DISGUSTING Things From My Theology Degree

[@CosmicSkeptic]

This video was voted for by my supporters on Patreon, who also had early access to this video. To learn more about supporting the channel, click here: www.patreon.com/CosmicSkeptic

[@evelynindge7581]

It's great to have you back looking forward to this summer 😀

[@rojh9351]

Hi, Alex. Did your course include anything on how people in Biblical times conceived of heaven/paradise? I think it’s interesting to consider that the everyday life for many of us - in the UK, at least - far surpasses any ancient notion of heaven: we have antibiotics, rapid transportation, food from around the world in arm’s reach, and Radio 4.

[@amirkhan-tl5lp]

Can you update the reading list on your website please? Thank you in advance

[@pdshiff]

More of this content please. Fascinating stuff.

[@ricardoluque1931]

He should do a video on this guy kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWPZYYGunMpnm5I

[@goldrake821]

When you want to prove your point so much that you get a degree in what you criticize the most

[@LeneChibi]

@Max Grassfed I feel you too

[@arcadiagreen150]

Admirable to say the least.

[@moehoward01]

Or, it's just a primary interest and the KZbin videos are just a byproduct of that interest.

[@musiclover9361]

Emanuele Aurora: "When you want to prove your point so much that you get a degree in what you criticize the most" It is the mark of an intelligent mind to be able to entertain an idea without accepting it. There are many people who are highly qualified in the field of theology who criticise it.

[@missinglegs]

Let's get a degree... you know... just for the laughs Xd

[@mattfoley6082]

What I learned from theology: 1. Pick the conclusion you want. 2. Build your argument around that. The end.

[@neilt1352]

Like a politician

[@bakarenibsheut12]

Well, that's what everyone does, including atheists. It's just that not everyone is explicit about it.

[@cacauldr]

@Anish Poddar, An atheist has no need to judge a good deed on something else than its good nature and effect. No need to question the moral or ethical beliefs of the deed doer. This also means there's no need for an atheist to go into lengthy discussions about the merits and justification of good deeds. Just do it and walk away in peace.

[@bakarenibsheut12]

@@cacauldr I wasn't specifically about doing good deeds. People want certain things for themselves, and they build systems of morality to justify taking actions to get what they want. Everybody does this. Also, you seem to be assuming that certain deeds have an inherently "good" nature. That requires some basic underlying anthropocentric assumptions about human worth.

[@mattfoley6082]

@Donald Trump Are you talking to me? Yes, my mind is open to evidence and reason.

[@GreyGreenGod]

As a kid I did want to die because I knew that if you die as a child you’ll automatically go to heaven.

[@windmillwilly]

I want to die regardless

[@rag.animations]

@@windmillwilly teen edgelord

[@user-oi5dq4yv3b]

same

[@windmillwilly]

@@rag.animations Ok weirdly adamant atheist

[@eternal_riftz8801]

I think it depends if you're at the age of accountability I would normally would say around 12 depends but the more you know the more u are accountable for.

[@JackMott]

I took a couple of theology courses in college. IIRC all of my professors happened to be religious, but one of them said as he was getting his theology degree he asked a lot of his professors if getting their theology degree strengthened or weakened their faith. It was about a 50/50 split according to him!

[@yoonahkang7384]

I feel like ot depends on your previous beliefs.. Or may be how smart you are ahaha

[@brettharman8921]

50/50+- not to bad when most attend biased-

[@vintagearisen]

When I went to a conservative Christian college one of the professors lamented that a lot of people lost faith after moving on to seminary, which in the US is like Bible graduate school. He then told us, "Only get as much education as you can keep sanctified." Imagine having to tell people to keep themselves ignorant so the indoctrination doesn't wear off.

[@charleshuggins9125]

@@luf.7648 Do we lose what we never had? Imagine for a moment you were the creator of the universe and everything in it would you be losing sleep over what people thought about you when you know they are totally dependent upon you for “…every breath they take…”?

[@dropdmacrossaint4039]

Second year BTH student here. Started studying theology to understand my athiest friend's questions about Christianity. Thought it would strengthen my faith and I'd be able to answer him more clearly. Boy was I wrong. When I finish my degree I will definitely ask my professors if they are theists or not because holy shit I don't know how more than half of them could be with what I have studied.

[@ThatCringeCalledIggleboz]

The ad that played before this video was a guy with a whiteboard yelling at me not to go to college. Just thought you'd ought to know.

[@ghenulo]

Excellent advice! I wish someone would have told me how hellish (so to speak) college is before I went.

[@edwardstrinden]

If you go, at this point, you deserve the debt you will be saddled with.

[@christines3638]

Sounds more interesting than my add for an amusement/water park 900 miles from my house.

[@dyliscairofoon9678]

@Scooters Videos I'm not american , but even I know trump was a rich arsehole almost his whole life.

[@rpbajb]

I don't get ads. Now I feel left out.

[@HolyKoolaid]

Fun History Fact: During the 4th century, Athanasius competed in three consecutive Olympic games and took the Gold medal every time. For... mental gymnastics!

[@absarmstrong]

Sounds like an athletic guy

[@lukeknapp7131]

hey holy koolaid cool to see you here use to watch your videos :) love em

[@pouncerlion4022]

I enjoyed his performance in the Theological Rhythmic Dance.

[@michaelsommers2356]

This is obviously Fake News (or Fake History). As a Christian, Athanasius would never have participated in pagan games.

[@michaelsommers2356]

@@pouncerlion4022 I think his performance in Synchronized Sophistry was even better.

[@PaulMcMinotaur]

I think the concept of Original Sin is attractive because it speaks to that part of man which realizes that we can never fully live up to our ideals.

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

@@user-wi5gv8gs3e You need to stop watching The History Channel

[@AngelWingzzz]

As usual Christianity have co-opted. Karma. Good karma/bad karma is intended as lessons in growth, not a fearful punishment. Christianity has often chosen whip rather than reward.

[@justanotherhappyhumanist8832]

@@user-wi5gv8gs3e Sure you do

[@tcrijwanachoudhury]

@@justanotherhappyhumanist8832 why not? It's cool to study history, I dont have the patience for it 😭

[@tcrijwanachoudhury]

@@user-wi5gv8gs3e I've heard pretty much everything in the bible is plagiarized from platonists and stuff

[@J._-_-._-._-._-._-._-._-._S999]

This thinking was central to my doubts as a child in church. There was just something clearly unfair and nonsensical about how God and hell worked. The adults around me only ever answered things like “It’s not for us to understand.” “It’s arrogant for us to judge God’s plan according to our own logic.” or “It doesn’t matter if you like it or not. That’s not how it works.” I couldn’t put it into words as a kid certainly though. Thanks your awesome content Alex.

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

unfair ? how do you know it is unfair ? what is fair in your opinion ? what side of this is fair ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2a0iIWHf7CKf9E

[@J._-_-._-._-._-._-._-._-._S999]

@@travelsouthafrica5048 Well for one thing you go to hell for thought crimes. So a lot of good and virtuous people would be in hell which is awfully strange.

[@Doriesep6622]

Yes I can relate. But even if it were all true, it is still a disgusting abhorrent system.

[@johnmichaelson9173]

I couldn't agree more & I remember like it was yesterday sitting in Sunday School & thinking this just doesn't make sense it doesn't ring true. And honestly as silly as it sounds what pushed me over the edge back then was discovering that they practiced animal sacrifice, burnt offerings. Which God had ordained. For me it was "Thank you, I'll get my coat"

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

@@J._-_-._-._-._-._-._-._-._S999 good and virtuous people ? according to what standard do you judge that they are "good" and 'virtuous' ? allow me to explain your predicament here kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3-8Yp6ee5qKgac

[@consideringchristianity5028]

As a Christian, Alex is by far my favourite Religious critic. Him actually being familiar with Theology makes his criticism all the more potent and worth considering.

[@OlviMasta77]

Same here.. though I don't like his spontaneus pessemistic Hitchen-ism that reeks of personal resentment and constant "life is pain" compulsions

[@christianguild780]

It's great, when he gets things right. But his treatment of Athanasius is absurd and missed all of his point - let alone the fact his misunderstanding of Genesis 1-2 (let alone the rest of "the Fall" up to the flood). He didn't even mention the most oft quoted statement from Athanasius - "God became man so that man might become God". I dislike Anselm's atonement anyway soo I have nothing to say on that lol

[@dianedonohue9855]

Thank you for having a brilliant mind open to challenge. I'm a Christian that has grappled with is exact issue and have never made peace with it. I love who Jesus was but the who savior thing.. not so much.

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

he is a snotnosed kid , Barth Ehrman is much much better and Gary Habermas is great if you like the opposite opinion which is the right one obviously

[@pickledirick8338]

@@travelsouthafrica5048 "he is a snotnosed kid"... "the opposite opinion which is the right one obviously"

[@NeoRipshaft]

Everyone poops. Everyone sins. Sins = poops. - My Theology PhD

[@TheUnholyPosole]

...lol, exactly!

[@plants_before_people5329]

Yeah except that's sadly not how a conclusion works

[@stayfrosty8404]

Lynx rufus woooosh

[@spinav8r]

@@plants_before_people5329 - That's OK. It makes as much sense as theological logic.

[@plants_before_people5329]

@@spinav8r guess you're right about that, lol

[@zamiel3]

It's goning to be nice when we can eventually quote "secular theologist Alex O'Conner". 🤣

[@jimhogarth9678]

@Rawlings There are rational Alex O'Connor fans, having fun discussions. And then there are you Alex Jones fans...

[@KYLgonk]

@Rawlings I think you're confusing us with the fake liberals who pretend to be atheist... you'll find them under virtue signaling videos.

[@Moumentai]

@Rawlings The fact that you throw around insults and generalizations make it harder to take you seriously.

[@BlacksmithTWD]

@@stylis666 You may be free to go against your conscience, but that doesn't mean your conscience doesn't start bothering you after choosing to do so. So how free are you really to go against your conscience?

