Defending Mormonism & Joseph Smith | Jeff - Utah | Atheist Experience 21.10

The Atheist Experience 21.10 for March 12, 2017 with Matt Dillahunty and John Iacoletti.
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The Atheist Experience is a weekly call-in television show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist audience. The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin.
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[@johns1625]

Props to this guy. He landed a Mormon wife and is just trying his gosh darn hardest to gaslight himself into the darn thing 😂

[@steved8878]

30 seconds into this video and your comment is perfect.

[@crispybacon91]

Pussy does that to a man

[@shawnreed7876]

When Jeff called in I was still mormon. I am no longer a mormon.

[@BrickBuilder50]

Good for you

[@oliveryt7168]

Congratulations!

[@rattlersix]

How do you feel about The Rock?

[@scipioafricanus5871]

@@rattlersix The foundation on which Jeebus built his church.

[@kennethogorman5436]

Joseph Smith was Lynch mobbed by his own congregation because he kept taking peoples wives

[@TheChiog]

I love Matt's confusion there: "Wait, you became a Mormon AFTER you watched that?"

[@vermilion6966]

killed me too xD

[@pavel9652]

It was funny, but at least he is honest, answers questions and acknowledges points they are making. Such a change from standard, deceptive, tip dancing theist.

[@natelipscomb6530]

Dum dum dum dum

[@jeff-8511]

I’m an ex Mormon!! Loosing my faith was a very painful and difficult road, but afterwards you look back and think “oh gosh it was so obviously false!! how could anyone believe that?!?”

[@domramirez6878]

That’s great news, Jeff! Wait, are you *the* Jeff? From the video?

[@guapify2320]

Were you the Jeff from the video?

[@jeff-8511]

@@guapify2320 No that wasn’t me

[@thepowerofmyth]

Proud of u man. That's bravery

[@RandyWinn42]

I felt the same way when I finally grew out of the religion of my childhood. I prefer to think of it not as a loss, but as a healing.

[@craigmanuel591]

This man sounds like a very sweet man who is unable to critically think.... this is who religious leaders pray on ...He struggles with critical thinking and needs to escape from the religious leaches

[@sablemae8853]

Most Mormons sound polite and nice but there religion is crazy and they do some very bad things to the teenagers doing there questions by old men asking sexual questions to them. Not simple easy questions but detailed questions and shame rape victims by asking if they orgasm when they've been raped. It's sick!!

[@gmansplit]

I believe you mean "prey."

[@markparr7224]

And exactly what Trump is playing on. he knows his "base" is gullible enough to buy religious nonsense, so they will easily buy his rhetoric. Same exact thing.

[@NannaTina]

Italjute he never said “all” muslims, he basically said muslims did it. As far as I know that’s true.

[@ITALJUTE]

@@NannaTina : LOL, you know as well as anybody does, he was generalising and he meant Muslims in general. You know this. You're not fooling me. Are you fooling yourself?

[@jamesonsnuggs6151]

This guy sounds like a Mormon Ned Flanders

[@shangri-la9458]

Lol I feel like they all sound like this.

[@adamtzsch]

Jameson Snuggs Love thy neighborino.

[@ralfhaggstrom9862]

That is his alma-mater ..........

[@mdkcjtl5523]

I’m from Utah and I’m atheist this guys the minority now especially among the youth they don’t give a fuck about religion

[@BilsonBoi]

He sounded like a character from South Park

[@lifesgrowinggreat]

Poor guy, I've never heard someone apologize so much for there beliefs. This guy is probably honest and hard working. Being taken advantage of by his church and probably everyone else in his life. I HOPE JEFF IS DOING WELL.

[@flyguyry1]

Their, too

[@geoffallshorn5167]

Yes, an honest and sincere person. I wish him well too.

[@TheUtubeuserme]

I was a Mormon Missionary 12 years ago. Sweet sincere people like this caller is the only type of people that we would baptize. Our approach was carefully tailored to resonate with that type of individual. At the time I thought I was doing gods work. Now I have a lot of regrets about misleading people. Listening to this call breaks my heart. That sweet man was taken in, now the Mormons get 10 percent of his income.

[@BrickBuilder50]

👍🏽

[@teve90]

Want to start a new religion and take sum more dough from more morons??

[@teve90]

Edit- and we have to make our religion seem 2k years old

[@legshakermaker1968]

Jeff is either a highly skilled troll or a simpleton.

[@joshdarius5995]

That's what they wanted....Cha-Chinh

[@chairmanofrussia]

He has the most mormon voice ever

[@theshapeexists]

😂

[@SimberLayek]

Mormons faces are recognisable from a mile away, too... tell me I'm wrong

[@grumblesa10]

Unctuous, slow cadence -yep

[@adamwilliams3963]

I live in North Carolina. They sound like that here too.

[@devitomichael]

“I’m no dummy” says the new Mormon, ha ha ha lol just fucking epic

[@aierce]

The caller is able to listen and able to recognize some of his own fallicies when pointed out to him. This is so rare.

[@bluellownogreen3331]

Most people actually do recognize the fallacy , its not at all rare. In this guy's case(and many others) its the fact that he is admitting to it anonymously. He IS a Mormon and he damn well know the consequences of admitting to what Matt pointed out. Salt Lake City , the Psychiatrist Mecca.

