Most Unpleasant Character in All of Fiction

English ethologist, evolutionary biologist, and writer Richard Dawkins opens his bestseller, "The God Delusion" by saying that the God of the Old Testament is "arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction" and goes on to list nineteen negative character traits.
Dan Barker, a former ordained minister and current atheist, proves that Dawkins was right.
Learn more about the Freedom From Religion Foundation at ffrf.org.

[@mikeyhau]

When an apologist says you need to take this in context, I reply "Then you tell me the context that makes genocide OK."

[@tengfs]

They would come back with an argument that “oh, because they sinned against the Lord and hence deserved to be wiped out”

[@marlenanapier3186]

and the stuff about a dude gathering 1000 foreskins of enemies to give to the dad of a chick he wants to marry is insanity.

[@jayjonah83]

It's weirdo shit all throughout the old testament

[@rashikkar7359]

Terrorist- a great addition to this list! He rules by terror even to this day, by holding the threat of eternal torture over everyone. And yes, he's terribly evil.

[@tallman2210]

A Baptist preacher admitted to me that if the god of the Bible were a person then he would be a narcissist. He quickly rationalized this by saying that being God means that he is not a narcissist. Divine Double Standards are the backbone of apologetics.

[@LouisGedo]

Dan Barker is a critical thinker extraordinaire on this issue.

[@juless3568]

Very true Louis Gedo.

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

Wow. Never expected you to be here. Nice to see you, brother.

[@juless3568]

Recently borrowed the book " God the most unpleasant charecter in all fiction " and took notes. Dan Barker wrote a book that proves the bible was put together by crude uncultured human mammals. If you need any bible, keep a copy of Dan Barker 's book or take down all the quotes and know you are reading a slave manual. Well done Dan Barker for writing the book.

[@juless3568]

Thank you for your like 👍 Pleasing comments and questions always appreciated.

[@yousuck785why]

Bravo. I like that point, Julian

[@brucelarson4283]

Thank you for being a voice of reason in a world which seems to be without reason!!

[@patbrennan6572]

The reason why Dan is so informed is simple. He's been on both sides of these topics and realized what he was teaching was deceiving people and his conscience made him chose the truth.

[@walterdaems57]

If god existed there would be no need to prove his existence

[@Sydney_With_A_Why]

Amazing to me that anyone would take mythology so seriously as if it were so be all end all important and yet be ssooo completely opposed to analyzing the stories critically and skeptically.

[@heatherclark8668]

My favourite people are those who used to be committed Christians but who have now deconverted. Most of them are still diligent about being good people but without all the religious dogma.

[@ExposingJWTeachings]

❤️

[@yourbeardispatchyaf]

I've been a Hitchens and Dawkins fan for about a year and just now found this guy. Love it

[@JPCox123]

Me too! It’s like, where have they been? Or, should I say, where the hell have I been?

[@jamesrosano9439]

They are great atheist and today we get two more great atheist Dan Barker and Matt Dillahunty

[@atheist535]

I am currently reading Dan Barker's book "God the most unpleasant character in all of fiction". I have already read "Godless" and "The God Delusion". All excellent books.

[@juless3568]

Strongly agree with you.

[@juremesarajena1797]

me too, i have started reading it now

[@steveflor9942]

God... a so obviously man-made creation. The Swiss Army knife of thought control. Thanks for this wonderful video.

[@rebeccadubois8270]

Swiss army reference is amazing. Can't wait to bring it up

[@ianjonas7380]

If god actually existed I don’t imagine he would be this evil.

[@CarlosSanchez-dv1ew]

This evil ? Why evil at all ?

[@eliotvarda]

​@@CarlosSanchez-dv1ew yeah, all the things listed and said video wouldn't be enough to convince a mindless bot

[@klumaverik]

I could listen to dan speak for hours. I just watched the oprah Winfrey episode where he met his wife and am just floored by how much of a witch hunt it was. His wife Annie laurie gaylor was absolutely amazing in that interview. It was sad to see how their judgement of her was obviously hurtful to her but she was very proud and concise with her stance. They are both a heroine and hero to the atheist cause. Thank you both so much.

