The Faith Of My Family
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
- Yamilee and Austin began their lives in separate homes, cultures and religious denominations. And as they fell in love with each other, they fell out of the belief systems ingrained in them from childhood. This is their story.
Yamilee and Austin. Welcome. To the real world.
Bill Asbury No honest atheist would say that. Here's the truth ready?
Nobody knows how life started.
Nobody knows what happens after you die.
This doesn't mean your life is meaningless.
If you disagree then you are the one thats deluded.
Stephen D
Stephen,
Yes, I am trying to make a point and I understand that these words would not come from an atheist. They are my words but I don't say them lightly. I believe this is what actually does flow from atheism. I do hope you will pull back a bit from the charge that if I disagree I must be deluded. Such a belief leads to very short discussions.
When you say "no one knows", I would agree if you mean that in a philosophical or mathematical sense but the business of life doesn't stop there. We do make choices and we do make commitments and that is what makes us human. The question is why we choose what we do.
Regarding your point about meaninglessness, I would claim that having no firm convictions about our beginning nor our end does leave the middle ground meaningless. Now, I have no doubt many without belief perhaps "feel" they have meaning or purpose and perhaps may think that is sufficient. However, when one begins to think for themselves about what meaning, significance or value actually mean, it falls apart. Human existence (and our universe) becomes merely a flash of time between two eternities of nothingness. There is no one to know or care that we ever were. Only silence. Nietzsche saw this clearly in the early 20th century and he set the tone for philosophical thought since then.
Perhaps you can show how his conclusion is not real, I cannot.
What is the purpose of a thunder storm? What is its intention? What is it *trying* to do?
You probably came to the right answer on your own. It's not *trying* to do anything. It just is what it is, regardless of what attributes we think it has, or we think it doesn't have.
Now, just expand that thought just slightly, and realize that the entire cosmos is this way. It has no intentions. It has no agenda. It isn't *trying* to do anything. Whatever meanings and whatever hopes we give it come from *us*.
Martin Nicholson " What is the purpose of a thunder storm?"
Martin,
I think you have captured the essence of atheism in your succinct comment. I think this is clearly what nihilistic philosopher's believe and, given their assumptions, I believe such thought can lead to no other conclusions.
However, the human experience seems to reject a meaningless world and, almost above all things, pushes to find it and when meaning cannot be found, they can react violently. A current example for me is that last Friday an executive at my company left home for work, stopped by a gun shop, purchase a handgun and shot himself in the head. Whatever were his reasons, we know that somehow his life had lost meaning and he could not go on, leaving a wife and two children. Simply giving ourselves meaning by saying "I have meaning", does little to remedy the situation. Meaning seems to be required to have a grounding in reality.
If you deny someone's meaning and or value by a disparaging word (as I have done) or "road rage" or taking someone's wallet (etc) or an act of violence, they will tell you in no uncertain terms that they should not be so treated because they "aren't worthy" of such treatment or they are "somebody" or they have "human rights!". The trials at Nuremberg after WWII are a classic example. The Nazi leaders were tried and executed because the had committed "crimes against humanity" as if "homo sapiens" had some particular significance as contrasted to a large group of birds engaged in a feeding frenzy on gnats. However, the world believed the victims of the Nazi's did have meaning high above the inanimate and animal world.
Back to your example of the thunderstorm, I was surprised by your second and third allegations. No, the storm does not "intend" nor does it "try" because the cloud itself is not cognizant but this is not to say the cloud has no meaning. When I walk into an assembly plant, I observe a set of interlocking gears which trip a switch which lifts a bag of polymer which feeds an injection mold which produces a functional part. Each of these parts has meaning and purpose in relation to the manufacturing process. While the parts themselves do not try or intend, I do observe they have purpose and meaning which I myself did not grant them.
One can argue that the overall process may be meaningless and random even though the individual working have meaning in relation to each other. But how does this solve the problem? The process itself is part of a large picture, which is part of a larger picture etc which really forms an infinite chain. Does it really make sense that every component in the chain has purpose but the chain itself does not? I don't think so but perhaps this is where we differ.
