Challenging Christianity - Matt Dillahunty - Skepticon 7

[@bobbyduckett5465]

Matt would make one HELL of a televangelist. He's charismatic, passionate, obviously comfortable speaking in public... AND, he doesn't believe in Christianity. And that's all one REALLY needs to be a televangelism.

[@darin1701]

He is a blow hard and a charlatan just like most TV pastors And Most televangelists are atheist just using the Christian religion to gain money

[@AR15ORIGINAL]

@@darin1701 How is he a charlatan if he doesn't pretend to have any special capabilities he doesn't? Like, all he does is... debate and speak?

[@johnlinden7398]

HE MAKES ONE HELL OF A TELEATHEIST WHO IS COMMITED TO TELLING THE TRUTH AND NOT OUT TO EXPLOIT HIS VERBAL AND LOGIC SKILLS JUST FOR HIS OWN PROFIT !

[@sovietbot6708]

He could get lots of money if he decides to start preaching as the lost son who returned to Christ

[@Thraxraganharapollyus]

... That's a *very* fair point. But I don't think he has it in him to lie. Huh

[@shanewilson7994]

After watching this for perhaps, the 3rd time I realized something. If Matt were a dishonest person, he'd be one hell of a preacher and could probably make 100x more money doing that than what he does not. I'm glad he's on our side even if I don't agree with him on everything.

[@RadioactivFly]

+Shane Wilson He was going to become a preacher. Then he became an atheist.

[@bobbyduckett5465]

+Shane Wilson He'd make one HELL of a televangelist. He's charismatic, passionate, obviously comfortable speaking in public... AND, he doesn't believe in Christianity. And that's all one REALLY needs to be a televangelism.

[@RadioactivFly]

Jerry DeWitt is even more preacher-like than Matt. He actually WAS a preacher for many years, and a Pentecostal at that. He still sounds like a preacher, even when he's talking about atheism.

[@bobbyduckett5465]

I can't decide if that's a bonus, or not... I mean, do we really WANT to sound like preachers? Every time I see a televangelist program, I feel like I need to take a shower.

[@bobbyduckett5465]

PRAISE THE LORD AND PUT THE DOLLA IN THE BOX!!!!!

[@TomLeedsTheAtheist]

OK, I gotta share a story about this talk, not so much the talk but the after. As usual Matt Dillahunty stuck around to talk and answer question. And although I was in the background having my own conversation I was paying attention. After talking to a couple that had their kids with them, well at least one, a little girl of 6 or 7 I'm guessing, they thank him and turned to leave and just as they we walking away the little girl turned around and gave Matt a hug - Just about the most precious thing you can imagine because it was not only unprompted but totally unexpected by all. Too cute. I guess Matt is about as scary to kids as a big fluffy teddy bear. I was thrilled to be there for the talk and very happy to be there for that moment.

[@charlesinsandiego2537]

He's even cuter with his beard dyed red.

[@Jay-ate-a-bug]

Charles Insandiego PINK!!!

[@arthurhunt642]

Good news for modern man. Matt says it accurately and to the point quickly.

[@lancethrustworthy]

I don't know about the 'not scary to kids' bit. Were I a 5 yr old, I'd run the other way, then again, Matt's demeanor is generally quiet, confident and smiling. Is there an official Matt Dillahunty Fan Club yet? There should be!

[@rosie811honey]

That is so sweet.

[@GraeHall]

I need to watch more Matt. He's entertaining, interesting, sassy, and considerate.

[@zer-op2gq]

@Frieza Force I think he's as considerate on the show as who he's talking to. Honestly even more so; any time a religious person expresses any form of nonreligious people can't be moral or deserve eternal hellfire goes beyond inconsiderate to immoral. Justifying slavery or genocide shouldn't be met with respect as doing so loses consideration of the humans that suffered due to this belief

[@freethink2303]

@Frieza Force he grows on you haha. Matt's the man

[@jeffhough7460]

Indeed matts a good guy, trying to help those who have been lied to and brainwashed the fact he doesnt blow up more often is impressive, especially when he is brought tge same lame half ass attempt at proving X religion

[@eleanorfitz2143]

I love how he said "I want to change the world" and actually meant it. All too often people are discouraged from thinking that way, or believing its even possible. People like him remind us that we can and inspire us to. Keep it up Matt

[@avedic]

+Eleanor Fitz Well said!

