3 Ancient Questions About Jesus That You've Never Considered

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

Listen to "Heaven and Hell" for free (and support my channel!) with a 30-day free trial from Audible: audibletrial.com/gmskeptic

[@MrLourie]

Jesus is (J)ust (E)nough (S)illy (U)seless (S)ayings to control the mindless with (G)ratuitous (O)verdone (D)ialogue from a (R)epulsive (E)vil (L)ying (I)maginary (G)od (I)nsisting (O)n (N)onsensical beliefs to live the life of an idiot.

[@Andrew_Sword]

Lol i read this comment before i watched the video. I was ready for a Ronnie james dio song

[@NotGoodAtNamingThings]

Is that the Joe Jackson album from 1997?

[@RickReasonnz]

@@Andrew_Sword "Heaven and Heeeelllllll... Iiiiii can teeeeeelllll... Fool, FOOL!" is all I heard when I read Drew's comment

[@gou0630]

I have a question but not sure if I understood correctly, christians say he had to be born from the house of David, however, he is not a descendent of David since Joseph was the one descending from David and since he was not Jesus father that prophecy is wrong too.

[@bournebrawler9012]

Hey man, as a follower of Christ, I just want to say I love watching your videos. Even though we disagree, I appreciate so much the way you approach the topics you talk about. You're not hostile or demeaning like so many others (on both sides) are. You just present the info and your transparent without being manipulative. I'm sorry for all of the "Christians" that have been hateful towards you.

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

I really appreciate this! I didn’t really expect to have a following of this size, so now that I do, I’m trying to set a good example for others (whatever their positions). So hearing this is really encouraging. Thank you for the kind words!

[@Marniwheeler]

Solid attitude. I am trying to do the same and engage on Christian channels, but I am terrible at it. You are a better person then me, keep it up.

@@Marniwheeler I hope that u have a good day sir🌹

[@HouseofBeloved]

I agree! As a Christian myself I deeply appreciate hearing clearly and non-judgmentally the other "side" of folks from the science and history community.

[@arit8009]

As a previously very hostile atheist, many of those people are just hurting. They've often lost family or community. They feel deceived and afraid. It generally takes a while to settle into a whole new viewpoint and way of thinking and they've often left because the flavor of religion they've left says *they* are wrong, or evil, or that things they didn't chose are a sin, or from a place where abusive parents used religion as a form of control and as an excuse for punishment. They're hurt and angry and they sometimes lash out because of it. Eventually you settle down and realize that no one meant you harm, but in that recovery period many people are super vocal because they want to see their friends and family escape something they feel is harmful, or they want their communities back, or they'd like people to not say they're going to hell all the dang time, or something of that nature. Atheists who aren't ex-religious generally aren't hostile.

[@weavehole]

Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes. Then you can say what you like about him as you’ll be a mile away. And you’ve got his shoes!!

[@FakingANerve]

😆🍻 I love it!

[@RickReasonnz]

Ba-dum-TCH!

[@sexagesimalian]

And you'll have his shoes... ... but really, don't wear other people's shoes. It's bad for your feet and posture.

[@Amphibax]

If his feet are a different size you'd probably have really bad time

[@gonzalez990]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n16ln2mfj8yYoaM

[@TheDhammaHub]

As we say in Germany: "Das Werk ist größer als der Künstler" or "The artwork is bigger than the artist". A lot of things change over time; sometimes intentional, sometimes unintentional.

[@latonyasingleton24]

Genüng...

[@trashaimgamer7822]

@@latonyasingleton24 Gewhat?

[@latonyasingleton24]

@@trashaimgamer7822 nüng.

[@dbdist1]

I thought you had a word that means "an artwork that is bigger than the artist".

[@carlosbanderas4238]

Ehrlich gesagt. Höre ich zum ersten Mal.

[@Borishal]

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I was always asking these basic questions, but the answers were never anything other than very superficial. Identify, free will, resurrection, consciousness - very few people around me seemed interested. Eventually I realised that it was totally rubbish and extricated myself. But it does appear that the vast majority of humans don't like challenging dogma, religious, political or cultural. So thinking is not popular.

[@glenngordon2352]

God is supposed to be all powerful. All knowing, knows the future etc. God creates the first two humans. They sin and it's been downhill ever since. The Bible states that God became angry and called out to Adam who was hiding. Why was God angry? Didn't God know all this would happen? Apparently not. Adam playing hide and seek with God? A ridiculous story to say the least. Then God goes on to form armies to rape and plunder city after city. All that business of free will doesn't jive with the fact that the Christian God is supposed to know the future so God should've known that his plan was a bust from the start. I believe in a creator. Not sure who or what it is but it's not the God of the Bible. My opinion.

[@arlittleredfox7671]

Ditto. Welcome to your freedom.

[@Borishal]

@@cewla3348 Various ways. Wrote to JW headquarters, spoke to local elders, discussed with JW friends. Read JW literature. If you have any experience with the organisation yourself, you will know the kind of answers one gets. The JW headquarters used to refer most queries to local elders to answer. Direct questions to local elders gave two types of response depending on whether they were party-line people or more flexible. Friends ditto. In fact, I was regarded as a good source of info on scriptural matters by many in my own congregations. Until I left.

[@cathleenc6943]

My best friend was raised as a Hasidic Jew, and as such his first language is Hebrew. We were talking once and I was curious if what he was taught was translated into english the same as the Old Testament in the Bible. We compared my version of the 23rd Psalm to his, and there was only one difference, the last word, forever. His version ended with "and I will dwell in the house of the Lord." My version added "forever", which highly suggests the difference between viewing this as a promise of a wonderful afterlife and viewing it as a promise of having abundance or peace during actual life.

[@AvaFayIliza]

I'm just imagining Jesus running in, flipping tables, and yelling: "LeeRooyy Jenkins!!"

[@vardiganxpl1698]

Jesus christ!

[@TippleCreations]

Jesus ruined alot of raids, so the romans banned him, but the admins undid it 3 days later, but Jesus just quit playing after that bullshit

[@krthecarguy5150]

@@TippleCreations tbh I would too, the romans were horrible server hosts. They stole from other hosts (like the Greek ones) and pretended they were all great but were just annoying.

[@dude124]

@@TippleCreations mf saw how toxic the server was and chose to play the afterlife dlc area

[@unknownx7252]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Rheologist]

Okay but that "Jesus take the wheel" joke at the start was both genius and hilarious

[@againstsociety5308]

Yesssss😂

[@ultrainstinctgoku2509]

Question Time: Can you prove Jesus Christ never existed? Many believe he existed and his existence was recorded in history. Nov. 16, 2020 A.D. - Today

[@kellydalstok8900]

@@ultrainstinctgoku2509 Jesus only exists in the new testament. The extra biblical mentions are forgeries. Apart from that, no one knows who wrote Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and the writings of Paul apparently don't all have the same writer. None of them were eyewitnesses. Paul only had a vision of Jesus. Check out Richard Carrier and David Fitzgerald.

[@christinafidance340]

@@ultrainstinctgoku2509 NOVEMBER 16th??? I’m confused.

[@ultrainstinctgoku2509]

@@christinafidance340 Oops my bad, I got the Christmas spirit early.

[@HawksFang]

A Christian who grew up on Ken Ham, loving listening to your engaging, and truth-seeking content. You do what so many cannot, and that is to be honest and question things, without attacking people or groups. Love the content, I hope to see more of it for many years to come!

[@fairlightexcalibur6882]

I suppose, but at the same time he completely misses the whole point about what spirituality and religion is all about. It isn't about beliefs, dogma, tradition, or anything that we so cling to in the modern world. Rather, it is realizing the divine nature that dwells within our hearts and minds. So that when we die, we are not afraid of the psychic collapse of the unconscious mind and able to live with the word of God. Pure consciousness. This is expressed directly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and in a more symbolic way in Christianity and Islam. In fact, all religions share this truth. In other words, Genetically Modified Skeptic is just another evangelical who got upset at the fact their denomination has no actual substance to it.

[@K0ZNIK]

@@fairlightexcalibur6882 huh?

[@machetenikki]

Beciase not all pf us have the patience. Inwosh I could be like this man. But my brian short circuits due to the abuse of the church. I wish we could all be this calm. But it's impossible for me. I have zero tolerance for Christian b.s it's not my fault it's Christians fault themselves. Horrible abusive monsters

[@johnpapadopoulos5584]

The latest vids seem to have a bit more humor in them and I love it!

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

People really liked the memes in the last one so I decided to keep that going. I’m glad you liked it!

[@scoliosys8311]

I dig it too. Been studying for hours and need some relief.