The choice of a meaningless world does have consequences. If the world (including me) is meaningless and I come into power, there is nothing I cannot do. After 1859, this way of thinking gained in prominence and led to the acceptance of "unconditional war" (the "honor" thing went down the toilet) in the American Civil War, WWI and II as well as the excesses of the eugenics movement of the early 20th century. The horrid medical experimentation of the Nazis on "persons with lesser value" (read: meaning) as well as the death camps directly flow from the assumption that some individuals have lesser or no meaning.
As for thunder storms, let's take one that arises say, over the Sea of Galilee. It becomes violent, reaches a crescendo and then falls off as storms always do. An observer on the shore may conclude, "Ah, just another storm over Galilee". However, if you were in a boat on the sea with a Man who, at the height of the storm, rose and said "Peace! be still" and the storm abated, you might conclude that cloud (and that Man) was significant and pregnant with meaning.
Bill Asbury Right off, you equate atheism with meaninglessness. Did your life become meaningless when you realized you did not believe in Zeus? Or Thor? Or Neptune? Or Seti? Or Horus?
What I wrote was that it is up to *us* to give meaning to things and to find a purpose for our lives. Meaning and purpose are not preordained.
If you want to believe your life is controlled by a puppet master who pulls our strings by whim, be my guest. I for one find that demeaning and immoral. In contrast, here are some things that atheists believe in:
- all humans are biological cousins. there is a 100% certainty that I share an ancestor with every person I see, every person I read about, and every person there ever was. If this is not a reason to treat others the way one would like to be treated, I don't know what is. Of course, if someone believes that a deity just pops people in and out of existence, then they would not believe those people are their biological cousins. (PS - common ancestry can be extended to all living things.
- without any doubt, I have ancestors who were the blackest of Africans. We are all from Africa. We all have black ancestors. This is the opposite of what you state when you say that atheists love eugenics.
- this life is the only one you will have. make the most of it. there is no afterlife. you will not see your friends or relatives after you die, so spend more time with them now. Of course, if you believe you will spend eternity with them, then screw that for now.
Thanks for the reminder on why I've been making contributions to this debate.
I can only imagine their relief when they revealed to each other that they were non believers. What a load off the mind!
Yes. Especially the idea of infinite punishment simply for disbelief or the wrong belief. Doesnt matter as much how you lived. The world makes more sense with no God or Satan. Bad explanations that due more harm than good. Still not dismissive of God but I doubt it. Love and take care from atheist/agnostic Lee.
Religion has never been about advancing society. Their goal is to freeze it in time and space, for their own benefit.
The world was once ruled by organized religion. It was during the dark ages; a backwards age when little to no technological progress was made and a lot of ancient technology was lost. Coincidence? I think not. Never give religion a foothold.
I feel so sorry for people raised in religion. Both my parents are athiest. I raised my children athiest. My grandkids are being raised athiest. We are all good, productive people who are a positive for society and our community. Don't understand anyone wanting to mess up their children with this falicy.
Anyone else have this problem. Not exactly a "coming out of the closet" problem. I already came out of the closet. Fortunately I didn't have to start the conversation, for I have a step-mother who was more open to the idea (her ex was atheist during their time together). After telling her, and being more open about my beliefs, she told the man of the house; my dad. He is a Roman Catholic, and I guess you could say I was for the first 12 years of my life. He'd been taking me to church EVERY sunday, for the past 18 years, 3 months, and 26 days.(approximately). I did the whole thing, catechism, sunday school, bible study, confirmation, first communion, you name it lol. And he took my atheism better than expected. But I don't think he gets it. He didn't raise his voice or anything, but he said things like "You need god in your life", "I don't know why you're an atheist, but that's not important right now". (at first he was all like "WHO DID THIS TO HIM" as if it was like a crime). Ever since then, he still drags me to church, and I just don't get it. He understands and I make it very clear now, I DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD. It honestly doesn't bother me all that much, but you'd think he'd respectfully let me stay home if I don't believe in it. And at the same time I don't want to disrespect him and say that I don't want to go, being that it is a status symbol in society(If you kids an atheist it's like saying that family was taken over by the devil lol at least around my area where there is a church every mile on the mile)
But anyway, if anyone took the time to read that, I was just wondering if anyone at home still has a problem similar to that. Probably a slim chance, but hey, that's my story.
