies made the switch with me and we could discuss. But they are two of the most devout believers out there.
@@MindShift-Brandon That's what was so surprising about these guys. One of my buddies was even a worship pastor. Very devout as well. I was on the "de-construction" island by myself for a long time in our friend group. It's a breath of fresh air to be able to talk to them and be understood on this side so well; because we walked together so closely in our faith. Peace man and good luck with your best buds.
Thanks so much!
I love this! One of your most telling distillations: "I get it why you don't want to do this", follow every command of Jesus. But then what do you have, if you don't? "Sort of Christians"? And I get that too! I like fried chicken, mac and green bean casserole. I like having a community who can vouch for me, "Well now, I know SC, he's in my prayer group." Great! But, being Real with yourself for me counts for more. A good vid and excellent channel.
Always such great encouragement from you. Thanks man!
Absolutely wonderful video.
Thanks, Ron!
I'm fully a Christian but I do appreciate you pointing out a lot of the things that Christians fail to uphold and live! Randomly discovered your channel yesterday and I want to apologize on behalf of the Christians who called you names! It's so funny that the biggest hypocrites that I've ever met in my life happened to be people who claim to be followers of Jesus! I've definitely been a hypocrite myself I've done things that are very clearly against what Jesus taught but like you said when you quoted from the Bible that you have to deny yourself which I try to do but it's easier said than done lool. I'm not saying this in a weird sarcastic or condescending way or anything but genuinely I want to say God bless you! Though I don't think I'll ever leave my faith, your videos definitely do touch many things I've often thought about and debated with myself and with others! To you and to everyone who reads this, have a great day 😁
But do you do everything he points out that Christians dont? You, personally, in action, not intent or thought? I doubt it 1000000000%
Love your work!! Thanks so much 😊
So very kind! Thank you for this incredibly generous support!
Thank you Brandon. I wish I had taken this journey 30 to 40 years ago. I've wasted so many decades trying to live up to these impossible standards. I feel so cheated.
The old testament was a metaphor?! So i can finally shave the corners of my beard? Cool! I was looking pretty homeless. Awesome commentary as always,bro.
Ha! Thanks man
I really struggle with religion at times and your channel so helps with that! Being an atheist isn’t easy, being closeted, and the ones who do know ridicule you sometimes. Not only that, but healing from the religion is tough! I love your videos!
Brandon, you leave no stone unturned. Your analyst and perspective is refreshing. Important content.
Thank you so much for that!
Thank you for your intelligent and learned comments about Jesus’ direct commands from the Bible.
My pleasure!
7.1! Seems like just yesterday you were at 3.1. Let’s keep it going until you hit 50K and beyond.
Thank you very much!
He might reach over 100k after appearing on The Line w/ Dillahunty.
"As an athiest you have no right to......"
If I watch a football game and I see an offside, can't I call it out?
"As a spectator you have no right to....."
Nice analogy!!
Good point but we aren’t just spectators if the players are trying to draw us into the game and question the validity of our right to be spectators.
I've told people before that my Love Language is sarcasm. You are a straightforward, easy-to-understand guy, Brandon. But your sarcasm eeks through sometimes, and I love it. I love your sense of humor. I love when you get blurry and tell us to look at the books and the chessboard. You're great. And BTW, your truth is beautiful and SOOO needed.
This is such a wonderful comment. Thank you!
Solid gold dude. 👏👏👏
Thanks!
"How little do you believe your own bible"😂😂😂😂😂 spot on!
Hot damn, you make a lot of sense. Jesus is really a hard core guru when you think about it.
The ending ...the last minute or so...great!
Thanks for watching all the way through!
Thank you for making this important video. I totally agree with you.
If we (those of us raised in this culture) are honest with ourselves, we can trace back steady and manipulative gaslighting from the very beginning.
100%!
As a former reformed Calvinist, I tried living this out and it turned me into the worse most depressed person of my life on constant edge
I love this! Great job Brandon!
Thanks!