[@mildredmartinez8843]

What a coincidence, I just watched that episode and saw them. Showed a lot of courage and resolve. I'm glad they are doing the same job today.

[@freedapeeple4049]

I go this from a comment section somewhere but I don't know where: A fun game! Each player in turn drops a bible, letting it open to a random page. Do everything on that page that is performed or commanded by god. The last person to go to jail wins.

[@georgestacey9558]

I like this guy Admit Pal, seems a very considerate man, he made this great interview with the brilliant Dan Baker that much more enjoyable. Great video.

[@cobraimploder]

*Amit

[@allenquartermane6134]

Thank you soooooo much for this video! I am struggling with my recent departure from the faith after 35 years in it! My friends have left me for dead, and feel very alone now. I too have a vast knowledge of the bible, and have always questioned many of the books that contain what you talk about here. Now thinking outside the pulpit with common sense and logic, it's like standing away from the tree to see the forest!

[@sabin1166]

Welcome back to reality! Keep spreading the Good News!

[@melindad180]

Congratulations! You are a strong person! You are not alone💛

[@hellohandsome9875]

I only know one person who "claims" to believe, my sister, she won't discuss the bible with me cos she knows I'll tear it to shreds,,,, but no one in my area, (North East England) even talks about religion, cept the crazy jehovah's witnesses, so feel proud of yourself, you have lots of support from others

[@WizardOfWor]

Your "friends" weren't your real friends. Nevertheless, I'm glad you've woken up & are on the right side!

[@dmrenterprizes4101]

I'm now in the same position as you. Hope you have since found community, new friends and family of like mind as you and you are much happier than you have ever been.

[@blackice9088]

Anyone who describes God as a benevolent and loving being, need to actually read the bible from cover to cover. If the biblical god actually existed, he'd not be worthy of any worship.

[@yousuck785why]

A god would not need worship either because they are perfect, but I doubt gods exist. And I think it better gods do not exist.

[@isallah1kafir196]

*Interesting, and this gawd of the **_old testament_** gets new followers every-day* when a child is born to Muslim parents. After all Allah claims in the Koran, *he **_is_** the God of the Old testament* .

[@43painter]

Ray Yaneza exactly. The very excistence of a god idea is the main cause of a lot of misery. Its like a diamond : from the moment its been dug up its presence causes misery in some way or another. Inequality increases, people kill each other, greed prevails, all the bad things they talked about in the video

[@hellohandsome9875]

@Robbie John ask her why a loving god doesn't defend little children being raped by his priests, or why he's quite happy to send you to burn in the fires of hell for all eternity cos you don't believe,,, the Bible is pure evil

[@marlenanapier3186]

agreed!

[@klumaverik]

This is an excellent source of information. Thank you!

[@jbaccanalia]

Spot on, I'm confronted with hypocrisies daily. This gives me a reference point to stay on track when the narrative keeps shifting.

[@joybro60]

The Bible also says not to mix fabrics together, i.e. cottons and silks. It really is a very unpleasant and narrow minded book to turn the heads of the simple minded.

[@japakazole]

The priests of Zeus were sooooooo sure that Zeus existed and that lightning in the sky was his anger. It is the same as religious zealots of today being soooooo sure that their god exists and that plagues/earthquakes/etc. are because he is angry.

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

Good point

[@Mahlak_Mriuani_Anatman]

Can't fix idiots

[@TheTheotherfoot]

As a non-american, I find it terrible that the FFRF has to exist at all. If the US is really the land of freedom, then there would not be the pressure for all to be connected to some form of religion, preferably a christian one, favoured by the local inhabitants. If things were really free, there would be no expression of religion in the public area and ones beliefs would be kept private and of no interest to any one but that individual person. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The crazy war of beliefs has been used toi detract attention from what is really important.

[@43painter]

Yes the power hungry use ány thing to increase their power. It doesn't matter in what kind of ideological setting.

[@eriksaari4430]

although most if not all countries are like that...

[@FOHguy]

Remember. For centuries, the Catholic church was openly for world domination.

[@allenrnewbauer]

Thank you Dan Barker!

[@bubbercakes528]

I first started questioning god as a child listening to the Abraham story. If a child can figure this out, what is taking the religious so long?