Sorry for the late reply. Is he still dragging you to church? My dad does something similar to me only instead of church he forces me to partake in religious holidays and ceremonies like Easter and such (he's Orthodox like everyone else in my country, Easter is very important over here). He doesn't got to church much himself either, but he still believes and I think I've made my atheism quite clear to him, but he says that these things are important places for socialization.
It's all good! I enjoy reading the comments!
He is still dragging me to church, lol. I actually almost find myself enjoying it because I can argue with the priest in my head, haha.
That's a little strange that he only forces you to invest time in the holidays. Especially given that he isn't going to church every sunday like my pops and knowing that you are an atheist.
I can see his point on the socialization part, it's like a societal status symbol, like I'd noted in the bottom of my book, lol. Although, I would find it difficult to enjoy/partake in these events. Even though this may sound a little biased/closed-minded, I usually don't talk to anyone who is religious and yes I generalize a lot. Forced socialization would be a tough one on me.
At least you only have to deal with it a couple times a year lol. It's 52 times a year at least, for me. :/
Petes Got Yeah I know, 3-4 times a year isn't nearly as bad as every damn sunday, but hey at least going to church can be interesting over there, over here everything the Priest says is in Ancient Greek, I can barely understand a word they're saying, and Easter can be boring as hell for me if I go to the Resurrection ceremony with my dad, it can take multiple hours and nothing interesting happens! But still though, I can't imagine devoting an hour of my time to some BS Bronze age tradition every Sunday.
I'm also kind of an introvert, so sometimes I think he's just trying to get me out of the house or for some quality time with him, but he still believes it so much that every time I even try to question what we're doing there and spark a conversation he spouts nonesense about the importance of tradition! Which is also sad considering how smart he is. He's also really old at this point, 70, and I was his last and by far the youngest child, so there's a huge generation gap despite him being my father. For a man of his age though he is quite progressive.
Anyway, when do you think he'll stop forcing you to do that? In my opinion you need to have a serious conversation with him and explain exactly why you're an atheist, if that doesn't work just move out or something if you're still living with them, there are simply better things you can do with your time, like SLEEP.
I haven't yet told my parents that I don't believe in God.
I go to church seldom.
My own story is somewhat similar. When I was about ten my mom was telling me about how when you die you go to heaven and meet God, and all of the people there, and it's beautiful and so on and a single question popped into my head that ultimately destroyed my faith... what if there was no heaven? The more I thought about it the more I found problems with it even as a child, and eventually my mom realized this and quickly pulled the family into church.
I was an acolyte, read verses, helped teach Sunday School, and even played a large part in the church's outreach however despite everything it didn't get rid of my doubts. I knew deep down it was all a lie, that I was pretending to believe in a Santa Claus for adults, but the final Christianity fail safe that is the fear of hell kept me from listening to my own reason.
It was only a few months ago that I finally decided to throw away the false beliefs and be true to my own and I haven't once looked back. I now feel sorry for the religious, especially those who are in a situation that was similar to my own, however the release from that constant guilt and self betrayal is amazing. My parents didn't handle it well of course, however the ends more than justified the means.
Yes. Maybe Jesus was a good and simple man. Why do they have him say in the gospel of John....Why do you marvel at these things? This and greater things you can do. What does this mean? Churches don't focus on this. He is trying to bring power back to the people. Yet too much on saved...saved.. .you need to be saved! Here is how. Fear and guilt. Are you saved?! Take care from atheist/agnostic Lee.
The reason parents can't deal with it and also why I haven't told mine yet (and probably never will) is that they will get depressed and hate themselves for not "raising 'me' correctly" and it really divides you from the rest of your family. And it really hurts because you think about all the times they say "Family is forever" yeah right
I've the same issue. I don't know if I should tell them quite yet, if at all.