[@tomadams5582]

+Eleanor Fitz Jesus changed the world . He envisioned a world where people could live outside the confines of the materialistic world . He envisioned a world where brotherly love , grace , and compassioned outweighed the lust of money and power . He envisioned a world where all would where values and morals were most important . He gave us Freedom from our sin and a way to have eternal life . ( Prove it ) I can't prove what the heart knows is true , sometimes in life listening to ones conscience that accepts the spiritual side of oneself is the proof we look for . There won't be a physical realization or anything huge until God himself decides it's time for the return . For Believers , Jesus has already changed , and raised the bar of what a perfect world represents . Freedom from sin and endless selfless love, grace , and forgiveness .

[@avedic]

+Tom Adams I can't prove what -the- heart knows is true Didn't you mean.... I can't prove what *_MY_* heart knows is true

[@mufasta8322]

@Jesus Christ Glorified Thats an old post. I suppose he should embrace what jesus ordered when he said, "Slaves obey your masters!" We can argue that is kind of unifying i guess.

[@mufasta8322]

@Jesus Christ Glorified Nobody "rejects" this jesus character any more than they reject Thor. Although you may think its just an attempt to compare it to something ridiculous, and you wouldn't be wrong, you must know it is 100% on the same level playing field. You cannot disprove Thor either. Its litteraly that silly.

[@akl561]

@14:00- "Go, take notes and ask lots of questions. It's very likely they will stop making you go."

[@hambone8820]

@John Digsby ask about the bad parts of the bible, then they'll have to make some apologetic arguments for slavery and shit.

[@zer-op2gq]

@John Digsby I couldn't agree more, and all answers deserve to be examined critically.

[@Cpt_Birch]

i've been a fan of Matt for a couple of years now, love the guy. But this is the first time he has made me cry with one of his speeches/talks. that last part had me in tears!

[@freethink2303]

I felt it too. It's really powerful. A call to action

[@moomkey3565]

could you give me a time stamp? I would really like to feel the same as you. Matts arguments were a big help for me 10 years ago in my phase of leaving church

[@Cpt_Birch]

​@@moomkey3565you really should watch the whole thing if you have time. But the part i was referencing is the ending starting at 36:37

[@mellicentquinn431]

Love him to pieces. please take care of yourself, Matt...we need you!

[@GuitarDog_atx]

@John Digsby "it's it odd that jesus said there won't be any empirical evidence?" -you No, not odd. He was running a scam. Empirical evidence was not even an option. Your shy god did a terrible job with his human sacrifice. And he showed no urgency alerting people about hell. Your god is the only omniscient fuckup in history. Your god sucks.

[@jamtaco2667]

We need more people like Matt - he won't live forever ♾️ and the more we have the faster we can purge this scourge ☪️✝️☸️

[@jamtaco2667]

@@GuitarDog_atx nuh uh! It doesn't exist therefore it can't suck 🍆💦

[@c4t4ly5t]

I want a world where chickens can cross roads without having their motives questioned.....

[@worthdoss8043]

My town the wild chickens are protected and we have chicken crossing signs.

[@r2thebeach323]

This is such an excellent talk. Matt hit a home run here. I can say as an atheist who is surrounded on my wife's side of the family by theist (Mormons), this talk makes me want to be more tactfully outspoken. In a sense, come out of the closet. My wife now knows after years of denial that I am indeed an atheist but still struggles to accept it... I don't believe I should have to hide this fact from her family as I have done for many years. I liked the part where Matt basically said if they already know you're a good person its hard to go back on that just because they've found out you're an atheist and that alone can help change the minds of the hardened theist who think atheist are such horrible people. It might even lead them to asking questions, which is ultimately what I would want. Matt is one of my favorites. Keep up the good work!