[@RedKytten]

Wow... Rawlings here has an ego the size of Darth Dawkins. Good to know that the whole 'humility thing that Christians claim is so important is so strongly represented among apologists, right?

[@Eefbrgr1]

Hi CosmicSkeptic, random internet Christian here. Love your content! And please don’t, because I’m a Christian, interpret what I’m saying as “oh look a Christian just trying to LOOK LIKE he loves his enemies like he’s told to do.” I genuinely really enjoy your videos. They have been inspiring me to do proper research into the whole theism vs atheism debate but also to question and look into the validity behind my own beliefs, which I think we all must do! Enjoyed your debate with a Frank Turek a couple years ago too, considering doing a masters in apologetics myself :) Keep researching and I would personally say let’s be committed to the pursuit of truth. Wishing you all the best

[@truthseeker7815]

I enjoyed your comment

[@Phoenix-King-ozai]

I am an atheist and I like your comment

[@thelibrary4833]

Like your mindset.

[@Eefbrgr1]

@@missingsig I think we all must judge our own beliefs at some point. Self-awareness prevents ignorance and delusion! :)

[@saul.ceruleo]

Genuine question: how are you still Christian?

[@helenamcginty4920]

One of the most evil things about this concept of original sin meant that parents who suffered the tragedy of losing a baby before it could be baptised had to believe that that baby would go to hell until the church invented the udea of limbo, a sort of bleak nowhere.

[@akiwiig1532]

well i don’t know about catholics, but most non-denominational christians believe in a “free grace when acceptance is impossible” sort of approach, as those who cannot understand the idea of salvation cannot accept the grace of God and are therefore saved through grace because they are not denying the salvation of God.

[@madelynhernandez7453]

No, because as far as I know there has always been the belief that babies or children up to a certain age, I think 7 not sure, do not go to hell if they die, they go straight to heaven.

[@novajuice1]

@@madelynhernandez7453 never heard of that. where in the book is this dlc?

[@hilohilo9539]

@@madelynhernandez7453 The traditional teaching of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church is that unbaptized babies go to hell. Now, this is not based on scripture (not even in the slightest), but it is their 'apostolic tradition.'

[@planteruines5619]

it comes from saint augustin, however you can disagree on that , protestant do

[@LoisClinton]

Brilliant video, I think it's essential to learn about the things you would generally argue against. Like you've previously mentioned about admitting your own biases so that you can compensate for them.

[@IanD-ut4dy]

@Trolltician Oh dear, your logic seems to be severely lacking here but I imagine with such a name, you're a bit dim anyway.

[@IanD-ut4dy]

@Trolltician I'd say it's more accurate than sad but this will be the last reply because honestly, you're not worth any further effort.

[@RR-xz6bv]

@@IanD-ut4dy it’s actually quite sad.

[@JohnCena8351]

I'm curious, are most students that study theology with you atheists, or at least agnostics as well just like you or are you just a rare example?

[@katie6384]

My friend and roommate at uni studied Theology and said that the majority were Catholics or otherwise Christian, a couple of people of other religions and then a couple of atheists / agnostics. Don't know what it's like in Alex's class but that's what she experienced.

[@JohnCena8351]

@@katie6384 Interesting. I would've assumed that there would be more atheists since this generation becomes more atheistic overall. Cool to know tho!

[@tarajackson9487]

I study theology and it's mostly Christians :/ they seems to be the only people interested in talking about god

[@katie6384]

@@JohnCena8351 Yeah I would have thought that as well, although I think Catholic priests are strongly encouraged to take degrees in Theology, and maybe Christian ministers as well so maybe that explains the disproportionate demographic breakdown.

[@scottmc2626]

@@katie6384 Interestingly, Charles Darwin had a degree in Christian theology.

[@LilVukie]

I swear: everytime I hear the word entail, I think back to the debate you had with Mohammed Hijab where you asked, "If P entails Q, and P is necessary, is Q necessary" to which he replies, "no" then "it does not have to be." One of the funniest moments of that event

[@Lifeistransitory1]

He didn't just say no, he followed by saying "it doesn't have to". So at least be honest. You're proud about a strawman? That's the funniest moment.

[@LilVukie]

@@Lifeistransitory1 can you give me an example where the statement I quoted is not true?

[@AR15ORIGINAL]

I kinda laughed at Ineffable right there. Indeed, under what circumstances does it not have to? And besides, how "It doesn't have to" differ from "No" when the question is about matters of necessity?

[@Lifeistransitory1]

@@LilVukie Because Hijab said "its doesn't have to be" You on the other-hand limited Hijabs response to "No". You do see the difference?

[@Lifeistransitory1]

@@AR15ORIGINAL Keep laughing..the laugh is on you. That's right its about the necessity of the necessary existent thing. How is what entails also necessary related to the misquote of Hijab. Comedian.

[@blindmansbluff]

God: On the day of you eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you will die. Adam: What does 'die' mean? God: Oh... err.... It's like... the process of death. Die, dying, dead... y'know? Death. Adam: What does 'death' mean? God: Oh right... Of course. Well, it hasn't been invented yet. But I can tell you that death - is not good. Adam: What does good mean? God: Oh... right... errrr... Its like... the exact opposite of bad... Adam: What does 'bad' mean? God: Err...... It's like, when something... really... um... shit happens... like.... Adam: Like death? God: Yes! Exactly! Like death. Adam: So what is death again? God: Um... Hey... why don't you go and talk to that snake over there...

[@michaelflamingsword3131]

Complete nonsense from you. If anyone invented something, it's you!

[@llort147]

Danyael You're not very bright, are you? 😅

[@viktorthevictor6240]

@@llort147 What's that supposed to mean?

[@EnigmazGuide]

pathetic understanding

[@EnigmazGuide]

what God means you will die. is that you are not longer immortal and not welcome in the garden bcoz the garden is like heaven. sin do not belong in heaven. sadly ur poor understanding is laughable

[@j.p.4910]

It's innacurate to say that the New Testament hadn't been compiled and canonised by the time Athanasius as a broad consensus was already firmly established by the 2nd century, which is evidenced in the Muratorian Canon (yes there are differences in dating) and the decisive response against Marcion's Canon. This was possible because a canon was already liturgically in place (this necessitates compilation) with which one could base ones theological judgements. Yes, certain books had an uncertain status till much later e.g. shepherd of Hermas, Revelation... Thus Athanasius is not creating a canon in 367, but merely restating the existing Church practice.

[@sonicrocks2007]

Some his writings point to other views of hell such as annihilationism etc. Not only does he not mention that the Saint had different views but it seams the Bible it self does. And he goes over none of them. Just the one he wants a rouse from which is the most extreme case of ECT. And none of the sub views in it.

[@bryanrendon6307]

Yes Anthanasius simply states in his 39th festal letter of the 27 works (NT). This simply shows us that the canon had been formed by 367, because that is the first listing we have.

[@Noobslayar]

To your point at 8:45, I remember thinking the same as a child. I figured if Heaven existed and was the best thing ever then why was everyone in our church not just killing themselves right now? I also figured that it was better to do it sooner than later cuz being a kid I would be a shoe-in for Heaven. Related to that, I was also terrified of dying of old age. I knew that when people got old their brains stopped working and they couldn’t remember things or think properly. In most media spirits are shown as how the person was when they died, so I was scared of being stuck as senile for all eternity basically.

[@philcoppa]

as a child....your position is certainly that of a child. Anyone aware of heaven is likely to have heard of the commandments, one of which is 'you shall not kill', including yourself. Heaven in the Christian sense is intellectual enlightenment, not senility. Check Boethius and Aquinas.

[@B30pt87]

@@philcoppa "Heaven in the Christian sense is intellectual enlightenment, not senility." Sorry, but we disagree on that one. And quoting two Christian men doesn't change that. I have a brain that works.

[@danielearl3591]

@@philcoppa even if they shouldn’t Jill themselves, the mentality would definitely rally you against safety and self preservation, which isn’t a great idea to teach children.

[@unknowing5818]

I think suicide is frowned upon and considered a bad thing since life is God's gift so you taking your life away is rejecting God's gift so why should you be given free pass to Heaven that way.

[@greatminds1017]

@@B30pt87 Actually in theory, heaven is great. For Christians it means immortality, the lack of death, sickness and decay, reunion with loved ones, and endless access to knowledge and the universe. It is enlightenment in the sense that only will there be spiritual closeness with their Creator but also unlocking the secrets of knowledge that men know nothing about. We only just found out about many things in science, and there is much more yet to be discovered. And before you say, science/knowledge and religion do not mix please remember that the reason many are literate today is because of religion especially during the years of the Reformation, and that MUCH of the information that scientists study and utilize today, that are taught in schools, were contributed by religious people who believed in the God of the Bible. There are brilliant aethists but there are also brilliant theists, and belief in God or a diety does not equal dumb.

[@joshuak4553]

"For God is not the author of confusion..." Confusion seems to have been the author of God. :D ..... :D :D :D

[@djixi98]

@@OctyabrAprelya yes, but just as we leave aside shoes that are small or worn-out religion, too, should be treated as such.

[@j0hncon5tantine]

@Joshua K What are you confused about? Would you like me to explain it to you?

[@LukeVilent]

@@j0hncon5tantine What are you not confused about? Do you think you really have explanations?

[@LukeVilent]

@Emily Barclay Thanks, I am aware of that :D This is, in fact, exactly my point.

[@arcadiagreen150]

@@OctyabrAprelya is this like a flat earth thing. Like they said, earth must be flat, cuz I haven't seen the other side

[@ValoPlay724]

"The tree of knowlede; forbidden, naturally, since the church considers ignorance to be a virtue" Beautifully said.

[@djixi98]

@XY ZW fine. I'll bite the bullet. What does it refer to? And what was its purpose other than ultimately punishing every human to ever come for something god knew in advance?