[@jds6206]

The caller is fantastically simple-minded.

[@christiananderson4909]

Glad you pointed that out. It actually impressed me, and endeared me to him a bit, too.

[@richdandanell2911]

Most theists do recognize these things . But they can't admit it to them self's because it means their deepest belief's are wrong . It also means that when they die they won't be going to heaven and get to live blissfully forever . Death is the toughest reality for most people to face . So it seems most people are willing to believe anything as long as it promises you don't really die when your dead you just go on to a better place . And that's exactly why religion have such an overpowering effect on people and why people can't admit there belief's are so flawed .

[@timothybrown5999]

I was thinking the same, this guy is a genuine person having a conversation with people he disagrees with on large issues. Much respect to anyone who can debate someone without getting personal or rude

[@Flavadave555]

Former lifelong Mormon here, I'm glad that they caught Jeff at an early stage in his Mormon conversion. The reason you see some of the open-mindedness that he shows here is because he hasn't yet been inundated with years of gaslighting and indoctrination that leads to testimony walls and the inability to thoughtfully question your beliefs. I sincerely hope he took this conversation to heart and started looking into the church history that puts the nail in the coffin. I carry a lot of weight from growing up Mormon and I'll be dealing with those ill-effects for years to come. I just wish more people can come to reason and rethink the message they've been fed. It's all so frustrating and illogical and tragic 😕

[@techfreak1182]

Maybe he'll get his endowments, and if he does his research he'll sit there and realize "holy shit, I'm in a cult."

[@paulolosi1452]

I’m currently in the stake young mans presidency in the Mormon church and I can’t seem to get myself completely out of the churches because no one wants me gone.😅 dammit can’t y’all just leave me alone if I want to leave let me go!!🤣

[@steveswangler6373]

Not trying to be funny, but how can you be a “former lifolong” anything?

[@remigiuszfetzki7379]

@@steveswangler6373 that was good call man !

[@KrishnarajRaoUrbanNaxal]

@@steveswangler6373 😂

[@icicloui]

"Oh no, I feel like the guy who was defending Voodoo now" Well done Jeff, super polite Formon-to-be. More Jeffs please.

[@patzchan1900]

Hes quick to realize. Thats a real college graduate lol

[@hectorespinoza3446]

I've seen probably 100 videos on this channel, and legitimately the first time I've seen someone get hit with a truck of reality and say "oh wow, I sound like that other idiot who called in before me who believed in nonsense, whoops."

[@hieronymus..bosch8532]

How about warren jeffs ? ( imprisoned mormon cleric/ profit for marrying childeren)

[@NicholasLaDieu]

@@hectorespinoza3446 yes i was thinking the same thing

[@calebmauer1751]

"A Mormon told me that they don't drink coffee. I said, 'A cup of coffee every day gives you wonderful benefits.' He said, 'Like what?' I said, 'Well, it keeps you from being Mormon ...'" -Emo Philips

[@dark_winter8238]

Caleb Mauer lmfao.

[@rowleyj31]

But they will drink pepsi and monster energy drinks.

[@dukadarodear2176]

You've just proven that not ALL circular thinking is bad.

[@rowleyj31]

@@dukadarodear2176 I think it's cause the Mormon church owns a large stake in Pepsi, and Monster is under Pepsi? There for it's ok somehow? That could be hearsay though. But the Mormon church does wn a large stake in Pepsi.

[@robp8108]

Dead 🤣

[@alexisjuillard4816]

That guy is a bizzare mix of politeness, good intentions, crazy beliefs, honesty, lack of critical thinking and desire to improve (i think)

[@ralfhaggstrom9862]

Well put ...............

[@AvNotasian]

Hes the sort of person that is carefree, he doesn't really care too much what he believes or what conflicts with his beliefs. Its almost impossible to change these peoples minds but they are nice people.

[@ralfhaggstrom9862]

@@AvNotasian They CAN be "nice people", when/ if they SHUT UP ! ............

[@notthatyouasked6656]

In other words he's a Mormon.

[@danbrooks3932]

Highly impressional and he is clearly old so he has never thought for himself

[@jonathanbassett3816]

Ex Jehovah's witness reporting here. I left because I was never afraid to think critically. It came with a heavy price. My family has shunned me for 20 years. There are thousands of people like me. This is a fight worth fighting for. Thanks guys.

[@noel090909]

Wow. A genuinely nice caller who seemed like he really listened to what Matt was saying, rather than just blindly defending his beliefs. I hope Jeff is doing well today.

[@paulj3873]

Which ever God there is or not’. I hope he blesses this Jeff

[@brianfergus839]

Ikr if only all stupid, ignorant people were as nice as this guy.

[@gtr5973]

Yes but tomorrow somebody could easily talk him into believing in Islam or Hinduism or whatever

[@aaav298]

While what he believes is absolutely insane, he was still very respectful and civil. At least he’s not like some of the other fundamentalist nutjobs who call in screaming.

[@ross-carlson]

Completely agree - he really doesn't want what Matt is saying to be true - he wants it so badly, but is realizing it's all absolute bullshit.