[@youweechube]

good luck man, just remember if you do choose to have these talks to keep your cool, especially if youre not used to talking about it with other people who are emotionally charged,

[@r2thebeach323]

+youweechube I hear you. I'm a pretty laid back kind of guy but I know that people can get pretty emotional when talking about religion. My first step really is to let it be known that I am an atheist. If they chose to start asking questions at that point, I can take it from there. When the discussions came up with my wife it was amazing how unwilling she was to accept that I was an atheist. She couldn't fathom that someone could not have a believe in god. Believe me she was emotionally charged but I survived.

[@youweechube]

R2TheBeach as you have found with your wife, the fact that someone cant believe another person could not believe in god suggests theyve never really critically examined it for themselves.

[@thepoohontheview4051]

What do they believe about you right now? I mean it must be pretty much obvious to them that you don't share their world-view, or?

[@r2thebeach323]

+thepoohontheview I think it's obvious to them that I don't share their Mormon worldview but maybe not so obvious that I am an atheist.

[@comik300]

"I want a world where marriage equality is a thing." It's very weird hearing that in the modern day but it wasn't even that long ago

[@bad-girlbex3791]

Matt Dillahunty One of the best, engaging, well-constructed talks I've seen given in a long time. Mixing humour and wit, with empathy and conviction and ending on a brilliantly rousing call to arms. For anyone who already loves Matt Dillahunty for those who have never heard of the guy, for dyed in the wool atheists or those just finding their feet with a newly secular outlook - this will go down as one of my favourite talks ever. Thanks to Matt, Skepticon and Hambone Productions for getting this out there for us all to enjoy. Much love x

[@juliaabadi6812]

Seth Andrews is another witty, skilful speaker whom I enjoy listening to. Isn't the internet a wonderful thing?

[@WisdomVendor1]

@13:55 , Matt is exactly right ! Even having been born and raised in Mississippi, I simply never believed any of this religious crap. When I was very young, I was forced to go to church with my Grandmother. Around age 8, I began asking a LOT of questions in sunday school. The preacher asked my Grandmother not to bring me to church because I was a disruption in the other children's learning.

[@firstname7642]

The reason we don't have the answers to all of our questions (why does God do this or do that) Is because if we knew the reasons for how God works we would just confuse ourselves and get in the way of God's plan, thinking and acting on the notion that we can change the outcome of a situation or outsmart God. Not only that but sometimes we act on false beliefs and get somewhere we don't want be. If youre going to ask questions just to try do propose a contradiction in The Bible, or God's logic, you'll never find an answer because youre not actually curious or looking, youre just trying to prove a fault in the logic of God, there is no fault in God, onky in human judgement

[@Pranav-rp8wi]

@@firstname7642 you idiot. The whole question is about whether Bible holds any truth.. and here u are

[@jetsteeltherealdeal7827]

WisdomVendor1 dude stop lying

[@myyoutubechannel6280]

@@firstname7642 delusions

[@Skittenmeow]

"Where no cat is ever declawed..." you got my like!

[@rhondah1587]

Excellent talk by Matt. He is awesome and getting even better.

[@jms4406]

RhondaH it's just like our Christian counterparts putting atheists on a pedestal

[@liquerinfrnt]

@@jms4406 some people are are exceptional and need to be on a pedestal. The hard part is making sure they deserve it.

[@bluestarindustrialarts7712]

Henry Ford was taken to some shrine in France. His companion pointed out the pile of wheel chairs, canes, and walkers thrown in the corners of the great room. He asked Mr. Ford if he was impressed by the evidence of healing he could see. Mr Ford said "I would be more impressed if I saw a pile of prosthetic limbs and glass eyes".

[@lloydenehoward4782]

Can't stop crying at the last few minutes of this even though I enjoyed the whole thing. Thank you Mat D. I wish I had friends like you and your partner to have in my life.

[@Cootabux]

In the debate Matt discussed, if anything is going to affect the mindset of those Christians, I believe it will be in Matt's saying, "I don't know." I'm hoping it will make them think hard about how and why their church thinks it has answers for everything.

