I appreciate your awareness of your own biases, that's more than a LOT of Christians in the US can say. I'm an anthropology major, and one of the most important things to know about cultural practices is that people do what works for them. Christianity originated in a space where the religion worked for the people. but what works for one culture might not work for another. For example, if you try to spread Christianity (based around hierarchy and God as superior, and some people can be holy like a priest) to a society like hunter-gatherers who live based on equality, it could cause more infighting for the hunter-gatherers than unity under Christ, which was the intention of spreading the religion. I wonder if you would still have the same perspective about seeing monotony of people who are and people who are not Christian if you were to go to a different country. Because it is true that Japan is a homogenous culture and people tend to be very similar. A different way to think about secular people in general might be that the views of secular people are so diverse from each other that they cannot agree on a unifying thing like religion. If you flip it this way, religious people are the homogenous ones. The funny truth to me is that while think secular people are strange because they are unlike you, secular people see Christians as strange because they are also not alike. I think it is okay to live like this as long as you treat everyone with kindness. I personally am secular, if you were curious, though Catholicism was around me growing up and I did go to Catholic schooling partly as a child. The ideologies never made sense to me and I didn't believe the stories of the bible to be true things, more like stories to guide you to act in a way that makes you a good person. But I also understand why people turn to religion in dark times when they need guidance. As someone who struggles with my mental health I think it is healthy for people who have altered realities because of their mental conditions to have a mantra or guiding force to keep them on the right track. If that guide is religion, as long as you're listening to people who preach kindness, and not radical groups (in any direction), it is a good thing. Either way, I think that the fact that you are aware of your bias, you are asking yourself if it is healthy, and you are posting the belief in a space to open up discussion- I dont think you have too much to worry about, because I think your heart is in the right place. Edit: I commented as I was watching, I understand now you're also talking about the greater idea of conflicting ideology within the Christian point of view. Your point about Christian meditation versus Buddhism I don't think is a limitation. Buddhism is focused on introspection and self reflection, and the individual is in control of a lot of their spirituality. Christianity originated to unite people and is more community-oriented, so there isn't that much of complexity to "meditation" than praying really hard about one particular thing. And that is a simple way compared to Buddhism. Blending practices is totally fine! You can be a Christian who does some Buddhist practices. You also make a really good point that educating yourself on theological biases also makes more biases. It's kind of funny, honestly. But I think that's the nature of educating yourself, as you explore the different aspects of a topic you might find yourself leaning one way and then another way on another topic. That's where the diversity comes from, on how different people agree and disagree on the small things.
@@violentabyss Thank you for sharing your insightful review. Whether secular or not, people have various backgrounds, which is difficult to define. But sometimes, intellectual activities arrange them into specific categories. It matters for an academic explanation. However, people in their lives are diverse from a micro view. But how to depict belongs to literature. Thank you for sharing, which made me think about my own culture.
Yutaka, I just found your channel. I do not have schizophrenia, but my partner and I deal have our share of mental illness; I don’t fully understand what you go through but I sympathize with your struggle. I wish to see a world that is less cold towards others who are different from us; keep on going strong. I just subscribed btw, and I am not a religious person. In my opinion, as long as you aren’t hurting others, do what you want, live freely and happily!
I use to follow all kinds of theology. But I start having bad ocd and things plus it kinda bogged me down. The last time I was trying Catholicism was when I found exorcist online. He was very conservative and said to only use catholic method. I hoped the exorcism work but now I just follow the protocol of medical medium, which could be look as pagan and i have been feeling somewhat better from follow his stuff. I had a dream about ganesha being sacrificed to and hummingbird as the god of war attacking another bird. Medical medium symbol is a humming bird. But then he said week of full moon can make you more irritable because of the heavy metals in the brain. I use to drink copper water when I followed a guru. And I'm schizoaffective so it's bipolar mixed with schizophrenia. I don't know why I'm sharing but I guess I am.