[@psuedo_levi]

@@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic thank you for your hard work, your videos brighten up my day 🥺❤️❤️❤️

[@FakingANerve]

@@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic It's 2020. We all need more lightheartedness and humor! Thanks, Drew. 🍻

[@gonzalez990]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n16ln2mfj8yYoaM

[@isaacs.9383]

I’m a Christian studying Biblical Literature in University and I so appreciate your views brother, I think one of the biggest failures of modern Christian thought is the lack of engagement with the outside world to learn the views of others which Early Church did very often. Love you man

[@penboyasgod6103]

Are you trying to be a comedian?

[@abdimojo8794]

@@penboyasgod6103 I had to read it twice. This man would be flayed.

[@roguepsykerhaaker4813]

@@abdimojo8794 that's going a bit far mate. Well actually that's going really far

[@roguepsykerhaaker4813]

that's really cool of you, speaking as someone who really loves to talk to people who disagree with me it's nice to see someone else of the same persuasion

[@jaya1000]

I think its their marriage with politicians in attempt to create a christo fascist nation thats driving people out of church. The LGBT bigotry was more than enough for me.

[@lottolearn6658]

Didn't learn this much way back when I was a Christian. As an agnostic myself, I love studying all perspectives about theologies and atheism. Funny to think that I learned much, much more about the bible and other religions when I undergo deconstruction. Thanks for making these kind of vids with full transparency and without manipulation or shades about the other side. ❤️

[@rhysqqq]

You weren't manipulated but you were fooled. Why do you think these "Christians" were so opposed by the rest of Christians? It's because they aren't on equal footing. One is biblical, the other is heretical. Check out Mike Winger and learn what Christianity is. Even if you went to church before, you didn't learn from that church, probably they were a lost flock from the sounds of it.

[@OscarEqualsLove]

One of my all time favorites in the Jesus stories is how his followers admit they didn’t recognize him when he “resurrected”. Even in my 10 year old mind I was like hmmm maybe they don’t recognize him bc it’s some other person pretending to be him. He had to convince his disciples it was really him by showing his wounds and that was good enough for them. He didn’t look like he used to but he does have wounds on his hands and feet so it must be him… just so weird they left that in there. Makes them sound like complete idiots

[@benjalucian1515]

Excellent point. Pretenders were a thing back then as well. Even someone as famous and supposedly well known by sight emperor Nero had pretenders show up years later pretending to be him. In a culture with no photographic technology, people rarely had themselves depicted on mediums. especially not the poor people. Even Judas had to identify Jesus with a kiss because despite his so-called popularity, the soldiers didn't know who Jesus was on sight.

[@ussinussinongawd516]

@@benjalucian1515 yo conspiracTEA TIME¿?

[@johnkerr1113]

well spotted even for a 10 year old!.. hahah

[@Iacca]

That's a really good point. I hadn't thought about that.

[@loturzelrestaurant]

@@Iacca Know Prophet of Zod?

[@eugenecoleman8525]

@Genetically modified skeptic I thought you might be interested to hear this feedback. My brother is a devout Methodist, and as an electric and computer engineering post doctorate researcher he's good at researching things like this. He has done a lot of study in to the early christian church. I say all this so you can get an idea of the type of person he is. Anyway the point is I showed this video to him to get his opinion. He said he really enjoyed the video, and that he thought you did a great job of just laying out the the fact in an objective and unbiased way, covering most of the important points. I told him afterwards that you are an atheist for transparency sake and he said he's interested to check out more of your content. Just thought you might like to hear the feedback. Keep up the great content.

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

How cool! I hope he enjoys the other videos he checks out. 😊

[@J_A_M_D]

I'm really digging these early Christian history/ perspectives videos

[@E3WEINER]

When I was 8 I was told by another 3rd grader that I was going to go to hell because I wasn’t baptized. It was a little traumatizing. Looking back, she was definitely repeating what her parents said. Idk if she believes that now.

[@elijahtrent21]

Remember the thief on the cross wasn’t baptized.

[@FakingANerve]

@@elijahtrent21 exactly! He was the best whistler in "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life."

[@LittleMissLion]

Was this friend Mormon?

[@kathryngeeslin9509]

When I was 10 or 11 my best friend told me we couldn't be friends anymore because it hurt too much to know a close friend was going to Hell. She was Church of Christ (the one with no instruments in church, no swimming in public pools), while I attended Baptist, and I understood as I had long recognized her pain in her father's not belonging to her Church. This was 60 years ago, but there's still a lot of this kind of pain going on, inflicted on children and adults alike.

[@E3WEINER]

@@LittleMissLion I honestly don’t remember. I don’t think so because a year later I became really good friends with another girl who was Mormon. Granted that doesn’t mean anything. I think at times my friend tried to convert me to Mormonism (she gave me the Book of Mormon as a gift, I went to church with her family plenty of times) but I was too oblivious to it. With a Jewish dad and a Catholic mom I was so used to observing different religions without actually being a part of them. I just saw going to church with them as a reason to stay over an extra night lol.

[@asherong909]

I am Christian but open-minded. I like this channel because it approaches topics like this like without feelings and doesn’t come out rude or stuff like that that I don’t think all people in general can do. Keep up the good work!

[@mikezeestraten7000]

Finally, someone young and interesting an old guy can listen to.

[@sonja4164]

LOL I feel ya on that

[@pattyclifton7905]

An old GIRL, as well! I'm 68. I just wish he'd slow down a bit, so I'd have a little more time to process what he's saying..lol

[@mikezeestraten7000]

@@pattyclifton7905 FYI. Do you use pause,(space bar), reverse(arrow left), forward (arrow right)? Tapping the arrow forward or arrow back changes the video at 5 second clips. You can use the pause (space bar) in combination with back or forward keys too.

[@pattyclifton7905]

@@mikezeestraten7000 No, I did not know that. Thank you so much for that info!☺️

[@Carl_Frank]

@@mikezeestraten7000 Also, if you click the gear icon (found in the bottom right corner of the playback window when you move your cursor over it), you will get the option to adjust the playback speed, making him slower (and drunk-sounding).

[@Greenicegod]

I love the theology of the Marcionites! Basically accepting all the weird shit from the old testament, but inventing a new god to oppose it. Truly a stroke of genius. It has the ring of a fantasy novel like Mistborn or The Black Prism. Even Lord of the Rings, if you think of Sauron as a god...

[@dom11949]

or joseph smith

[@daistoke1314]

A lot of early Christians found the OT really weird, and found it hard to see it as being at all related to Christ. I think Sauron would regard the OT God as being a bit over the top.

[@silvertail7131]

I just find it odd that, for a dead sect which was berated by those whose ideas became the orthodox, a lot of their ideas remind me a of modern christianity. Feels like they rubbed off on those who remained a little bit

[@ilmt]

It sounds way more logical than the version today. I wonder if I would end up being a Christian if this version prevailed - as one of my main problems was the contrast between the god of old testament killing nations, having favourites, testing his followers, allowing or even promoting slavery, etc. while we were told that it is the perfect father, the endless, merciful love.

[@daistoke1314]

@@ilmt a few years back I got into early church history, more from a historical than theological aspect. I was surprised to find how irrelevant the OT was in the early church. One writer pointed out that for most of history the majority of the Christians (and everyone else) were illiterate. Apart from church professionals people received their teaching verbally and it is highly probable that most of the teaching at first was purely about Christ and salvation. The church when it became bigger and more powerful had to start setting up structures for church management and many of the epistles are about how to run a church as well as "theology". Once you have a church you need rules, so rules became as, or more, important than theology. The church cherry picked bits of the OT that suited them and ignored the bits (like the laws about diet and clothing) that were inconvenient. Even today a lot of preachers can quote the few verses in the OT about homosexuality, and have never read verses in the same book about mixing fibres in clothing. (Anyone ever heard a sermon about not wearing polycotton shirts? Lol). For the first few hundred years it is highly likely that Christian theology consisted of "Christ saves us so love God, and your neighbour. ". Remember Christ's words (or what we have recorded as his words) should be sufficient for salvation, if such a thing exists, because that's all most Christians had for hundreds of years.

[@shoesncheese]

That ending on empathy is exactly what we need today. We aren't tribes and "others" we are just people who were born in a specific place and time. The thought you should always have is "if circumstances were different, that could be me" and use that to understand or try to understand. Even if you cannot figure out how someone ended up believing what they believe, at least you can know that you are not better (or worse) than them. You are just a person, same as them.

[@sarahcousins4258]

Love this comment

[@outlawJosieFox]

Well said. The other thing we need to realise is that no human being survived alone. Rugged individualism did not build America - cooperative endeavour is at least as crucial as competition.