[@smm5770]

+Eric Morisch The statement "I don't know" cannot be a delusion by definition. "I don't know" is a knowledge claim while a delusion refers to beliefs, not knowledge. Non belief in god is the default position. We are not born with that belief. It's something that is proposed to us and some people choose to believe it while some of us cannot. Much of the world's suffering certainly can be blamed on man including the invention of religion.

[@LetTheTruthBeTold8324]

@@smm5770 I disagree, you ask any child that they believe in God.

[@LetTheTruthBeTold8324]

how can an atheist affect the mindset of someone who knows God?

[@bazingaburg8264]

True Ministry "A felt relationship with God/Christ" is what most people mean when they say they know God. Am i right to assume that includes you? We have learned to misattribute sensations we couldn't place until trusted person 1 through 5 or so assured us "that's what God feels like", when being moved or feeling inspired are, i'd argue, likelier contenders for what we feel. Poetry and philosophy evoke no less emotion, but they weren't the events everybody celebrated twice a week growing up. Repetition is the mother of learning and we will learn what trusted circles drum into us since we were in diapers. Mass is a ceremony of emotional priming, meant to spread the good word. Hallelujah, brilliant. Matt talked on the subject of appeals to personal experience(1) if you wanna check it out. Another lecture was called "Do they really believe that?"(2), which makes for a nice companion piece that reminded me to not be so militant in my exchanges with theists. "How can an atheist affect the mindset of someone who knows God?" Same as the other way around, sharing our beliefs and convictions, values and experiences, whichever underlying reasoning facilitated them. That case either convinces or it doesn't, maybe not then and there, maybe our perspectives are so foreign to one another that we overlook whatever common ground we share. I like to think not all atheists are depraved, duplicitous damnation lures in your eyes. Perhaps i'm the wrong messenger and it will be received better from somebody you trust. I hope your account is still active :D 1. Atheist Debates - Appeals to Personal Experience 2. Atheist Debates - Do they really believe that?

[@James-ms2mx]

Somehow Matt saying over and over again, “I don’t know” is a virtue but if someone who believes in God answered his questions that way his answer is, “See, your faith is a blind faith.” Knucklehead 😁

[@daveb7585]

This is the kind of person we need for president. Not the criminals the electoral college keeps shoving down our throats.

[@TheBeatle49]

The Electoral College is the mechanism. But they just vote according to OUR dictates. Electoral College sucks, but it is WE who hold the ultimate responsibility.

[@justanormalday7251]

If you thank God for your meal, you disrespect the farmers

[@mistylover2082]

Unless it's the farmers who are your God

[@justanormalday7251]

Fuck God, He brought cancer

[@zmig7793]

@ Emmanuel Emko - if God brought cancer, then who brought love?

[@nette2144]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sharonsmilesphotography5553]

and you disrespect evolution..and that you are at the top of the food chain.

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Ah, love the volunteer at the beginning! The way she threw her head back and laughed had me smiling. The whole talk was wonderful. Can’t believe Matt did this on the fly ✌️👍

[@matthewtenney2898]

Matt didn't do this on the fly. He constantly looks for material.

[@petereuk52]

Matt, I want to make a world as you described it. It would certainly be a better world than that ruled by ignorance and intolerance of religion. My motto to myself for the last 50 years has been "It is better to light one small candle than to sit scream about about the dark". Thanks for lighting one huge candle to enlighten the world Matt.

[@hushartproductions]

“Where no cat is ever declawed…” heavy hitter right there! 💯👍

[@nitehawk86]

"If you read it correctly." A Catholic Priest told me that only the priests are able to interpret the bible, and that us uneducated are not supposed to try. He also got offended when I laughed. Nice guy, though, he just seemed to believe that he had some "divine insight" that I could not have as an atheist.

[@LegioDecemGJCAESAR]

nitehawk86 it is such a disgusting example of the bullcrap they peddle and the last thousand plus year's of insanity and every group interpreting it as they see fit and everyone else is wrong...... All those dumbasses are wrong.... Or they are con-artist's, or absolutely insane..... Yea ride nyc transit and you will see them spewing that crap on the train.... Of course I yell back to set them straight from time to time.