[@kauriwilson8434]

Yes and it is sad to see very commited sheep who, I cant speak for myself since I was profound by this book and thought that there was a god existing, but was so brainwashed I didnt think he wasn't real. I feel sorry LDS because they rather preached their messiah prophet Joseph smith the drunkard who went to prison because he claim to see Jesus in a forest prophesying to him, doesn't it sound familiar to other testimonies involved and sad to say but as a past mormonist, it is a cult. They reject the bible and believe in theirs which has Josiah, nephi, etc.

[@kauriwilson8434]

They call it restoration

[@ricomunoz6121]

Modern Atheist not a bigot

[@kauriwilson8434]

@vilcantroper nope. It does matter. He is not helping anyone :). Sadly . And religion is not the answer. Yet they believe

[@julieneve2791]

I was raised Mormon, I use to feel a burning in my bosom, took some pepto bismol and it went away

[@ftjax]

Also bicarbonate is good

[@johnbyrnes6621]

clear proof that pepto bismol was invented by satan! /s

[@allenanderson5297]

That's hilarious

[@dtsosie5836]

@julienevexxxx very hilarious. Your remark made my day

[@dink0011]

you gotta respect this caller for his honest reactions

[@savagefrito]

crazy how college education does that to some people, learn to question things

[@SteveSmith-os5bs]

I spent my life in the church with the warm fuzzies. I finely figured at age 50 after studying the history of the life of Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham that I had believed in a 19th century con artist all my life.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

“We don’t have voodoo - we have the Melchizedek Priesthood” has to be the most entertaining phrase uttered by anyone ever.

[@ishmaelm1932]

Wtf is that? Some premium priesthood.

[@moxxie9707]

Naw its " between the three of us, they sound very similar" He is aware of the viewing audience, no?

[@headlights4395]

the Melkissadick priesthood?

[@sadkingbilly]

Shell Shock scripture knowledge isn’t knowledge at al. Saying that is like saying “my knowledge of fairytales proves they’re real”

[@MensHominis]

@Shell Shock - *we* have zero understanding? You know that he was just quoting the caller, right? You know what " means, right?

[@Bebopopotamus]

I love Jeff's "oof" after Matt asks a question that Jeff has clearly never thought about but clearly knows the answer is not in favor of what he believes. Jeff is a good guy.

[@katemillerissima7779]

Bebopopotamus 🤣

[@Doctor_Straing_Strange]

Jeff is a good guy, a victim of indoctrination and lies

[@desertguy395]

My parents tried to beat god into me, but I stayed on my feet for the whole 15 rounds.

[@pechaa]

It says something about Christianity when I read your comment and I’m not certain it’s metaphorical.

[@zzcanasta]

@@pechaa I attended a Roman Catholic secondary school in the 1960s-70s, and the Christian Brothers who taught there literally did try to beat god into all of us. What happened, though, was that for many of us it had pretty much the opposite effect. Of all the former schoolfriends I've had contact with in the intervening years I only came across one who was still a believer. All the rest of us were atheists or agnostics. I think that counts as a win on points.

[@ronhansen8471]

That is the problem isn't it? "beat". Each person has to decide for themselves and religion is never beat into our children. If we love them we will teach them in what way we want them to go. If we want them to follow our beliefs in religion we have to lovingly and with patiently encourage them with proper teaching and example. Because of fee or mental challenges some children are not teachable and its not the parents fault. No parent should ever be abusive to their child or to anyone else for that manner.

[@desertguy395]

@@ronhansen8471 Thank you.

[@zzcanasta]

@@ronhansen8471 Because of (well-intentioned) indoctrination from my parents and (less well-intentioned) from my schools (both RC) I spent much of my childhood in a state of abject terror - about whether I would get to heaven, or if Satan was capable of manipulating my thoughts and feelings, causing me to sin and thus spend an eternity being tortured in hell. My priests and teachers assured me that Satan tried to do this all the time. It really was a form of psychological terrorism, and it took me until my late teens both to realise that fact and then gradually discover the hollowness at the centre of everything I'd been told. I determined that I would never put my children through even a modified form of what I'd experienced, so from an early age I encouraged them to think critically, ask questions and evaluate the answers they were given or the claims made on the basis of evidence. When they asked me about my beliefs I told them that I was an atheist because I had found no convincing evidence for the existence of gods, but that they would have to frame their own view of life in whatever terms made sense to them. They are now both adults, and describe themselves as atheists. They are warm, compassionate, modest, kind, loving and caring young men with a strong sense of social justice and a love of life. Interestingly, both achieved the highest grade in GCSE Religious Education at school. I'm happy that I was able to spare them the misery that blighted most of my childhood, and have had the joy of watching them develop into mature, responsible and wise adults who find fulfilment in their lives without the need for supernatural permission to do so.

[@RebelSwan]

This called is so adorable and just downright nice. He’s truly engaged in the conversation and has such an open mind. We need more people like this on all sides of humanity.

[@privatemilo]

He’s trolling

[@drhexagonapus]

@@privatemilo I don't think you know what trolling is if you think this guy is a troll

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

He’s kinda moronic.

[@jimmyb4982]

The caller seems nice. At least he's willing to think about his position.

[@davewilliams5102]

His "Gut" feeling is probably just a bad case of Gas! He should try some TUMS!

[@morphkogan8627]

@@davewilliams5102 lmao wtf, made me laugh

[@Robbie32]

'Think' might be putting it strongly, but he is open to discussion.