[@adastra123]

I am not a biblical scholar but from what i know the tree of knowledge was a metaphor for not to play god. As in deciding who lives and dies etc. Also knowledge is said to be one of the gifts of the holy spirit. I have never heard any catholic accademic endorse the view that ignorance was a virtue.

[@ValoPlay724]

cbren my question is: how does eating an apple give anyone the power to decide who lives and who dies?

[@adastra123]

@@ValoPlay724 as i said its a metaphor. Prior to reading and writing people learned via stories via the oral tradition.

[@godofnothing428]

cbren that is not taught is any church establishment, nor does it make much sense.

[@ctrl-L]

I saw CosmicSceptic on the street of Oxford week or two ago. He looked like a normal person... just going about doing regular people stuff! Didn't dare to approach and now regretting it a bit. Anyway you are awesome CosmicSceptic!

[@michaelrichardson9458]

Yes people do things that people do, amazing but true.

[@marklandis5794]

This reminds me of one very special evening when I saw Peter Rabbit... At first glance, I thought he was just a regular rabbit, doing regular rabbit things.. eating clover, with an “ear” on his surroundings. I asked “hey, are you a regular rabbit, doing normal rabbit things like eating clover in the evening?” He glanced at me, turned, and released a few droppings. I knew at that moment that this was no regular rabbit! I thought of asking him some important rabbit questions that only Peter rabbit would know.. But I was so afraid he would think me rude; or worse, particularly insipid for imposing my rabbit queries on perhaps the most famous Peter of all time. I think of that day every time I am forced to eat a salad. Or have a loose stool.

[@splitpitch]

@@marklandis5794 loose stools? easily fixed with a good quality screwdriver and the liberal application of glue.

[@roqsteady5290]

Maybe he is a normal person!?

[@henrywilliams1439]

Mark - Very good! HAHAHA.

[@KD-xb5np]

It's so weird, I was taught this theology almost from birth and didn't realize until my teens how messed up it is. It's not great for a kid's self-esteem.

[@planteruines5619]

when you do not see the world as a fairy tale , everything is always messed up

[@theboombody]

Self control builds more self respect than self esteem ever will.

[@missinterpretation4984]

Well congrats, I didn’t see it until my 30s 🤦‍♀️😂

[@OsirusHandle]

you shouldnt decide how good an argument is based on its effects on your self esteem

[@weebrianful]

I'm 71 and I'm still suffering.

[@MrSkinnyWhale]

This is like Mark Wahlberg's character in The Other Guys learning ballet just to make fun of ballerinos

[@fudgesauce]

Not at all. When people perform ballet, it hurts nobody. When Christians use their theology to create laws and social policy, it has consequences for everyone, so it is important to point out their "facts" are not facts at all.

[@raminybhatti5740]

I understood the reference, and I appreciated it as an Other Guys fan. 😀

[@tcrown3333]

If, on the other hand, he was to criticize Christianity while not being in possession of all the facts, you would accuse him of not being qualified to argue. You can't have it both ways. What the hell is a ballerino?

[@samsalamander8147]

@@tcrown3333 A male ballerina? Lol Idk

[@80slimshadys]

Dude that reference is hilarity. Underrated

[@judithhopes151]

I was sent to Sunday school everyl Sunday afternoon, from age 6. After a few months I was waiting for someone to admit it was just a fictional story,,, when I realised the Sunday school teachers really, really meant everything they taught I was SHOCKED at the age of 7 that adults could be so gullible,,, but even then I instinctively knew that I knew I could not speak out,, and that somehow that it was not something I could verbalise.

[@macysondheim]

Sure you did buddy… were you flying jet planes and saving lives at age 6 as well?

[@macysondheim]

Look everyone exaggerates things here and there, there’s no need to be embarrassed. But if you want your story to be believable try making yourself at least 9. That way at least it’s not obvious right away that you’re full of it.

[@janmeyer3129]

No - the age is about right, in my experience. I found the whole Christian thing very scary at that age because it seemed obvious that the adults around me were making it up as they went along, which made the rules completely unpredictable. I didn’t know what to do to be good. I spent about the next 12 years trying as hard as I could to find the same belief my teachers (ministers, Sunday School teachers etc) said they experienced - even though they didn’t actually agree with one another. Then one day i just admitted to myself that I did not believe any of it, and never had, while still seeing the virtues and advantages of ‘belief. I just didn’t have it.

[@macysondheim]

@@janmeyer3129 what’s obvious is that you are angry/upset with God, perhaps over a circumstance that didn’t go your way, or perhaps for more shallow, irrational reasons. Perhaps you need to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror before you lash out towards your ultimate creator; aka bite the hand that feeds you. Because let me assure you, that special place where you will end up is very real. 🔥🔥🔥

[@judegrindvoll8467]

Only a fool or a liar would claim they know something is real when no person on earth has ever or could ever posess such knowledge - so are you a liar of a fool?

[@hifijohn]

I believe in hell, I've been to gary indiana.

[@Venatorion]

I believe in hell, it was called: "Grave of the Fireflies" "Starwars Sequel Trilogy" "Steven Universe" Yatter Yatter Yatter...

[@weekendpartier]

can't be that bad, can it? have you been to Newark, NJ?

[@jaredengland1955]

I've heard about Gary. I think it has most amount of crime in the US?

[@alfredhitchcock45]

“Hell is other people” - Sartre

[@sneakypower576]

I live in Arizona. Hell is real!

[@thorstenkoethe]

I envy your studies in Oxford, slightly. All the best for you! Hope you'll find everything you are looking for!

[@kathleen5237]

That was one of the first things I couldn't understand even as a child. We are all born sinners. Why? No, we're not. How could I progress in that religion? So I always suspected the adults telling me this even as a child. Also the narcissism of that god. If you don't worship and adore it, ignoring all the others, then it will torture you in some kind of a hell. So it creates human beings supposedly as sinners. It's just ridiculous to me

[@kronos01ful]

Hi ! Does evil exist?

[@kathleen5237]

@@kronos01ful I don't see the relevance of your question, sorry

[@kronos01ful]

Hi ! Do you think that there's God (an intelligent mind outside human mind ) ? If he does, what do you think he will he be like ?

[@kathleen5237]

@@kronos01ful No, I very much doubt it

[@kronos01ful]

@@kathleen5237 Thanks for your honesty. You need to be skeptical about every claim. But some people have a cynical arrogant attitude . Hope you not one of them!😆 Let me ask you..What is it that you doubt about God : ( I'm not talking about any God in specific) I mean God by a mind outside the human mind responsible for everything we experience, ( universe, laws of gravity ,stars ,cosmos everything...) , if is Possible to know him or her? Is an energy or a person ? What is it that you wrestle with about God ?

[@isiahs9312]

I cant imagine the hell of having to study this stuff all day

[@Wingedmagician]

I found myself silent clasping for a second when you said you finished your first year. I’m happy for you! And in Oxford no less.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

Mennonites told me I don't need to be happy because I died to myself for Christ. I get a better happiness. The fake kind where I get to gaslight myself and feel guilty about not having enough faith.

[@jtg1972]

It's like eternally thanking god for putting out the fire that HE purposely started in the first place.

[@barryallen2123]

As an atheist, you are not qualified or capable of being a competent theologian. I will be praying for you.

[@anthonypolonkay2681]

Well theres a few presuppositions that are had in order to make this assertion. The first, and most self indulgent one is that IF there is a god that created all of existance, and ascribes all meaning including moral meanings(entertain the premise for argument) then it makes no sense to think you, a portion of the created existance, has a right to tell the creator how to do things, or what should be considered right, or wrong. At the end of the day, your one person out of countless generations, with limited experience in your own life, let alone the knowledge it would entail to be the literall source of everything. The second thing is more a prospect to do with doctrine we have now. And that is that its stated in the video that we were made to be immortal, and happy. Which is just wrong. Pretty much all of christian doctrine says the primary purpous of our creation was that we were supposed to share in agency with god over creation, and to be someone, and something to talk to/have a meaningful relationship with. The fall of man is the result of humans abandoning that purpous to pursue purposes of our own design. In light of that it makes a little more sense that there would be a toll for sin. After all if a computer stopped working properly, and you couldn't have it fixed, youed probably throw it away. Or at least scrap it for parts. The computer was created to fulfill a purpousand now cannot do so.

[@davidvarley1812]

@@barryallen2123 as a athiest he is perfectly capable of being a theologian. Unlike his Christian colleagues he is untainted by doctrine. Try praying for the weak and unfeed of this world and not a well educated young man.

[@matthijsvanemous7046]

Hell is a discussionpoint even within christianity

[@Adaguflo]

@@anthonypolonkay2681 But we aren't computers, why did he then give us "free will" to make our own choices and already knew what our choices would be to purposely accuse us of not doing what he asked us to do?... I see it this way. I'm god, I create billions of humans and I put them in an insignificant rock within a vast univers and I tell them: I'm your creator, I give you the ability to choose, I want you all to love me and worship me... but if you decide no to do so I will subjugate you all to an eternal existence of torture and suffering... but I'm an old loving god, by the way. I created this whole reality, but I will get offended if you don't go to church every week and worship me... THAT'S WAY TOO SADISTIC AND CHILDISH I'm literally nothing compared to the entire univers, yet he seems to get too overly offended if I don't do what he tells me to do (and I don't kill, I always try to be honest, I'd say I'm a very loving friend and family member... so what's the point?) xd that's ridiculous.

[@generalleenknassknotretire9180]

*Any god that made a Hell,* would be the most evil being in the universe.

[@animaljp3]

Zorastrianism does hell better

[@GRBtutorials]

Yes, per the definition of “hell”, it’s an infinitely evil being.

[@alexanderTheVegan]

hell is just the absence of good. Like dark is the absence of light. God never created hell.