[@TheTruthKiwi]

That is a very good question. Wishful thinking, ignorance and delusion.

[@FOHguy]

They don't feel that they can control their own lives. They need somebody to tell them what to do and what not to do

[@ArtfullyMusingLaura]

The sea creatures would have died as the fresh and sea water would have mixed.

[@rambo8218]

Oh...they were all on the ark since they are all living today I guess... maybe Noah had nice glass aquariums on that ark

[@Mahlak_Mriuani_Anatman]

​@@rambo8218😂

[@Ploskkky]

This is an excellent channel. Great host, and of course mr. Barker is superb. I have all his books.

[@richardwilliams473]

" God himself is a metafor " Well said ,Dan Barker !!!!

[@jimkirby9959]

I'd like to see from you a follow-on book on the subject of "Biblical marriage," that similarly reviews the Bible and points out that there are no proper examples of a marriage that could serve as a possible model for modern Western marriage.

[@jjjpetersen]

Thanks Dan for your knowledge & a great show with knowledgeable guests. If only everyone could understand that the world would be a better place w/o religion!

[@LimitlessThinker]

I will always be grateful for finding Dan Barker & Annie Laurie Gaylor. It was over 20 years ago I became an atheist and I'm a proud member of the FFRF.

[@utah133]

It's all condensed very well in comedian Jim Jefferies bit called "God goes to a party."

[@globalgoblin]

When I talk to someone about this they love to say, "You're talking about the God of the old testament." To which I reply, "Oh, so there is more than one God."

[@Bryan198026]

Never mind that Jesus never invalidated the old testament. What was the quote, not one jot nor one tittle of the law shall pass away? I know I’m paraphrasing but I think that’s the general gist of it.

[@FirstOfTheYear777]

Right, and they love to say that God is unchanging and timeless 😅

[@casseyjoyce]

Very interesting discussion.

[@otvaicoatsoca4752]

Great work guys 👍!!!

[@hellohandsome9875]

The only believer in my family, my older sis, believes prayers are answered, I say, tell that to the 6,000,000 Jews (his chosen ppl) that were murdered in world war two

[@hifibrony]

Dan and Annie Laurie are national treasures.

[@k-statekev6987]

To add insult to injury, the Bible doesn’t even give Jephthah’s daughter a name.

[@dinofrancesco4980]

Or lots wife god turned her into a pillar of salt but she has no name just lots wife

[@natanunorthodox]

Burning your own child as a sacrifice for god, well that's pretty damned horrific and evil. This just goes to show you how many people have not read the bible, it's not holy. It also amazes and makes me very disappointed that only 11 thousand people have watched this video.

[@sydneymorey6059]

Never come across the likes of this before, I love it, wow.

[@mildredmartinez8843]

I just saw you and A L Gaylor on the Oprah Winfrey show. You guys looked beautiful. Now you guys look great. Keep on the good works

[@elainejohnson6955]

Dan Barker's book is a VERY "good book". I highly recommend it to everyone.

[@Bryan198026]

I just finished the audiobook version of this a few days ago. Very interesting read.

[@c.a.t.732]

I liked that Amit Pal brought up the Bhagavad Gita in passing. A book whose message is that if you're a member of the warrior caste it is your duty to fight and kill your opponents, even though they may be friends and relatives, even though the war may be unjust... I've never understood how that was a source of spiritual inspiration.

[@homesweethomeexchange616]

Dan Barker is BRILLIANT so glad he's been honest and 'Brave Enough' to tell the truth about these old scriptures people call the bible. It's time we woke up :-) Thanks so much Dan.

[@jesusexposed1848]

he's a native American 2 very cool

[@SinthiaVicious]

Even if such a being were real, I could not be persuaded by any means which come readily to mind to worship him.

[@richardgregory3684]

I forget who said it, but someone quipped something along the line sof "the best remedy to religion is to read and understand the bible"

[@doneestoner9945]

The road to atheism is littered with bibles.