[@RH-xs8gz]

Probably the same reason they feel that they have the right molest children.

[@firstname7642]

Catholicism is idol worship and false teachings

[@frankiewally1891]

well.you know ,that`s the trick of the business;keep them fooled....ha,ha!

[@AmitKumar-qz2us]

Religion is political cult to controll masses Religion is a Mental Illness Religious God invented by Religious books Why did not religoius god Present before religious book written Religion is most unscientific thought ever invented . No book send by any God. God did not write any book for human There are many big lie , Fraud done by evil people in the name of God. “Why did not religious God made religous animals. Like Muslim elephant, Christian elephant, Jews elephant etc. if animals don't religious than they are non believers” conversion gang must converter them into there religion . Religion always distory and courrpt local culture. If religious books are really word of God ,why it is so Unscientific, Imprecise & Muddled All flat Earth religion have faith and believe based not facts based . Religion is based on Fear , conquest, conversion and invasion

[@alwaysthinkforyourself7028]

I drove over with my kids just to see Dillahunty. We then immediately left and went home. Totally worth it.

[@alisabaadsgaard7779]

AlwaysThinkForYourself l

[@MrKit9]

Did you all get on the short bus the next morning?

[@Rico-Suave_]

Thanks for posting

[@48acar19]

Wow! Matt is the first Baptist I have met in my life who is not an idiot!

[@LegioDecemGJCAESAR]

48acar19 roflmao !! I said the same thing when I first saw his videos !!!! Lmao

[@Hollypenopepper]

...only he's an atheist. 🤔

[@lindataylor1127]

Matt- I've enjoyed your shows based in Austin,Texas so much, and it was great to see you carry the whole show here. Great job!

[@kmurphy0620]

"He does things and stuff"

[@TomLeedsTheAtheist]

1:08 now normally this is not something I would call attention to and the only reason I am doing it now is because I am was very happy to be at Skepticon 7 and to see Matt Dillahunty give this talk live because it really was a great talk and for a guy I already liked and respected he really did kick it up a notch. Anywho, see that nearly bald head in the lower right corner? THAT'S ME!

[@KevinLewis12901]

that was a cool magic trick! Thanks for sharing.

[@TomLeedsTheAtheist]

Kevin Lewis Matt is quite the magician.

[@TomLeedsTheAtheist]

While at Skepticon down in Springfield Missouri I took the time to interview some of the attendees and speakers, it give you a real sense of how much fun these are. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaO4mJSfhrR3oLc skepticon.org/

[@maximumstromboli4024]

God messed with the mic at the beginning. BOOM PROOF

[@tgstudio85]

Wow that is some miracle;)

[@Mariomario-gt4oy]

Great video. Much respect to Matt Dillahunty

[@WoopsAdaisyMSA]

Matt is such a great speaker and debater, we need more like him.

[@johnlinden7398]

MATT DILLAHUNTY ON SKEPTICON 7 , JUST AWESOME INSPIRATIONAL TALK !

[@Arlondev]

I think Matt challenged the christians in this comment section a little _too_ much, they've resorted to hurling infantile insults about his character instead of addressing literally any of his claims the ONE person ive seen who even addressed a point addressed the one about slavery, and his excuse was "Well, uhh, it still HAPPENED, but the bible speaks of indentured servants who function identically to slaves" If this one little lecture is making you rethink your beliefs and cope this hard, maybe the fault isnt in Matt, but your belief system? Especially if you couldnt go as far as to refute even a single claim? I think thats a pretty easy way to tell that you're on the losing side

[@kazoosc]

I have seen this opening trick on Penn & Teller I liked his varied approach .. humor, calm logic, bits of passion in tone and words

[@JMUDoc]

"Church of Christ". Er... aren't they ALL supposed to be?

[@no-prophet]

@John Digsby Obviously not even believers can understand the bible hence so many denominations. Or there's nothing to understand. By the way, who are you to say "you havent got the basics to begin to understand and you probably dont have the solid and necessary character to be a good christian or person"? If the bible was really "word of god" it should be easily understood by everybody.