Thank you for sharing, it's very interesting. I think mental health struggles and religion can be a bad match. There are a lot of people who use religion for personal or political gain, and those of us who live with altered realities and mental health conditions that make it hard to tell who is a good person and who is not; it can make the strong faith into a weapon. Honestly, if exploring theology is causing you problems, leave it alone and focus on your own wellbeing. When something that works for you comes around, you will know it.
@@violentabyss I use medical medium as a health regimen to heal my chronic mental illness. He belives in spirits and calling angels for help. He also believes in aliens. I try him out and he seems compassionate to me. I try to go back to christianity method from the book How to Somebody (recommend by Jonathan roumie the actor of jesus in the chosen series). And it hard to navigate for my self. It's all about being humble but not guilty. So stuff like that. I tend to lean more towards Christianity because they're highest virtue from the bible not necessarily the the history Christian conquest, is love while buddhism is detachment. Even though I tend to be more incline to detach more because of my illness, I like sentiment that love is.
I think I have a strange viewpoint, but as an American, I see most secularists here as following some metaphorical god (be it ideology, vice, etc), with very few who truly don't believe in anything. In this way, I find differences among 'secularists'
I was raised Catholic. I believe in God and spirituality and whatnot, but to me any church is the same as a business. They are susceptible to the same pitfalls as any other organization of people in this world. Of course it is good when they help people, I recognize that too. But I believe a connection with God or the spirit (or whatever one may refer to their spiritual beliefs as) must come from the self first, from solitude or from observations of it in the world around you or whatever. I think Religions draw people away from the soul as much as they draw people in, because they claim to speak for God or represent God, when in reality all of it can only be interpretation! No one has the answers and no one can speak for God, in my view. Religious and philosophical and spiritual teachings are all useful in a person's individual journey to understanding spirituality, but they should not be taken as the "word of God". They are the words of people. My spirituality has come over time from a variety of experiences in life as well as the Tao Te Ching, some Buddhist teachings and The Bible, etc. all of these interpretations have value and importance to me but I don't feel as though I ever would've really entertained them as a member of the Catholic church, I feel like had to find my own way there and I'm better off for it. Hopefully that makes sense! Anyway thank you for the video!
You're very knowledgeable about theology - much more than I am. I had no idea you were a Christian. I am a lapsed Catholic with no real religion anymore. I guess I am a secular pagan. I didn't know Christianity was popular in Japan. Maybe you could join a local church and discuss your ideas with them.
only popular because they were manipulated to follow Christianity and Catholicism in ancient times. ruining much of japanese culture forever, and permanently white washing a lot of things that shouldn't have been touched
i think japan is mostly homogenous, passive & structured culture. strengths and weaknesses to this. but an outspoken, independent liberal minded person probably would struggle to find support in these circumstances and be only peripheral to such a society. similar in other countries, but i would guess it's heightened in japan
I don't think your perspective about the default Japanese existence to be a pagan one is incorrect; it is the same with the majority in many parts of the world, especially Western nations. The trick is to do what God has asked of you: provide a witness, not by preaching or judging them (Judgement is something for God to do, not us), but by treating them with love, patience, and kindness, and forgiveness.
The way I see paganism is that people all over the world have such a diverse upbringing and experiences. We have such a diverse way of understanding the world. Our beliefs are our own, even within the umbrella of our religious or belief.
greetings from an Orthodox Christian in America, which is still largely unknown in the US but has gained newfound interest thanks to the internet. Theology is interesting but it can be frustrating for some of the reasons you mention in this video, I prefer to read the lives of the saints and try (albeit miserably) to follow their example.
This sort of thing is why I don't subscribe to any organized religion. I firmly believe that everyone should walk their own path towards God, and anything less is to dishonor Him. Nobody should worship at all, let alone in any specific way, just because they were told. I don't believe any organization has God or His reality fully pinned down, so why should I compromise my faith with flawed doctrine?
THIS. This! I am atheist but I think that a lot of the worlds religions fight over whose god is real when they're all looking to the same force of nature. That is to say the gods of all these religions are all the idea of a higher being, and different people call god by different names, draw god differently, and hear different messages. We see god through our own lenses, and some people use religion as a weapon. I think it's more real to find your own belief in your own way.