[@privatemilo]

He’s trolling lol

[@VerySimplyEl]

Poor guy. He was so sweet. It definitely seems like he is looking for truth, but one that comforts him.

[@n4rzul]

You just described what I felt when I went from Christianity to being an atheist. It felt like losing myself. My identity was so intertwined with being Christian, that my mind fought the thought of letting go of it. I am just grateful that the rational part won out. When I finally let go it was like a breath of fresh air. Mountains of guilt and shitty thoughts just fell away. I was finally free after what felt like a lifetime of abuse and imprisonment. Now I look back at my past beliefs and stand in awe at how deceived and brainwashed I was. I find it both fascinating and downright scary how the human mind can be manipulated to believe utter crap, without question or proof. At first, I fell into the trap of thinking that those that do believe in religion must be stupid and have low IQ or something (Ironic, I know :) ). I now understand that *anyone* no matter how smart can have their brain hijacked especially if that indoctrination begins when you are a child.

[@markhaunert5029]

@@n4rzul exactly, that's why i want to see how Bailey Stardust turns out as an adult. Hopefully she'll make a difference with the younger generation

[@shawnreed7876]

@@n4rzul Wow, that is my experience word for word.

[@1Zaren]

"Burning in my bosom" sounds like a bad case of heartburn.

[@Dalonghair]

Zaren Maybe it’s something he ate.

[@scottfulton267]

I love this line that the caller said: "When you pray, you have to fully mean it. You can't go into it half-butt!"

[@user-fv8yx3bw5t]

That's what she said.

[@respectfulgamer7232]

Oh Jeff... Whata nice guy. Can't you get more arrogant religious people to call you, this is heartbreaking ):

[@Coco-yy5pw]

I used to feel very bad for the people like Jeff on this show but now I am used to them dismantling theist believes. And honestly I think it is very great. I hope Jeff went home thought it though and is not a Mormon anymore, or at least that’s what I pray he does. 😉

[@Sonofsun.]

lol

[@tamradawn1732]

@Wee Mac you're a dick

[@dogsbeforedogma4402]

Tamra Dawn agreed, the caller was so respectful

[@andrewmudery9756]

I have a lot of respect for this caller. I think he sounds extremely open to being wrong and to actual logic. I hope he seriously takes a dive into his faith and finds out just how illogical it is. I have hope for him

[@SilverKing3578]

Yeah, he was able to realize his arguments for Mormonism is the same as the ones the Voodoo guy presented before, which led him to realize that those arguments are trash because they prove two conflicting ideas. If an argument/point can prove two 100% conflicting/exclusive claims, then the argument/point must be wrong. He is very polite and genuinely a person who listens. The fact that he risked his status as a Mormon by coming to the show was very brave. Cheers to him🍷🍷

[@launabanauna8958]

Andrew Mudery I have a hard time believing he’s for real. I think he’s a professional troll.

[@SilverKing3578]

@@launabanauna8958 Well a troll wont ever be as polite as this Mormon guy. Just go and watch some of the ones who talk from their ass

[@launabanauna8958]

Nick Ericson Trolls can be polite, or not, it’s up to them. It fooled you.

[@SimberLayek]

@@launabanauna8958 who benefits? And how?

[@SoelengaaerbagAaseneed]

Jeff is absolutely hilarious and an extremely nice guy. I hope everything worked out for him.

[@burjalmadre]

“Im sorry, I dont mean to be guilty of logical fallacies” nawwww, what a sweety! 😊☺️

[@falcoperegrinus82]

He felt so bad about calling ex-moromons apostates

[@utah133]

I'm another "Jeff from Utah." I'm an ex-Mormon. It's all BS, folks. I tried to be a proper Mormon, but my mind is too literal and analytical to buy it.. Or any religion for that matter.

[@bluellownogreen3331]

Jeff , You tried to be a real Mormon ,(which is a devout Mormon ONLY); and in that attempt you saw the harbinger of mental compromises that can lead to mental illness and you backed off for your own sanity's sake.

[@mrdgenerate]

Awesome good for you homie

[@amandarios448]

Congrats! And know you're not alone!!!

[@jds6206]

@Charles Blair ...for any god.

[@trinidyjohnson9295]

Also from Utah....x Mormon.....and your so right..bullshit!

[@TheSocratesian]

Wow..... It sounds like Butters grew up, joined LDS, changed his name to Jeff and called Atheist Experience.

[@FPVLIFE]

TheSocratesian omg.. lol Butters 😂

[@donnyh3497]

Oh hamburgers!

[@jaymiddleton1782]

TheSocratesian this is so true. I love him so much. He’s very likeable.

[@annoyedlawstudent8782]

This comment wins

[@adamtzsch]

I'm English. Who's Butters?

[@ChocKsic]

Matt: "Don't be afraid of doubt. The truth has nothing to fear from investigation." Woah

[@kellercommunications7325]

Listening to this call 5 years later and it’s still fascinating and ringing true. I’d love to know how he’s doing now and if this was a step on his path to rational thinking.

[@meganmcdonald3908]

You two were so kind and respectful to this misguided gentleman. You allowed him to be vulnerable and admit he had doubts about his beliefs. Thank you for what you do.