I wholeheartedly agree
Thanks for watching
You are the first person I have heard speak the way you do about these things. I am a relative newcomer to your chanel but I have been listening alot. I would absolutely love to hear you talk to Dr.Jordan Peterson about your conclusions. I think he is a brilliant man, but I think you could really put him to task in a nice series of talks about this. He extracts practical values from these stories but he hasnt touched on it like this yet. I think you two would make for some great and insightful conversation.
Thank you. That is very kind. I fear i am no where near JP’s radar but I appreciate it
Love you allusion to "Thoughtcrime"! Also your pointing out of Contradictions, and the absolute impossibility measuring up.
Thanks, Francis!
Loved the video today! Looking on these verses and the before and afters in my own time really helps solidify my changing beliefs and knowledge of the Christian faith.
Over this weekend, I went to a Christian concert featuring some big bands. It was free of cost, but there were merch tables and opportunities for “offerings.” Lots and lots of people were there in this outdoor venue.
I went to this for a friend of mine. And one question I bet people’s ask is: “Why do that if you’re in the process of deconstructing? If you’re finding the faith to be irrelevant, why participate with those whose values and beliefs you’re contending with?”
A few reasons:
1) **Separate emotional experiences from so-called “spiritual.”** As a musician, music is everything to me…being able to understand that crying over the right sounds or beats or words is a part of human nature is a beautiful thing in itself. Even if I’m singing the words and dancing around, I’m learning to attribute it to a good time. And I’m glad I did!
2) **For my friends.** I’m currently closeted in my deconstruction journey, so a lot of my friends who challenge my beliefs - knowingly or not - are still valuable to my life and I love them regardless (until bad things happen..:should they let them).
3) **Observing teachings from an outsider perspective.** I was born and raised in the faith. Going through this deconstruction process, I can listen to speakers or the words in songs, understand what is going on for people to be in worship or “spiritually high.” The main message at this concert was the cookie cutter gospel - “We all have sinned, Jesus came to pave a way for us; will you choose him?” My mind - thanks to this community and my own observations - is strengthened, that I can recognize when people are being conditioned, ushered, gaslighted. And it’s so freeing to see that from the outside looking in.
This all might come across to some as hypocritical and untrue to my character, but I need to take care of myself. I can’t just jump the gun on shaky faith and let my world come crashing down. As specified in Brandon’s other videos, there’s always a better way to approach critical situations…and I feel like I’m doing so.
If you’ve gotten this far, thanks for reading my update. And I’ll continue to keep thinking.
man, i love it. it all makes sense to me and you seem to be very aware of why you are doing what you're doing. i think its a great example.
Savage Analisis!! Thank You
My pleasure!
Mindshift uploads a video. I like it before even watching lol
Ha! Too kind my man
So glad I found your channel
Thanks so much. Appreciate having you here
Man i love your videos, do something on Jehovah's Witnesses, that's a real deep dive. I can't afford to be a patron but i watch and like all your videos, thank you.
Appreciate that so much! Thank you
@@MindShift-Brandon remember me when you get into your kingdom 👊😏
@cygnustsp ha!! Love bible verse comments turned around
You got quite passionate here at the end. Good.
Just so very tired of these excuses and hypocrisy
Another great video as usual. Had more I wanted to say but no time...just commenting for the algorithm .
Always appreciated! Thanks for being here
Dude, super fabulous. Among the very best refutations I have heard in a very long time...
Wow, thanks! I really appreciate that!
"Can't wait to hear the excuses" made me smile. It's so true. I believe there is a translation issue with Matthew 5:28 as most evangelicals understand it. The red flag comes from realizing that if a single man actually has relations with a single woman, they have NOT committed adultery, so how could simply thinking about relations be adultery in the heart? We can check the original language text and see that the specific word for adultery is used, not the generic word for immorality. We can also see that the word for "covet" is used - somehow translated as "lust" this time. I believe a correct translation would be that if you look at a "wife" to "covet" her (to intend to take her away from her husband to be yours), you've already stolen her (which is adultery) in your heart. The verse has nothing to do with admiring nice curves. --- That said, the interpretation you talked about is what evangelicals think that verse says, so your point absolutely stands. Evangelicals are not even close to consistent in following what they believe scripture says.