I was raised lutheran christian in Finland, it's the state religion. Was never super religious but I appreciated the community. I started having doubts about the indoctrination, values and purpose of the church so I resigned when I was 20. I am an agnostic now. In Finland if you are in the church, you pay extra tax. I think some religious beliefs and conservative values have no place in todays society.
Even true pagans had some form of spiritual or religious belief. I can only speak for the UK, most people (of British ancestry) are either atheists or agnostics - only a small percentage would class themselves as Christian not because they believe in Christ but because Britain has been a Christian country since the 4th century AD - so it is traditional to identify as Christian even when one does not go to church or read the bible etc. Many people have personal beliefs which they do not wish to share with other people. I class myself as a Christian but I do not attend mass. I have always believed in God and an afterlife. My faith has waned over the years but I hope that one day I will be a true believer again.
@@Gilbertineable Thank you for sharing your opinion. Britain has a unique history in Christendom. I am now reading Thomas Merron’s Mysticism, in which he describes British Saints who developed specific meditation methods.
I do not practice any religion but probably live to the values it promotes. Never saw Japanese people as pagans thou. More like very religious and bound with tradition. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about it. Keep well. Cheers
I struggle with this too. If we look at religion we have to look at the teachings in its raw form not the people twisting it. We also have to look at their deity to see if they are who they claim to be or the claims others make about him. One of the reasons I'm still Christian is, because I see God's goodness and justice in the bible. If we are to try to convert others to Christianity we have to do it in love which we are called to do by Jesus. Also it is hard not to develop your impression when one of the titles ascribed to God is the name God of Gods. Also Jesus said I am the way, the TRUTH and the life. Also the many stories of God making idols to kneel and destroying them in his presence. That last point I would not bring up, because it would probably upset them and you will have lost them. Also when we are debating others we have to have good knowledge of Christianity and preferably a deeper understanding of their religion down to the "secret" parts. I think people will inevitably end up hating you if you try to convert them whether or not you do it in love or not. That is the hard part, but it is necessary. In my eyes I do not think there is a single "God" that cares as much as Jesus does. All I wish for others is to feel that love in their life. Also when you are debating it is important to note that you are not trying to attack them, but trying to debate their religion. The problem is some people make their religion their identity. It is much easier to convert atheists for this reason, because they have no preexisting notions about who God is. I believe it is very important to spread the gospel and to have a heart of service for others since happiness comes from serving others not yourself. Because for me who knows what its like to suffer with depression and anxiety and somebody who is now free from these all I want is to share that peace that God has given me with others. My heart goes out for all those who have left the faith or who are not a part of the faith. It is not the feeling of pity but makes my chest ache. Praise God! I pray this message blesses you whoever you are. May Jesus fill your heart with his everlasting love.
I think if you're boiling Christianity down to "Love everyone" which was Jesus's message, then that can be too simple to meditate on, but you could use it as a mantra.
I like the view that Christianity and Judiasm formed in the Pagan world and were influenced by it. Greece and Roman culture, Plato, Aristotle, so many thinkers and worldviews were around when Jesus lived, and to my eyes, there is a lot of similarity to existing religions at the time if you look into it. I know Greco-Roman cultural influences made it as far as China, perhaps also to Japan? In some small way? It may be helpful for you to think of your countrymen as on a distant branch of the same tree, rather than in another world entirely. Interesting videos, you are the only Catholic youtuber I watch regularly but I grew up with many Catholics and went to church with them. I am not a believer, not baptized but always try to be respectful of others. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
every person can insult god, how do you decide who's pagan or not? By reading newspapers, is that what makes you claim them as pagan? Can you not insult God too?
I mean most of Christian Holidays are based in Pagan Traditions so i think the linkage between Christianity and Paganism is strong. THEYRE HERE THEYRE HERE THEYRE HERETHEYRE HERE THEYRE HERE THEYRE HERE
Heterodox holidays maybe (the usual talking points of "Christmass" - saturnalia, "easter" - ishtar and so on) but if you look at actual Christian holidays, there's absolutely nothing. Unless the fact that there are holidays is enough to link it to pagans also having holidays, in which case I can't argue against someone with that low of a cognitive ability, it would be bullying
@@DoIoannToKnow Judaism developed out of ancient Semitic religion that was polytheistic. If paganism just means non-Christian, how did Christianity develop if not out of paganism? It confuses me where it stops being heresy?