[@anhedonianepiphany5588]

@@outlawJosieFox Why use the building of America as your example?!? Until you lose your Americocentrism you'll be ignoring all but a miniscule amount of human cooperation. It seems that the forest is obscuring your view of the trees.

[@bidentrump1179]

@@anhedonianepiphany5588 because people use what they're familiar with when giving examples or just talking in general. Maybe you shouldn't bash every American for being an American. Aka, take your own advice.

[@mcarrowtime7095]

@@anhedonianepiphany5588 according to your rules, he can’t use any examples. If he had used the unification of Britain, it would be anglocentrism, if he had used the Roman expansion, it would have been latincentrism, etc.

[@ephramwalton]

I grew up in church. I wish I had realized early on that what I was taught is just one concept that started with an ancient group of people and grew over time. For me, Christian supernatural beliefs are no more real then any other ancient mythology/beliefs and should be looked at that way.

[@christianmarx3249]

i realized 4 months ago ...im 27 years old

[@paganphil100]

@@christianmarx3249 : Better late than never :-)

[@cdogthehedgehog6923]

@@christianmarx3249 The brainwashing can be pretty thorough. The fact you pulled out of it at all speaks of your rational fortitude.

[@tacitozetticci9308]

@@christianmarx3249 How are you doing now?

[@christianmarx3249]

@@tacitozetticci9308 thx for asking. I leaved my church and because of this i lost all my "friends". But im happy today. because im just become friends with people how accept me how i am, not what i am.

[@MusicAndDogs]

You shouldn’t have to dread your comment section, Drew. This is an important conversation and your videos are great. Thank you.

[@newbiegaming6090]

It's a collateral effect from dealing too much with internet's bullshit. People get scarred.

[@newbiegaming6090]

@RDE Lutherie They don't "have to dread" anything. People should learn to not be awful.

[@barbararipani1331]

So true. I am so glad you said that.

[@biggripper9795]

@@newbiegaming6090 learn to not be awful? That is a fairy tale utopia.

[@gonzalez990]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n16ln2mfj8yYoaM

[@corwin32]

I think my favorite Jesus question is from Prophet of Zod: “Did Jesus get hangry?”

[@ProjectEchoshadow]

He did, have you forgotten the Fig Tree?

[@zemoxian]

@@ProjectEchoshadow That poor tree.

[@gordonsirek9001]

I've asked if Jesus had a perfect human male body did he get erections.?

[@alexanderx33]

@@gordonsirek9001 Assuming Jesus never choked the chicken, he must have occasionally woken up sheets wetted with his holy seed. And this (passes the unfiltered rice wine) is my man yogurt.

[@gordonsirek9001]

@@alexanderx33 Could you imagine the lucky virgin, male or female, who got to swallow that?

[@LearnAboutFlow]

Christmas is coming up. You know Christmas, it's the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Just ignore the fact the Bible says Jesus was born in the spring, and December 25th was one of the more popular pagan holidays.

[@alexmorgan2148]

I love this guy 😂🤣

[@davinci4299]

We dont talk about that, just enjoy the holiday

[@alexmorgan2148]

@@davinci4299 enjoy it all you want, it's all based on a lie propagated by the catholic church to take away from a holiday that had nothing to do with their deity

[@E3WEINER]

My dad is Jewish and he loves Christmas. For him, and all of us kids, it’s not about the religious aspect but about spreading cheer and goodwill and spending time with the family. We even go caroling.

[@LearnAboutFlow]

@@E3WEINER What does that have to do with what I posted? You do realize the purpose of this channel, right?

[@petersilktube]

I was somewhat driven away from skepticism - not as a methodology or set of beliefs about the world, but as a movement - in the last decade just because I found elements of it to be cruel, mean-spirited, not as devoted to critical thinking as they might claim, and more interested in feeling intellectually superior than actually conveying ideas. So I have to admit it was with some reluctance that I decided to click on one of your videos when it came into my feed. I'm glad that I did, because since starting to watch them, I have found your style to be calm, reasoned, informative but also very human, empathetic, and just what I would consider a good example for people wanting to approach these topics in a less immediately confrontational way. Good work.

[@BionicDance]

Thing is...we're living in a material world, and I am a material girl.

[@benjaminmarks8765]

You know it!

[@gonzalez990]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n16ln2mfj8yYoaM

[@BionicDance]

@@bobgapper2234 So... _not_ A Madonna fan, then?

[@gelbadayah.sneach579]

Some gods bless me Some gods damn me I think they're not real If they don't give me evidence then I see no appeal And scriptural quotes don't do it for me. Every religion has scriptures to quote and I have yet to see one presenting evidence for itself that is not equally effective at proving the others. For example, I've seen the Kalam Cosmological Argument used as evidence for Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and multiple 'pagan' religions. Likewise, "Just look at creation in all it's majesty! How can you look at that and say there is/are no god/gods?" is a phrase that could be said by anyone proposing any deity. My question to anyone trying to convert me is "Show me something to prove the truth of your claims that no other religion can. I'm honestly listening!"

[@bobgapper2234]

@Black lodge Who cares what you have to say.

[@joegillian314]

I always have to laugh when ancient theology makes more sense than modern theology.

[@onijester56]

It's specifically because 'ancient theology', and really ancient philosophic sects, held the discourse and dialogue that today is taken for granted. Zeus was literally famous for fucking damn near everyone and everything, with his wife Hera being a vindictive jealous wife who would punish everyone and everything Zeus slept with. And with most of Jesus' ministry taking place during the Roman occupation of what we recognize as "the Middle-East", this meant most of his converts were finally happy to have a god that wasn't bipolar...but they couldn't presume Yahweh being an "omnipotent, omniscient, benevolent" divinity solely on the basis of his being a god. They had to explain why Yahweh/Jesus was different from Zeus and Poseidon and Hades and all those other selfish ass-hats...etc.

[@joegillian314]

@@Lerian_V Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Lerian_V]

@@joegillian314 You're welcome. I hope you find it enlightening like I did.

[@Limemill]

It’s funny how Yahweh is actually more bipolar than any of the Greek or Norse gods who are more or less consistent are mostly just superpowered humans. Whereas Yahweh is like a bipolar, manipulative, narcissistic parent drunk on power who craftily and with a lot of sadism engrains learned helplessness and the Stockholm syndrome in his “children”

[@leeroberts4850]

@@onijester56 I'm sorry but have you read the Bible the Yahweh Jesus deity is no less a selfish a****** then Zeus Poseidon and Hades the dude literally killed job's wife children slaves which he approved of people having and livestock in order to win a bet against the devil but didn't understand how gambling worked so God was the one who caused Joe's life to suck so that job would lose his faith what she did and then after job lost his faith causing God to lose the BET God cheated opens the sky and presented evidence of his existence argued a point that one of Joe's friends made and then called all of his friends assholes including the one who said God just does stuff and you can't understand why . We do know why God claims the reason job lost all his s*** is because of an infallible reason that nobody could comprehend and yet we read the beginning of the story so we know it was because of a bet that's not a hard thing to understand The book of Job itself is timeless which is distinct from all the other books in the Old testament in that it could literally take place anytime or anywhere there are no specifics to pinpoint it to a geographic place or a point in history. Some scholars have argued that the book of Job is actually a critique of theology in general being disguised as a pro theism story

[@johnkay1391]

Dude, your video's are amazing! I'm an ex-Mormon, yeah glad I'm out of that cult. Your insights and experiences have helped give me solidarity and hope and this video is, brilliantly interesting. You are always so balanced and kind and empathetic (I realise these videos are a snapshot of who and what you are but still...) more people like you in the world would do a lot of good, I am still working through some of my deconstruction issues and finding myself, so sometimes can be quite angry or hateful but it's a journey, anyway I'm rambling, THANK YOU!!!

[@arlittleredfox7671]

Me? JW. I'm out, too. Welcome to your freedom.

[@brandonkennedy4160]

Welcome to the best part of the rest of your life! Lol. So proud of anyone who can get out of that cold!

[@misterkite]

Here's one from me: was there a run on Jesus's furniture after he started doing sermons? Surely that'd be a hot commodity.. not every day you can get a chair made by God. I bet it never wobbled and had a great patina.

[@TX-RED22]

The Eternal chair of the most Holy 😂😂

[@admiralmu4353]

@@TX-RED22 The unwashed holy clothes and the used holy bath water would sell for a lotta money.

[@LordBLB]

I've actually had that conversation with my wife. My theory is, the actual "Holy Grail" was a chair or book case that Jesus made when he was a carpenter. XD Just for laughs of course. But the mental picture I get from it is hysterical to me.