Good job Brandon!
Thank you much!
1. Pray secretly (Matthew 6:5-6)
2. Don’t take oaths (Matthew 5:33)
3. Drink poison (Mark 16:17)
4. Heal people (ibid)
5. Speak in tongues (ibid)
6. Cast out demons (ibid)
7. Beat the slaves (Luke 12:35f)
8. Don’t rebuke (1 Timothy 5:1)
9. Encourage each other (ibid)
10. Believe like children (Mark 10:15) (was part of first list)
11. Cut off hand instead of sin (Mark 9:42)
12. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5)
13. Denying self (Matthew 16:24)
14. Don’t lust (tear out eye) (Matthew 5:27)
15. Anger = Murder (Matthew 5:21)
16. Calling another a fool = Murder (ibid)
17. Smallest faith could do great things (Luke 17:5)
18. Give away possessions (Acts 2:42) (see #3 in first video)
19. Renounce all that you have (Luke 14:25-27, 33)
20. Observe all Jesus’ has commanded (Matthew 28:19)
Please pin this to the top, Mindshift
Matthew 6:5-6 really hit home with me. I’m sure you recall Joe Kennedy, the high school football coach from Washington state who lost his job for leading prayers on the field after games. While I do have an issue with him leading prayers at a school function, the backlash I got from discussing this with neighbors and acquaintances was just mind blowing.
After a game, Joe would go to the 50-yard line, take a knee, and pray in full view of everyone. This would attract players and the audience to participate. But that act alone was directly in violation of Matthew 6:5: “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corner, so that they may been seen by others…”
I knew lots of Christians who felt he had the right to pray (and I do agree-everyone should have the right to pray-I think the bigger issue here was doing it during a school sanctioned event but I digress). But I would bring up Matthew 6:5-6 and these were the mind blowing responses I would get:
* You’re taking it out of context.
* That only applies when giving to charity (???)
* He was not at a synagogue or street corner.
* It doesn’t matter-Jesus said to be humble.
* It doesn’t matter-Christians should be able to pray publicly if they want to.
* There are other instances in the bible where people prayed publicly.
* Jesus prayed publicly.
And there were probably a few more. But you get the gist. I would repeatedly ask them how they got their interpretation when the verse itself is incredibly straight forward-there is no misinterpreting it. But they would just say “because Jesus…” and dance around the issue more.
yup exactly, these people are not brave Christian heroes, they are in open opposition to gods commands or show they dont love him enough to even read his word, yet they love him enough to go proclaim it publicly... almost seems like they care more about the attention than the god. Its all gross no matter how you look at it.
I accidentally published my comment before I submitted it, I’ve updated it. It doesn’t change your original response though. I just couldn’t get over how out of touch they were with their own scripture. Don’t get me wrong-you and I both know there’s a lot of parts in the bible that have to be interpreted because it isn’t clear-but this verse is not one of those.
Its pretty clear Jesus is condemning making a show out of giving to the poor and praying and recommending they be done in secret/private. I am also not aware to any thing in the Bible where Jesus actually prays in Public.
I recently had an offer from a preacher using a sound system in front of Sydney Town Hall in rush-hour to pray for my healing (I use a walking stick due to a disability I've had since birth), not much private prayer in that situation. I even told him no thanks (though must admit my language was a little more colourful than that), and he went right ahead and prayed anyway! ... and no, I do still need my walking stick 😊 if you were wondering, no miracle for me... was it something I said? 🤔😉
This is one of my favorites!
Thank you for exploring this angle.
It's nice to have this material in one's pocket for the inevitable response from Christians upon hearing of one's leaving Christianity: "You were never a 'real' Christian."
Listening to christians defend the indefensible is like listening to toddlers do gibberish.
Once again, great and well articulated referencing, Brandon. Your videos are well researched, coz it gives us context. I appreciate your knowledge of that other side, coz it's really opening up more eyes, from this side.
We here for the long haul🖖
So very kind! Thank you for being here and being so supportive
This is a top video messege for christians or people who like to called themselves so. I agree for 100%.
