Answering Questions From Atheists

[@pepeTheSmugMan]

monk matpat

[@ambinintsoahasina]

I somehow saw it and still I didn't see that coming 😂

[@inevitable934]

"But hey, it's just a theory. A HOLY THEORY."

[@kingman-fm4dq]

​@@inevitable934 thanks for praying

[@Promageddon]

@@kingman-fm4dqgolden

[@brayanxd4547]

@@inevitable934 "Today we're gonna dive into the deep lore of a father who KILLED his only Son to save other children" Sounds like reverse FNAF lore

[@DuramaxL5P]

As an atheist, I appreciate you answering these questions so openly. I watch your videos because it gives me a perspective on other people's beliefs, I find it interesting.

[@byrondickens]

It is good to see people who are interested in understanding rather than belittling.

[@nico.ctr.]

​It's good seeing someone that's open minded overall, really hard to find someone like that, nowadays the moment someone finds another person with an opposing viewpoint they simply go "ummm bigot, blocked and cancelled in Twitter!"

[@pg4662]

@DuramaxL5P excellent. Remaining interested in others with different views is the sign of a decent intelligent person.

[@NearVSMello]

Agreed. I’m also an atheist and am also subscribed. This guy’s clearly educated and intelligent, and I like watching his videos about his ideas and his life as a catholic monk.

[@lucasglowacki4683]

I think we can all agree that religion isn’t going anywhere and is a huge part of humanity in general. Good to be in touch with it no matter what we believe.

[@pipebo]

Having grown up a Christian, but largely agnostic in my adult life, there’s still a thread that binds me to the Church. So much of the time, that thread is simply your outstretched hand. Thanks for being there, even when I didn’t know I needed you.

[@pg4662]

@pipebo staying connected is important. God doesn't abandon you, he'll always keep the thread there. Sometimes it feels looser sometimes tighter, but it's always there. Stay connected. Hold on tight to the thread when you need support.

[@chingchenghanji9732]

vrother might i recommend you Sam Shamoun, Anaandaapologetics, Bob, GodLogic (Avery) for starters, theyve really helped me in my faith as well

[@latieplolo]

Beauty was the light through the crack of disbelief for me. Have you listened to any Harpa Dei?

[@77thTrombone]

I was a 20-year atheist after being a cradle Catholic. You know what drove me back to the church? Bananas. Literally bananas. My CN wife had sent me to the grocery store late one evening for some items, including bananas, among other things. She'd been particularly snipey that evening, and she'd been complaining about the bananas I'd brought home after previous grocery runs: they were bruised. At the grocery store, I paused at the banana table. I inspected several bunches, and ultimately selected one that had no bruises. Still an atheist, I did everything but pray for "no brushes before I walked away with my selection. On arriving home, the house was dark: ha! She'd gone to bed. I collected the groceries and went in the kitchen door. As I put the groceries away, she came to the kitchen. I sucked in my breath. She checked the bananas. I held my breath. She glared and complained about bruises on the bananas. She held them up. Plain as day, there were bruises where there had been none. After the requisite diatribe, I went outside to get some air. Long story short, the clouds stood still and displayed a hole that formed the most clear-cut cross you'd ever think. Incredible view. No idea how clouds could ever display a cross shape, and do so with such straight lines. Anyway, that was my turning point. Hopefully you'll come to your turning point without the same level of angst and drama. 🙏🏼✝️🙏🏼

[@77thTrombone]

@@louseveryann2181 it's been a mixed blessing, actually. (Very mixed.) Thanks for the compassion. Best to you!

[@saipranav9817]

Atheist here. I wish more people (both believers and non-believers) were like you. I hope you live a good life. ❤

[@HansBezemer]

Agreed. I don't engage with believers who just want to experience their faith. That have that right without trolls passing by. However, don't bash atheists - or the things they hold dear. You will no doubt get an answer. Why not engage in dialog - and try to understand one another? "Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood".

[@britt-sen]

what do you mean? do you want know Christ? every religion group has its weirdos. what do you want?

[@hamiltonian4698]

„atheist here“ so cringe

[@saipranav9817]

@@hamiltonian4698 Huh. I guess I'm not as "cool" as kids these days. I wouldn't be surprised.

[@HansBezemer]

@@hamiltonian4698 Another atheist here. Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37-38, James 4:11-12, Romans 2:1-3, Romans 14:1-4, Romans 14:10 and John 8:7.

[@gabrielvalerio3992]

I'm happy you returned. We all missed your videos,your wisdom and your teachings ✝️🇻🇦.

[@rjskeptic5273]

Really?

[@kalanimoeai584]

@@rjskeptic5273 YEAH REALLY!!!!!!!

[@rjskeptic5273]

@@kalanimoeai584 A little bit louder next time.

[@rjskeptic5273]

@@louseveryann2181 Why? Because I don't believe in a god but rather live my life and draw from reality instead of fantasy.

[@joshuataylor3550]

If there's a god he's evil.