@@atlas4698 I'm sorry you weren't invited to more birthday parties as a child, I really am. I had a similar experience, but luckily things turned around for me. I hope the same for you, stay well
If you like Thomas Merton, you might also like the book by Miguel De Molinos, though his own ideas go as far back to even pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, though personally I consider him to be the real Dionysius. I have found that some Buddhists have an appreciation for the Christian tradition of contemplative prayer, though that should not be surprising considering that Jesus himself was a pacifist, soothly.
Note: in this video, I mentioned Emil Brunner was Evangelical but he was not Evangelical but partly opposed it.
I suggest reading the early Christian mystics such as Origen and Meister Eckhart.
I suggest chewing salvia divinorum leaves (diviners sage) 🤷♂️
I appreciate your awareness of your own biases, that's more than a LOT of Christians in the US can say. I'm an anthropology major, and one of the most important things to know about cultural practices is that people do what works for them. Christianity originated in a space where the religion worked for the people. but what works for one culture might not work for another. For example, if you try to spread Christianity (based around hierarchy and God as superior, and some people can be holy like a priest) to a society like hunter-gatherers who live based on equality, it could cause more infighting for the hunter-gatherers than unity under Christ, which was the intention of spreading the religion.
I wonder if you would still have the same perspective about seeing monotony of people who are and people who are not Christian if you were to go to a different country. Because it is true that Japan is a homogenous culture and people tend to be very similar. A different way to think about secular people in general might be that the views of secular people are so diverse from each other that they cannot agree on a unifying thing like religion. If you flip it this way, religious people are the homogenous ones. The funny truth to me is that while think secular people are strange because they are unlike you, secular people see Christians as strange because they are also not alike. I think it is okay to live like this as long as you treat everyone with kindness.
I personally am secular, if you were curious, though Catholicism was around me growing up and I did go to Catholic schooling partly as a child. The ideologies never made sense to me and I didn't believe the stories of the bible to be true things, more like stories to guide you to act in a way that makes you a good person. But I also understand why people turn to religion in dark times when they need guidance. As someone who struggles with my mental health I think it is healthy for people who have altered realities because of their mental conditions to have a mantra or guiding force to keep them on the right track. If that guide is religion, as long as you're listening to people who preach kindness, and not radical groups (in any direction), it is a good thing.
Either way, I think that the fact that you are aware of your bias, you are asking yourself if it is healthy, and you are posting the belief in a space to open up discussion- I dont think you have too much to worry about, because I think your heart is in the right place.
Edit: I commented as I was watching, I understand now you're also talking about the greater idea of conflicting ideology within the Christian point of view. Your point about Christian meditation versus Buddhism I don't think is a limitation. Buddhism is focused on introspection and self reflection, and the individual is in control of a lot of their spirituality. Christianity originated to unite people and is more community-oriented, so there isn't that much of complexity to "meditation" than praying really hard about one particular thing. And that is a simple way compared to Buddhism. Blending practices is totally fine! You can be a Christian who does some Buddhist practices.
You also make a really good point that educating yourself on theological biases also makes more biases. It's kind of funny, honestly. But I think that's the nature of educating yourself, as you explore the different aspects of a topic you might find yourself leaning one way and then another way on another topic. That's where the diversity comes from, on how different people agree and disagree on the small things.
@@violentabyss Thank you for sharing your insightful review. Whether secular or not, people have various backgrounds, which is difficult to define. But sometimes, intellectual activities arrange them into specific categories. It matters for an academic explanation. However, people in their lives are diverse from a micro view. But how to depict belongs to literature. Thank you for sharing, which made me think about my own culture.
@yutakawithschizophrenia :) I'm happy that your videos cause me to think about the world. Keep at it Yutaka!