[@zamiel3]

Most people dont even realize what the bible actually says about hell. I laugh everytime I hear "you will burn in a lake of fire for all enternity". They say it but cant show you where it actually says that.

[@arcadiagreen150]

@@alexanderTheVegan I thought god created everything though?

[@domc2909]

I was under the impression that being born into sin meant merely that we're imperfect (sin meaning to miss the mark). Perhaps I'm being too charitable but the interpretation is valid, I think.

[@emmajohson767]

Yeah original sin does not imply that everyone is “as bad as bad can be” but instead explains that nothing is untouched by sin. There’s imperfection, but it is possible to work toward as close to perfection as possible.

[@storyworld1866]

I always interpreted that "being born into sin" meant we became slaves to sin and the devil's children.

[@Elysium346]

The problem is that sin is sin, just off the bullseye or hitting the wall - it doesn't matter and as the scripture says, the wages of sin is death. Being just off the mark is no less scary. This is why the sacrifice of Jesus is a huge deal. Without him, no one could be saved. (I'm currently agnostic - but was raised as a Christian, still young and trying to figure this crazy world out)

[@Elysium346]

@@user-wi5gv8gs3e The general consensus in my circles is that we are to do Gods will - not because he needs us but because we need him. Jesus does count on us, in the sense that he wants us to commit to his will, but if we choose not to commit, its to our own determent not God, if he wants something done it will be done if not by you then someone else and they will reap the benefits of that commitment instead. (Job 35, Acts 17:25 and the like) Christians are agents of God on earth, prayer is important but as you said prayer is not all we are supposed to do. (James 2:14-17) After all Christ himself was a prayerful man, but that by no means stopped him from doing a lot of work, teaching, healing etc. So yes, I agree with you, scripture makes it clear that prayer alone is insufficient.

[@kristinab1078]

@@storyworld1866 If we are one of God's creations, then we are children of God. We are not the "devil's children". However, we have free will so we can choose to follow God or take the other path.

[@CoreDump451]

I grew up (Syrisc) Orthodox Christian, and some of the things mentioned (especially from Athanasius) were taught to me without dilution

[@soukai]

If the olympics would have a medal for mental gymnastics, athanasius and anselm would get gold medals

[@pannonia77]

Well, they would have a very tough competition from e.g. Calvin with his doctrine of predestination.

[@emilioestrada1860]

and feminism

[@lizzard13666]

"Mental gymnastics", also known as "thinking", is a classic sport, I don't think they give out "medals" so much as "certificates", "degrees" etc.

[@emilioestrada1860]

@@lizzard13666 well there are types of mental gymnastics bro. I mean one thing is to say something without any basis and just "thinking" ur way the conclusion, like feminists do lmao. And another thing is thinking as u say. Don't really think that title applies to theology tbh

[@samael4550]

@@lizzard13666 “Thinking,” also known as something that you quite obviously don’t do. Learn the definition of mental gymnastics. “Mental gymnastics” is a TYPE of thinking that draws conclusions or creates connections with a lack of logic and evidence.

[@phoenixrising4172]

YES!!! We want to hear more about your Theology Classes.

[@j0hncon5tantine]

@Phoenix Rising Are you an atheist? Why don't you take a look at my "mini" theology class if you are so interested? It's free....... cheaper than cambridge...... These are pretty GREAT arguments I found other Christians using as evidence for the existence of the God of the Bible, can you ignore these? GOD IS REAL AND CAN BE PROVEN IN A COURT OF LAW!!! The biologically immortal organisms that lack senescence are already extremely great proof for God and his design but if you want more..... The 3 main forms of evidence that would be acceptable and legitimate in a court of law for the existence of God would be..... "Life after Death experience studies where people witness a creator God- " iands.org/resources/education/recommended-reading.html " " time.com/68381/life-beyond-death-the-science-of-the-afterlife-2/ ", .......... = "Both sides of the argument!" Multiple Studies on the effectiveness of prayer from multiple religions involving a creator God like in the book "The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden" " www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_13?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=divine +matrix+gregg+braden&sprefix=divine+matrix%2Cstripbooks%2C195&crid=3BXKVNJABO9OK " along with other such studies proving a positive co-relation, ...... Positive co-relation to prayer in a peer reviewed study.......... jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/485161 ............ and scientific facts mentioned in the Bible before their human discovery by a divine influence, www.eternal-productions.org/101science.html ....... For example….. 1. The singing stars. Job 38:7 declares the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. It sounds like a bit of Bible poetry but not much more. After all, stars shine, not sing, right? Well, it turns out scientists have been able to convert patterns from start light into audio wavelengths, according to Discovery News. The “amount of hiss” in the audio reportedly allows scientists to measure the surface gravity on a star and gauge where it is in its stellar evolution. 2. Weight of the winds. In Job 28:25, we are told that God weighed out the wind. This one may be no more self-evident to us than it was to an ancient Israelite reader of this text. But, we know from modern science that air, since it does have mass, weighs something. You might be surprised to know how much though: an estimated one ton of air is weighing down on shoulders, according to this science site (which explains that we don’t feel it because the air is exerting its force in all directions). This is pretty basic stuff for modern scientists, but it’s quite a credit to the inerrancy of Scripture that the author of Job got it right so long ago (approximately in the second millennium BC). 3. A massive fountain of water deep beneath the Earth!!! Genesis 7:11 "In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened." www.thesun.co.uk/news/2242110/scientists-discovered-water-from-biblical-great-flood-in-worlds-deepest-hole/ www.express.co.uk/news/weird/733026/Russia-science-Kola-borehole-Noah-floodwater-Bible-Genesis-theory-of-12 creation.com/oceans-of-water-deep-inside-the-earth "Scientists dig the world’s deepest hole - and find ‘water from NOAH’S FLOOD’ at the bottom The revelation also reportedly "disproves the myth" that the earth is made up of dry rocky layers" All these would stand the scrutiny of a judge and jury for the case of a creator Gods existence and the legitimacy of the Christian Faith!!! But I am feeling generous so I will give you two more great forms of evidence, how about this book where a forensic officer who is atheist studies and researches the Bible to see if it proves a historical Jesus and if he was murdered wrongfully? Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels www.amazon.com/Cold-Case-Christianity-Homicide-Detective-Investigates/dp/1434704696, afterward he became Christian!!! Also, why don't you just pray to God yourself and ask him if he is real? What more can I say??? Then you would have personal evidence and proof of Gods interaction yourself..... I mean, there is actually way way way more evidence for God than this but it either would go over your head or you would not understand it properly and you would question it, but this is really solid evidence and proof I have given you up above that would hold up in a court of law........... if you decide to RUN from it, at least admit to yourself that is what you are doing........ Do you believe your life, body, family and the ground you walk on are all a gift or something else? If you believe they are all something else then what do you think they all are then?

[@heropld]

@@j0hncon5tantine Delusional theses with misinformation and inconsistent rumbling and weak points proven false. Good luck next time!

[@j0hncon5tantine]

@@heropld Can you tell me what your exact problem with it is or the problem that you find is the biggest? I said evidence that could be used in a court of law and that is exactly what I gave, it is consistent and is not just ramblings"When I copy and paste things on to youtube it may get a bit scrunched". There is nothing on there that is weak and there is nothing that you can prove to be false at all. Did you see how I had a link to a scientific study on prayer and a book on how scientific experiments were done on prayer from different religions and spiritual practices and that they all found a positive co-relation.....? That is extremely fascinating evidence that "someone" or "something" is answering that prayer. Can you explain it without some kind of God or religious aspect? I would love to hear you try.....

[@ravissary79]

@@heropld "proven false"... riight. Claiming this is basically a bad atheist Meme at this point. There's never any meat behind the claim.

[@j0hncon5tantine]

@@heropld Why don't you talk to me about it then? Convince me, or run away and be weak. You believe life came from non-life by itself, to me you are more religious and more filled with faith than any religion you look down upon as ignorant, you are more religous than them!!! You just have not admitted it to your self.... How is this scientific article misinformation.....? jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/485161

[@yazenbuklau]

Why do we of course “know the stories of genesis to be based on nothing more than original superstition and plagiarized mythology?” What’s your source?

[@michaelsmulik]

It sounded like you said: "I have Brandy and merchandise." CosmicSkeptic brand Brandy, for the discerning skeptic.

[@MyReligionIs2DoGood]

Hitchens would probably approve.

[@michaelsmulik]

@@MyReligionIs2DoGood Mr Cocktail himself

[@sangwaraumo]

CosmicSkeptic's Brandy - don't believe in spirits, unless you can taste them.

[@sylvesterpalermo937]

Sixteen years of Catholic education. My problem was that I used the gift that God gave me, the gift of Reason. When I asked Why? I was told to just believe. I had many of the questions he raised but I never got answers. The only thing I did get a big dose of was Guilt. Guilt for everything, even a passing thought was enough to send me to eternal damnation. After watching a huge number of videos of NDEs I realize that it is going to be OK. Do your best, correct your mistakes and love as many people as possible.

[@reubenthomas7243]

"Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth-in a word, to know himself-so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves" - Pope John Paul II in his encyclical, Fides et Ratio. Those who did not engage your rational questions did wrong. The Church however embraces reason. A resource I'd recommend is Catholic Answers - they engage arguments with reason and really dive into the "why." I especially recommend Jimmy Akin and Trent Horn. The answers to your questions are out there my friend. The people who refused to engage your questions or at least point you in the right direction are not representative of Catholicism. Take care.

[@rachelday5406]

I’m a theology student at Charles University, thank you very much for posting your reading list

[@dendooz1059]

I can't even tolerate my theology classes, Alex has an entire course resting on theology. What a guy.

[@martinfernandez882]

I'm still gonna be watching when my boy has a PhD.

[@RR-xz6bv]

Jordan Peterson is the professor you need to see

[@philcoppa]

'total corruption' sounds like Calvin. Not all Christians agree. Original sin merely means sin goes back to the origin, it's not something we commit. It is something we suffer from - darkness in the intellect, weakness in the will. We are not as bright as we might be and we don't have a lot of willpower.