[@evanwebber9981]

@John Digsby..... dude, you sound crazy as fuck. You're talking about indoctrination and don't even seem to realize it. Take some time to think for yourself, it may do you some good.

[@UltraXan]

Always a pleasure to hear Matt speak!

[@reme001]

I really like you Matt- hopefully I am getting to be a better judge of people in my senior years. I would like to see you run for political office as a senator and see where that goes. I was going to say run for president but there is still too much bogotry and ignorance out there. I wish you (and Beth) well and hope you get far and keep reaching out to lots of us. I think you get the point across with knowledge, truth, sometimes sarcasm and some humor. I realized I did not believe in the Bible stories by 9 years old and thankfully was not forced to go to services. I am the only one in my family who is not religious and yes it is sometimes difficult to discuss certain topics. BUT they do not run my life, nor I theirs. I miss Hitchens and love listening to Harris and Dawkins but I think that you can reach out to the public more easily. Take care. Do whatever you can to reach as many people as possible but don't burn the candle at both ends. Take time to recharge. Of

[@uncle0eric]

The bit near the end where Matt describes the kind of world he wants to help make is one of the best I've ever heard from him.

[@gspendlove]

That thing he said about predatory "psychics" made me do a fist pump.

[@thevirus7368]

gspendlove me too, fucking real life vampires, sucking money out of desperate and emotionally vulnerable people.

[@kaitownsend8282]

36:37 "I want to change the world." - Matt Dillahunty, 2014 44:18 "I want a world like the one [he] described."

[@pjkempen7413]

lol, 5 min in and I'm already a little impressed. You're so cool Matt :P

[@sinisavlkor]

bravo Matt,every single word was on target and not a single word was unnecessary..thank you

[@progressivesecularhumanist7668]

Good stuff

[@karenhauf7747]

I live in South Africa and only recently learned about Matt!!! I think he's genius and wonder how he has learned so much since being a theist, because he wouldnt have researched anything having belief! So it is so impressive that he is so well read and has such recall!!! Amazing man!!

[@alexsummers1843]

Karen Hauf ay fellow South African

[@karenhauf7747]

@@alexsummers1843 great to know! Difficult living in a bible belt! Ones an outcast here if ones atheist!

[@t7u5ebuvduhyye34t]

@@karenhauf7747 r u an africaner

[@rosie811honey]

When Matt said "the book of right of of your ass"it made me spit out my lemonade laughing lol

[@AbhishekMukherjee]

I like his second magic trick.. captivating the crowd with his brilliance.

[@todbeard8118]

Matt always kills them on the slavery issue.

[@evanwebber9981]

@John Digsby, good to know you support slavery. That way, people know you're a piece of shit.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

I tend to think that circumcision/genital mutilation is an even worse example.

[@todbeard8118]

@John Digsby Have you read Leviticus 25:44-46 that tells you to buy your slaves from the nations around you, you can own them as property for life and bequeath them to your children as inheritance? That's chattel slavery. Only Hebrew servants were released after 6 years and couldn't be treated harshly. Different rules for them. Exodus 21:20-21 describes how bad you could beat a slave with a rod. As long as the slave recovered in a day or two, the owner wasn't punished since the slave was his property. You should study your bible a bit closer so you know what you're talking about when you spout off.

[@todbeard8118]

@John Digsby I just gave you verses that clearly support chattel slavery. Can you provide any scripture that supports the BS apologetic you gave? I doubt it.

[@Kayback]

@John Digsby wouldn't introducing a cash or payment system be more moral than keeping slavery around?

[@VAPEFOGReviews]

I love Matts speeches. Great video!

[@ImLeSmartest]

At around 5:00 you can see he had three books

[@km9235]

thank you Matt. I can share your videos as they are entertainment too.

[@empathicqubit]

"Hippity Hoppity, Don't Own People As Property" -- Not God, 3000 BCE

[@OmniphonProductions]

38:32 As a seventeen-year veteran Emergency Services Call-Taker/Dispatcher/Records Officer...THANK YOU!!!