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Megan Mcdonald you’re so right. That ability to be vulnerable allowed him to think through his beliefs without defensiveness, which helped logic to naturally follow. Being kind and respectful (as long as the respect is mutual) is the most important way. I think patience helps the callers and listeners gently disentangle their belief system, rather than become intimidated and frightened into doubling down and battening down the hatches.

[@Yosef9438]

@@Emiliapocalypse This is something Matt is absolutely amazing at doing, likely because he comes directly from religious doctrine. We can all take a lot from the way he talks to these folks.

[@SimberLayek]

He's sooo skilled and practiced with patience and persistence... a true hero

[@adamwilliams3963]

"A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still."

[@adamwilliams3963]

@@N8BALLSACK It's been attributed to Mark Twain, but I suspect it's much older.

[@locustoffamine2644]

I'm proud of him. He actually wants to see the truth, even if the truth is not what he believes in. I hope he's an atheist now, or deist at least.

[@JamesRichardWiley]

What if he had met the Scientologists first, and received a free personality test?

[@jonsnor4313]

I hope he found an openminded religious group where he didnt fell victim to cults again.

[@onpsxmember]

@@JamesRichardWiley Or those transcendent meditation people that follow that indian guru and on the higher levels they got all their mind and money sucked out of them.

[@roqsteady5290]

Depends how much he wants/needs to believe for emotional reasons. Religion is cheap comfort, but the cost may rise if and when he investigates the nefarious practices of his cult.

[@ringo666]

Sorry, but deism is even harder to justify. It presupposes a god that doesn't interact with the universe. Impossible to detect, and therefore believe in, by definition.

[@atdynax]

It's interesting that a question that is answered with a yes by Atheists gets theist's brains to melt.

[@timothywilliams4089]

Ned Flanders.....

[@lightbeing8174]

What would an exorcism do to an atheist own straight up.

[@zubilize]

"And see The Rock, The Rock is excellent" 😂😂😂

[@Tgraffloans]

“It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled” - Mark Twain

[@charlieherron5462]

I love the long silence after Matt's wisdom hits. It's in those moments that faith is lost and eyes are opened.

[@sadkingbilly]

Wee Mac no, the caller is a brainwashed human who is given a peek at what reality is like. He’s quite shaken about it and might have gotten the little push that will lead to a life free of religion.

[@kuromyou7969]

@Wee Mac I Don't think he's a prick. He isn't being rude or aggressive.he sounds like a nice guy, but he's really latched onto the idea of Mormonism. He even uses the usual phrases like "another testament" and "burning in the bosom."

[@Londonistan_Calling]

@Wee Mac no u

[@Pol-Pot]

It's beautiful isn't it

[@jamesreagle245]

Smith had god talking to him so he had the ultimate truth so if he was wrong then his god is wrong.

[@berniebooth5045]

“The truth has nothing to fear from investigation” Absolutely spot on.

[@wengchiang9216]

“You watched The Book of Mormon, you read The Book of Mormon, and you became a Mormon?!” I could almost hear the slap as Matt’s metaphoric palm hit his metaphoric face

[@patpawlowski7635]

Jeff is my new favorite caller, and he’s probably not Mormon anymore

[@fuscinula]

Hopefully, for him.

[@BrianMillsMFA]

0:26 "Hey guys, Mormon is a pejorative term." 1:24 (accidentally uses the word Mormon) THIS was the reason I left Mormonism. I had been raised my whole life using that term and being taught to be proud of that term. And then one day, the NEW prophet in his first address to the Church as prophet, says that is a bad word and using it is a "victory for Satan" and it gave me such mental whiplash. And then I saw the members around me suddenly stop using it and start correcting, and even shaming, one another for using a word Mormons have been self applying for 175 years! My brain just couldn't take it anymore and finally my mind was clear enough to see all the lies.

[@ReverendLondo]

He independently brought up the previous caller and readily admitted that they had similar belief structures. Probably the most honest caller.

[@mg4468]

This guy’s warm & fuzzy in a Fargo kinda way. A-ha moments don’t happen on the air very often, well done!

[@g-ph-rrit7345]

That's what it is MG I couldn't get what he was about you hit the nail on the head Fargo kinda way 100% good man.

[@davecrawley4634]

This man seems sweet. I feel sorry for him.

[@joshjohnson3347]

Most Mormons are sweet.

[@cmbacon75]

Me too.

[@18shandee]

Ex Mormon here. Thank you so much for what you said about us "Apostates." Mormonism really does make people miserable.

[@the_facedr3660]

The same as any other religion.

[@jacobkolsen6301]

I am an atheist now but used to be mormon. I am glad to not be mormon anymore but now I am the black sheep of the family. Its sad when people leave the church its pretty much social suicide.

[@TheDIrtyHobo]

​@@jacobkolsen6301 Are you a Utah ex-mormon, by chance? Because that is a very different community that is much more toxic and stigmatized than other communities, from my experience. I'm from Seattle, but I went to BYU, and I was definitely ostracized for my lack of belief while I was there. I, nor any of my peer group which also left the church, felt pushed away by our families for leaving. Although it probably helps that we all actually made attempts to leave on good, respectful terms instead of hostile ones.

[@jacobkolsen6301]

@@TheDIrtyHobo I live in idaho but have many family members who live in utah

[@TheDIrtyHobo]

@@jacobkolsen6301 Ah, Utah Jr. Makes sense.