[@skyliner114]

you've explained something to me in 7 minutes (so far) that 9 years of catholic schooling couldn't lol

[@Pigeonee]

skyliner114 you should check out catholicanswers on KZbin! It’s questions and answers with style with people who call in :)

[@SOULSafeProductionZ]

I'm not Catholic nor do I agree or adhere to Catholicism, but you haven't "learned anything in 7 minutes"... You've just latched on to some dude who's giving to permission to not believe what you didn't want to believe in the first place. You could have bossed up 9 years ago and at least been honest with yourself and whomever it was that you were trying to please and said, "I just don't want to believe because I want do what I want to do with no accountability..." SMH.

[@Mari.1918]

@@SOULSafeProductionZ Not believing in God isn't "I want to do what I want to do with no accountability". It's more like, "I don't want to be forced to act somehow with no other reason then people telling me a supernatural force wants me to act like that and otherwise I'll be eternally punished" or "I don't see why should believe this but shouldn't believe the tooth fairy or Santa"

[@TacosnZorro]

Going to Catholic school doesn't make one an expert on their religion so...

[@FromKhaos26]

Let me start of by saying that my field of study is not theology, but religious studies, therefore my knowledge extends to all the world religions (Including ancient Greek, Roman, Mesopotamian and Egyptian religion). So its safe to say that i'm not specialized in the great theological discourses through the centuries. But i do feel its necessary to point out an error i spotted in this video. First of all, Athanasius is certainly an important figure within the orthodox faith. However, he did not put forward the concept of original sin. What he did was to draw out the full implications of the key word in the Nicene Creed: homoousios, one in essence or substance. But while Athanasius emphasized the unity of Father and son - the Cappadocians stressed Gods threeness: Father, Son and the Holy spirit are each a person (hypostasis). When it comes to the concept of original sin, the two major strains of Christianity (orthodox and catholic) diverges quite a bit from each other. The orthodox church believes that "Adam fell, not from a great height of knowledge and perfection, but from a state of underdeveloped simplicity; hence he is not to be judged too harshly for his error" (Timothy ware, The orthodox church, page 217). The catholic's approach to original sin is accredited to Augustine. Augustine believed we inherited adam's sin by simply being born, which is something most orthodox theologians reject since humans from their perspective are born perfect, and our sinful nature only comes into play when we are old enough to distinguish between what is right and wrong. "And Orthodox have never held (as Augustine and many others in the west have done) that unbaptized babies, because tainted with original guilt, are consigned by the just God to everlasting flames of hell." (Timothy ware, The Orthodox church, page 218). Thus humans according to the orthodox faith do not inherit Adams's guilt, but his corruption and mortality.

[@damonm3]

You sound like a biased catholic to me... 🍻

[@FromKhaos26]

It would make more sense if you called me a biased orthodox, since i didn't exactly put the catholic faith in a favourable light.

[@blooder94]

very well put it. Thank you!

[@dravenamor6052]

Well done sir.

[@davidryan8547]

@@FromKhaos26 it should be noted most Protestants also believe children under a certain age do not go to hell generally speaking anyway.

[@petemimms4408]

Nice video, thanks. Interesting that so much thought goes into a bronze age myth.

[@JohnJones-wo1bc]

Alex. thank you for the video. The more I read, the more I learn I have to read, and at 48 I still love to learn. That is why I love your channel. You are a man learned beyond your years. Thank you.

[@sourpower3487]

Idk how, but I listened to every word intently. Sir, you had my attention 👏

[@jt2097]

Sour Power. It was because he was feeding your ears and mind with what you want to hear and believe.

[@nationradical]

?

[@dianedonohue9855]

I want truth not mythology.

[@henrikrolfsen584]

Funny how this Judeo-Christian "Sky-God-Creator" decides to create a "Special Garden" for his "First Two Humans", and then, after having fought a "War in Heaven" with one third of his "Angelic Sons" fighting against the other two-thirds, places the leader of this rebellion, and his notorious "Arch-Rival", right in the midst of this garden!

[@aimiayres9710]

lowkey he’s looking like an older Percy Jackson oop

[@appearances9250]

Aimi Ayres Looks nothing like Percy. He looks like Harry Potter. Or a younger Dawkins.

[@evelynindge7581]

Yay he's back! 😀😀😀

[@appearances9250]

Evan Indge It’s takes time after getting knocked out by Hijab.

[@vonSachsenbach]

You might want to look into St Isaac the Syrian, he adresses both the stupid idea of "eternal torture in hell" and that of omniscience. "The idea that God torments people in anger forever is blasphemy" - St Isaac the Syrian

[@leemondez]

Love the channel . This kind of content is really important. Provides context to a lot of the wider themes discussed on the channel. Fair play man

[@TheMatriarch-uf6xs]

I haven’t seen all your videos, but have you read the nag Hammadi at all? It seems it may have been written before the New Testament (which will always be denied), but the Gospel of Thomas has a wonderful look at humanity as Godly (part of a bigger God), away from the concept of sin that is used to shame many believers. If you haven’t read the gospel of Mary or the Gospel of truth, they’re very beautiful. Obviously they are very old so it’s hard to confirm if they are accurate testimonies of followers, but they “click” alot more than the NT writings. The concepts are really lovely, and hope you enjoy them (there is a giant book that contains them all called “the new Bible” with the Dead Sea scrolls etc)

[@TheMatriarch-uf6xs]

It also speaks of knowledge (gnosis) which is encouraged. Forgot to mention that :)

[@priyatishan8397]

Well done. You're freeing so many of unnecessary guilt and fear.

[@williemherbert1456]

Ehmm, not necessary, as you see religion is mainly the embodiment of attitude from masses in each certain societal group. Formed up from their shared values, norm, and law in how to understand their relation with the spirituality, environment, and society by each member. So the core that makes unnecessary guilt and fear will always still be there, because it's within shared socially-constructed consciousness on societal limitation and responsibility, religion is just one of many enforcement for such.

[@theaveragecomment1014]

@@williemherbert1456 Huh. That’s interesting, can you tell me more about this topic?

[@priyatishan8397]

@@williemherbert1456 Whatever. One layer of fear and guilt gone makes for a big difference.

[@katalinhorvath655]

the "guilt and fear" you're talking about is man's understanding and acknowledgement that he is flawed in nature. What man does with that understanding is completely up to him. It is not meant to scare or harm, it gives man a sense of humility and a desire to be and do better. No amount of literary or historical analysis and debate can simply "free" people of their nature. It can quiet the mind for a while and set people on a different path for a long time, sure, but that feeling will always be recurrent, because it is the free will granted to us in our creation that allows us to use our flawed nature for either good or for bad.

[@kristinab1078]

@@katalinhorvath655 Well said!

[@MCRice-el7os]

Cripes - i went thru these questions on my own when i was young - catholic school- it’s all so dumb- all about fear

[@davidevans3223]

Only man could invent hell maybe Tasmanian tiger but probably just us

[@TacosnZorro]

As a convert, I feel less afraid now. But cool story.

[@smooth_sundaes5172]

Thanks for the catch up and respect for the torture you put yourself through with this BS

[@sophianaadare972]

I'd love it if he'd do something on Aquinas

[@sonicrocks2007]

Butcher him, straight up lie or be uneducated? The saint he quotes holds multiple different views on hell. Talks about annihilationism etc. Not only that there are 6 views of hell and many many subviews. He just picks and chooses his quotes out of context. And if someone hold Multiple views he asserts one of context is what he said. Very poor.

[@sonicrocks2007]

@Classical Theist00 exactly. A lot of his attacks are geared towards Catholics and Protestants. He gives one quote from a saint. Even tho other scholars say that saint may hold opposite or multiple views. He also has no understanding of other branches of Christianity. Gnosticism, Universalisms, Orthodox. He blantently says Christians hold certain views but he is mostly talking about protestants and Catholics and used them interchangeably.

[@delgande]

@@sonicrocks2007 whenever I thought I understood something I'm left speechless by all the literature and arguments made by Aquinas and all other doctors of the church and well the whole church itself Its been around for nearly two thousand years and there's so much to it to simply dismiss as "magic man in the sky"

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@@sonicrocks2007 So which religion is the one God WANTED to exist? Surely that must be cleared up, explicitly - globally, even.

[@sonicrocks2007]

@@chrissonofpear1384 I am not sure why you are doing a red herring or changing the topic. I commented on how he gets facts wrong. And the post above yours but below mine was about Aquinas.

[@rafd3593]

I think “disgusting” is a bit strong. Your interpretations are interesting. Always interesting to hear the views of an atheist who has done his homework. I wonder what your tutors would have thought of your presentation, and what their response would have been.

[@maximgruner]

I think disgusting is perfectly legitimate. The Christian message is disgusting, especially now a days. It’s not easy to hear that you are a totally depraved sinner, so evil that even your good deeds are evil, and that all of this is the case because God deliberately made it that way, and that we can only be saved because of the brutal death of an innocent man, a man who wasn’t merely a man but was God himself. It’s hard to hear, and that’s exactly why we need to hear it. Christianity is often sugar coated, either by well meaning people or by those who are deliberately trying to deceive. I’m thankful to God for men like Alex who help to spread the truth about what Christianity actually teaches. It’s not flattering and it’s not going to make you feel good, but regardless it is what it is, it’s the truth and we need it.

[@andrewboydnz]

​@@maximgrunerwell said

[@maximgruner]

@@andrewboydnz Thank you brother.

[@Vic82toire]

It's click bait, of course.

[@traattatata7973]

@@maximgruner first time I've heard about myself being a truly depraved sinner, but perhaps that's the difference between Orthodox faith (which is considered more radical than Catholic branch), and the Catholic or Protestant one.