[@CainLatrani]

The lower lumbar support was divine.

[@MarianaBossRamirez]

@@CainLatrani 😂😂😂

[@spkernal]

When christians ask me " Don't you want to go to heaven?" I say " No, I won't know anybody."

[@digitalbookworm5678]

@@Laredef54 Ah... ...to go to heaven and be completely surrounded by... ... Jehovah's Witnesses 😵

[@digitalbookworm5678]

"Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company." Mark Twain

[@digitalbookworm5678]

@@Laredef54 whatever

[@jmanpolo5611]

@@Laredef54 the amount of pain and suffering that comes from the JW's is a huge turn off for me.. sorry

[@lyndawilliams8434]

@@Laredef54 How about the 'believe or we will turn on you and throw you out, and never speak to you again, even if you are family?' Pretty threatening dontcha think? Do this or else? Anything that breaks up families over belief has got to be evil.

[@kimathy4341]

I remember when someone first told me the way Revelations was about ancient politics and, even though I was agnostic at that point, having been raised Christian, I had such a negative visceral reaction. I'm so glad I'm at a point where I can actually learn the history of the religion I was raised in. I'd love to see more videos of this kind!

[@chelseav6184]

Interesting information here; thank you for sharing. Even as a former Christian who studied Christian theology in school, I knew there had been a lot of disagreement on doctrine from the beginning, but I didn't know it was to this extent.

[@soulofash2112]

"Me, pagans, Darwin, Carl Sagan, the guys that invented Pokemon, we had a get together planned!" ded. Just straight ded.

[@flarewolf]

The thing is I thought we weren't supposed to talk about it though because it's funny to see Christians threaten us with something we're looking forward to. EDIT: as I was typing my finger slipped and I accidentally hit post halfway through so I had to edit to finish typing it.

[@soulofash2112]

@@flarewolf Nah man, you're thinking Fight Club. SHIT. Just broke the first two rules.

[@3ch1dna07]

I planned on it being the only place I would be able to afford waterfront property.

[@debbys-abqnm4537]

I suspect a lot of folks who aren't guys would have enjoyed attending that get together as well.

[@soulofash2112]

@@debbys-abqnm4537 I suspect he was using "guys" in the extremely general, as in "alright guys, get in the car." You know, similar to "I'm a dude, he's a dude, she's a dude, cause we're all dudes."

[@moonhuggyadventures]

Literally was getting so bored at the gym and then you come out of nowhere and save the day. From one Drew to another, thank you

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

I got you bro 👊

[@moonhuggyadventures]

@@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic my mannnn 😎👊 as an ex Christian who's been on a long journey for truth, I've greatly enjoyed your videos these last years so thank you brudduh

[@Kevin-cy2dr]

Bro do you even lift

[@moonhuggyadventures]

@@Kevin-cy2dr Tacos, straight into my mouth every Friday Short answer: kinda sorta

[@Nickodemo1st]

@@moonhuggyadventures I hope you went hard and THEN went home😂

[@spookyshark632]

I'm actually shocked that the demiurge theory didn't win out over the perfect yahweh theory. It just makes so much more intuitive sense.

[@markharc7615]

Especially since Yahweh in the OT is a bloodlust, crazy, idiotic SOB.

[@blairleighton3343]

@@markharc7615 Well what do you expect from a bronze age war god ffs. ♧🍺

[@shroomzed2947]

I’m an atheist but I quite like the gnostic Christian sects.

[@andrewprahst2529]

The immediately intuitive answer isn't always the answer with the most going for it.

[@andrewprahst2529]

@Decem _ Lol I love your response. Where do you hang out online?

[@KiraNightshade]

This was so cool! I'm agnostic now but grew up Catholic and remember learning about a little bit of this in Church History. Only the basics that early Christians disagreed on if Jesus was fully human or fully divine. We may have been given a little more info, but unfortunately I can see more that the natural bias of modern theological belief made it hard to comprehend the old beliefs and they did not dive into this depth. So this was very educational. Hope you do more of this kind of thing. :)

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

Look at the extensive work of Augustine for just one example - early Christians argued fiercely about every aspect of the faith (still do honestly)

[@josephturner4047]

Imagine Joseph right, going back to work after the Christmas holiday and telling his mates on the building site the sprog looked nothing like him

[@xano2921]

Jesus wasn't born during Christmas tho

[@user-ft7fq4ou4v]

@@xano2921 I mean, Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus, it's just that the roman church moved it to Winter so that it could be more similar to pagan religion to make it easier to convert them. Prior to that change, Christmas probably was when Jesus was born, and so Joseph would have been coming back from the first ever Christmas holiday, confused about why so many other men, and all those sheep, turned up to watch his virgin wife give birth. And he probably would have wondered why his kid didn't look anything like him, and maybe why the baby looked so... Sheepish...

[@alexanderofrhodes9622]

Marcianites: "My gods kid can beat up your god"

[@themedia1271]

@Eastern fence Lizard Yuh huh!

[@Llortnerof]

@Eastern fence Lizard Can too!

[@Llortnerof]

​@Eastern fence Lizard You take that back, or i'll send my army of Jesus clones at you!

[@Handsomeanthony68]

As a Christian, I appreciate your channel’s non-hostile and often educational look at Christian theology. I actually hadn’t considered these questions before, so it’s refreshing to have new things to consider! Thank you! Edit: coming back to this later, I wish I had paid attention to the comment notifications, and I also wish the commenters had a similar attitude to the guy in the video.

[@serpentinewolf7085]

Have you read the entire Holy Bible?

[@Oxideist]

@@serpentinewolf7085 I have, and most of the ideas presented in Christian Gnosticism were new to me as of a few days ago. The current version of the bible post council doesn't really lend itself to these ideas because the proto-orthodox church wanted them gone. Can't blame people for not knowing something exists that was specifically wiped out so that they wouldn't learn it.

[@healer246]

@@Oxideist how can you worship a God that glorifies slavery? Not trying to be offensive, just honest

[@myronmason8170]

@@healer246 God does not glorify slavery.

[@healer246]

@@myronmason8170 have you read your Bible? Exodus gives instructions on how to own and treat slaves.

[@adsta5]

So interesting. Thank you. You know I think this is why so many theists attack science and try to paint it as a competing theology, because it is brutally honest, even about itself when it gets it wrong. Religion on the other hand can't tolerate being wrong because that casts doubt which weakens faith.

[@m4641]

As John MacArthur puts it regarding young 🌎 creation, "to question the Bible 6 day creation is a slippery slope." Paraphrased... It's akin to putting your head in the sand or plugging your ears to keep the sound from entering. Question everything but at the end of the we each have to respond to the questions, "was Jesus who he claimed to be and did he truly rise from the dead."

[@choch72]

The fact doubt is an essential part of faith shows you speak of what you do not understand.

[@k7450]

@@choch72 perhaps the original commenter should have said "uncomfortable doubt", just to really spell it out for those who don't understand what he's saying, like you.

[@daistoke1314]

@@m4641 best quote (probably apocryphal) about young earth v old earth. A very old Christian who had only been taught creationism had a new pastor, who explained that God actually created the universe over thousands and millions of years. The old feller thought about it and said. "I had a builder doing my roof who was like that, took ages to get the job done and still left some leaks". A pastor told me that when explaining why he never taught creation.

[@MarkMetEenC]

Don't mind me, just commenting to appease the algorithm.

[@AjSmit1]

This is good.

[@tonypollock9900]

Hmmmm🤔

[@WhiteCamry]

Gloria in excelsis Algoritmo.

[@horrorAk]

Naise

[@TallHorseVideos]

for the algorithm!

[@rrbaggett7]

You're an excellent communicator, Drew. I encourage you to stay the course; you are helping countless people. With gratitude, Rebecca

[@cyansloth1763]

When I was a kid I thought he was a mommy and daddy (kid speak) and that god abused him like my parents abused me and he was an internal character that would comfort me. Sad I know, but I thus have an emotional attachment to that hippie Jesus image. Sighs. Horrible humans. I freakin love learning history of religion though- thank you for sharing !

[@AmbushTricks]

Wow, what a cool insight. Actually appreciate you sharing that.