Yutaka, I just found your channel. I do not have schizophrenia, but my partner and I deal have our share of mental illness; I don’t fully understand what you go through but I sympathize with your struggle. I wish to see a world that is less cold towards others who are different from us; keep on going strong. I just subscribed btw, and I am not a religious person. In my opinion, as long as you aren’t hurting others, do what you want, live freely and happily!
I use to follow all kinds of theology. But I start having bad ocd and things plus it kinda bogged me down. The last time I was trying Catholicism was when I found exorcist online. He was very conservative and said to only use catholic method. I hoped the exorcism work but now I just follow the protocol of medical medium, which could be look as pagan and i have been feeling somewhat better from follow his stuff. I had a dream about ganesha being sacrificed to and hummingbird as the god of war attacking another bird. Medical medium symbol is a humming bird. But then he said week of full moon can make you more irritable because of the heavy metals in the brain. I use to drink copper water when I followed a guru. And I'm schizoaffective so it's bipolar mixed with schizophrenia. I don't know why I'm sharing but I guess I am.
Thank you for sharing, it's very interesting. I think mental health struggles and religion can be a bad match. There are a lot of people who use religion for personal or political gain, and those of us who live with altered realities and mental health conditions that make it hard to tell who is a good person and who is not; it can make the strong faith into a weapon. Honestly, if exploring theology is causing you problems, leave it alone and focus on your own wellbeing. When something that works for you comes around, you will know it.
@@violentabyss I use medical medium as a health regimen to heal my chronic mental illness. He belives in spirits and calling angels for help. He also believes in aliens. I try him out and he seems compassionate to me. I try to go back to christianity method from the book How to Somebody (recommend by Jonathan roumie the actor of jesus in the chosen series). And it hard to navigate for my self. It's all about being humble but not guilty. So stuff like that. I tend to lean more towards Christianity because they're highest virtue from the bible not necessarily the the history Christian conquest, is love while buddhism is detachment. Even though I tend to be more incline to detach more because of my illness, I like sentiment that love is.
Which Church do you go to? Is it a Novus Ordo parish? I wish someday to discuss theologgy with you that seems interesitng. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam +PAX
I am interested in hearing more of your thoughts about religion and theology!
I think I have a strange viewpoint, but as an American, I see most secularists here as following some metaphorical god (be it ideology, vice, etc), with very few who truly don't believe in anything. In this way, I find differences among 'secularists'
thats a cope on your part.
@@balthasargerard7246 Care to explain your view, good sir?
I agree. Power and money will always be worshipped by the insecure.
I was raised Catholic. I believe in God and spirituality and whatnot, but to me any church is the same as a business. They are susceptible to the same pitfalls as any other organization of people in this world. Of course it is good when they help people, I recognize that too. But I believe a connection with God or the spirit (or whatever one may refer to their spiritual beliefs as) must come from the self first, from solitude or from observations of it in the world around you or whatever.
I think Religions draw people away from the soul as much as they draw people in, because they claim to speak for God or represent God, when in reality all of it can only be interpretation! No one has the answers and no one can speak for God, in my view. Religious and philosophical and spiritual teachings are all useful in a person's individual journey to understanding spirituality, but they should not be taken as the "word of God". They are the words of people.
My spirituality has come over time from a variety of experiences in life as well as the Tao Te Ching, some Buddhist teachings and The Bible, etc. all of these interpretations have value and importance to me but I don't feel as though I ever would've really entertained them as a member of the Catholic church, I feel like had to find my own way there and I'm better off for it. Hopefully that makes sense! Anyway thank you for the video!
@@offbrandcereals Thank you for sharing your opinion!
You're very knowledgeable about theology - much more than I am. I had no idea you were a Christian. I am a lapsed Catholic with no real religion anymore. I guess I am a secular pagan. I didn't know Christianity was popular in Japan. Maybe you could join a local church and discuss your ideas with them.