[@John-ev1rw]

God speaks in whispers, but he can also rock you to your very core. I used to work in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. It was a very difficult job. Clients frequently misbehaved, violated center policies, tried to sneak in drugs, etc. One night, it was worse than usual. A fight broke out, the police were called and I stayed at work for an extra two hours giving the police statements and filling out incident reports. I got out of work at roughly 1am and my nerves were shot and I felt like garbage. I prayed to God and said “Why am I doing this? What’s the point of tormenting myself trying to help these people when they just want to destroy themselves?” Eventually I started driving home and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sleep for a while. I was just too shaken. So I went to a 24 hour Walmart to pick up a few groceries just to do something productive and to waste some time while I tried to calm down. At 1:30 in the morning at a random Walmart, I ran into two former clients from the rehab center. It was near Christmas time and they were out buying stuff for an ugly sweater party they were attending with their Narcotics Anonymous group. They both looked happy, bright eyed and healthy. Both of them had been nightmares at the rehab center, but eventually came to take the program seriously and here they were turning over a new leaf. I asked God “why?” And he showed me. I think it’s the most dramatic answer to my prayers that I have experienced.

[@rdrun51660]

Thanks for sharing brother, I needed to hear this video and your comment as well. I was a medic and now and an RN for the past 25 years, I have seen a lot of hate and violence in the world. Short story, born Catholic, Protestant in my younger years, pissed off at God for 30 year and 3 years ago came back to the Catholic Church. I was angry for so long that now it is my barometer, when I am peace my sole is where it needs to be. These last few weeks that anger has creeped back in, especially tonight. Your story has helped recenter me and I am grateful, God bless you!!!!

[@John-ev1rw]

@@rdrun51660 God bless you too, brother. There is so much evil in this world, but with God, we can endure and conquer.

[@ljshoreslokal]

Just imagine how many others are out there that you (and others) have helped, you changed their lives, you cared when nobody else (including themselves) cared, and are out there living a better and more purposeful life. Be the light. May God bless you and keep you.

[@John.Christopher]

That is beautiful, my brother 😊❤

[@coveux8335]

Thank you for this story, brother. I too experience these "coincidences". But as these keep occurring at perfect times that coincide with your prayers, you start to really recognize that there are no coincidences. There is only God and His power to make things happen. I am happy for you , brother. For this story means He listens to you and values the faith you put in Him. God bless you and your patients.

[@westerbandev]

It's good to see you again, Fr.! God bless you 🙏

[@cat-ly8jb]

Love to see a new video from Fr. Casey!

[@aer71367]

I do too!!!

[@carmelgangi3254]

I've been catching up on your older videos. It's great to have you back!

[@Patrick_919]

When I was 15, I became an atheist because I believed the church didn't have an answer for these questions. I couldn't have been more wrong. People much smarter than me had tackled these questions over the centuries. Each of these questions could have an entire book as a response. But you get a great job giving a succinct answer to each one. Thanks, Fr. Casey!

[@austinytube]

I went through something similar in college. The secular schools taught us that religion didn’t have answers to these questions. I found my faith again after college when I started researching and found apologetics!

[@dannyhernandez265]

Opposite, when I was 17 I stopped believing and will never be religious again

[@lucilleyoung5972]

You give me hope for my agnostic daughter. Thankyou

[@dannyhernandez265]

@@lucilleyoung5972 nothing wrong with not believing in fairytales

[@seabass124]

@@dannyhernandez265 What led you to this conclusion?

[@NainoLoL]

Very well made video. I believe US evangelicals have done so much damage to Christianity in the US that now instead of being seen as a religion or a way of life Christianity is seen as a political stance. Glad to hear people from the Catholic church speaking about all of these things.

[@russellmiles2861]

The Roman Catholic church is evangelical... Father Casy clearly is an evangelical

[@patrickdtx3638]

@@russellmiles2861 I don't think you understand the distinction that OP is making.

[@Powerranger-le4up]

@@russellmiles2861I think you’re confusing evangelism with proselytism. We Catholics evangelize and rely on a “come and see” approach, allowing non-Catholics to choose whether they want to be Catholic or not. Evangelicals and most other non-Catholic groups proselytize by basically trying to force people to join them by threatening them with Hell or other things.

[@russellmiles2861]

@@Powerranger-le4up I wasn't saying churches may be less than ethical. Regardless, all Christians churches are evangelical - bringing the God News to people. They wish folk to be saved and become part of the communion with God. That is what Father Casey does. He is clearly very popular. I imagine his Bishop is very pleased with his work on social media.

[@caprimercenary2522]

I also blame the media for focusing on crazy Evangelical and far-far right wing churches instead of the quiet, loving works of the RCC and Mainline Protestants.

[@p43210]

Father I'm so happy you came back! I love your videos, they are very good! Praying for you! 🙏

[@BigFUNShirtCompany]

It’s great to have you back, Father. Your videos have helped me immensely understand my Catholic faith

[@edwardmccue9160]

Thank you for this video. Your videos are helping me recover a faith I once thought was lost. Seems the path puts the wind at my back. Thank you, Father. ✌️💙

[@lizzysmom]

Happy you are back. I know it’s been tough. You were missed

[@DaleHodgson]

Got baptised this Easter vigil, from Eastern Orthodoxy to Catholicism (for clarification I wasn’t baptised as an Eastern Orthodox I just went to a Church and I agreed with their theology)

[@Clyde-S-Wilcox]

Welcome! 🎉

[@michaelryan3960]

Awesome!

[@thissaintme]

God bless!

[@generalyousif3640]

Wait, were u not baptized in Eastern Orthodoxy? Their baptism is valid? Regardless congratulations my brother and we welcome you into the fullness of the truth!

[@thissaintme]

@@generalyousif3640 yes Eastern orthodox sacraments are VALID! Catholic Church rejects Donatism.

[@jaclowho7958]

So happy you are back Fr Casey. God Bless You .🙏🏻

[@elisabetta611]

Good to see you back, Father Casey! I missed your wisdom and engaging homilies!