[@MatiasIsasmendi]

XD

[@crypt5129]

@@MatiasIsasmendi Bruh why are you laughing at domestic abuse

[@MatiasIsasmendi]

@@crypt5129 because I am a bad person, cold and without feelings 😎

[@crypt5129]

@@MatiasIsasmendi Edge

[@BrianGay57]

I don’t know how I missed this when it first aired, but I also find church history and the evolution of religion fascinating. I am no longer a Christian but I still find it fascinating. The evolution from polytheism to monotheism shown in the OT is just fascinating. The story of Jericho is fascinating when one realizes that it was long in ruins before the OT story about it was written. It’s a story made up to explain the ruins that they had found. The story of Lot’s wife is one interesting explanation for the pillars of salt that can be found around the dead sea. Fascinating stuff for a history buff like myself.

[@benjalucian1515]

Indeed - much like Sodom. Sodom means "burned place". Obviously this was just a name given to some ruins that looked burned and locals made up a morality tale about what happened to the town and the people who lived there.

[@darlalathan6143]

So, that's how those really happened!

[@vjara94]

Then you might be interested in religion for breakfast if you don't know it already, it has great videos in early Christian church history and also about other religions

[@bloopboop9320]

Jericho fell somewhere between 1600-1200 BCE right? Joshua claims to be somewhere between 1400-1200 BCE right? I'm confused as to how those don't overlap..

[@BrianGay57]

@@bloopboop9320 I don’t have the exact dates in front of me, but there is no overlap. Jericho was one of the very earliest known cities. It was in ruins long before the book of Joshua was written. The best info I can find says that Jericho fell c. 1500 BCE or c. 1580 BCE. This was corroborated in 1995 by radiocarbon tests which dated the destruction level to the late 17th or 16th centuries BCE. It is not known when the Book of Joshua was written, but it cannot have been written before roughly 1200 BC, as the events described in the book occur then. I hope this helps.

[@hoffmanshaven]

“Turn your hoodie into a turtleneck” I’M DYING!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@penboyasgod6103]

Here's another: Circumcision is a "covenant" with "god." _Just WTF is "god" going to do with all that DEAD SKIN over the centuries? Remember, they don't like the use of stem cells!_

[@Artemis_666]

The people whos hoodies turned into turtelnecks are too

[@jacobglenn4152]

"I like to picture Jesus as a ninja fighting evil samurai" - Texas Ranger Bobby

[@KillerCammy85]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Viking_Luchador]

"I like to think of Jesus like with giant eagle's wings, and singing lead vocals for Lynyrd Skynyrd with like an angel band, and I'm in the front row, and I'm hammered drunk..." --Cal Naughton, Jr.

[@bigbadspikey]

Ninjesus!

[@jacobglenn4152]

@@Viking_Luchador Cal Naughton, Jr. : There is something I want to get off my chest. It's about that summer, when you went away to community college. I got an offer to do Playgirl Magazine, and I did it. I did a full spread for Playgirl Magazine. I mean spread man, I pulled my butt apart and stuff. I was totally nude. it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.

[@Viking_Luchador]

@@jacobglenn4152 best part of that was apparently Ricky retained this information while he was "comatose" ☝🏻

[@mysticheathen3455]

This is why I like you. I may be Christian, but I love theology and philosophy discussions. You are truly an atheist and not an anti-theist. While I still hold firm to my beliefs, I still learn a lot from watching your videos. They aren't filled with anti theist hatred, so it's a breath of fresh air.

[@METALMAGGOT777]

One can hate Christianity without hating Christians. I can find religion disgusting without berating my Christian family members. I have even capitalized the word "Christian" out of respect, and hold no animosity towards religious people in general. People believe all sorts of things, it's all about respect.

[@METALMAGGOT777]

@James Bringle I have a relationship with them because they are good people. They all have their flaws, and some have hurt me. However, they have apologized and hold themselves accountable. There are evil people everywhere, and I condemn them all regardless of there religious predilections. Anybody who doesn't accept responsibility for their actions is not worthy of my respect, and my family has earned it.

[@sneakysnake2330]

@James Bringle Part of faith in christ is your actions. The act of praying means nothing in itself if one doesn't make a conscious effort to be better. Not "be perfect" but to really try and be better. Jesus tells also to forgive others as he forgives us.

[@ace4548]

In my oppion religion shouldn’t exists but Idc if they believe I just think that it makes people do stupid things

[@mysticheathen3455]

@@ace4548 I think stupid people use religion as an excuse. But they have to twist it first, in order to make it fit their agenda.

[@CurlsOfCourtney]

Yo Bart Ehrman’s “misquoting jesus” book is also so bomb - had to read it in a class for grad school!!!

[@Deris87]

I've always thought Marcion's take on Christianity was a lot more coherent, and certainly more appealing from a story telling perspective. No bending over backwards and twisting yourself into knots to explain how a "loving" god would drown every baby and puppy on the planet, and order his followers to commit genocide but keep the virgins as war loot.

[@zelenisok]

The mentioned Ebionites, along with some small Jewish pre-Jesus groups, seem to have accepted a different version of the Hebrew Bible, which didn't contain violent and oppressive commandments etc.. Some ancient sources mention such groups existing, noting that their version of the Hebrew Bible doesn't contain commandments of animal sacrifices. And also when we see how historical sources describe the ethics of the Essenes it's very different from the ethics present in the official version of the Hebrew Bible, but eerily similar to the ethics of Jesus and first Christians (no animal sacrifice and violence in general, no slavery and servitude, no oaths, some of them lived communally).

[@gonzalez990]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n16ln2mfj8yYoaM

[@MultiBOZA]

But that's not exactly Marcion's idea, since we actually don't know what Marcion personally said or wrote. This politheistic version of Christianity is usually called Gnosticism, and there are some surviviny ancient texts that contain its teachings (such as the Gospel of Judas) but not a single one of them is by Marcion.

[@Deris87]

@@MultiBOZA I'm no expert on this topic, but my understanding from Ehrman was that Marcionites and Gnostics were similar but distinct sects. They both believed that Jesus was sent by a benevolent spiritual god, and that Yahweh was a lesser, malevolent being. They differed a fair bit in the specifics though.

[@MultiBOZA]

@@Deris87 Gnostic teachings had been lost for almost many centuries, but their texts were rediscovered just a few years ago. However, the teachings of Marcion remain lost, so we don't even know what those "specifics" are.

[@arielle2745]

Excellent analysis! I’ll be recommending this to a friend who keeps asking me questions about how the early Christians thought about “the divine.” It’s a difficult subject because so much documentation from those days has not survived. Your video gave insight and hints at just how different and diverse early Christianity was.

[@TheAshric]

As a former devout catholic turned polytheist I love your videos and the thoughts that you inspire. Please keep up the work

[@angelamurphy9472]

“We had a get together plan, and now it’s all ruined!” I laughed out loud!!! Love your videos. Thanks ☺️

[@irrelevant_noob]

13:13

[@aboutreligion9279]

"If I were educated in their historical context [e.g. Marcionite, Ebionite or any other sect] I would probably find myself in agreement with them. This is an idea that I try to carry with me day to day. Disagreements are to be expected but if I do my best to empathize it is clear, that most people shaped by circumstance are doing their best to answer life’s big questions just as I am." - Sir, i take my hat off to you!

[@steveswangler6373]

@About Religion depends what you think "life's big questions" are. i have one big question when it comes to religion. since all babies are born as atheists, if they were never exposed to "god" or "religion" would they live as atheist or invent a god/gods and the ensuing religion?

[@dreamgoat8180]

@@steveswangler6373 I can kinda answer that. Raised 5 kids without religion. Anytime they questioned something we used science and logic to figure out an answer. If there was something we couldn't explain, not one of them created a supernatural source. Without understanding the science behind what seems mysterious, they might have, though.

[@Lerian_V]

@@steveswangler6373 Religion is innate in human beings. Everyone is religious but worship different gods. Christianity claims to have the most accurate understanding of the one true god - 'God'.

[@Lerian_V]

@@dreamgoat8180 Have they asked you where the laws/order of nature come from?

[@dreamgoat8180]

@@Lerian_V yes, but not, perhaps, in the way adults ask the same question. With my kids, it's as simple as, ,'is that how you want to be treated? How about someone you love?" When asked about the laws of nature, well, that's always scientifically proven, but we understand we don't have all the answers for every bit of the universe, and that's ok, because we may have a solvable mystery, or we have a mystery that begs to be solved. Not sure that's the answer you were looking for, and there have been mind stalling moments of childrens' depth of questions, we just never use supernatural answers as a possibility. No judgement on others, it's just that not every person/family needs it or finds it helpful. Thank you for asking a real question rather than some kind of accusation or insult or something. I love conversation, not arguing as much, lol.

[@pohkeee]

I adore your tone and approach! In today’s sea of aggressive talk and animosity, you are a superbly calming balm.