"I guess I am a secular pagan" 😂
only popular because they were manipulated to follow Christianity and Catholicism in ancient times. ruining much of japanese culture forever, and permanently white washing a lot of things that shouldn't have been touched
You’re a cool dude! Take care.
i think japan is mostly homogenous, passive & structured culture. strengths and weaknesses to this. but an outspoken, independent liberal minded person probably would struggle to find support in these circumstances and be only peripheral to such a society. similar in other countries, but i would guess it's heightened in japan
I don't think your perspective about the default Japanese existence to be a pagan one is incorrect; it is the same with the majority in many parts of the world, especially Western nations. The trick is to do what God has asked of you: provide a witness, not by preaching or judging them (Judgement is something for God to do, not us), but by treating them with love, patience, and kindness, and forgiveness.
The way I see paganism is that people all over the world have such a diverse upbringing and experiences. We have such a diverse way of understanding the world. Our beliefs are our own, even within the umbrella of our religious or belief.
Very cool videos man!
greetings from an Orthodox Christian in America, which is still largely unknown in the US but has gained newfound interest thanks to the internet. Theology is interesting but it can be frustrating for some of the reasons you mention in this video, I prefer to read the lives of the saints and try (albeit miserably) to follow their example.
This sort of thing is why I don't subscribe to any organized religion. I firmly believe that everyone should walk their own path towards God, and anything less is to dishonor Him. Nobody should worship at all, let alone in any specific way, just because they were told.
I don't believe any organization has God or His reality fully pinned down, so why should I compromise my faith with flawed doctrine?
THIS. This! I am atheist but I think that a lot of the worlds religions fight over whose god is real when they're all looking to the same force of nature. That is to say the gods of all these religions are all the idea of a higher being, and different people call god by different names, draw god differently, and hear different messages. We see god through our own lenses, and some people use religion as a weapon. I think it's more real to find your own belief in your own way.
I was raised lutheran christian in Finland, it's the state religion. Was never super religious but I appreciated the community. I started having doubts about the indoctrination, values and purpose of the church so I resigned when I was 20. I am an agnostic now. In Finland if you are in the church, you pay extra tax. I think some religious beliefs and conservative values have no place in todays society.
I am also a schizophrenic, but i am brazilian.
I am a hawaiian schizophrenic,native Hawaiian ancestry
Even true pagans had some form of spiritual or religious belief. I can only speak for the UK, most people (of British ancestry) are either atheists or agnostics - only a small percentage would class themselves as Christian not because they believe in Christ but because Britain has been a Christian country since the 4th century AD - so it is traditional to identify as Christian even when one does not go to church or read the bible etc. Many people have personal beliefs which they do not wish to share with other people. I class myself as a Christian but I do not attend mass. I have always believed in God and an afterlife. My faith has waned over the years but I hope that one day I will be a true believer again.
@@Gilbertineable Thank you for sharing your opinion. Britain has a unique history in Christendom. I am now reading Thomas Merron’s Mysticism, in which he describes British Saints who developed specific meditation methods.
I'm also a christian
I left my religion, but still temper with it since I am agnostic.
great to hear of your christian faith, I'm catholic too
I do not practice any religion but probably live to the values it promotes. Never saw Japanese people as pagans thou. More like very religious and bound with tradition. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about it. Keep well. Cheers
I struggle with this too. If we look at religion we have to look at the teachings in its raw form not the people twisting it. We also have to look at their deity to see if they are who they claim to be or the claims others make about him. One of the reasons I'm still Christian is, because I see God's goodness and justice in the bible. If we are to try to convert others to Christianity we have to do it in love which we are called to do by Jesus. Also it is hard not to develop your impression when one of the titles ascribed to God is the name God of Gods. Also Jesus said I am the way, the TRUTH and the life. Also the many stories of God making idols to kneel and destroying them in his presence. That last point I would not bring up, because it would probably upset them and you will have lost them. Also when we are debating others we have to have good knowledge of Christianity and preferably a deeper understanding of their religion down to the "secret" parts. I think people will inevitably end up hating you if you try to convert them whether or not you do it in love or not. That is the hard part, but it is necessary. In my eyes I do not think there is a single "God" that cares as much as Jesus does. All I wish for others is to feel that love in their life. Also when you are debating it is important to note that you are not trying to attack them, but trying to debate their religion. The problem is some people make their religion their identity. It is much easier to convert atheists for this reason, because they have no preexisting notions about who God is. I believe it is very important to spread the gospel and to have a heart of service for others since happiness comes from serving others not yourself. Because for me who knows what its like to suffer with depression and anxiety and somebody who is now free from these all I want is to share that peace that God has given me with others. My heart goes out for all those who have left the faith or who are not a part of the faith. It is not the feeling of pity but makes my chest ache. Praise God! I pray this message blesses you whoever you are. May Jesus fill your heart with his everlasting love.