Well I've change my perspective on it a little, my idea now is to start doing better in school (currently working) so they don't think I'm a COMPLETE failure. I'm gonna tell them at the end of the year and I honestly don't care anymore if they get depressed because I'm sick of religious classes, praying and fasting for a month every year during the freaking summer. So yeah that's what I'm doing, lol. If you ever want to tell your parents, there are some things that can make it better. For one, maybe don't come out as an atheist but an agnostic or secular humanist, just because being an atheist is soooo bad. Under no circumstances invoke religious debate, and guage your parents way of thinking so you know if they might kick you out or cut off your education if you come out. Good luck man :D
Usman Sultan John Paul Tesfae You should never feel like a failure to your parents because you've denounced your religion or their religion. Know that no matter what decision you've made every Atheist has done it. Being an Atheist for over 7 years now coming out to my parents about it wasn't actually as hard as it seems. The easiest way to build the confidence to come out you should watch TTA's "Coming Out" Podcast where callers share their experiences coming out as an Atheist. Another good one is TJ, AKA The Amazing Atheists, How To Come Out As An Atheist. Both are good in order to get your mindset right and what to expect if your family is extremely religious. Again, can't stress this enough, EVERYONE has gone thru this and it's not a battle you should, or need, to fight alone. It's not worth worshiping something you don't believe or question heavily about.
John Paul Tesfae I know what you mean. My parents always came to me with questions because I interpreted the bible and everything for them, but then I realized the truth and I know they would probably hate my existence if I told them.
I dont want to be rude, but fuck them if they cant love you for who you are.
4:07 "I'm going to be the person that I am, not the person you raised me to be"
if you lose your friends.. they were not real friends anyway.. I have friends who are christian.. and they understand where i am coming from and they never argue with me or tell me i am going to hell.. or anything like that.. but then my friends also kind of believe in that god made you who you are sort of thing.. and knows you better then you know you.. so in that logic.. he made me the way i am for some kind of reason.. so there is nothing to really argue about.. They never argue with me about the way i see things.. and my way of logic and rational thinking.. and I do not argue with them when they go on about Jesus i just let them do what they think is necessary..
My heroes of the day! These people have transcended something I did not have to face thankfully and that earns my highest respect. Thank you so much for your testimony!
What a beautiful couple, and their story is inspirational, each losing their faith independent of the other.
I love this couple. I've seen this vid more than once and it still touches me. Do they have kids? Love to see them - they would be beautiful ;-)
I don't think you have to have your own kids to be happy. As a teacher you are making a difference in those children's lives. You have the ability to teach kids to be critical, logical and kind humans beings.
You two seem to be a lovely couple so try enjoy the freedom of not having kids, since having kids is both a "blessing" and a curse :)
Teacher and father of four, age from 11 to 25.
I'm from a non-religious family and probably one of the most secular countries in the world. We've got our share of pentecostalism and most citizens are non-practicing lutherans, but some of the stories in the comments seem like an otherworldly nightmare. Religion should not be the default in this day and age. Strength to those of you who struggle with religion.
apinakapina yeah it's sad
Good to see a young couple breaking free from bonds of religion
I love you both!!! I am a half black woman married to a white man, and we are both atheists from religious families. It nice to not be alone. It's also nice to see an African American break away from religions' chains. It's rare to see!
great video, thank you for sharing, very inspiring
The less you know about your religion, the more you believe in it :D
+Der Aufklärer It depends on what you know about the religion, not necessarily what you know.
***** I am a bit confused. Are you theistic?
***** Österreicher :D Ich dachte mir ich schreib Englisch weil das Video englisch ist.
***** Ja ich bin Atheist. Mir ist egal ob Deutsch oder Englisch.
***** Naja, etwas schwer zu beschreiben. Ich war selber früher christlich. Nur zum Beispiel verstehe nicht, wie Leute in abgelegenen Dörfern die nie etwas von Gott gehört haben, es verdient haben für immer(!) in der Hölle zu brennen.