[@godsknite]

I've said it before, and still say it. You do a pretty good job on your homework. As a student of theology, I have heard all of these questions, but likely because I went through seminary, so I'm glad you've done a good job of bringing a reader's digest version for most people to be able to adequately understand. Thanks!

[@bwanakelvin5555]

This is by far one of your best work. Loved every bit of it!

[@BradleyVanTreese]

I love this channel’s content. It’s thoughtfully crafted and really well presented. Please keep up the good work.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

"...who didn't want to turn their hoodie into a turtleneck" I'm still giggling 🤣🤣

[@patchso]

Linda Ciccoli: Only just got that one :-)

[@ultrainstinctgoku2509]

Question Time: Can you prove Jesus Christ never existed? Many believe he existed and his existence was recorded in history. Dec. 16, 2020 A.D. - Today

[@boba4]

@@ultrainstinctgoku2509 Can you prove unicorns don't exist? Or the little guy on the Lucky Charms box? Same deal, it's impossible to prove a negative. And I've seen these supposed "records" ripped to shreds by actual historians.

[@ultrainstinctgoku2509]

@@boba4 Prove a negative? 1-2=-1 Unicorns are considered myth and fantasy fiction by pretty much everyone that knows better (common knowledge). Unicorns could have existed once upon a time, but that time is non existent in this time, and there is no evidence that supports their existence, so unicorns don't exist. The lucky charms leprachaun, or Sir Charms is a fictional cartoon like character that's a mascot for cereal. Also that cereal is magically delicious (common knowledge).

[@ultrainstinctgoku2509]

@@boba4 So I answered your questions, can you answer mine or are you "lacking" the ability to do so?

[@jmaniak1]

Go to heaven for the climate, go to hell for the company. Mark Twain

[@318intime3]

This is one of the most stupid things I've ever heard

[@iamthatiam4637]

Mark twain was a free mason. They apparently had secret knowledged of the world and knew the truth in everything. Do any of them exist tho.

[@draco_1876]

@@318intime3 heaven is literally a prison to worship god

[@318intime3]

@@draco_1876 You don't understand what you're talking about. Clearly.

[@draco_1876]

@@318intime3 It is. You probably read your book not even knowing your god has a dad. Eternal happiness is just as bad as eternal pain

[@Loki_Yogi]

The Indian account of Jesus and his travels are some of the most interesting stories I've ever heard. The one that's very believable to me, is the one that Jesus was enlightened from his years spent with a guru in his early years. It explains so much. 🙏

[@theCommentDevil]

Jesus was a Buddhist for sure

[@Jarige2]

May I ask why you think it's so convincing?

[@Uncle-Mike]

Like just now, when I questioned out loud: "Jesus Christ! Has Drew always been a redhead?!?"

[@AMikeStein]

Drew’s a soulless ginger? No wonder he’s atheist!! :)

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

Just a trick of the lighting I’m afraid

[@davinci4299]

@@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic Our god Drew would never be a ginger

[@fukpoeslaw3613]

@@davinci4299 Drew's a God?!?

[@AMikeStein]

@@fukpoeslaw3613 See this is how it starts!! In 500 years people will look back on this time and claim Drew had supernatural powers and that everyone prayed to him as the one true KZbinr!

[@techaushguy786]

This is super interesting. I learned a ton. I keep thinking your channel has covered everything and then you keep improving and bringing me back and peeking my interest all over again

[@thomasjefferson7655]

The humor really hits the spot... Keep up the great work

[@konstantinoschristou3701]

Thank you for all. May you be well.

[@SirDigbyChickenCaesar]

Thanks for blowing my ears out with that "more you know" part.

[@philipgardner5171]

LOL when you posed the question about whether Jesus had a physical body, my first thought was “ah, the whole ‘did Jesus poop?’ Question” lol.

[@philipgardner5171]

@@nothanks6549 imagine baby Jesus being a fussy eater. “He’s the son of god, but he won’t eat his darned vegetables. All he keeps doing is taking 2 pieces of candy and making them multiply” Baby Jesus, I thought I had put water in your goblet. Where did this wine come from? Baby Jesus are you drunk? Don’t lie to me baby Jesus.

[@pd4165]

It's a great question to ask - why would a god not just stop the pissing...and if you don't need to piss why do you need to eat, you're a god and can make anything happen. And why do you need to start as a baby? And what about his 'lady pleaser'? I'm considering inviting JWs into the house to discuss these important ideas, for S&Gs.

[@ericscaillet6087]

@@philipgardner5171 with all this humor ,God's reality is shown...

[@hullie7529]

@@pd4165 Christian theology teaches that the incarnated Jesus was 100% human, so we can logically assume he did all those things although the Bible doesn't go into detail, but we know one of the points of being incarnate was to go through the same pain and hardships as humans do so that would include getting hungry and a fully functional body.

[@justarshad8354]

Yeah but christians will say "he humble himself on earth" I swear they are the most funny people among all the believers

[@michellek50]

I am a Buddhist. Thank you for your videos. This would be an interest topic in Buddhist Eastern religions

[@bibaolaitan5189]

I like your religion...

[@nonami_066xswqoqowiwl]

biba olaitan No even buddhism has hell and heaven

[@bibaolaitan5189]

@@nonami_066xswqoqowiwl and so.. still better than Christianity and Islam

[@bibaolaitan5189]

@Paul Miller ikr..

[@ritamganguly6346]

@Paul Miller the problem is that even buddhism as a organized religion evolves into something bigoted and violent that harms minorities .like buddhists in myanmar amd sri lanka

[@jeffwatkins352]

How anyone watching this calm, well-reasoned and well-supported video could be angry with you is beyond me. But then, as a fellow atheist with no dog in this race, I'm not subject to the same passions which might seize believers. In all events, very good work here! I've re-watched it several times, especially for the info about the Marcionite sect.

[@patriciamcgeorge2575]

I love this turn towards ancient Christian Philosophy. As an atheist who's been studying comparative Abrahamic belief and theology for a long time, I've always thought that everything outside of rabbinical Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Eastern Orthodox, Shi'a and Sunni is extremely underrated and understudied, especially this historic stuff. Please don't stop.

[@peirithoosian]

Recommend reviewing relgions as glorified social codes. Fae less confusing that way.

[@patriciamcgeorge2575]

@@peirithoosian I'm more interested in the literary, mythological and historical/linguistic (philological) aspect of them in my studies, but there is a lot of overlap

[@thatguywesmaranan]

* *glass shatters* * * *jesus strides into the temple and gives the pharisees stone cold stunners* *

[@Cybernaut551]

Incredible, Jesus didn't even use his full power. He's that powerful. /s

[@sitchreapotere1073]

Omfg I spit my coffee imagining that image. Thank you.

[@obscuredbythecloud1175]

I just found your channel and this is the first video I've watched of yours and I loved it! I appreciate your presentation, civil demeanor, and that you have clearly done plenty of research into these topics. I'm excited to binge your other videos soon. Thanks for the great content!

[@therealdannymullen]

As a believer, I want to THANK YOU for your respectful discussion on this topic. That was really refreshing. ❤

[@gentlemandemon]

Honestly, an evil god definitely squares with the story of Job lol

[@Meshuga63]

I’m of the strong opinion that Job was written as allegory, not intended to be accepted as literal. It opens in third person unlimited perspective, then switches to dialogue, the form is highly structured poetry in Hebrew, and it fits popular philosophical genre for the period, comparable to Plato’s “Republic” and others.

[@gentlemandemon]

@@Meshuga63 I'm sure it's an allegory, too, but basing the story around torturing a dude and killing his family on a whim weakens the moral authority of the central deity in my book.

[@Meshuga63]

@@gentlemandemon or the entire point of the book is that bad things happen to good people all the time and there’s no reason why.

[@gentlemandemon]

@@Meshuga63 yeah, I get that. I was mostly being glib. that being said, the book of job is inextricably tied to the rest of the old testament and tanakh, and he is personified and given moral agency throughout. The story of Prometheus is an allegory, too, and I'd still say Zeus comes off looking like an asshole. "Pray to me and love me even though I won't always protect and might sometimes act in needlessly vindictive ways" isn't a strong moral message to me.

[@PA1606X]

@@Meshuga63 There was a reason though wasn't there, God had a fun bet with his mate Satan.

[@pauldavid601]

'The More You Know' comedic moment blew out my left eardrum. Thanks.