[@javierlinandelage6206]

I recommend reading René Girard's Mimetic Theory. In Genesis of Desire, Jean-Michelle Oughourlian analyzes the fall story with a very interesting point of view.

[@RR-xz6bv]

Jordan Peterson makes a great video on Christianity. It’s worth a watch

[@jamessparks7329]

I can rest now knowing that Christopher Hitchens' prodigy is entertaining, confident and as charismatic and brilliant as Christopher was at Oxford only fifty years ago. This is very significant as many miss the rhetorical genius of Hitchens and this is some one who possesses his ''style'' and authenticity. Thank goodness!

[@joegibbskins]

Relax, man. he’s just British.

[@absurdhero144]

@@joegibbskins 🤣🤣🤣🤣 BRITISH. AND INSIGHTFUL?!?!!?!!?!?!

[@4emrys]

No, Hitchens had no knowledge of philosophy that Alex has. The only similarity here is that they both have an accent.

[@rawadosa90210]

Did you by any chance mean "protégé" instead of prodigy? Me

[@octem2251]

Alex is a nice guy, he won't drink or smoke himself to death, and also have far better academic preparation of the things he critics

[@niwdenus8256]

"It is the way of God: he humbles that he may exalt, he kills that he might make alive, he confounds that he might glorify." The revolting dilemma you mention truly is necessary to the Christian faith

[@Karen-us3ls]

For me, Listening to Cosmic Sceptic is very like reading the Screwtape letters. Thought provoking, entertaining, and sad. The Church Fathers tasked themselves with making a religion that makes sense to humanity so they will follow it and come under its control. I don’t hope or expect my human brain to grasp God’s intentions. But Ever since I was about five I have been consciously seeking him. And On a couple of occasions I have experienced something truly inexplicably glorious. This didn’t happen because of religious dogma. It happened because of love. And it is these glimpses of glory that sustain me in spite of those who seek to control us or keep us in ignorance and poverty. I doubt anyone ever met God through attaining a Theology degree…..but I may be wrong. It’s a truly Great Mystery.

[@reefnreefer]

Utter Bullchit!

[@SamsonFernendez]

It wouldn't be too far fetched to assume the most popular response to an atheist debunking god would be "you should study theology"

[@michellebyrom6551]

Therein lies the difference between faith that God exists and religious theology. Jews, Christians, Muslims worship the same God. Even within these religions there exists different sects and beliefs. Each one of us has to figure out what we believe and why. Atheism can be viewed as a belief that God does not exist. No one can prove their personal truth - faith - to be the one and only truth. A universal conundrum. FYI, I have faith that my personal experience is true. I do question all dogma.

[@renep.1435]

Thank you Karen, this is an inspiring reply.

[@elizabethingram9784]

Yes, a personal relationship with God. The best. :)

[@jonahkane7027]

I am a convert to the catholic faith and I have to say I love watching your videos and seeing your point of view. I hope to one day be able to debate you.

[@GSP-76]

What's there to debate?

[@quantumrobin4627]

Zechariah12.10 Heres the debate: How do we know Santa exists???? Why the toys of course!! This is no doubt the type of rock solid argument that you’d bring to the table. Catholics are just modern rape apologists.

[@theyoutubeanalyst3731]

@Zechariah12.10 to be fair, religious people don't usually have facts on their side. But it's okay if you have faith, you go, my dude, it's just that we don't.

[@jamesyoung1022]

@Unworthy servant Of Christ You may become a “True-Christian” provided you are willing to embrace and dedicate your life to the following: You must set aside all reason and critical thinking to believe an enormous amount of unsubstantiated assumptions/assertions/revelations hereinafter referred to as dogma. These are codified in the numerous doctrinal tenets of faith of the one “True-Christian” denomination of which you are a member. You must deny that your beliefs are unsubstantiated assumptions and instead insist they are divine truth revelations. You are allowed and encouraged to contrive, reveal and promote many more revelations on your own, just as long as they are supportive and do not contradict any of the unsubstantiated dogma of your faith. You must not question the tenets of your faith, even if it appears absurd. You must regard, assert and treat your unsubstantiated faith to be absolute truth. You must be intransigent in insisting that any and all well-substantiated facts that disagree with your faith’s dogma must be dismissed as an attempt to deceive you. You must not entertain any argument critical of your faith. Your position must be firm. You must convert unbelievers to your way of thinking or ostracize them. You must deny anyone who does not share your faith is a “True-Christian.” You must defend your faith’s tenets by starting with its dogmatic conclusion and then manipulate every argument with the view to support and arrive at that conclusion. You must not question the moral/ethical authority of your Christian faith or it’s scriptural interpretations/manipulations, even if repressive of human rights, unjust or obviously morally/ethically bankrupt. You must defend and worship in God the very evil acts you despise and condemn in men. You must ridicule, disparage and vilify anyone who questions your faith’s dogma or refuses to embrace it. You must defend the inerrancy of scripture by every means possible. This includes deliberately manipulating and misrepresenting what scripture says and/or what it means. You must consider yourself a heretic if you question or reject your faith’s conclusions. You must agree that others deserve to be tortured for eternity for rejecting your faith’s unsubstantiated dogma. Meanwhile, you must insist you are saved by the grace of God from ever having to suffer for any error. You must consider all who do not believe or obey your faith’s Christian dogma to be deserving of eternal torture, whether they agree with the unsubstantiated dogma and mandates of your faith or not. You must do everything in your power to ensure that others dismiss reason, critical thinking and evidence to embrace the same unsubstantiated Christian dogma just as you have. You must do everything in your power to ensure that children are indoctrinated into believing your faith’s Christian dogma before they acquire the ability to think critically about the absurdity and moral/ethical bankruptcy of its unsubstantiated claims. You must do everything in your power to integrate the assumed moral mandates of your Christian faith with the judicial power of government. This, with the desire that every person be forced by government tyranny to submit to your faith’s mandates, whether they agree or not. You must agree and insist that if anyone claims to have once been a “true-Christian” who abandoned the Christian faith, they never really knew God. You must agree that all of the above is the right-way and the only-way to be a “True-Christian.” Thus, you agree to do everything in your power to ensure that all of society is everlastingly enslaved to your faith and never allowed to escape.

[@Trainwheel_Time]

@Zechariah12.10 Awwww... someone's mad. Off has two f's by the way. Your lack of education is showing.

[@maxtan777]

You should discuss what you've learned with Bishop Barron or Dr. Scott Hahn, they will definitely offer another perspective on how you view the writings of the early church fathers. Perhaps even give what they say some thought, and then make your conclusions then. Always important to hear the other side.

[@eleannatzeraki4151]

Ironic, Athanasius literally means he who is immortal (Αθανάσιος: prefix α- meaning without + θάνατος meaning death). Great stuff!

[@zapkvr]

Not irony

[@peaceinjesus5221]

I agree with Kevin Russell - it is hardly likely to be "ironic". It is much more probable that his name is intentionally chosen.

[@DaviSilva-oc7iv]

@@peaceinjesus5221 or maybe it's just a real coincidence? What if it was a common name at the time. Dunno if you joking though.

[@peaceinjesus5221]

@@DaviSilva-oc7iv Any 'joking aside' - here is what I know. In the Ancient Hebrews particularly, names have specific meanings and these are due to the construction of the names, using particular letters which correspond with certain Hebrew meanings. In the gospels we are told that Jesus was given his name because he will save his people from their sins. Jesus of course is an anglicised name. His original name is Yehoshua, which means 'Joshua' the same as the name of the leader after Moses. The name means in Hebrew: "YHWH is our salvation". (God is our Salvation, but specifically the God YHWH and no other). This name Yehoshua is commonly shortened to 'Yeshua' in every day usage. In the Greek transcription of it, it was written 'Iousou' and this was then anglicised to 'Jesus'. In 1st century Israel, Jesus was a common name. It is said that if you were in a street in Jerusalem and you called out 'Yeshua', several people would turn around and look at you. So it was not a unique name by any standards. However, in the gospels, the name was to be given to Jesus to specifically attribute to him the true meaning of that name, for the purpose that Jesus was to fulfil in his life - hence the prophecies given to his mother, Mary, listed in Luke's opening chapters. So no - it wasn't "a co-incidence", but rather given to him for a specific purpose to fulfil a certain role.

[@DaviSilva-oc7iv]

@@peaceinjesus5221 I thought we were talking about Athanasius, but thank you for all this information.

[@waywed]

It never ceases to amaze me how intelligent people, sane and sceptical in other respects, embrace these theological contortions to justify the need for salvation from 'sin' committed by some ancestor in the hope of an eternal life reward. Fascinating but sad!

[@YY4Me133]

@Tim Webb "Sin" is a religious concept, with no relation to reality, just like gods.

[@transsylvanian9100]

@Tim Webb Nah. It's primitive superstition.

[@Zaprozhan]

@Tim Webb God makes us able to sin, then gets mad when we do. Is he incompetent, negligent, or sadistic?

[@food4thort]

@user-kc7xk6wy2z Adam and Eve stole an apple (or whatever fruit it was) and that condemned all their descendants to eternal torture in hell unless they are saved by a human blood sacrifice made 2000 years ago? Really?

[@TheLochs]

I did the same type of degree at Harvard. Its an AB in comparative religion. And I'm an Atheist. I really enjoyed it. Good to see you are as well.