[@spooxy1]

as an atheist i appreciate you being open and not at all hateful in your faith. while i didn’t find your responses compelling or sufficient to answer the objections, it doesn’t stop me from admiring your character!

[@eternalgaming5295]

you have a way of speaking that every work comes across respectful and its truly remarkable, you seem like an awesome man. as an atheist this video is incredibly refreshing to be see a video that is explaining the ideas and principles and as apposed to the badgering and forward way some Christians approach these topics. love the video.

[@kylesparks1826]

I really appreciate the way he admits that their isn't really proof, he simply has faith in god. I respect that.

[@cloutfisher7714]

Yeah he’s at least more honest than other Christians who lie about having proof

[@alphacause]

"Why Christianity Over Other Religions?" (4:53 - 5:26) My answer: I choose Christianity because no other religion articulates, and has at is center, such a profound expression of love by God to humanity. At the heart of love is sacrifice, and it is only in Christianity that we find the most extreme sacrifice that demonstrates an undeniable love.

[@BobHutton]

And if you don't love Him back, He'll torture you forever. Yep, that's real love.

[@thomasfleming8169]

Look up why would a loving God send people to Hell from websites like Catholic Answers​@@BobHutton

[@thomasfleming8169]

I agree, but if I was talking to a skeptic from a purely logical position, I would say it is simply because the apostles preached and died for their faith for a reason and that reason is because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

[@BobHutton]

@@thomasfleming8169 Except that there is very little evidence that any apostles died for their faith. (I will grant there is some, fairly weak, evidence that Peter was martyred). Most of the disciples just disappeared from the historical record (as well as the Biblical record). Sure, Nero persecuted Christians, but that was because he was blaming them for the Great Fire of Rome. He wouldn't have been interested in hearing them recant. He just wanted someone to blame.

[@thomasfleming8169]

@BobHutton that is not true. The apostles were martyred, and there is stronger evidence than you say. Paul is one well-known example. Also, many Christians were martyred during the subsequent persecutions by Roman emperors. The persecutions lasted hundreds of years with huge amounts of martyrs.

[@drippingpopsicle8289]

Father Casey your videos helped me convert to catholicism this April. Thank you so much and God bless you.

[@DeepKnight-nr6vo]

Dogmatism

[@beataliszkiewicz5771]

How to learn faith and English at the same time 😁 God bless your for this awesome work

[@John.Christopher]

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@elizabethswiezy3587]

Fr Casey, your wisdom is always on target 🎯 I'm so thankful for you and your voice standing up for Christianity and Catholics! The world would be a perfect place if more people thought the way you do! May God bless and keep you always❤️✝️💜

[@eliinapajunen7500]

I appreciate your lack of condescension in this video, especially for the question about suffering. I love seeing priests be pastoral in a way that feels natural.

[@Alexander_Kale]

I don't know, man. I found the bit about "sometimes, suffering purifies us" to be pretty condescending. Grieving parents, dead infants, cancer in children, whole families wiped out in natural disasters, mental illnesses, all that jazz.. Looking at how much suffering there is in the world, how many of us would rather NOT go through that rather than be "purified"?

[@eliinapajunen7500]

@@Alexander_Kale I mean, I definitely understand where you're coming from. Some things happen that don't seem justifiable. I definitely struggle with theodicy myself. When I said lack of condescension I meant the lack of assuming the other side is stupid or bad faith. I don't mean his statement addresses all possible objections. I have faced horrible horrible stuff. Others, worse even. So what you consider condescending I attribute to the brevity of the video. Not that you're not allowed to disagree.

[@Alexander_Kale]

@@eliinapajunen7500 " I meant the lack of assuming the other side is stupid or bad faith" I understood that. It is exactly what I was adressing as well. Because either there is no lack of bad faith on this video, or father casey is an honest manwho is merely giving the appearance of bad faith unlknowingly with his horrible responses. The latter of which I find rather unlikely. I mean, for crying out loud, the bit about Ghengis Khan? Yeah, no, absolutely not, no man can possibly be this ignorant, that had to be a deliberate bad faith argument.

[@eliinapajunen7500]

@@Alexander_Kale I don't know. If you're right that sucks. I just assumed he believes what he says. Just because I think there's no good answer to theodicy doesn't mean he doesn't believe his answers are good. I mean the only thing that really comforts me is that God compassionates us through the unspeakable. That God accompanies us in the horrors. That's how I get by. If it doesn't work for you, it's your right to feel whatever way. I don't understand the need to get mad at the KZbin priest when obviously he has to toe the company line so to speak

[@Nockblock]

@@eliinapajunen7500 There is no seem. Any natural disaster or non-man-made suffering happening in a world created by a just God should not exist. Therefore, you are wrong.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

The best thing I think I've ever done was helping someone who had gone through the worst suffering of anyone I ever met. The reason I was able to help her a bit might be that I have had a somewhat similar experience, but way less bad. If my bad experience was the cause of my ability to help, I'm actually grateful that I had it, because I was able to do something that did way more good than the bad done to me, and I might have been the only person around who could do it.

[@PenelopeFrank]

This atheist appreciate your videos. Especially grateful for this one, on a personal note. I have great respect for you and wish you well.