[@noshrinkingviolet007]

OMG, I'm an ex-MO that stumbled on this one and Jeff had me laughing repeatedly. He's so earnest and so hilarious! Thanks for posting, guys, I subbed with the hope that my post-Mo life will continue to be this funny. ;-)

[@yaruqadishi8326]

It will be

[@JoseMerino-xn4zw]

I love Matt. He's an awesome human being

[@zachlimb2871]

As a 19 year old ex-mormon who has faced deteriorations in my familial relationships due to this type of argument, it saddens me how religion, especially Mormonism, leads people away from reason. My father even admits that he believes because he NEEDS to believe. One time at dinner I mentioned that evolution is the only reasonable view of the origin of life, because of its basis in science. He replies, "No it's not, and it's offensive you would dismiss claims just because they're based on faith". This is a guy who mixes evolution and creation. Without religious organizations, people would not necessarily feel like they have to believe without evidence.

[@shawnreed7876]

Agreed. My family is the same.

[@CarlottaTrouble]

My mom says if she doesn't believe she'll never see my brother again. Sorry mom. If he wasn't cremated he'd be worm food. Sucks for everyone:(

[@LakesideTrey]

I don't think religion is the cause of people not believing things without evidence, I think it is a symptom of it.

[@bxnkroll]

He sounds somewhat close to realizing. Kinda seems like a good dude

[@MarlboroughBlenheim1]

Most religious people are good. They are just mistaken and scared.

[@Paul-Weston]

He does seem genuinely confused. These guys seriously rattled his cage, and gave him some stuff to keep watching the sun come up through the cracks in his curtains.

[@MarlboroughBlenheim1]

“Good” - what do you mean by this? Is it good to believe in something without evidence? Is it good to think there is a hell where people who don’t agree with you go?

[@melkhiordarkfell4354]

The best thing about Mormanism is South Park can have an hilarious episode and all they have to do is just tell the story of Joseph Smith found the gold tablets that no one ever saw and read them from a magic hat.

[@lukesullivan3218]

He seems like he's so close to connecting the dots😂

[@RaptorJesus.]

guys seriously he's convinced me to finally turn, i'm finally going to watch The Rock!

[@Bookwyrm86]

Raptor Jesus It’s a fun ride. Enjoy it for the spectacle it is. The actors make the movie better than it has any right to be.

[@blatherskite3009]

@@Bookwyrm86 Yep. It's not high art, and doesn't aim to be, but it's up there with films such as the original Die Hard for everything coming together to make it better than it has any right to be. It went a bit down in my estimation, though, when I saw "Twilight's Last Gleaming" (1977) which it steals its premise - if not its location - from pretty shamelessly, but it's still a fun ride :)

[@WukongTheMonkeyKing]

His rejection of Allah is too ironic.

[@troyevitt2437]

Utah...a desert full of people following a religious prophet spinning off the Judaeo-Christian central thesis...but Islam?! THAT'S just crazy.

[@Simon.the.Likeable]

Joseph Smith knew about Islam. It was the time of Tripoli and the Barbary pirates.

[@troyevitt2437]

@@Simon.the.Likeable He actually once compared his starting a splinter sect of Abrahamic revealed religion to Mohamed's having done so.

[@Simon.the.Likeable]

@@troyevitt2437 Thank you Troy. Do you know where I could find further information on Smith's comparison please? I have not heard of this before.

[@bradzimmerman3171]

Jeff christians skate on very thin ice someday they will fall through right into Allahs stubby arms the ones with Shepperdcasters on the end

[@MrCool-lo3ls]

"Can you feel love for a fictional character?" After being on the internet and witnessing several anime based conversations, i can say conclusively: yes you can, but no you shouldn't

[@ReadyPlayerPiano]

I really want to applaud this man's openness and candor in his doubts and questions. If only we had more cases of this.

[@westwass]

this guy sounds like an okay dude, hope the spirit of critical thinking blesses him

[@slanderman92]

We need more Jeffs. No matter their beliefs.

[@Sonofsun.]

you're goddamn right

[@bella_ciao4608]

eh, his beliefs about muslims were pretty bad

[@hgetu3366]

@Jin p he should've been more precise in the phrasing, but I agree with the message. This caller was mostly respectful and he seemed to actually think about what Matt was saying.

[@amandarios448]

@@bella_ciao4608 the views of Muslims about me are REAALLY BAD. I'm unveiled, unmarried, an atheist, bisexual... Muslims tend to really dislike women like me, I get the premium hatred package 😂😂😂

[@markhaunert5029]

@@amandarios448 yeah you might want to avoid them for sure. 😉🤩

[@meyo1860]

I worked with a Middle Eastern guy who spoke and behaved EXACTLY like this caller; we were all terrified of him! His overly polite quirkiness was most unsettling. What a relief it was when he got “transferred” to an new office. No joke!

[@speedofsoundgaming7693]

This was so painful because in the middle he ALMOST found the right answer. He was on the friggen edge and he comes up with "I guess maybe God manifests himself in different ways" Dude you were so close it hurts me.

[@michaelbalzer5903]

It sounds like this guy called in because he wanted to be convinced that his move to mormonism was a mistake.

[@dx1450]

Sounded like he was having serious doubts toward the end of the call.