[@danielgalvez7953]

4:23 "Forbidden naturally because the church believes ignorance to be a virtue", 4:27 "We now know the stories of genesis to be nothing more than a mixture of original superstition and plagiarized mythology". I wanted to keep quoting him and ask if they were jokes, and while the first one might be I went a little further and I think it's quite explicit that he is not joking. There is no doubt in my mind that superstition was inducted into the first people who listened to mythology, but the minds of those who built upon it into what Anathasius had at the time put immense amounts of philosophy and what we would now call psychology into it, or at least we can get a very good picture of what they were thinking when viewing the stories of Genesis with a philosophical and psychological approach. This is evident in Jordan Peterson's Biblical Series, and you can even get another look with the HillsDale College free online course "The Genesis Story: Reading Biblical Narratives". The description of the Genesis stories as being plagiarized I imagine CosmicSkeptic used as a funny roast and was not a legitimate claim. There is a similarity between The Genesis Story and the Mesopotamian Mythology, and the comparison is where Peterson grounds where the truths of the Stories lay. Especially comparing the motifs of supernature and magic with the way dreams tend to articulate their truths. The storytelling is dreamlike, and not meant to be taken literally, so it's a metaphor. Original Sin isn't something you are created with at the moment of conception. It's something you inherit because it's present in the human culture, in the archetypes/roles we take on, we are born with original sin because we are born with other people in our lives who were born with it. The great historical discussion about whether infants or unborn children went to hell, heaven, or a limbo, is evidence enough to tell you it is not doctrine that children, when they die, are subject to immense suffering. The conclusion, made by Thomas Aquinas, was that there is no way to know where children end up. Besides, Limbo, in its philosophical conception, was determined to be a place of no suffering, and even some happiness. Of course, describing afterlives as a place is not technically correct. Heaven and Hell are states of being, states of feeling you might say. And also the idea of Hell being a place of torture and punishment is a misconception; the state of being that was philosophically determined to be attributed to hell is only compared to torture and punishment... its more accurate to say self-inflicted torture and punishment, like being too hard on yourself. And the story of the Adam and Eve eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is often misconceived. In this chapter, the characters Adam and Eve are a reference to our ancestors, not any specific people and not any two people. The pairing of the words Good and Evil is a motif you will see in ancient writings, especially Egyptian; combining two opposite things as a subject like Good and Evil just refers to everything. So eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is a metaphor for attempting to know everything, and I attribute this as the well-inferenced idea of the first wise leaders who developed this story of how humanity came from animals into humanity as they knew(all smart... and stuff), think of this chapter of Genesis as the part in our evolutionary history of discovering fire, being able to cook meat, and our brains growing dramatically because of that; I actually just now made the connection between why in other mythologies fire was how humanity came to be distinguished from the other animals, fire gave us our brains dude! Anyway, now that we are smart we try to be creative and liberal thinkers, but some of our new ideas mess things up and turn life into hell for people. The next few minutes CosmicSkeptic rightly criticizes the idea that we are supposed to be thankful for the solution of a problem imposed on us. My criticism here though is the misconception of Hell being a punishment of God, but it's only punishing to us because we know we were wrong and could have done better but didn't, because we know God and did not choose him. See, to go to hell, you need to do something very wrong and know that it's wrong and not do it because you were compelled to but of your own free will. I actually don't like this explanation, but to make it better it needs to be much more descriptive and exhaustive, and I've written enough to discourage some people from reading, and I'm tired. Hope you liked what I have to say.

[@hago6115]

I really like your take I feel a bit wiser from it

[@darrellb9665]

I disagree with you immensly being a christian theist but you are obviously remarkably well educated and very witty. You seem like a very nice person. You're attitude alone makes you easier to listen to than most secular people I interact with as I feel like you are talking to me and not looking down on me. Good luck in your intellectual pursuits at Oxford! I know your not a believer but nevertheless, bless your soul. :)

[@azuregriffin1116]

This attitude ^ is fantastic.

[@margaretbarrett6087]

Wow , a non-judgemental christian; a rarity in these debates!

[@wildplumbeauty]

If Catholicism considered ignorance a virtue then why was it also responsible for creating the first universities?

[@dustind4694]

There is nothing more offensive to a con artist than someone who studies the game meticulously and carefully with every intent of explaining it to others.

[@theparanoidandroid3583]

Indeed. Thanks be for theologians

[@clownworldhereticmyron1018]

There's always going to be plenty of suckers to take advantage, though. Unfortunate, or possibly fortunate, depending which side of the coin you're on

[@mensetens6391]

Which is an irrelevant comment here, for Alex is not yet 'studying it carefully.' He's only begun, and his study so far has been confirmation bias. That is not 'careful' study.

[@dustind4694]

@@mensetens6391 Are you sure? Because it seems like starting from a postulate that can't be argued and moving from that into threats and bribes is bald faced conning people.

[@mensetens6391]

@@dustind4694 You are not being clear. What 'postulate'? What 'can't be argued'? What 'threats and bribes'?

[@sondorp]

Hi Cosmic, great video.. anyway, the thing is that for centuries, people had no KZbin and were happy to live their lives believing in some kind of myth. Only after Copernicus, Newton, Existentialism, Industrial revolution, the world started to wake up again and in fact....we 're still in the midst of that awakening state. When i think back of even the 1970s where i grew up as a Christian i still remember it all to be a lot more living with the Bible as the Word of God. Only due to the existence of hippies connecting all around the globe it became more secular.

[@JamieJosef]

Hey Alex! I think you’ve said that you script your videos and I would love it if you transferred your script into subtitles

[@CP-fe6jr]

bear in mind that when this piffle was written, only the elite could read.

[@loriw2661]

There are so many times I get discouraged and sad because we no longer have “Hitch” in our world……then I watch one of your videos, Alex. Will anyone ever replace him? No. But, in my opinion, you are going to be equally as important to the atheist movement as Hitch has been, and still is. When he passed, I was afraid for the future. I’m not, anymore. Carry his torch, in your own unique way. It’s brilliant! Thank you. I loved this video! Please do more like this!!!!!

[@haydenbarnes5110]

How about a video on C.S. Lewis? I find him fascinating

[@theparanoidandroid3583]

@@nevertoooldgaming_Rave ...or his very popular theology, yes.

[@haydenbarnes5110]

Never Too Old Gaming I’ve actually never heard of that

[@jonathongaona216]

It's easy to point out the wrong people do isn't it? Try talking about something positive they did.

[@JuliexSteadman]

@@nevertoooldgaming_Rave - what evidence do you have that CS Lewis was into child porn etc...

[@mensetens6391]

@@nevertoooldgaming_Rave Interesting. What evidence do you have of that?

[@goodmedicine2600]

I was wondering if you thought there are some psychological problems that arise in those who adhere to these doctrines you are talking about in this video? For example, if you have this belief that you are bad (sinful) by default, then could it cause issues of self confidence or mental conflict that you never quite measure up to being a good person. I also noticed this theme in what I call the Big three, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. First is that we are all depraved, rotten sinners. Secondly, we have to submit ourselves to God to no longer be depraved and not sinful, which is of course built in desires we can't escape. And this submission reminds me of a master/slave relationship. Where God is the Master and you are the slave. Shut up and obey! The scary part becomes the commands. Because these commands, which are vast and numerous, come from the clergy of the Big Three (I wonder if they also make cars) which tell the faithful to do all sorts of things. Don't have premarital sex, where a head covering for women, pray five times a day, give money to the church and countless other commands to obey God. And of course, who dares to question an order from the all knowing and all powerful God? As you said, even if the results are disastrous. Give a man near status of God (the Pope) or even God, and you have tyranny and holy horrors. The Inquisition comes to mind. Hey, God said not to suffer a witch to live. Or God abhors homosexuals and therefore we hang them on the cranes in the Middle East. Or countless cults that demand total obedience. Jim Jones and Heavens Gate. Well... these doctrines seem to lead to some very dark places. I like the way the late and great Christopher Hitchens put it, and I am paraphrasing here. That we are born sick and commanded to be well. And to be well under the the threat of eternal punishment. That has to create some serious mental issues.

[@360.Tapestry]

the real question is more psychololgical than religious: why is it that when some people read these explanations, they find it moronic and revolting; and when others read them, they feel so goddamn clever and vindicating?

[@chrissonofpear1384]

Because it is also a good deal tribal?

[@somnathganapa5789]

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." - St. Thomas Aquinas The atheist is dedicated to disproving the existence of God, whereas the believer is dedicated to proving it.

[@360.Tapestry]

@@somnathganapa5789 that is not what an atheist is dedicated to lol nor is that what a believer dedicated to, either. you're just making up roles that aren't actually what they are. and that quote is nothing more than a cop out, as having faith doesn't make a reasonable explanation unnecessary. and not having that specific version of "faith" doesn't make a reasonable explanation impossible. they're just really dumb words that you somehow found clever and convincing

[@somnathganapa5789]

@@360.Tapestry Do you think believers and atheists are blank slates, or do they have commitments to certain beliefs?

[@csweezey18]

@@somnathganapa5789 Belief can be thought of like a scale. At one end of the scale is belief in a god or gods. This is theism. This will be given a value of 10. Then, at the other end is belief that gods don't exist. This is antitheism. This will be given a value of -10. Belief in a god or gods can be anywhere on this scale. I'm assuming you're a 10, right? Well, atheists are not antitheists (those are the guys we assigned -10 to, remember?). Atheists lie at zero. We don't believe in a god or gods, nor do we believe that gods don't exist. We simply don't have any firm stance on the subject. If sufficient evidence arrives to prove the existence of gods, then we'll believe that gods exist. If sufficient evidence arrives to disprove the existence of gods, then we'll believe that gods don't exist. Atheists, in short, just go where the evidence points, rather than relying on faith, feelings, or emotional reactions.

[@lenloving]

Late comment/question to Alex: Assuming you shared classes with believers, did your first year reap any intersting exchanges or conversations worth sharing here? The degree program sounds very interesting not only becuase of the course material and the commendable staff, but undoubtedly the stimulated conversations as well.

