From Alcoholic Despair to Secular Redemption

[@daviddivad777]

my respect for this type of honesty and vulnerability.

[@recoverybyrediscovery]

"You've found your tribe...you've found your home." Immediately my tears were flowing after processing this. I understand the emotional overtones that is being radiated and communicated in the natural world. It is something to behold after experiencing the low of lows in your personal life. The journey part requires all of us individually to meet with each person where they are at in life and be willing to listen patiently. This means ALL people you meet with as we are all one with the natural world. Your vulnerability is your strength and shows the character that you are. Thank you for the inspiration in my core being as I was in the 12-step program in the past.

[@JustErics101]

Thank you for sharing your story Dereck. You’ve inspired me so much. I wish you nothing but the best

[@eddodge27]

Well spoken, powerful journey! Best of luck!

[@geraldmeehan8942]

Thank you for the testimonium Derreck, I would have never realized what a struggle your life has been. Glad to hear you've found peace and are doing well. Keep up the good work!.

[@daviddivad777]

Welcome back, my dude. Have you ever read that book I suggested: Alcohol Explained by William Porter? It also talks about AA (about “disease theory of alcoholism” and why it's not the best solution maybe). He is also not religious and has a concise no-nonsense, straight to the point style. it was a game changer for my relation to alcohol and explained it from a physiological and psychological point of view. I wish you all the best!

[@AtheismActually]

I'm glad you're back and doing better, and especially that you made it here based on acceptance of reality.

[@ichapod]

Yess!!! Welcome back. However you choose to be back.

[@MichielDutch]

Nice to see you back! What a journey! You’re a strong guy. All the best from the Netherlands!

[@thompssarah]

Thank you for sharing your journey ❤

[@Devious_Dave]

Good to see you back.

[@rowanford5438]

Thank you, Derreck for sharing your story so honestly. I’ve always appreciated your content on your channel. I’m thrilled that life has become more purposeful and peaceful, and that you have found a group to belong to. There is a need for people (including those who have deconverted) to build groups and communities where values are taught and discussed and where people encourage each other to practise these values in their actions each day. I feel that need.

[@Nkosi766]

Welcome back dude

[@noamaster3898]

So excited to see you back!

[@Kytheus_Errant_2106]

Woa... That. Was. Powerful. Ive watched every video you have on youtube and have learned so much from you about the context of early Christianity. This right here really recontextualizes and breaths new meaning into every one of your lessons. Maybe you can still release your research for any topic without even focusing on the polemical aspect. Like, you could gear your presentations towards people who just enjoy learning from you, and completely ignore apologetic arguments, including the comments. Obviously i wouldnt want you doing anything that would hinder you in any way, just throwing it out there. Either way i really appreciate you opening up with us in this video, your story was truly amazing and inspiring to hear. Much love man.

[@derreckbennett7623]

Kytheus, this is actually a GREAT idea. I will give it serious consideration. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words!

[@piano9433]

I'm glad you made this video and also to know you're doing well. I totally agree that we agnostics and atheists need a dose of bullshit-free spirituality. Maybe that's how you can keep up creating content leaving the debates and the antagonism behind. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you find more and more peace and joy.

[@thompssarah]

You have hit the nail on the head. ❤

[@derreckbennett7623]

Thank you, sweet lady! 😊

[@zacharylehocki]

Very powerful Derrek, I Appreciate you sharing your story with us and I promise you it will help other people. Good to see you back by the way! I missed your videos!

[@juand3250]

I really missed your videos. It's good to see you back

[@ThePeaceZonee]

I'm happy you back and getting help you finding inner peace and joy 💪💙

[@pkats9093]

Truly compelling story brother. Been wondering about you. Thanks for letting us know. Looking forward to some great content when you’re ready. You got this!

[@jon.skeptischism]

Holy shit man, what a story. Thank you for sharing, I’m sure it was difficult but so impactful. I’m so glad you recognized the stressors of online life and stepped back, and that you are in such a great place.

[@TisButAScratch666]

Literally found myself thinking of you this afternoon and how much I've enjoyed your content and candour. This is a wonderful and timely surprise. Thanks for sharing.

[@Scorned405]

Hey neighbor. I’m right up the road from you in NC. I’m glad your doing better and taking a sabbatical from social media is healthy. May things continue to get better for you. Your story was good:)

[@rolandwatts3218]

It's great to see you back. You have excellent ideas which are worth putting out there. However, your own mental health must be safeguarded and if that means a ten month break or walking away altogether, then so be it. All the best for your future, no matter where that is. Oh and stories like yours are worth telling over and over. I suspect they help a lot of people.

[@Bobson_Dugnutt_Esq]

Thank you for telling your story

[@rolandwatts3218]

The channel Mindshift had a great interview with atheist Britt Hartley. It was titled:- "Britt Hartley: The Future of American Religion " It was about the importance of retaining some kind of spirituality when God dies. In fact an alternative title is "What is lost when God dies". Ironically Mindshift's next video was titled:- "Reacting to Atheist Comments: Clarifying the Conversation!" This was because, although many atheists (myself included) loved the interview, many others did not. Some seemed to be as certain in their "No God, foot stomp, foot stomp" thinking as fundy Christians are with their "God exists and it's my version of God which does" thinking. Hartley sees that spiritual kinds of thinking can be ginormously important for those who have lost faith. There are atheists out there, including atheist philosophers who make the same kinds of arguments. I think Alain de Botton is one such philosopher with his book "Religion for Atheists". I think in a very deep sense, every understanding any human has about reality is an invention to some degree at least. This is because we are always limited in what we can know. Besides, at the end of the day, there is something amazing about existence. Given these two points, exactly what is wrong with some kind of spirituality? So if you have turned to a kind of spirituality to help you make sense of existence, then I think it's great. And if you ever return to religion, well that is o.k. Just don't hurt yourself and don't hurt others, particularly with your theology.

[@awfulgoodmovies]

Wow, stay strong, Derreck. I had a close friend similar to you, but he passed away before I truly understood his struggles. I wish he had left me something like this.

[@jon.skeptischism]

Wow great to see you back!

[@donseesyourshaydim7529]

You're giving your lead!

[@pragmaticcrystal]

Well well well 🫶

[@_S0me__0ne]

Yay!

[@JasonHenderson]

I thought you died

[@piano9433]

Totally unnecessary comment. Think before typing.

[@TisButAScratch666]

​@@piano9433agreed

[@alirowan1999]

Great to see you back