[@tylerhorton6747]

But it was funny af though ear rape true too aswell lol

[@nosuchthing8]

I always imagined Jesus using superman level strength in flipping over those tables in the holy places

[@benjalucian1515]

He didn't get far. Ever see the scale of Herod's temple? It was *huge*

[@jaapuitroepteke2750]

Now i’m imaging jesus was just like the hulk, turning green and shit

[@joshlewis575]

I always wondered why he didn't teleport off the cross. That'd be quite the spectacle that a bunch of non believers woulda seen

[@nosuchthing8]

@@jaapuitroepteke2750 That's a vivid image! But if he had superman level strength, he could flip each table with a pinky.

[@mikelastname1220]

What most people don't know is, the purpose of those money "lenders" in the Temple. It was a necessary evil. A visitor to the temple was supposed to make a money donation. So, visitors from other places who used different money, had to change their money into the local currency, I guess drachmas. It angered Jesus that the lenders were charging an exchange fee, just like banks do today. Most think he got angry because he was breaking up illegal gambling, etc. When, in fact, the money exchangers were legitimate in their business.

[@3ggshe11s]

I've always found it fascinating how early Christians wrestled with such big theological questions, literally for centuries, and yet so many believers today seem to think their religion was handed down from on high from Day One, all doctrine and all books of the New Testament intact. I also appreciate your mature approach, and your empathy toward those with opposing beliefs. Both are in short supply on religious matters, and that goes for both sides of the debate.

[@Jarige2]

I'm a Christian but I do not think the things you describe. I think the earlier the source is about Jesus or the closer it is to eye witnesses, the more accurate it's likely to be. And that's, I think, one of the major reasons why these sects didn't really gain traction. They're later embellishments and changes to the stories about Jesus that were circulating already and they weren't written by those who were deemed to be authoritative on these matters, namely Christians who have been taught by eye witnesses of Jesus. So it's actually quite obvious why these sects never gained much traction and why the Christianity we have today emerged instead. Theologians today are taught these things by the way, and sometimes they do share this information in churches. It's just that most theologians and Christians today fail to see how and why these sects are important. I'm one of the rare Christians who do indulge myself in these matters I guess, because I love learning about how Christianity came about, but I'm rare, and I guess rightly so. It's simply not that relevant what later sources say about Jesus when we have earlier sources that have more authority.

[@davebrown6552]

My Favourite; Who recorded his prayers in Gethsemane, according to the book everyone else was asleep.

[@Rory-co4vm]

Eh if the resurrection were true 40 days is plenty of time to tell people what you said.

[@davebrown6552]

@@Rory-co4vm But no one mentioned that he sat down to give a self indulgent blow by blow account of "then I said" and" then this" and "oh then I though this". It kind of makes him seem a bit needy. And that is totally ignoring the fact that the crucified were never 'taken down and buried' Crucifixion was a message and the rotting corpse was to be left for as many as possible to see the message. (the same as the more modern gibbet or the severed heads on London bridge or spikes generally) why would the Romans allow someone they went to the effort of crucifying to be given the honor of a burial the rotted remains were thrown on the midden as a final 'you are nothing' conclusion.

[@KasirRham]

I imagine Jesus storming into the money changer's office and destroying everything in a Hulk like rage. Complete with deadly super strength.

[@ronaldlogan3525]

could have used the jawbone of an ass for better effect

[@edwardmiessner6502]

The money changers were not just a few people either. Neither were the people who sold the sacrificial animals. Combined they occupied a building the size of a small shopping mall called iirc the Stola. That means he wouldn't have been crucified because he would overcome the soldiers with his strength. Another problem is how did the Romans crucify? You can't just nail someone to a flat cross, the nails would let go, and besides the Romans viewed the cross as a sign of victory because it was the frame of a tropaeum, from which we get the word trophy.

[@FakingANerve]

"Turning all the water at a wedding party to wine sounds like a good time, but... it could also be interpreted as a cry for help..." 🤣🤣🤣 Nice! I got a damn fine laugh from that. Cheers! 🥂

[@rayw3332]

Jesus would be a fine fellow to invite to a big pool party.

[@KiRAWRa]

Been a while since I binged your channel. Your script & editing has gotten funnier haha, enjoyed this one a lot! Very interesting history, you always break things down so comprehensibly.

[@bodan1196]

I Sweden we tend to say "Tror gör man i kyrkan!" when trying to figure out a situation. A direct translation is "Belive you do in church!", with the meaning "faith is something you have while in church!". Ie within the walls of a church, and not outside the those walls.

[@learningisfun2108]

“Like Yoda that phrase sounds!” I like it. I’ve seen many things that help me conclude that people only believe while within the church walls. Just try leaving the church parking lot after the service and you see how rude people drive! The phrase also means, “don’t take church too seriously “. Unfortunately, many do.

[@murilo2330]

is it true that Sweden has more than 50% non religions people there?

[@Griexxt]

@@murilo2330 Difficult to say. We had a state church until 2000, which you pretty much defaulted into unless you made an active choice not to. A majority of Sweden's population are still members, but who can say how many of them actually believe what is preached? But visitor numbers to church services are dwindling. I can't find the numbers now, but I would say that a majority of people in Sweden would say that religion does not play a big part in their lives. This doesn't necessarily mean they are all non-believers though.

[@bodan1196]

@@murilo2330 We have a very relaxed view on religion yes. Today. Not always so. Christianity was present in Sweden by the 6th century and took over in the 11th. But then nine centuries later, in the 20th century, we seem to have come to our senses and "believe only while in church", during weddings and burials, but not so much in everyday life. It is a none issue for most swedes today. As is should be. Whether there is a god or not, is a question to contemplate when we are dead, not while we are living. ;-) But an interesting thing is that most people, are still paying a small tax to, what was before the state church. Mostly I think because we want the surprisingly many and quite beautiful churces there are in Sweden to be maintained. And it is nice to have a beautiful place to contemplate in, as people say "I do", or when we say goodbye to someone. Sweden have also not been at war, (as a country), since 1812, (I think it was) When we got our butt kicked, and some sense entered our minds, by a russian army at Poltava. So perhpas we can with some pride, claim that we have learned from some mistakes made. :-) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Sweden

[@eskybakzu712]

@@murilo2330 Yes, Sweden is one of the most secular nations in the world. Rarely do I encounter belief or religion in everyday-life. It is true

[@ronwright6870]

Really fantastic. It's encouraging to know so many people think about these things.

[@christophertstone]

These videos about non-popular Christian theoligy are amazing. This, the Gospel of Judas, and other early teachings. Keep it up!

[@gonzalez990]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n16ln2mfj8yYoaM

[@vejeke]

@@gonzalez990 There is a quote that reads... "When an honest man discovers he is mistaken, he will either cease to be mistaken or cease to be honest." For me that phrase took on a whole new dimension when I watched Jon McCray's videos dealing with the slavery in the Bible.

[@wendychavez5348]

This is the second video of his that I've watched, and I'm duly impressed by each.

[@ultrainstinctgoku2509]

Question Time: Can you prove Jesus Christ never existed? Many believe he existed and his existence was recorded in history. Nov. 16, 2020 A.D. - Today

[@vejeke]

@@ultrainstinctgoku2509 Have you seen the meme "conventional logic vs religious logic"?

[@epiphanydrums5427]

Your exacto-knife like precision of thought and analysis keeps your presentations fascinating and informative. Thanks again for having the courage to take on this task!👍

[@tonygriffin_]

Anyone who told me that they loved me unconditionally but that if I didn't love them back they'd ensure I was tortured and burned (and not even once but over and over again for all eternity) would not, IMHO, be someone I'd classify as a "total pacifist". More "Psychotic Narcissist".

[@Meshuga63]

This is a fair point, but a mis characterization of the frame proposed by modern Christians. They propose Hell is not some exaggerated time out corner that a “loving” God imposed on His enemies, but a natural consequence He wants you to avoid, and went to extreme lengths and sacrifices to open a path for doing so. However, He refuses to force you to accept His intervention because of His respect for your free will. Remember, God in the Christian tradition is love personified. I can fully understand the confusion as Christians have projected certain personality traits and archetypes on God, such as “God the Father” or “God the Jealous, or “God the Avenger.” I won’t deny some, perhaps most Evangelicals support these strangely limiting archetypes. We have seen more bad fathers than good ones, though, and we condemn jealousy, and vengeance is logically inconsistent with Jesus’ teaching. I didn’t say Christianity as she is practiced is logically valid, or practiced by universally kind and thoughtful people. However, one of the scholarly concepts of Hell says the people consigned to it have made a conscious decision to reject God, not as He is imperfectly presented, but the entire concept of love.

[@tonygriffin_]

@@Meshuga63 But why would a being capable of creating all the wonder of a majestic Universe want to make/have/keep a place for torturing people - and not just once but over and over for all eternity? Only an utterly insane psychopath would want to create and maintain such a place.