[@marlenanapier3186]

lol yes

[@Mahlak_Mriuani_Anatman]

Religion* ​@@doneestoner9945

[@utah133]

The natural progression was Gnosticism. The old Testament shows such a brutal God that they labeled him the demiurge, creator of everything yet bad. Then a good God came along to fix up the mess! But it was made a heresy.

[@kennethcook8857]

I'd like to recommend an additional book: The Skeptic's Annotated Bible, which works as an excellent companion volume.

[@avni4538]

thank you 💗

[@WizardOfWor]

I've bought it to replace my old student bible that I threw in the garbage after I deconverted from Christianity & religion.

[@alladinaharunani2515]

If I could adopt Dan Barker and Bert Erhman to be my friends for just a day..I would sell my kidney..

[@Blunttalker]

Any ideas on how to subtly wake up my Nigerian people?

[@ExposingJWTeachings]

Funny how God speaks so much in the Bible but not in real life

[@someotaku8744]

Lol, I like that.

[@Mahlak_Mriuani_Anatman]

Fr

[@Stasiaflonase]

I shouldn’t comment because women should be quiet and obey men. That gem is in Timothy.

[@Bryan198026]

I’m actually reading it right now.

[@marlenanapier3186]

me too

[@willyh.r.1216]

A 100% guaranteed 21st century prophecy: "Under impartial scrutiny, all "sacred" scriptures turn out to be irreverent. Scriptures were/are man-made. No man-made scripture can be called sacred. Instead, let's promote helpful tools: Meditation and Science."

[@sarahlewandowicz7696]

Dan Barkers confused credits at the end lol. Sweet man.

[@edmondsaddler7539]

DAN UR THE MAN UPLIFTING

[@analizandoliteratura9958]

Those metaphors alone only displays the attitude.

[@dellerwin1]

Great job!

[@robkunkel8833]

Just saw this, being drawn to the site by the title. I work in the historical side of Reformed Judaism by giving tours at the “sandfloor synagogue” founded as a burial society in 1794 in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Skipping the why and how, basically, I have found a way to reconcile my Buddhist beliefs with a happy social assembly wishing to learn more about the construction of our Temple in 1833. Indeed, for tour visitors, I sometimes give a rudimentary explanation of reformed Judaic beliefs and the ritual of a Congregational service. I like to listen to atheists because it is the only logical explanation for our existence. Acquiring a sense of “faith” that is positive is my goal. Long ago, I rejected any notion that Christianity has given society anything positive, except in the last part of grieving for those so inclined. My life is working out well for my still capable 77 year old frame. Originally, I had been a Christian by necessity. My atheist dad sent me to St. William Grammar School in 1950s Chicago “to get some religion” when I kept getting in trouble after a family tragedy and for better affordable schooling. Subscribed. STT 🍾🌴Rob #sandfloorsynagogue.

[@iveseen1]

Great book ,a must have for bible study,you wont hear any of this in church.and certainly wont prey after reading it

[@pouluathuigonmei6686]

Dan Barker is on another level !

[@43painter]

At the end of the day it all gets more and more obvious who wrote the bible books. One could compare it with how history has been written : the victors decide how every story had to be written.

[@luizr.5599]

If there is any kind of good deity, it's not the god of this book.

[@cappadeafhaiti]

What is the meaning of "Ayibobo" on Fon and Ewe languages? In both Fon and Ewe languages, "Ayibobo" is an expression commonly used to convey positive emotions, blessings, and good wishes. It is often used as a form of greeting or as a response to someone's well-being. In Fon language, "Ayibobo" is spelled as "Ayébò" and pronounced as "ah-yay-boh." It is often used to express joy, happiness, and goodwill. It can be translated as "blessings" or "may good things happen to you." In Ewe language, "Ayibobo" is spelled and pronounced the same way as in Fon. It carries a similar meaning of expressing blessings, good wishes, and positive vibes. It can be interpreted as "may blessings come" or "may good things happen." Overall, "Ayibobo" is a positive and uplifting expression used in both Fon and Ewe languages to convey well-wishes and positive energy. #Oudjahramalegba #Zanmounda

[@utah133]

The Bible is interesting to me only to help explain how far we've come from the malignant cultural amorality of the bronze age.

[@rebeccadubois8270]

Halfway through Dan's godless book rn. It's a wonderful thing to have.