[@ursislatvis3783]

It is really nice that some atheists sometimes watch your addresses and you probably receive some feedback. I remember, when I was not a Christian yet, I was sometimes confused by strange Christians. There was a TV program "Victorious voice of the believer", or something like this, and there was a preacher who told different stories there. One of stories was approx. such: "When I started to preach, I had got just one good shirt, and my wife needed to wash it each time when I went to preach. And now I have a special room in my house - and it is full of shirts. Hallelujah! " And it seemed so obvious that if the most important thing he got from G-d was a room full of shirts, then there is absolutely no reason to become a Christian - there are many much convenient ways, how to get many shirts. So, I think such issues too need to be spoken about with atheists - that Christianity is not about shirts. And I am happy that you are doing it.

[@Alexis-kg1sm]

That's funny. But as an atheist I understand that the supposed reward is the eternal salvation of the soul, and some lesser spiritual benefits during life. (In that case. Pascal's Wager is bad) The real benefits, empirically verifiable, tend to be therapeutic, moralizing and socializing effects of the rituals practiced. Regardless of the veracity of creationism.

[@ursislatvis3783]

@@Alexis-kg1sm , as a christian, I think that the supposed reward is more like getting to know God (that is endless process probably).

[@Alexis-kg1sm]

@@ursislatvis3783 That reward seems bigger. Ultimately, it is subjective to value rewards. But I have huge suspicions towards those thoughts (hard to believe that those are the desired rewards) Presumably mortals want salvation. Shame then leads us to believe that we are acting for some nobler cause. There is self-deception replacing some thoughts with others that bring us a better self-image.

[@gregabimanyu]

You are a blessing to the Church Fr Casey - very happy to see you back

[@j.vandeven]

Father Cole , please pray for Catholics in the Netherlands. This is such a secular country with few young Catholics which makes it hard to hear Gods voice sometimes. Also churches are empty or filled with elderly. Churches are closed and made to appartement buildings etc. 🇻🇦 ✝️ Thank you and God bless you father.

[@stickyrubb]

Ik vind het echt heerlijk dat we zo weinig gelovigen hebben. We maken juist vooruitgang als een land

[@elif2880-q6q]

Ik ben Turks, maar nu voel ik me katholiek. Als ik het examen Nederlands haal, kom ik volgend jaar naar Nederland. Ik ben eigenlijk bang dat Nederland behoorlijk seculier is. Maar het lezen van uw opmerkingen maakte mij erg blij.

[@ilcyclista1]

On suffering, yes, sometimes suffering makes us stronger. But there are kids suffering in wars at the moment in certain places I can't mention here. Is that making them stronger, purifying them?

[@uncreativename454]

As someone who has suffered through war my entire life, I thought I'd share my views on the topic: I see war as the result of human greed and selfishness, not God. A true follower of Jesus wouldn’t harm a child, and if everyone followed His teachings, war wouldn’t exist. But If God intervened to stop every act of evil by humans (such as starting wars), it would undermine the very gift of free will. In allowing us to choose, He invites us to rise above our flaws, not by force, but through love and wisdom. This perspective reflects my experience and understanding, I do understand this is a difficult topic and respect your thought as well tho.

[@paulnavales6469]

I believe that God has given us the tools to rise up and prevent those wars from taking more lives, and the other person is right: that's the result of Man's evils made manifest.

[@TheChurchofBreadandCheese]

Great to see you Fr.

[@UltraTagProductions]

Hey! Atheist here! I am SO glad you answered the second question the way you did. As someone who has been dealing with literalists a LOT, it's a real breath of fresh air.

[@TerryTheNewsGirl]

I've missed you. Nice to see you again. x

[@enencycruz6948]

It's so good to see you back. . After I moved away You and my pastor have been a big spiritual guidance.

[@surferwa]

Hi Father, Hope you are well and safe, it’s great to see you bless you🙏🏻

[@stefantrebinjac]

Wonderfully answered questions, and the simplicity of the video is quite fitting! Love the way you explain and hold the thought process and lead to a true conclusion! 😎❤🙏

[@brianjuice]

I don’t necessarily agree with all Catholic practices and ideologies, but I feel Father Casey has truly grasped the meaning of Christ, which is to love God and others as yourself. Watching his videos has brought me hope and assurance that I am going in the right direction with my faith.

[@julesrafaelmag-isa681]

Me too, even though I'm a progressively centrist Roman Catholic. At least whenever I'm ready to listen or watch sensitive videos like this, I'm sure that in the long run, I get to grasp more what I learned about God, Christ, and my Catholic faith and how I can diplomatically show them God and Christ as I do so to myself no matter my decisions and stances I personally choose. :)

[@Naygh]

This video is a true blessing. I've been going through a hard moment with my faith and I usually have a lot of questions, so seeing a video from a mature person that is so clear about God's word is just refreshing! ❤

[@thomasdooher7138]

So relieved to see you back again. Thought you had gone away. Good conference.

[@balecalduin1993]

Do you know why he had gone away? Have you wondered what happened to the other channel "Upon Friar Review"? Look up what happened to his accolyte Father Patrick Tuttle. Google it. You will be shocked

[@nellaz]

I'm very happy to see that you are back! And the video was very inspiring and great overall, it gave me a lot to think about! I'd love to see a part two of this.

[@feistyhuman3579]

YEAH!! A new video! I’m glad you’re back and I’ve missed you!!

[@glennbailey8454]

I joined the Church at Easter as well! Thanks Fr. Casey for your videos. They helped me if I had any questions about anything while going through RCIA.

[@PaulMcAdam-gp2oi]

Good to see you, Father Casey. God bless.