[@Teafa]

I absolutely agree with this.. he already had his doubts.. he is smart and critical- and need more to think about- THIS is what this show is about.

[@Boznaniac]

Lol

[@mariomiceli9663]

How many braincells do you have, 10?

[@mariomiceli9663]

@Steve Says the ignorant follower of a tyrant who condoned slavery and murder of women and children.

[@harshbarj]

Religious people are funny. They can look at other religions and see what's clearly wrong with them, but when you bring up the same flaws in their religion, you are missing something or taking things out of context.

[@Jblah]

I dont think this level of stupidity is not funny at all. Especially considering how many more children are being brainwashed and robbed of their free thinking resulting in an everlasting and reoccurring cycle of the dumb and the dumber. Im beginning to suspect the government has a hand in literally everything that keeps people from dealing with real issues and real world problems. Society has become a joke and civilization has become overrated.

[@AString95]

j blah are you truly concerned about the future of other people? If you are concerned with the well being of others, why? If so, what are you doing to increase the well being of others?

[@christopheradams5607]

@@Jblah That is an ironic comment.

[@christopheradams5607]

@@AString95 What have you done yourself?

[@Jblah]

@@AString95 "we are in space age times with stone age minds". Some dude.-

[@raiderrocker18]

It's completely unrealistic to expect somebody to abandon their worldview in a 20 minute phone call with two strangers. But this man was at least incredibly honest and seemed to be legitimately taking the doubt to heart, which imo is the most you could ask for in a call like this. Good on him.

[@thelittlerussian3042]

“The truth has nothing to fear from investigation.”

[@Sikhindu]

This guy will quit if he keeps looking. He is open minded.

[@vadimdopop4061]

Mat made him think. That's the most wonderful thing atheists do to believers

[@hereticus8348]

Steve then let’s assume god isn’t real and the Bible isn’t real. Wouldn’t you say the most evil and despicable thing someone can do is to make other live in constant shame and fear?

[@MrGeneFerda]

@Steve I bet you're great at dinner parties.

[@PGraveDigger1]

@Hey, that's pretty average. A party at dinner time, often with a meal or elaborate snacks for the guests.

[@roqsteady5290]

@Steve "Let's assume God is real and the Bible is true" Let's not assume that... problem solved.

[@mariomiceli9663]

Lol dont expect a response. brainless followers simply dodge or ignore any point with logic

[@bacardid8979]

Jeff is the best example of how every Christian should be when examining their faith.

[@maddieashby3996]

I was Mormon for the first 18 years of my life and one thing I'll say about them is that they are some of the sweetest people on the planet just like Jeff! This call reminded me so much of my dad.

[@Tina-qn6pq]

I have a feeling he will soon be a “Formon”.

[@moonchilddd9129]

Tina Alicia 😂😂😂😂

[@zemorph42]

Maybe.

[@dukadarodear2176]

He's not quite a Mormon yet so he'll be a Premon.

[@privatemilo]

He’s trolling them lol

[@ChristianIce]

10 bucks he's an atheist today.

[@ryanweston9677]

Wishful thinking.

[@fja3924]

he is too simple minded

[@HappyHippieGaymer]

I’d take that bet that even TODAY in 2020 this poor guy is still a mormon

[@stacielivinthedream8510]

@Tiberiu Farcas lol

[@louistournas120]

@@HappyHippieGaymer I will join that bet. I bet 25 cents that he is still a mormon.

[@lvbdevinelove2329]

Jeff, you're the best. Your intelligence shined through at the end, I applaud you sir. This is one of the ALL TIME GREATEST EPISODES. I loved how matt and John handled this call too. It's one of the most satisfying videos to watch, and endearing.. Thank you gentlemen. Hope Jeff is doing well.

[@ePICS8]

This caller was great. I hope he found his way to atheism and critically thinking.

[@jmwild1]

This is what I like about many Mormons. Of those I've met in my life, they've all been kind and respectful and quick to apologize for any unintended offense. I feel for this caller and am kinda glad he took this to heart, and that Matt didn't beat him down. Matt and Jeff were very helpful in guiding the man to reexamine his faith.

[@kennethyoung7564]

How about he debates someone tough. It's like debating a high school. I know many people who could quickly shut him down.

[@jmwild1]

Matt never gets any challenging calls on this show. He could probably be "shut down" but not if given time for a rebuttal with facts.

[@spankitshankit8733]

jmwild1 Mormons think dark skinned people are cursed

[@jmwild1]

@Spankitshankit That was indeed a common belief but they have excused that from their holy book just as Christians have excused slavery from theirs. I'm not arguing that I have no issue with Mormons proselytizing and creating more Mormons, all I've said is that those I've known have been ironically nice and respectful to others.

[@robertrosskopf4641]

@@spankitshankit8733 And poor people, and rich people, and illiterate people and people with disabilities... Who ever gets to live the perfect life?

[@chudoyudo17]

Jeff was such a nice guy I cant help but root for him and hope that hes doing good

[@parkerbrust]

I am an ex Mormon and I watched this video six years ago and found it again on accident after de converting and it feels so nostalgic to me. I remember telling my Mormon friends to not debate with atheist because atheist are really good at arguing after watching it at 17 years old.

[@Billma48]

I am watching this five years later. I lived in Salt Lake City for about 20 years. This is such a good explanation of the religion. Right on the money.