[@dietrichkobbert9992]

I love those arguments

[@Alwaysdoubt100]

We don't have this book in Portuguese, somebody has to do the translation it quick.

[@AtamMardes]

The Bible is the evidence that the God of the Bible was conjured up by hypocrites.

[@eduarchavarria]

Great idea to have the book as a website as well. On the other hand, can someone tell me what is the title of Philip Jenkins' book, that Amit mentioned around 38:42?

[@MrSitemaster2]

There's a very good reason why the God of the Bible behaves like this, it's because....................... "Gods always behave like the people who created them." - Zora Neale Hurston

[@MrHousecup]

I looked into it, Korah did more than respectfully ask a simple question. He led a revolt. However, I haven’t read anything that said he gathered weapons, stole resources, or raised an army.

[@maswinkels]

Plot twist: Satan is the good guy. God is the villain.

[@jamiereneemilligan]

Exactly. God is a fucking diabolical lunatic! Jesus is the same.

[@Mahlak_Mriuani_Anatman]

Who would've thought

[@tedmckinney1106]

this is hilarious. I thought it was from some comedy. :)

[@analizandoliteratura9958]

Old testament is about military commandments diluted with some common sense "moral" and already intrinsic human values (ten commandments)

[@dennisruta4828]

How I wish to have that book'the most unpleasant character...'for free.

[@dw2369]

Belief in God,Jesus can be soooo intoxicating. I listen to these types of people when I need a reality check.

[@josegaleano2576]

good. program Dan

[@stardustchimp375]

God: "What the hell !!!" Also God: *continues playing DOTA*

[@junevandermark952]

The myths certainly exist ... but only in human imagination. Dogs can't be indoctrinated into any of those myths. For instance ... if a dog is asked ... "Do you want to go for a walk?" ... the dog will become excited ... wag it's tail and be all set to go. But if a religious person said to the dog ... do you want to pray to GOD ... the dog would look at the religious person with a blank stare. Dogs are smarter than people.

[@maricapersson4771]

I'm currently struggling to sort out if I dare to not believe anymore. I came to faith on my own due to things that happened..long story...and I have been in faith only 2-3 years. The more I read the bible the less I seem to believe. There are soooooo many inconsistencies and contradictions and yet God is not the author of confusion. About 35-40000 dominations....prayers for healing NEVER answered. Actually christians claim that they have seen healnings but never proof presented. Bible verses of moving mountains of you have belief. Why did God even put the tree of knowledge in the garden? Why is satan still allowed to exist if God is so powerful and could kill him when he rebelled. Why is God hiding after he talked to "special" prophets in the OT and to Moses. Why all these lying prophets today??... whith very vage predictions. All my spiritual experiences are under questioning....did my mind play me a trick because I belive? I was a new ager before christianity and a couple of strange things occured freequently....now they don't...because I don't believe anymore. Worst of all....why the conception of hell of God is god? Why simply just not extinction....if God is not able to be in the present of sin...since he is holy. In the Garden...Adam and Eve fell...yet God was present until he casted them out. They disobeyed a clearly seen and speaking God. He has NEVER spoken to me and I'm and going to hell if I loose my belief??? ....I am in such a bad place because of this and I am very afraid of hell. I don't know if I will ever sort this out as long as I live. Wish pandoras box never opened....at least then I didn' t know all this. Now it's just one more struggle above all other struggles. I'm so alone. I don't dare to talk to christians about this and the non-beilevers would not understand. Only those who actually left the faith can understand the struggle

[@meganmills6545]