[@kitcrucigera6516]

As an agnostic with a hardcore Christian family, I really appreciate your words. I've been exploring spirituality for decades, and, as much as I appreciate some of the teachings of Christianity, I just could not reconcile much of it. Speaking with my family and their church's pastor, I was always given answers that profess a very narrow-minded and, frankly, condescending and arrogant mindset. It floored me that a religion of humility could be so full of itself. Your answers here are realistic and humble, but also clearly present your faith. I can't express enough how much I appreciate this, especially coming from my background. I wish more Christians thought like you.

[@Zozi565]

So happy you're back!!! I hope the coming videos will bring more souls than ever closer to God and his church.

[@tessajowett6973]

So happy to see you again. Do keep making the relevant material like you do.

[@generalyousif3640]

My Fav friar priest Is back!

[@lervish1966]

Who is your second favourite?

[@joanelouadih2287]

Thank you, Fr. Casey, for your presence and wisdom.

[@SouLightness]

So delighted to see you again, father Casey. I hope things are good for you. Best wishes from Ireland.

[@TheShayyp]

Bravo, Father Casey!! Glad you’re back!

[@pink_jacket]

Thank you for this Fr. Casey ❤

[@charlier711]

Wonderful video Father C. I have to remind myself of these answers from time to time and love that you do it so succinctly. I will be sending to my sons who have "paused" on church attendance. Say hi to Fr. Patrick.

[@furydeath]

oooof 😬

[@Flonchosis]

i'd just love to say, your drip is impeccable

[@mrobseqium]

Amen bro 🔥🔥🔥

[@genevawelsh9133]

So glad you are back Father Casey! I am going on a mission trip with Totus Tuus in Milwaukee so I've been trying to watch literally all your videos just in case a little one or youth happens to have a question on a unrelated topic. It's my first time being a Totus Tuus missionary so I wish me luck!!

[@Nightman221k]

Hey Fr. Casey, I’m Catholic but I still found these answers helpful. Thank you for sharing this.

[@lauraN1966]

Grazie di cuore ! Ciò che apprezzo di più nei suoi video è il suo affrontare delle questioni complicate in un modo diretto, sincero e semplice! Dio la benedica

[@mianriyaan2647]

2:52 bro actually admitted it. Thanks for being truthful.

[@mrobseqium]

Way to go father! i love your responses to these question that leave even me thinking for 2 hours. Keep up the Good Work!!!

[@TruthArchives]

We can't force the truth. As it is written; the road is narrow, and there are few that will find it... Pain, is forever; but, life, is for the living!

[@perditionsflames9963]

Truly a model christian, so gracious and concise in his answers. Peace be with you Father Casey!

[@sephi7ac]

Good to see you posting again. You’re pretty much my source for interesting and pro-religion content. Being a person who doesn’t have faith in anything (unless you count things like “everyone will always act in their self interest”), I feel weird going into a church, and feel I don’t belong there. But I wish I could believe. So much that it pops up every few years. But yeah, glad to see you back:

[@rhwinner]

The longest journey begins with a single step. Peace be with you. ❤❤❤

[@vermontmike9800]

You are not alone in your feelings.

[@adamkotter6174]

I love the point that Fr. Casey made about seeking out a God who answers quietly. The Lord loves effort, and I know that you really do belong with Him. I have seen for myself that all those who sincerely and patiently try to get to know God, those who really want to be changed by Him into better people, find Him eventually. If you really want a change of heart into a more compassionate and virtuous person, find a quiet spot and try to have a heartfelt conversation with Him, speaking as though He were there in the room with you even if it feels silly. Don't give up even after many days and multiple attempts. He will eventually answer you in an individual, recognizable way. There are also guides like missionaries you can contact if you want help on this journey. It really works, and it's really worth it.

[@UniDocs_Mahapushpa_Cyavana]

@@adamkotter6174 This just seems like a lot of unnecessary work for no endgoal. Even if the God in the Bible was in reality.

[@UniDocs_Mahapushpa_Cyavana]

I don't get the point of wanting to believe. You have to put in so, so much work to maintain that façade, when you could just chill ❄ or reflect upon your life.

[@jazzew]

That's beautiful to hear, God bless you dearly. I'm continually growing in my faith, and I'm United Baptist, born again Christian. It's always good to hear how someone answers such questions because I worry about fumbling. Ha ha!

[@mgvilaca]

The man himself is back

[@robs.2671]

This is such an amazing channel, thank you Father!! These are exactly the kinds of questions Christians should be answering

[@TARDISeraphim]

I’m so glad you’re back. It’s good to have some sanity back in apologetic videos. I had to watch OTHER apologists. Don’t make me have to do that again. LOL 😂😂😂😂😂

[@adamkotter6174]

I'm not even Catholic, but the sanity and clarity with which he answers these questions really speaks to me. It's such a rare talent that suggests to me that he actually gets the message with his heart, not just understands it with his mind.

[@TARDISeraphim]

@@adamkotter6174I became Catholic after watching his videos. He was able to explain my apprehensions in such a way I understood them and could accept them.

[@nicholasc.3928]

I honestly love you Father Casey and the work you do.❤

[@ChenoraAsangma]

It's good to see you god bless you fr Casey

[@FrSteveSanford]

This is well done. I am proud of the work that you do on this channel.

[@SirStephenSW5334]

Very inspirational video. I saved it to my favorites. Thanks, Father.