[@TheTektronik]

Matt's patience with his callers are so great it's stellar.

[@theshapeexists]

With polite callers like this guy, yes. The arrogant ones he can straight up verbally murder.

[@patdavey7187]

He seems like he is most patient with those that have humility and have an actual conversation. There are plenty of episodes where he gets quite angry and mutes the caller.

[@arimfshapiro7907]

Dillahunty is notorious for twisting off, and hanging up on callers.

[@johnathanhenley2251]

I enjoy when Matt plays chess with callers playing checkers.

[@dukadarodear2176]

Yep. Both boards are chequered but the similarity ends there.

[@privatemilo]

Dudes trolling

[@cletokings4302]

Or as he puts it - playing basketball against 5 years old kids.

[@ChrisM-zm4li]

Lol, Jeff LOVED that Broadway show. Highlight of his life.

[@macmartin86]

It's actually 2020 here, and we're still watching, thanks Matt and John!

[@fufoNGSG]

It's nice to see how the caller is willing to question the foundation of his religion for a change, also he is very nice.

[@nicolab2075]

Are we sure he doesn't just agree with he last person he talked to??!!

[@kevinbaker6750]

I think Jeff may be the nicest human being on the face of the Earth.

[@boblangford5514]

This guy is as innocent as the day he was born. “You can’t pray half-butt.” That was adorable.

[@mrfester42]

That type of nonsense is NOT adorable. It's scary.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

He’s stupid.😢

[@LakesideTrey]

@@mrfester42rueeee. They should make a horror movie of old Mormon men refusing to swear. Everyone would doodoo their pants.

[@BarakBM]

This is THE BEST call i have ever heared on this show.

[@ds525252]

Wow... the caller is reevaluating his beliefs. Good job guys. You did not say “quit the mormons” you said “question your belief with these questions”. My beliefs are solid and TAE, AronRa, Genetically Modified Skeptic keeps me in check. Thanks guys!

[@brandonburnham7831]

He is so sure that Allah is unreal but believes wholeheartedly in Joseph Smith, who's been debunked completely and utterly by critical thinking

[@thegigadykid1]

Lol right when allah and jehovah are the same guy

[@zemorph42]

@@thegigadykid1 The LDS god is called "Elohim" as a proper name, not a title or description. It is also described as a "perfected man" that was once human on another planet, ruled by its own god. Is that the same god as jehova/YHWH/Allah?

[@lufhopespeacefully2037]

allah is real brandon but he &u never read quran

[@zemorph42]

@@lufhopespeacefully2037 Where's the lunar faultline?

[@lufhopespeacefully2037]

@@zemorph42 ,astronauts never confirm that or deny it till now but quran full of scientific miracles which had confirmed by scientists on the contrary of theory of evolution which is failed miserably via an atheist scientist who confirms man originally descendants of a man typically as quran said that`s why islam is the fastest growing religion in the world as per western media said

[@tonyfendex2558]

I always feel chills--intense chills-- down my spine when I see Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Princess Leia. The thing is I FEEL EVERYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE when I see Star Wars.

[@deepdish2034]

I love Jeff He comes off as real AF

[@HeWentThattaway]

Why is the phrase "not to toot my own horn" always followed by a serious slathering of self horn-tooting?

[@CsykKrit]

"I'm not racist but..."

[@Robbie32]

I'm not being rude, but ...

[@acfkelly6291]

I sincerely believe the Great Pumpkin will appear in New Jersey

[@jorgegoyco]

This was impressive and a breath of fresh air really.

[@eddraconiandratha177]

I think this caller is actually Crispin Glover practicing method acting

[@jeremylance208]

Ed Draconian Dratha 😂👍

[@MikkoHere]

Great comment.( I actually really thought it might be someone spoofing.)

[@stevebinning977]

It does sound like him.

[@STEAMYCRAFT]

Winning!

[@tedkijeski339]

never heard the expression "half-butt" before. But I suppose if you're going to hear it, it might as well come from a Mormon.

[@55chh]

....because ass is so much more naughty than butt

[@aliciadavis8872]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@unkaumanguy1439]

One of the best calls yet. Well played gentlemen.

[@jesot]

This is one of my all time favorite calls. I sincerely love Jeff.

[@kevL219]

But not as much as he likes the Rock! 😉

[@The1980Philip]

The Mormon didn't even understand the movie properly. The Ed Harris character never intended to actually use the missiles. And I love how Matt holds people's feet to the fire.

[@boomdelted]

I love that movie

[@LucasSommer]

That is a classic Michael Bay film

[@NetAndyCz]

Yeah that movie is not that bad, can make you think hard about who the real bad guys were in there.

[@Alephkilo]

Shy Brother Speaks Only bcoz he wanted the families of the dead marines under his command to be compensated.i think he is/was a hero. Ironic though. We are discussing a movie as if it is real.😀

[@Alephkilo]

Shy Brother Speaks I recall the movie quite vividly.. he said standdown soldier. He said they called our bluff.. he had no intention of using the nerve gas.. I believe he sacrificed himself for what he believed was the greater good. That’s noble to say the least.. sometimes ppl are driven by desperation. History subsequently decides whether they are hero’s or villains.. ain’t “ truth” subjective?😂