If you have a broken leg you need something to help the bone heal. A splint tied to your leg is far from the perfect solution but it might be the best that's available wherever you are. When your bone has knitted back together it may be a bit daunting to remove the splint and put your weight on your unsupported leg again. You may be a bit shaky at first, and even stumble a bit. Perhaps you'll never walk as well as you did before you broke your leg and will always be afraid that you might fall and break your leg again. But if you don't try once the bone has mended you end up crippled for life - not by the broken bone you had, but by your fear. Maybe religion was your splint for a time - it worked to help your broken bone mend but it wasn't a perfect treatement, just the one you could get at the time. Now your leg is feeling like it might be mended, is not fully strong yet, and it's occurred to you that perhaps you should try taking the splint off and putting your weight on your leg again. Good. Try it and see. Hold on to the back of a chair at first when you try it out. What is the worst that can happen? If I came to you and told you that I was really, truly afraid that someone at my home was going to make sure that I was tortured every day for the rest of my existence if I don't believe in them, love them, obey them and worship them (and that the reason I ended up with them in my home was because of circumstances where if I hadn't taken them in I don't know how I'd have kept a roof over my head or had any food to eat because I'd lost my job and all my savings were used up) what would you want to say to me? And how would that change if I told you I've had a new job for a while now but I feel insecure because I can't be sure I'll always have a job? Whatever it is you'd say to me - say it to yourself. And remember - it's not like you can't put the splint on again if you find your leg just isn't strong enough by itself yet. And if you just can't bring yourself to try your weight on your leg without the splint? Well it's not what I'd wish for you but it would be better to walk with a splint than being paralysed with fear because you are too afraid to walk without it. Just be a good person, get all the happiness and joy out of this life that you can just in case it is the only one you've got. And give all the happiness and joy to others that you can just in case that's the only happiness and joy they'll ever get. And don't ever tell anyone else with a broken leg they need to wear a splint if you can take them to the hospital where they can do an x-ray, set the bone properly, put on a cast, provide a crutch and give physiotherapy.

[@tsukasa-no-douji5089]

I feel like if they kept the gospel of Judas in the bible, the Christian's could blame all the immoral crap on the "false god" yaoldaboth that was mentioned.

[@fm-on1qq]

That can be understood if it was not a god, but the astronauts they came here centuries ago.

[@Moriah7913]

If god exists he has made it very clear that he is not deserving of worship.

[@RandomStuff-i4i]

It says Ask an atheist. Okay, I'll ask an atheist. How do you make a perfect pb&j sandwich ?

[@dmrenterprizes4101]

Yes. JOB. That book horrifies me above all the others.

[@joehinojosa8030]

Does being a "Free Thinker" include the option of being a Theist?

[@eds6889]

I love the theme song

[@r.muller5050]

Top - greatings from Germany

[@robinharwood5044]

I think it’s a toss up between God and Dolores Umbridge.

[@dwendt44]

The ancient Hebrews WERE Canaanites, they split off, and later attacked them.

[@jrsanti]

That bible is not holy book. It’s a horror book.

[@evaristoblazquez9954]

I hope you don’t mind me going off topic here but I’d like to share what the deal breaker was for me. The Bible is supposed to be a book from God to us & so the FIRST & FOREMOST elucidation for us would be revealing who God is but it does not do that. The trinity doctrine is still debated today amongst Christians, yes non trinitarian Christians are in the minority but there are plenty of them out there & the fact that the debate can be had about the nature of God, shows that the Bible does not clearly expound on who God is. You would think logically that this subject matter on who God is would be the easiest to understand intelligible lesson in the Bible… but it’s not. If the Bible can’t explain clearly who God is how can I believe it to be from God ? I suggest ( just for fun but very interesting ! ) that you look up a debate(s) between Greg Stafford & Dr White or Greg Stafford v Robert M. Bowman. Also Bart Ehrman’s book: How Jesus became God is good.

[@slottibarfast5402]

Seems like God is almost always represented as the God of the old testament. There are a lot of other gods out there that could use some light. Just saying.

[@Booer]

Can we have the link for that song in the intro

[@andrewfisherman3811]

Never mind comparing God to the most unpleasant characters in fiction: what about real characters? Real human beings. People such as Genghis Khan, Stalin and Hilter - roughly accounting for about 50 million innocent victims. Not mentioning historical realities such as WW1 and WW2. Then the glorious "great terror" of the French Revolution etc ad infinitum.

[@Scalpaxos]

I wouldn't dare associate God if there is one with such a book, even a good god wouldn't be happy about people attributing these horrors and this stupidity to him.

[@cpn6464]

Is this a description of god or of tRump?

[@KrwiomoczBogurodzicy]

#DistinctionWithoutDifference