[@Mentesestoicas_]

The openness and sincerity of his speaking is amazing. Even though I'm an atheist, I can 100% see that he truly believes in the basic ideas of Christianity: God, love, acceptance, and understanding of humanity. I don't believe in what he believes, but his way of understanding the world makes absolute sense by his point of view, and he seems to be totally aligned with his beliefs. I like to watch many people's views on religion because it gives more understanding of human nature. Amazing video.

[@TimBigler]

3:12 1. we have lots of holy books claiming god(s) did in fact visit us and there are plenty of witnesses. which book is telling us the truth? they can't all be true. 2. jesus/god can do anything they want, right? so, how about feed everyone in the world, like once a year maybe. there are plenty of things jesus/god could do to prove their existence. 3. if i can use faith to believe in anything i want, then what good is faith? can i use it to believe the force is real? or is that not how faith works. i'm confused with this one...

[@allenherrera3981]

Very well spoken, and well said. Thank you. Growing up Catholic I always had many questions. I enjoyed listening to you. As you grow older your life does get a bit better, but more suffering enters your life ( the death of family, natural disasters, thoughts of old age, and so on) which leads to ....faith. Hoping you can rely on a higher being. Funny how life works. Thank you.

[@qazxdwplmnkp]

Yay, he's back! Thank you God!

[@willpollock980]

such a beautiful series of answers our faith explained so well

[@willyromney]

Good one Fr. Casey 🙏🏼

[@HighKingTurgon]

I was wondering when I'd see the fruits of that poll. Welcome back, Fr. Casey. I hope you're good. Be assured of my prayers for you and your brothers.

[@lucifer-look-]

I have low tolerance to dishonest and self-deceived people. That's why I have problems talking with believers.

[@not_NEKO]

this one is really different, i really appreciate how he talks

[@Fish_tank75]

Just cause you think you have the correct answers and someone else disagrees doesn’t make them dishonest

[@lucifer-look-]

@@Fish_tank75 how adorable you are. I never said I have correct answers. I said, their answers are stupid, false by purpose and designed to control illiterate masses

[@Fish_tank75]

@@lucifer-look- Couldn’t you say the same about atheism and communists using it to control the illiterate masses of China and Russia

[@jamesmarie1083]

Excellent video! Thank you for your clarity, insight, and intelligence. You are a gift to all of us. You are projecting an image of Christ.

[@danstoevskijoe]

What a humble and wise person. Respect from an agnostic!

[@yinx02]

This was wonderful!!! Thanks brother Casey

[@fidelabc123]

He really just gave a bunch of feely responses to questions seeking logic and reasoning

[@catherine6348]

God Bless you Fr. Casey, you are such a blessing 🙏 thank you for your inspiring faith 💫

[@Andoroid]

1:58 "We know how the world works now" one of the worst overgeneralizations I've ever heard in my life to be honest There is an Unfathomable amount of unanswered questions about our universe

[@Minuteman_Medic]

Ironically the more we learn, the more we realize how little we actually know.

[@AlexanderNunn-g1r]

I like your answering on suffering. It does indeed answer the question well for my life as a United States citizen. However it doesn't even start if you look at the world. There are parasites that eat children's eyes out. They get then by drinking unclean water. There are acts horrible beyond words we commit on each other every day. But the pinnacle of suffering is that of wild animals who are eaten alive, torn apart, starve to death, orphaned. All of that long before we were even around.

[@yesstreasure]

Happy to see you again 🎉

[@auntyfluffy]

Good to see you, folks been praying for you, Father! 🕊

[@Nidhogg13]

When asked why God allows suffering, I like to respond, "Which grows to be a better man, the boy who had everything handed to him and never dealt with any adversity, or the boy who put his nose to the grindstone and worked for what he wanted?"

[@Cklert]

I think this is only true to the extent that we acknowledge that we're broken by sin. God does not will sin, but permits it because we're broken and we need to change.

[@Nidhogg13]

@@Cklert Yeah, it's not a perfect analogy, but it seems to help some people start to make sense of it.

[@UniDocs_Mahapushpa_Cyavana]

It could put us through this suffering cycle ♻ without "trying to have a relationship with us." That would at least make us not deal with the irksome task of trying to inconsistently divine what it wants us to do with no prompting.

[@Cklert]

​@Nidhogg13 It's a good start. I don't want to discredit it. But of course it leads into the question why we need adversity to begin with. And the answer to that is because we're Fallen.

[@russellmiles2861]

Misses the point as to why, according to the Bible, God causes suffering - the flood, ethic cleansing of Cannan, heals one person but leaves most to pain and misery, turns water into wine when babies were dying from non-potable water. Why does God cause suffering?

[@marciocintra2988]

Thank you for this video! So inspiring.

[@johnpistilli4087]

This is great!! Love this format ❤ God bless

[@henseltbrumbleburg3752]

This is someone I could share a drink with, despite opposing views. Respectful and understanding of the position of the faith, but also compassionate of the human experience. You can tell when someone follows a faith is genuine as they are more than happy to indulge your curiosities. If someone gets offended when you question them on their faith its because they themselves aren't convinced. I'm an Atheist, but would be lying if I were not swayed by being Agnostic from time to time as being certain on an answer does go against the basis of my belief system. Regardless on what you follow to navigate through this experience we all find ourselves in, no one can deny it's astonishing and surreal presence. One love all

[@NubileReptile]