I truly wish there were MILLIONS of more stories like this, millions MORE than there are now!!
great story!!!! i never get enough of hearing about these kinds of people who pull THEMSELVES out. simply amazing.
Seth, this was one of the most touching videos I've seen. Beautiful man, very beautiful this is a lot like my own story on my way to becoming atheist.
This story really spoke to me because I am also Haitian, raised in the catholic church. I came to terms with my atheism a long time ago but due to the lack of understanding that Yamilee speaks of, I have yet to come out to my deeply religious parents. Hopefully one day I'll be courageous enough to what Yamilee was able to do. Thanks for sharing you stories.
Wow, so beautiful. I know what it's like to be caught up in a cultic mindset, to be brainwashed and unable to ask questions. It takes much strength and courage to wake up from that and really look at what is true. You both have my deepest respect and heartfelt love and I wish you both the very best of happiness and freedom in your lives. Love.. Elf
Dang...this is some of the greatest stuff I have ever heard! I can't believe there are actually like minded thinkers out there in our society...
Lovely story and a lovely couple! Very happy for them! Not that they found atheism, but that they found each other and answers that make them happy.
I wish I can like this a million times.
More than any other video this has really brought home to me what it is like for people in the U.S.
This really was a moving video. I hope the Christians watching this will take a moments pause before their usual attacks. People should have the right to chooseto leave Christianity without fearing persecution.
Thank you, Seth. Your videos are the first ones I've found that I can agree with AND sometimes post to FB and people might actually watch. They make a point without 'just' trying to be offensive or shocking. These will get some fence-sitters to think. Thanks for all you do. Charlie
Great couple. Great story. It's kind of neat how they came to it all on their own while together for years. Good job Seth. Another home run. These real life stories are powerful for people finding their way out. Keep 'em coming. People need to see that it is OK to differ from their parents and that they will adapt. Parents need to learn to let go and perhaps learn from their own children and the fresher world knowledge they possess.
Thank you for sharing your story with me. It is a wonderful feeling to know others have experienced these situations and come out of them stronger and wiser.
Excellent. Two brave souls. I applaud you both.
Absolutely fantastic video! More of these, please! And all the best of luck to Yamilee and Austin!
Inspirational! Thank you Yamilee and Austin for presenting your experiences of changing from Christians to atheists. I had much the same experience and I have never regretted it. Life makes much more sense without superstition.
I'm so proud and thankful to be living in a country/family/society where i can choose to believe, and choose not to believe whatever seems right to me. These videos are amazing.
Another brilliant video! It's so great to see people waking up! Keep up the great work! -EMF
An inspiring story. I will never forget the day that I finally made the conclusion that I had avoided for so long. It was such a relief that my wife was reaching the exact same conclusion at the exact same time.
I love these videos you have of people telling their stories, great work!
Another amazing video by TTA. Watching these gives me hope, hope for man kind, hope that in my life time, I will see the fall of religion. I want my kids to grow up in a world were being an atheist is comfortable.
This video makes me happy because it is exactly how I felt when I had to tell my parents I didn't believe the Christian faith was all the wrold had to offer. I am Pagan rather than atheist, but to see that instead or a religious slur this is a comprehensible video of dealing with a change in life choices is refreshing as it's easy to verbally bash the church rather than take a logical approach like this couple has done. Kudos to you all =]
Thank you Yamilee and Austin for sharing your story! It brought tears to my eyes! I hope this video helps many others to break free, just as you did, just as I did! (By the way you look very cute together.... multi-ethnic/multi-cultural relationships and families are a wonderful thing (I know, I am in one!)
All-around excellent production! Those two were *great,* as was the (unheard) interviewer, and editing. This is a genre (interview) and level of production quality we need more of, imo.
Seth, your videos get better and better! It's wonderful watching you and your videos develop over time; keep them coming!
I came out to my mom a couple of years ago. Today I came out again as an atheist. I feel so proud of not being tied to ideas that limit my life and my potential
These videos man, these messages......., one day in the future our kids/grand-kids will be using especially this series(Sharing experiences) to feel good about their lives, how we so gradually could bring about such a big change.