[@organman52]

This man is BRILLIANT.

[@jms4406]

organman52 why?

[@Hollypenopepper]

@@jms4406 because he makes sense and uses science to back it up. Duh.

[@jms4406]

@@Hollypenopepper It's science that has already been hashed out. So why is he brilliant? Because he's charismatic? Oh and cause he makes sense.

[@KayossSZ]

"What's keeping you from doing it?" Massive confidence issues. I'd love to fight for a world that Matt describes but I struggle to get confrontational. I feel like I can't really do anything, and even though I believe science and skepticism are the right things, I do end up freezing up and unable to articulate my thoughts when confronted by the opposition. Especially given that the evangelical trumper christian types do tend to get angry and use their fists when unable to counter with words. How does one handle this?

[@TheDevindevine]

fucking awesome

[@aleximphitak4679]

Excellent speech.

[@vladtepes9614]

Matt Dillahunty In early Christianity, slavery was endorsed independent of the Bible. Polycarp (a supposed disciple of John the Apostle) wrote in a letter to Ignatius that slaves should "endure their slavery for the glory of God". Moreover, they shouldn't expect the church to use it's money to purchase their freedom because that would make them greedy! "Do not be haughty to slaves, either men or women; yet do not let them be puffed up, but let them rather endure slavery to the glory of God, that they may obtain a better freedom from God. Let them not desire to be set free at the Church’s expense, that they be not found the slaves of greed." (Ignatius, Ad Polycarp 4.3)

[@Kevorama0205]

Jesus Christ Glorified I'm well aware that you think you can justify any verse in the Bible. A Muslim thinks he can justify every verse in the Quran in the same way. So I'll ask you the question I ask every Christian: why should I believe you and your religion and not the Muslim and his religion?

[@rcnfo1197]

I think Bart Ehrman, who actually studied the original texts and has written extensively on the subject is a more trustworthy source than someone who calls himself "Jesus Christ Glorified". If Ehrman concludes your "holy" book to be so flawed that Christianity must be just another man made religion with just another god created in our image, then that should make you pause and think. You are worshipping a paper god. Last I checked, that is idolatry.

[@clinbaker7359]

@Jesus Christ Glorified, you believe in the invention of the Roman's, Jesus. You're a serious nut case. The only reason us atheists have to be atheist is because you nut bags won't let it go. Not one of you have heard from or seen Jesus. If you say you have your lying. There is not one shred of evidence that supports Jesus. I know you don't know the definition of evidence.

[@clinbaker7359]

@Jesus Christ Glorifiedyou mean like how America used to want and cherish immigrants, now our dear leader wants to get rid of them. Kinda similar. You can have as many scrolls and writings the world has to offer, how does that prove anything? Idiot!

[@clinbaker7359]

@Jesus Christ Glorified, wrong! I have studied christianity. I have read, listened, researched. I come from a very religious upbringing. We had our own church, a big church. But I decided to prove what I believed in was true. After years of reading, listening too and studying many religions. I was determined to understand the origins of religion. With an open mind I began to realize that every single one is a manifestation of man. In other words, bullshit. You can't tell me anything about me. You believe in ancient goat herders, but can't come to believe modern man that know how things work. That's what makes you pitiful.

[@the-trustees]

This should be archived in the Library Of Congress, and viewed in a Critical Thinking high school class in every public school in this country. I hope (and believe) that Matt knows that he has already changed the world... admittedly not as much as his goals provide for, but certainly enough to be remembered for posterity.

[@m1punk]

lol at 4:16 you can see Matt flip to the section of the book without any words. Assuming that that's how the trick is done...

[@avedic]

Ohhhh.... lol. That makes sense. I was wondering how he did that. But yeah...clever trick. I think you nailed it.

[@russellfarris7257]

It's a book with alternating pages blank and with text, with pages of two different lengths (size). If you flip the pages one way, you see the text. If you flip them the other way, you see blank pages. Do I go to Hell for revealing Matt's magic tricks? Pretty sure you go to Hell for that.