Atheist question for your next 'Answering Questions from Atheists' video. I posted a previous one, but erased it because in hindsight it seemed a bit harsh, and my intent is curiosity, not confrontation. I'll give you a one sentence version, for the sake of dropping it on the screen and answering it if you should someday choose to do so, and a long version, for the sake of clarity. Short version: How can you reconcile the idea of any faith being the 'true' faith with the reality that the largest determinant of an individual's faith comes down to the total accident of where they're born, and to whom? Long version: With few exceptions, most people do not come to their faith by means of logic or persuasion. If you're a Catholic, it's overwhelmingly likely that you're a Catholic because you were born to Catholic parents and raised in the faith. In turn, if you're born to Catholic parents, it's quite likely it's because you were born in a region of the world with a large Catholic population. There are some converts, of course, but a quick check at Pew Research suggests in the United States a mere 2% of Catholics were raised in another faith before becoming Catholic, with the number leaving the faith after being raised in it vastly outpacing converts. And that's in a country with full religious freedom! Meanwhile, the chances of an Afghan born and raised in Kandahar or a North Korean born and raised in Pyongyang finding their way to Catholicism are _exceedingly_ slim. And if by some miracle they _do_ find reason and opportunity to convert, they will have no church to work with, little chance for baptism or the Eucharist or confession, and of course they will suffer tremendously for their faith (though, given the value placed on martyrdom, perhaps that part is ultimately a plus). Of course, if you're born in Milan to Italian parents or Rio De Janeiro to Brazilian parents, who are themselves cradle Catholics, there is an exceedingly high probability you will be baptized in the faith and raised in the faith and quite likely die in the faith. You'll also have ample opportunities to pursue and learn about your faith. By total accident, you hit the jackpot and have (apparently) a vastly improved chance of salvation. It seems that modern Catholic doctrine has become considerably less draconian in regards to 'outside the church there is no salvation', but to the extent that one's faith matters _at all_ to their final fate after death, this feels like in the game of salvation a good portion of the world is playing on 'easy' difficulty while a much larger number are playing on 'difficult' to 'near impossible'. If things like baptism and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are important, it seems grossly unfair.

[@rutha1464]

Very well said, and welcome back, Father!

[@Shanti_priya8]

So glad to see you Fr Casey

[@grandlotus1]

Outstanding. As a practicing Roman Catholic, it is sheer joy to hear an ordained priest preach such peace and wisdom. I believe it is especially important to preach the truth that Heaven is open to all who are pleasing to Christ, regardless of how their beliefs were branded in this world.

[@erracht]