Seth, the music increases my emotions, it reminded me watching Seabiscuit.
Those who "unfriend" us, even family, are doing so out of fear - not just for what they conceive of as our mortal souls, but for their own as well. Our continued love and kindness within the context of choosing reality over ancient superstitions WILL give some of them the courage to say publicly what most of them are being shamed into not admitting, but know deep down inside. 🙏
Beautiful. Gave me goosebumps. And hope.
@TheThinkingAtheist - These personal testimonials are so powerful and inspiring. Thanks for posting.
This is a powerful story! (and the production quality is amazing)
I have great respect for these two. Austin, because he began, and continues to do research, asking questions, questioning authority, and realizing that there is much more to learn. Yamlee because she stood up against a dominant and malevolent force in her culture, comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.
You are not alone. Stand up and be strong.
I liked this one a lot. It was way less us/them. The whole focus really seemed about these two sharing their story, for what it's worth. Very cool.
This is good stuff. I think it's important to get more of this out there, real stories from real people. Good job. :)
i love these kinds of stories it gives me hope for the future!!!!!
I love these stories of self-found Atheists. Gives me hope in humanity.
I am really lucky I have a family that champions free thought and investigation. Great video!
That is the very word I was looking for! Inspiring!!!
you may lose a few friends but in the end you have your self respect-----I can relate to this in so many ways. Thanks TTA for this video..it is nice to know your not alone.
Thank you to both of you!!!
Thank you for your special video. It really spoke to me and I am glad you did this.
That's really inspiring! Good for them and good luck to them!
It's a good day when TTA puts out a new video. Keep up ze good work, and take that break that you were talking about. You deserve it.
makes me sad when he said his parents cried, because its so true. so many people are ignorant around the world... this vid needs to be on tv
thanks you for putting these videos up! this one really spoke to me, but i dont feel comfortable enough to tell my religious parent about me being an atheist. I'm waiting to go to college so i wont have to deal with them as much.
This couple is adorable. I'm glad that they at least have each other!
"I haven't believed in years. Welcome to the club!" BAHAHAHA oh god my sides
this goes to show that thinking and intellectual honesty is probably the most important basis for a good life - I sincerely wish them all the best and hope that their example helps their families to come around their bigotry.
Excellent video, Seth. Absolutely loved it!
excellent excellent video, thank you to all involved
Congrats to these two for telling their families because I don't have the courage to tell mine...maybe one day..
Great video. Courage for your convictions is an important step
i life in east Germany. and i am Happy to life in a PART of a Country where Religion is no longer a reason for "disagreements" (the only thing the Commies did well).
and i cant even imagin how hard it must be to tell our Parents that u not longer are in here religion or any other.
Big Respect for that.
Bravo to these two . People like this couple are needed to take up the battle against the latest farce ; " intellegent design ". !
Nice mini-documentary..true-seek and you will find people who think alike, and if people don't just stress the commonalities and stay away from the negative.
Brave couple. The intimidation that fundamentalist religious families show is the opposite of what a family is supposed to be.
My parents broke away from religion and gave me and my brother a CHOICE, they never held us back, they told us we could think for ourselves, make our own choices in life and whatever we believed would be accepted by them, We our both Atheists, we both contribute to our community and both have amazing wives and familys, we are successful in everything we do, not because of our Faith in God but our love for our family, My children will have the same choice.
This is a very powerful video. I commend these two for what they went through. family isn't religious and neither am i. I'm an agnostic-athiest (athiest because i do not hold a belief in the existence of any deity, and agnostic because i do not claim to know with certainty whether any deity exists) but it has never separated me from any friends and family who might believe. I don't judge, and they don't judge. That's how it should be, but sadly it isn't. Excellent video TTA. Thumbs up from me!
Story of my life, its a hard path to have your family not accept who you are, but its an even greater burden to keep quiet and not express your true feelings.
I love this video. Good for those two free thinking people.