Even more so than other religions, it seems that Christianity actually *forces* people into being thoroughly dishonest liars in order to maintain their faith in something that is demonstrably untrue and likewise compels them to become egregious hypocrites by making dictates that, if followed earnestly by all believers, would be personally and societally ruinous (forsaking family, the renouncement of possessions, and so on).
Well put.
Wow just wow. The ignorance is rampant in these types of discussions.
@@stewybrooks You are right !! They should have used the term Evangelicals.
@onedaya_martian1238 they seem to assume that Christianity is an umbrella term for all these denominations, when most are refuted, eastern orthodoxy holds true to Christianity. Man is full of inconsistencies but God isn't. This guy fails to make that distinction.
@@stewybrooks Hmmm, god is not inconsistent ??? The main character in the christian anthology of ancient stories sure is !!!
I’m liking your vids more and more.
Thanks so much!
The simple fact that you got conflicting responses should tell everyone exactly how important it was for God to deliver His message with anything resembling coherence.
Yes exactly! Its such an obvious red flag especially since christians believe we have the witness of the holy spirit still with us today. We all should be getting the same exact info. I cover this more in a video about denominations called Pick Your Poison.
Thank you for this.
My pleasure! Thanks for watching
Great video as always. Keep it up Brandon!
Thanks so very much!
Wow thank you
Always my pleasure
When it comes to the many social inconsistencies within Christianity, I think most Christians (including myself when I was a believer) overlooked what Jesus said in Luke 9:23; he said whoever wants to be his disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow him. Those are terrifying requirements; any person who wants to be Jesus' disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily. Not yearly, not monthly, not weekly. Daily. Everyday. They must daily deny their rights, wants and desires, AND they must take up their cross, which entails willfully enduring suffering, hardship and unjust treatment without self-defence.
If Jesus' disciples are known by those requirements, heaven will be an empty place, indeed.
I really appreciate your challenges here,Brandon! Your points from thee bible is one of the many reasons I’m no longer a Christian. I was once an Amish person, and they indeed tried to adhere to at least some of the more unpopular commands of the New Testament - specifically the ones in the Sermon on the Mount. Like not swearing at all. They will not swear, even in a court of law. They instead will simply “affirm”. This is actually allowed in our country.But you must be able to state that it is a part of your religious faith not to swear, if I’m correct. Yet there are other Bible commands they obviously don’t follow, that you point out, like drinking poison or not going to a doctor.
Insightful & interesting content! Great work.
Thanks so much!
Such great perspective. Always love listening to your thoughts
Many thanks!
Another good one. Nice work. My two cents: Some of these commands (a minority, but some) make better sense if you understand Jesus as an apocalyptic prophet. He thought God was about to decisively intervene in history, destroy the forces of evil and everyone aligned with them, and preserve the good guys. If you think that sort of upheaval is imminent (which Jesus did), then some of his commands (e.g., don't save up for the future) -- which are really bad advice in normal life -- become a little more understandable. If you think the world is about to end, who cares about a 401K.
You are 100% right. But if the christian cant admit this because it means Jesus was wrong then they do t have this as an excuse to fall back on. No cake and eating it too!
I think this video may have changed my life. Thank you
Won what a compliment. Thank you for being here!
Here is where we have to realize, everyone is living their own version of the bible, but they cry in objetive morality. Incredible
Even better than the last one 🙂great delivery. The believe as a child, some interpretations tie this in with "give all to the poor" also, that is to say, come as a child with no worldly possessions and rely on father in heaven for everything.
Thanks so much and appreciate that context. Im learning just as much in all these comments!
I sincerely said the Sinners Prayer at a Billy Graham crisade so I am heaven bound no matter what. It's like a get out of hell free card.
I said it every night, laying in bed scared to death, between the ages of 5-12. And you only said it once? How lame is that. I bet at least one of those times I was way more sincere than you were. Later.
On second thought, maybe I didn’t mean any of those prayers. Was my possible secret sin preventing me from being the sincere child I was called to be? Thanks a lot James. Hope you’re happy you caused me to gaslight myself. 🤣🤣