[@BeluPoisson1234]

I'll only talk about the first part (before he talks about Anselm). When Adam and Eva eated the fruit of the Tree of knowledge they introduced death and sin to the human nature, going against God's will, and so, rejecting him. When he speaks about little kids deserving to die (even before they are born) because of this sin, and so the worst punishment in hell, he overlooks one little thing, kids can't control themselves and they haven't commited any sin yet willing to do what their flesh wants and not what's best for their soul, disobeying God, and they won't (sin) until they have full control over their actions. God, who knows everything about us and loves us more than anyone else even from before our conception, don't punish anyone unfairly (remember he is the true justice). That's why, for example, there exists the Feast of the Holy Innocents, remembering the little kids (younger than 2 years old) that were assassinated by King Herod in his attent to kill Jesus. The Holy innocents are in heaven. Why? Because God is fair. If you won't believe in the Holy Bible it's because you're trying to understand it with your own knowledge and by your own means and not by the Holy Spirit, but you at least have to bealive it's real because it was for him, the Third person of the Trinity, that the Holy Bible was writed in the first place.

[@basilharrison3071]

Love this video. Thank you for sharing your experience. More videos like this would be great, it would give me personally some insight into whether pursuing a degree in theology would be doable and worth while as an atheist artist. Thanks for all the work you do!

[@PMS1950]

Wonderful. Being an atheist and studying theology at Oxford opens up so many opportunities for pastoral and doctrinal work within the CofE.

[@sarahharris2729]

why do atheists insist on poking their nose into church? I mean, go work in a mosque, but ya wouldn't? White limey soft shㅣㅜㅌs.

[@rtfgx]

We definitely want more from you on everything. You're the coolest person in the religion scene right now and you reach out to a wider audience from this otherwise perceived as hermetic circle.

[@RR-xz6bv]

Nice opinion piece

[@dorianbassin8589]

Wow Alex, spelling "honor" not "honour". Spending too much time in America I think.

[@deceptiveanswer]

@Dorian bassin, The correct English spelling is a throw back from the French spelling of said word.

[@francishuxley5928]

You lost me at "since the church considers ignorance to be a virtue...", you might mention that to all the believers who developed science based on the simple premise that there is design in the world, so that it was worth the effort to look for it, folks like Isaac Newton, etc.

[@peterbradshaw8018]

Newton had some strange beliefs though very bright. But these beliefs were normal at the time.

[@afdave7]

Incredible summation my friend. Cheers.

[@fredmeekins3025]

With the untimely death of Christopher Hitchens and with Richard Dawkins getting up there in years, I was afraid that the intelligent challengers of theism might be dying out. Glad to see the torch has been passed to able and younger challengers.

[@adamduarte895]

Christopher Hitchens was and Richard Dawkins is quite intelligent and do very well in their fields. However, especially Richard Dawkins, does not make sophisticated arguments and his book the "God Delusion" is not a sophisticated book on these issues and makes countless argumentative errors. It seems to me like the secular/atheist community has kind of made a god out of these gentlemen.

[@BlacksmithTWD]

@@adamduarte895 Richard Dawkins is a great biologist and a lousy theologian. Hitches was a journalist who happened to stand up for and defending his beliefs religiously. And in that way by doing so an example to Christians.

[@adamduarte895]

@@BlacksmithTWD Agreed

[@silverdragon710]

I remember my fist communion, third grade about 9 years old, standing there with a bunch of my classmates and a church full of people, holding a candle and repeating after the priest unanimously something like:"I reject Satan!" and thinking "this is some weird cult shit right there"

[@DavidFraser007]

I had this when I got married the first time, I'd been to the pub before, I just said yeah ok, with a big smile .

[@lukeneely389]

To you, I guess any recitation is cultish.

[@silverdragon710]

@@mariemunzar6474 Actually no. And the way you do it to 9,10 year olds is insane

[@silverdragon710]

@@lukeneely389 The one which you dont understand and arent even made to understand and perticulary to repeat in one voice, yes any recitation is cultish.

[@silverdragon710]

@@mariemunzar6474 lol

[@tim57243]

It is easy to believe in original sin. Thoughts are mostly random, so many are sinful by just about any reasonable definition of "sin". Actions derive from thoughts and are still somewhat chaotic, and therefore partially against any sensible purpose one might imagine, and therefore sinful. We were born this way, hence the sin is original. The connection with God and Hell and Jesus seems bogus, though. I used to be reluctant to upgrade my operating system. When I realised the old OS version is born into a state of buggyness (sin), it became easier to believe that upgrades are likely to be an improvement. Fortunately I arrived at this mostly by reading about other people's machines getting remotely exploited.

[@milohilltop3691]

I wish I could play this video at my local JW Kingdom Hall. Thank you for sharing!

[@shaynefowley5689]

Milo Hilltop at least believing in Arianism the concept of the soul, Hell Fire, and the divinity of Christ eliminates the mental gymnastics of placing the circle block (Unitarian monotheism) through the peg hole (God-man).

[@Birkguitars]

It seems to have become de rigueur to have a guitar in the background of any video on any subject on any form of social media but I assume that being a student the finances only stretch to a set of drawings... ;-) Great video by the way.

[@rylandelap4734]

I liked this video a lot! Make more critiques of the founders and history of religions based on your current studies!

[@henrywilliams1439]

Every conclusion and opinion in this video is untrue. Why would you listen to an atheist explain about God?

[@JuliexSteadman]

..he is seeing through a very thick lense of his own making. Here is my thinking on this.. I believe his interpretation is completely wrong. Adam and Eve were warned not to eat of the tree and that if they did they would die spiritually. The tree represented their desire for independence from God. God is the source of life, if you are independent from Him you are going to die. God couldn’t have created this differently if He was going to give us free will. So there are spiritual physics in place if you like. God chose to give us free will as he cant have a relationship with a robot. Once he did that, certain things were going to happen if they chose to live independently from the source of life. Once Adam and Eve had died spiritually they could not longer give birth to children that were spiritually alive. ..that is the nature of things. Scripture brings this out in John 3:6 ‘flesh gives birth to flesh and the Spirit to spirit’ - it is a law of the makeup of the universe. ..and so Jesus says to Nicodemus that he has to be born again to see the Kingdom of God. John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' NIV84 Jesus didn’t have to die just because of people’s sin but because death reigned over people even over those who hadnt commited a sin. Rom 5:14 It’s a spiritual law. Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned- 13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, *EVEN OVER THOSE WHO DID NOT SIN BY BREAKING A COMMAND* , as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. 1 Cor 15:50 I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. So Mr Cosmic Skeptic makes it sound like God had a choice that he could have created things differently. I don’t believe he could have, not if he was going to give us free will. As for children being completely innocent, I don’t think they are, they still tend to more easily do the wrong thing and have to be taught not to. And an extreme example would be the Jamie Bulger case…. I think the way the world is shows amply that people are broken…. so I think that we are naturally spiritually dead adds up…. I believe the bible summation is correct.

[@mensetens6391]

@@JuliexSteadman _he is seeing through a very thick lense of his own making._ Something about 'through a glass darkly' comes to mind...

[@JuliexSteadman]

..thats because Rylan Delap, you dont want God to be there.... you would rather that He didnt exist... given a choice...

[@mensetens6391]

@@JuliexSteadman 'you'? Who is 'you' in your response?

[@buddatobi]

The forbidden fruit is specifically the knowledge of good and evil, once you realize that evil exists you are doomed.

[@nexx1460]

An allpowerful, allknowing god and the "necessity" to do something in the circumstances he himself created. Mind blown.

[@Djhylow]

What do you believe about quantum mechanics?

[@enterthebruce91]

That's because God cannot make His word void by forgiving sin on a whim. The Bible teaches that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. I can understand why it would seem extraordinarily difficult for an atheist (or a non-biblical theist, for example). The Biblical stance is that we need forgiveness for sins, and every human being on earth is personally responsible for the sins he or she has committed. We have all inherited the ability to sin (any transgression of God's law), it may seem unjust from an atheistic perspective for God to allow sin to enter into the world to begin with, but if God really does exist, then apparently we are accountable to Him whether we acknowledge it or not. I came to this conclusion around 8 years ago at the age of 21. Just my two pence 💱

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@@enterthebruce91 But sin should not have been POSSIBLE to OCCUR in heaven, in His direct presence, in the first place?! Even WITH free will - it would have NO MEANINGFUL seed point from which to spring? And why allow it to migrate to THIS world, via the vector of TWO humans who seemed wholly unaware of the wider stakes, or of good, or evil, at the time? And why would Satan be allowed to KEEP any powers, on the way to this world?

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@@enterthebruce91 The ABILITY to sin? Why did many alleged CHRISTIANS also have that ability, or at least, confusion, over major topics, like slavery, anti semitism, or supported feudal or repressive wars? Or the case of Torquemada, who ended up torturing people? And as the ability to sin FIRST arose in heaven, almost from nowhere, is it valid to explore how any such thing could have arisen?

[@enterthebruce91]

@@chrissonofpear1384 Good points, that's something I'm still studying, or revisiting lately, God's understanding is infinite but I confess that I'm just a sinful man with finite understanding myself and I realise no one can have perfect answers to every question this side of eternity except God Himself. That's where faith comes into the picture. If every aspect of the Christian faith could be grasped by our limited human understanding then God wouldn't be so great.

[@philcoppa]

at 4:25 - Church considers ignorance to be a virtue? How do you square that with the universities which grew out of the cathedral schools in the Middle Ages? The Scholastics were noted for having a culture of vigorous debate - the Disputationes.

[@dereksewkumar07]

"Well done on your education C.S. ..And good to see you back Boss-man! 💜! And stay-SAFE ..All 😷☣️! d 🤕💜🇪🇺

[@puzzling7785]

My relative got a theology degree from Oxford University. He's been a pastor in London. My father is one of the most hypocritical narcissistic person I've ever known.

[@domenicmiller2398]

Your father got the degree I assume?

[@puzzling7785]

@domenicmiller2398 2 Dr. Degrees. He's on TV all the time. Wonderful on camera but an absolute nightmare off.

[@Vic82toire]

And so is the next person. So? Being a christian doesn't make you this magical perfect person. That's complete nonsense. The religion doesn't hijack your person. It exposes how sinful you are. Ever heard of original sin?