I am an atheist (ex-Orthodox Christian) and I have been following your videos for a few years (disclaimer: I am not "seeking" or trying to validate my atheism by watching a religious person's videos. I am convinced that religion is a human construct, I just watch your videos for educational purposes, in order to learn something about what the Catholic church teaches and does, and similar). I have enjoyed many of your videos and have not commented on more than one or two of them, and then only briefly and never in opposition. However, this video is presented as an answer to atheist criticisms and I feel I have to comment. Below I have identified some things that you say that I think contain logical fallacies and biased argumentation, and I've noticed that no one from the atheist community seems to have really commented on it below. Therefore, I am going to post some comments below rebutting some of your claims (I do this respectfully, without any intention of aggression): "Rather than viewing the Bible as a collection of things dictated by God, I suggest we adopt a different approach and view the Bible as inspired by real events and guided by God but human in composition. What matters then is the underlying truth between the lines, rather than whether everything is completely accurate." -To me this is just a dodge, a way to explain how the Biblical message COULD be true despite its inaccuracies. So what is your evidence that ANY of the message is true? How do you know which parts are true and which are just "human error"? Obviously you pick and choose, and it depends on your denomination's views. Luther chose the part that we are saved by faith. Calvin chose the part that we are predestined in heaven. And so on. And if your god really allowed human error in the Bible, that sets him up as practically a liar - and he's setting himself up for people doubting in his message. And that's certainly not what the god described by you wants? A simpler explanation than all this is that the Bible is ENTIRELY a human construct and that your god is but a figment of human imagination. "I think the attitude that we know so much more today is condescending to our ancestors. Didn't they have all sorts of things better to our own, such as poetry, family structures, a sense of morality, etc.?" -Uh, no, not really. Yes, MAYBE a small amount of things in certain specific situations WERE better in generations past. But I think, by and large, not only do we have far more and accurate knowledge than our ancestors of even a hundred years ago, let alone a thousand years ago, but I think our morality and family structures are on the balance of it better and in fact, I think that a lot of the morality of generations past was ROTTEN (e.g. forced gender roles in the family and out, tolerance of spousal and child abuse, racism, etc.) Whatever might be better about the past, it pales compared to what is worse. "There is more to truth than we can see and can measure: beauty, goodness, love, inspiration. There is a mystery to the universe that proof cannot capture." -This is an argument from ignorance, plus from personal bias. None of this is evidence of anything divine. Of human perception and psychology, yes. Of a god, no. "Jesus already appeared, at least according to the witnesses of the scriptures, and people still didn't believe. Doubters will always doubt." -Jesus appeared in the STORIES of the Biblical Gospels. This is not proof that he appeared. For all we know, he was just a human Jewish leader who claimed to be the Messiah (as others did around his time) and who was executed by the Romans for subversive activity. Without further evidence, there is no reason to believe the story of Jesus' miracles, or of his resurrection any more than the Buddhist scriptures or the Greek myths. On the other hand, we have evidence of things like air, gravity, the existence of the people around us EVERY DAY. "How many times would God have to prove his existence? Would Jesus have to be born, die, and be resurrected again and again for people to believe? Seems kind of impractical, don't you think?" -Your engaging in false reductionism here. If your god really existed, he would have much easier ways to prove he existed. One of them would really be Jesus coming down from Heaven, walking around people and performing the odd miracle from time to time. If he's God, it should be easy for him. He wouldn't have to be born, die, and be resurrected over and over. And there's a zillion other things your god could do. He could, for example, have angels fly over churches belonging to the denomination that holds the most correct beliefs every Sunday during the service. Or if he thought that were too much, he could just flash the image of a cross in the sky above churches of said denomination every Sunday. And so on and so forth. Your almighty god would certainly be able to do this. Either he doesn't want to, which means I have no duty to believe in him - for he hasn't made himself plainly manifest, or - which is the far simpler explanation, HE JUST DOESN'T EXIST. "If God could be measured and tested, where would that leave faith? We'd have no choice but to believe. But that is not how faith works and there is something critically important about having to trust and having to take a leap of faith." -This is outright manipulation. It's no better than saying: "I don't have evidence for you, but there is virtue in believing my claims anyway." I'm GLAD I have no choice to believe that my parents are real, or that gravity is real, or that my friends are real, or that the air I breathe is real. Why would I want the option to doubt that. Plus, your god doesn't provide proof to those who ask for it (I know the real reason - because your God doesn't exist and therefore CAN'T provide proof). Why would I devote my entire life to a belief system that is claimed to be truth, without being presented with hard evidence that it IS the truth. I wouldn't buy an object offered to me in an opaque bag with the seller's assurance that the thing inside is what I want to buy and that it is of sufficient quality, without examining the contents. So why would I devote my life to a religion without abject evidence of its veracity? Quite frankly, this claim made by Christian churches that faith is a virtue is patronizing. "There is such beauty in the fact that Jesus made his sacrifice and that God became like us so that we could become like him." -But you have no evidence that Jesus was in any way divine or that he was resurrected, only a Biblical story written years after his death . He may or may not have claimed it, but his crucifiction was because the Roman authorities saw him as a rebel. There is no evidence that there was any mystical aspect to his death, only stories. Without further evidence to back up the claim, the stories of Jesus' resurrection and divine nature are no more trustworthy than the story in Hesiod's Theogony about how the world arose out of Chaos, and Gods and Titans were born out of it, and how the god of time (Cronus) castrated his father the god of the sky (Uranus) to take rule over him and separate him from his mother the goddess of the Earth (Gaia), and how Cronus was then overcome by his son Zeus. "I don't think that Christianity would have become so popular if Jesus' disciples hadn't seen him die on the cross." -Maybe. Though for example, Buddhism is also popular, and it has no one dying on a cross. But this isn't proof of anything divine. It can be explained through human psychology. Sure, seeing Jesus die on the cross may have had a strong impact on his disciples, but that can hold true of a secular leader as much as of a religious one. We don't have records of Jesus contemporary to his death, only significantly later tellings, but the few references to him in non-religious Roman writings indicate that he was crucified as an insurrectionist against the Roman rule over Judea. The few historical records not biased by Biblical narrative suggest that he was not just a religious leader but also a secular one, who wanted to free the Jews from Roman rule. Much of what you believe about him as the "Son of God and God in one" is later mythologizing. You have not provided a shred of evidence that there is a god or that the Catholic Church has the right answers. There is no reason for people to start believing in God based on anything you have provided here. I think it's because your beliefs are hollow - they are based on myths, fallacies, and wishful thinking, not on anything real. Sorry.

[@Colddirector]

I'll add that regarding Christianity's spread, I think it was really more "right place, right time". Monotheism of some sort was probably inevitable, human institutions have a tendency to consolidate and having a single faith with one God makes it, and by extension the people running its institutions, effectively the only game in town. It also catered far more to the poor majority than the pagan beliefs at the time, combine this with the relative ease of travel the Roman roads provide, the growing political and economic instability of the Roman empire, it's not all that surprising it spread so quickly. Also the anti-christian persecutions, while undeniably cruel, were relatively sporadic and localized until Diocletian's reign. By then, it was probably far too late to stamp out Christianity by force and only made them look more sympathetic compared to the aristocratic pagan elites. Julian the Apostate might've been successful, but his "paganism" was a stitched-together monotheistic homunculus that was off-putting even to his pagan allies, and he died before his legacy could be secured. While Christianity's rise is remarkable, it's far from miraculous and they actually had a lot going for them.

[@KristallFire]

5:54 This is where you got me. You are a prime example of a religous person, i would want to welcome in my life. You respect my way of living without condemning me to eternal punishment, and so do I. Have a long and prosper Life my friend.

[@dwaynewhite1669]

Art has absolutely nothing to do with knowledge. It is an expression of the individual who who created it. It is intended to evoke an emotional response. If you don’t like it, or find it distasteful then mission accomplished. If you go to art school; you can learn certain techniques used for drawing; painting; photography; etc., but none of it matters. As an artist; I can tell you that there are rules. No certain brush stroke will enhance or diminish the value of one’s work.

[@ronantheronin3521]

Expression can only be portrayed if you are knowledgable enough to create concepts in an abstract way.

[@dwaynewhite1669]

@@ronantheronin3521 says who? If you become enraged, and break something; you didn’t take knowledge to do that. You expressed yourself in an abstract manner with little to no thought at all. You are reacting in a manner perceived to be outside of the norm. Who taught you to do that? No one. In fact, you were most likely taught to never do that.

[@treasury_gg]

So glad you're back Fr. Casey. ♥