[@Meshuga63]

@@tonygriffin_ again, very fair question. Some Christians support a theological theory call “annihilationism,” which holds the soul is permanently destroyed in Hell as opposed to being tortured. Others say that God, as the personification of love and also of justice, gives every person ample opportunities to choose between love and selfishness, regardless of their upbringing. Still others insist a specific “sinner’s prayer” or other ritual must be completed, but the vast majority of Evangelical pastors would agree that it is ultimately up to God to know a person’s soul, and not for us to pass judgment on one another. Regardless of how you deal with who goes to Hell, the existence of it is easy to explain. Why would a loving God create such a terrible place? For the same reason a clean city has a designated city dump. You can’t maintain a loving community if you tolerate toxicity. Or, you can be a heretic and say something crazy, like heaven and hell were always meant to be metaphors for psychological states, and the book of Revelation was actually a coded political treatise meant for early Christians specifically.

[@tonygriffin_]

@@Meshuga63 So humans who transgress the 10 commandments (which, luckily for priests, doesn't include child rape) are to be treated as refuse, to be thrown on a rotting heap. What a loving community does is recycle, not burn their rubbish to ashes, then reincarnate it so they can keep burning it forever. A loving god would not have a hell in the first place, simple as that. People need to read some books - not some Iron Age texts cobbled together in a 4th century collection that is full of contradictory statements right from the start ( Genesis 1:27 - 'So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.' and Genesis 2: 7 - 'And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground...' and Genesis 2: 22 - And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman...'. Clearly not written/"inspired" by a god capable of making neutron stars and a 93 billion light year wide visible universe. More like by people who didn't know where the Sun went at night.

[@Meshuga63]

@@tonygriffin_ for the record, I agree with you. I think Genesis was written by people building a culture and trying to make sense out of the world, and why we exist, and why men and women are so different, and why there is so much suffering, and how to deal with it. I also think we read it in English with 21st century minds, and can barely comprehend the context and intent behind most of that text. That goes for atheists and Christians alike. I personally believe a great deal of the Bible is not literally true, and was never intended to be taken as literally true. There’s an astonishing amount of it that has been archaeologically verified & it’s incredible the document even exists, but as an instruction manual for ethically navigating modern life it is, to put it mildly, less than ideal. That said, I don’t think it’s fair to dismiss it entirely. The Western world, the one that identified slavery as an evil institution and was largely successful in abolishing it, was philosophically founded on Christian ethics. It’s well possible the entire reason we think of the God described in the Christian bible as monstrous and hateful is that we developed those old Iron Age ideas to their logical conclusions. That’s at least worth investigating.

[@Microtonal_Cats]

All want to know is "Did Jesus have a cat?"

[@ericscaillet6087]

All the cats....

[@fogweaver5633]

As everyone knows, cats do not have owners, but slaves. Since it is pro forma evident that God cannot be a slave, Jesus cannot have had a cat. However, he could have had a dog. Perhaps this is why Mohammed put him down as just another Jewish prophet, since Mohammed did not lke dogs but had no problem with cats. To sum up ; Jesus was a dog person, Mohammed was a cat person, and never shall their followers get along.

[@bob7975]

He did! One of the side stories in the Bible is about him coming across a stray cat, rescuing her, then finding her a good home. What a guy!

[@JP2GiannaT]

...I dunno. Domestic cats were a thing in Egypt, I don't know about Palestine/Israel. Domestic dogs were, so he might be had a pet dog, but i genuinely don't know about cats. Anyone know where to look that up?

[@joeboxter3635]

@@JP2GiannaT Yes cats as there is mention in biographies of that area that go back to 500BCE. But it does not seem to be a common practice to keep pet cats. Rather ferrel cats placed around barns to kill mice in check as mentioned in talmud. I doubt He had a pet cat.

[@phineas7423]

Idk about yall, but the phrase "go to hell" has basically lost all meaning to me.

[@drewsharp9162]

I embrace it. that’s where all the people worth hanging out with would be

[@phineas7423]

@@drewsharp9162 you aren't wrong

[@reeseb4005]

@@drewsharp9162 you don’t get to really kick back down there, just kinda, suffer

[@MichaelAChristian1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqnCc4inqtRmjMU

[@phineas7423]

@@reeseb4005 better to hang out with Darwin and Stephen Hawking in hell then hang out out in heaven with Mother Terrisa who forcibly baptized people before giving them treatment and that pope that liked to have sex with kids.

[@ToxicSentinelTTV]

As an Ancient Egyptian pagan I do enjoy your content on a scholarly level

[@ianteodorescu]

I really appreciate the amount of research you put in your videos!

[@918ga]

From a Christian perspective, I must say that's a very good research you've done here. It was very interesting ! Thank you for the good challenges you're posing to the Christian faith. Keep on investigating ;)

[@wolf1066]

It's always refreshing to encounter Christians who come to an atheist channel and make positive comments like yours rather than telling us we all "hate god" and we've got to believe as you do. You're a rare breed - and much appreciated.

[@riverogue13]

How do you not doubt his faith after watching his videos? I am literally so confused and don’t know what to believe anymore

[@archanamanoharan9535]

@@riverogue13 Most Christians encounter a lot of arguments from others, so one video won't stop a belief.

[@nevin8604]

@@riverogue13 i don't think nothing created everything, Bible makes a ton of sense than that, so i dont think i will doubt christianity

[@riverogue13]

Nevin what about the virgin birth and other things like that? Idk I feel like they’re equally easy to believe. And atheists don’t argue that nothing created everything that’s a bit of a strawman

[@teslobo]

These are all important questions about him and can't wait to see Keanu Reeves finally set the record straight about whether he has a body.

[@filip3180]

@@taranmellacheruvu2504 nah he clearly means the true jesus, you know the one with the giant dildo

[@user-ellievator]

@@filip3180 For Twitch so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting sextoys. Charlie 3:16

[@ultrainstinctgoku2509]

Question Time: Can you prove Jesus Christ never existed? Many believe he existed and his existence was recorded in history. Dec. 16, 2020 A.D. - Today

[@eldritchabomination0]

Ay ma boi Keanu better than Jesus lol.

[@shaunelliott8583]

Teslobo, this is youtube, not 9gag

[@lilith4961]

cool channel I just subscribed. I grew up pentecostal christian in a catholic country, then became atheist and now Im one of those spiritual not religious people (flawed concept i know but consider it a place holder) I like the way you approached this questions with both skepticism but also curiosity and respect, I find that is the best approach to this kind of questions.

[@mildredmartinez8843]

Great video. You are one of my atheists. Love when you say "Be nice to each other." You are a sweet, and loving person. Keep growing.

[@OrganisedChaosHere]

The comment about ruining the get-together we had planned got a cackle out of me.

[@lizzieb5359]

hi, i found you at the perfect time in my life. thank you!!! you help me explain to my family why i’ve turned from religion

[@gonzalez990]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n16ln2mfj8yYoaM

[@stephenvanwoert2447]

In other words, you have given up being a child, and have become fully adult.

[@guaranagaucho3071]

Took a night class one semester in college-historical biblical literature. Shout out to professor Brent Walters for teaching us so well. He’s got a huge library of historical writings.

[@stephaniegeorge6444]

Defo not mad at you. Recovering myself from the dogma of my childhood.

[@dove6069]

That's sad.

[@caligula6190]

The Historical Jesus told people the world was going to end, he's basically John the Baptist except drinks alcohol

[@hareecionelson5875]

I mean, he's not wrong, the world will end... in about 2-3 billion years when the Sun expands to consume the Earth, but complex life will have been dead for at least 1 billion years prior due to the oceans already boiling away.

[@zacharyshort384]

@@hareecionelson5875 He was wrong considering he thought it would occur within the lifetime of the Apostles and thought the End Times would be the result of Yahweh's direct intervention. Saying he's not wrong because the World will end eventually is like when Peter from Family Guy talked about a psychic predicting a friend's death and then BAM 40 years later that friend died of cancer.

[@2ezee2011]

@Stevo Devo Back when I was a Christian minister my favorite joke as a Southern Baptist. Why do Baptist NOT have sex standing up? Someone might see them and think they are dancing! I was easily amused.

[@bethbartlett5692]

The Historical Jesus, or the Roman Jesus written by John?

[@caligula6190]

@@hareecionelson5875 maybe he is a prophet after all hmm

[@tristanandrews4366]

Love your videos and how much time, effort, and research you put into them!

[@FastNCurious88]

Man you make this all sooooo much more relatable like I love Jesus even more because of how you explain these things :’) so much fun