I think if you're boiling Christianity down to "Love everyone" which was Jesus's message, then that can be too simple to meditate on, but you could use it as a mantra.
That was not Jesus' message.
@@potto1488 What was Jesus's message then?
@@Wakkajakka love your neighbour was among them. Not all men are your neighbour.
See the Cleansing of the Temple, the men in the Temple were not "your neighbour", they were a pest.
@@Wakkajakka Who we consider to be our neighbor varies depending on the part of the Bible.
My friend Kazuma is from Osaka and he was converted there, I'd love to go back with him and help spread the word
That would be an echumenical matter. - Father Jack Hackett
You look and sound a lot like Yukio Mishima
You should make a poll for your viewers to see how many people are Christian or not
@@bugsandsnakes I should. I just judged it by reading the comments.
I like the view that Christianity and Judiasm formed in the Pagan world and were influenced by it. Greece and Roman culture, Plato, Aristotle, so many thinkers and worldviews were around when Jesus lived, and to my eyes, there is a lot of similarity to existing religions at the time if you look into it.
I know Greco-Roman cultural influences made it as far as China, perhaps also to Japan? In some small way? It may be helpful for you to think of your countrymen as on a distant branch of the same tree, rather than in another world entirely.
Interesting videos, you are the only Catholic youtuber I watch regularly but I grew up with many Catholics and went to church with them. I am not a believer, not baptized but always try to be respectful of others. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
12:55 are you saying karl marx?
Karl Barth
@@winkydinky1436 Karl Barth. He was a renowned Swiss theologian but was a keen reader of Karl Marx.
Japanese Christian with Schizophrenia. How rare
Thank you for putting into words what I do
The real question is, do you view other Christians branches as pagan? That's when the real problem starts.
every person can insult god, how do you decide who's pagan or not? By reading newspapers, is that what makes you claim them as pagan? Can you not insult God too?
Christianity is the biggest fantasy based religion, keep copin
@@Ditchhead It might be the idea of Christendom. All great Western theologians think about that.
I mean most of Christian Holidays are based in Pagan Traditions so i think the linkage between Christianity and Paganism is strong. THEYRE HERE THEYRE HERE THEYRE HERETHEYRE HERE THEYRE HERE THEYRE HERE
great point also you good buddy or did the rapture come for you halfway through your comment??
Heterodox holidays maybe (the usual talking points of "Christmass" - saturnalia, "easter" - ishtar and so on)
but if you look at actual Christian holidays, there's absolutely nothing. Unless the fact that there are holidays is enough to link it to pagans also having holidays, in which case I can't argue against someone with that low of a cognitive ability, it would be bullying
@@DoIoannToKnow Judaism developed out of ancient Semitic religion that was polytheistic. If paganism just means non-Christian, how did Christianity develop if not out of paganism? It confuses me where it stops being heresy?
@@atlas4698 I'm sorry you weren't invited to more birthday parties as a child, I really am. I had a similar experience, but luckily things turned around for me.
I hope the same for you, stay well
@@DoIoannToKnow thank you 😊
If you like Thomas Merton, you might also like the book by Miguel De Molinos, though his own ideas go as far back to even pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, though personally I consider him to be the real Dionysius. I have found that some Buddhists have an appreciation for the Christian tradition of contemplative prayer, though that should not be surprising considering that Jesus himself was a pacifist, soothly.
Read the Quran, at least once in your life in your own language or any other you feel comfortable with.
To know what not to believe
@@antepavelic459 Nah, you gotta figure that one out for yourself.
@@420pineapple be quiet black stone worshipper
I don't need a book to tell me what to think, or how to worship. Good luck with that though.