It's remarkable. Between these two are nearly ever experience and fear I had and STILL have as I became an atheist. But when you really think about it, maybe it's really not that remarkable or unique at all.
Keep going, you two. Also, you make a cute couple.
I live in germany and I was raised catholic and my parents thought this would be the best way to teach ethics and solidarity to a child. later on I found out that part of it was good because it made sense and part of it was a bunch of fairy tales. Fortunately they did not oppose me when I decided to become a rationalist instead of a believer.
They were surprised when this change improved my performance in school and my selfconfidence, because "how can I improve?" is better than "why god, why?"
I have recently become agnostic after years of being a strict "born-again" Baptist Christian. I recently let the word "agnostic" slip to my mom while we were discussing my doubt of the Bible, and she flipped out, insisting that "she's gonna get someone from the church to talk to me" as if I can't think for myself. My best friend is Catholic, and I'm terrified to tell him. I know he'll always love me, but he will look at me differently. I understand what they went through. I'm going through it.
both of my brother are religious. my dad wants me to make his eulogy. i am honored.
Good for you guys, awesome stories both of you, and I wish you many happy years together. I have been atheist for many many years, but there are still people around me that do not know.
I'm so proud of both of you. Reason triumphs again.
Preachin' to the choir Bro' I have been thru all the worlds religions, and found them wanting.
I love and respect this wonderful couple. The fact they are married, and yet each was struggling silently just shows how afraid they were to admit their doubts. So sad people are not allowed to be their true selves. "To thine own self be true" regardless of what society may say about it.
This is so deja-vu. My own story, and that of many others. Like it reads on an atheist poster: Once Awake, it's hard to go back to Sheep !
Xerox 1959: Exactly! Once a mind has been expanded, it is impossible to return it to its original dimensions.
Thankyou you are putting a lot of good stuff and I love it
I am telling others
I wouldn't call them his "struggles" with doubt. More like his epiphany of doubting. And it's good to know I'm not alone in this highly religious world. Thank you TheThinkingAtheist!!!!!!!!
My dad's parents were both very very very religious and so were their parents and their parents and so on, my dad started to question god and religion when he was 11 years old, he read the bible at that age and many books about religion, evolution and all those stuff and by age 13 my dad was an Atheist, luckily my grandparents respected his beliefs and nothing changed. Since my dad became an Atheist he stopped the cycle of brainwashing that has been in my family for generations.
Another excellent video! Thanks Seth. :)
love these two brave people,it was easy for me to come out as an atheist in a so called christian country as ireland.
Great professional job on this, Seth. Loved your 'Whatever' podcast too. Keep it up and know we need your professionalism and sincerity in this quest to bring people the truth and help them escape the delusion. It's very frustating and tiring to keep up the fight but so necessary.
These videos are so amazing Seth. You are my role model.
Y-"I dont think I believe any of this anymore"
A-"I havent believed in years, welcome to the club"
... CLASSIC !! LOL
Great story. loved it
I was never taught anything about religion. We never went to church, but at the same time, my parents never told me that there was or wasnt a god. I think they just wanted me to think for myself, and that allowed me to become a lot more comfortable with myself and my family's lack of faith. To this day, they have not told me to think one way or another (not just in religion, but in other moral issues, too), and that environment let's me make more informed decisions on what to believe. And I gla
Thanks for posting. Thanks a lot.
The fear of hell is what keeps people from walking away most times.
True... if the idea of hell wasn't real there would be more atheists who thought for themselfs.
God gave humans a giant mind to use but doesn't let us?!
I think the only shame is that between both of them there were no believers who could give them answers or at least point them to the right direction. As a believer, I too faced those questions. Although I left the church for a time God proved to me that He was there and I came back. Fortunately I had a lot of help through other believers. Keep watching!
I've always wondered if my own kids realize just how lucky they are. I've made it very clear to both of them that they're free to choose their own beliefs, as long as those beliefs don't involve harming others, and I've never pressured them one way or another to pick one belief system over another. I think they're both better for it, and happier, knowing that they chose on their own.