[@flipvdfluitketel867]

Russell Farris You don't go to hell for what you did, you'll go to hell for not believing in Matt's magic.

[@SansDeity]

Russell Farris Wrong answer.

[@johnmonk66]

Matt had three books. He switched his full book for the blank one at the end.

[@allenquartermane6134]

As a former believer in the Christian God for some 35 years, now free from its clutches on my mind and wallet, I find Matt to be e real national treasure and a truly knowledgeable teacher for everyone thinking of joining any religion or cult. My thoughts are view him first before engaging in the programming and brain washing from any pulpit and as he said know the bible better then those preaching it! Good advice for sure.

[@VampCoffee]

that first girl is cute tho

[@rstevewarmorycom]

VampCoffee Lauren Lane, co-founder of Skepticon.

[@janhill1175]

Matt, I am not uncomfortable with not knowing where and how I am going. I have spent my whole life not knowing it, even though everyone around me tried to convince me that I should. I smile and think, "I will go with the cosmos, wherever it takes me." I am no more important than the cosmic dust. Back to where I came from--even if I don't know it. That is as it should be.

[@CarlWong5]

I think the preacher is using special pleading in regards to God hardening the Pharaoh’s heart. Everywhere in the Bible, “God” means “God” and “God” DOES NOT mean “the Pharaoh”. For example, John 3:16 DOES NOT mean “For the Pharaoh so loved the world that the Pharaoh gave his only begotten son…” However, the preacher is insisting that in that ONE VERSE, “God” really means “The Pharaoh”, but there is no justification for making that exception, except for the fact that he doesn’t like the idea of God appearing to take away the Pharaoh’s free will.

[@sabin1166]

your are a nut for nothing?

[@ideasandwich3975]

Usually I'm real picky about tech errors at venue, but in this case... I think the opening mic feedback glitch was due to Matt's leather blazer being SO AWESOMELY COOL!!!

[@nznegativeions]

What

[@cerberaodollam]

I want that world too, except for one thing. I don't want people to be forced to get "help" or called mentally ill for being different.

[@glutinousmaximus]

The guy who asked Matt about what he could do about sex after his wife died (around 34:25 on) didn't e-mail Matt back, probably because he died completely shagged out, with a huge smile on his face! *_:0)_*

[@atheist535]

Very inspirational.

[@truckcompany]

How did he do that trick? Maybe the words are smaller and near the start of the book while blank in the parts he showed to the audience?

[@ybra]

That's what I'm thinking too. When you see him flip through the book he is holding his finger on some of the pages and not flipping though them. So I'm thinking the first part of the book have 4 small pages on every page from the real book.

[@JamesBartDorsey]

It's possible the text is printed REALLY lightly. Which you wouldn't see from the audience. or unless you held the book really closely.

[@JTEberhard]

Bart Dorsey None of you are correct. :)

[@ybra]

JT Eberhard It's a miracle :P

[@youweechube]

"How did he do that trick? Maybe the words are smaller and near the start of the book while blank in the parts he showed to the audience?" this indeed may not be correct, however the way the trick was presented would be possible using this method I should also add, a fantastic talk by Matt

[@foreveragainOK]

Two choices: existence by 1. Universe is self-existing (Humanist Manifesto III). Is self-creation implied, then? Inanimate matter > alive. 2. Existence created by an omnipotent Being/Infinite Intellect/Powers. Some scientists invoke the sci-fi scenario --- maybe aliens seeded Earth? This would imply that in 11 billion years or so, a species was able to develop the creation of life. George Wald famously said that there were only two possibilities, life by spontaneous generation or by Special Creation. He said that while he understood that spontaneous generation was impossible, he chose to believe in the impossible, because the alternative, Special Creation, was not tenable. One protein molecule (one with 100 amino acids, 20 different kinds) would need to beat odds of 1 in 10^130. i.e., 10^130 possible combinations the amino acids can line up. The 100 must line up in the exact order. According to Borel's statement that no event will occur with more than 1 in 10^50 odds, I wouldn't put money on even one protein molecule self-existing, even if infinite time were allowed, let alone one billion years, or ten billion years. There are supposedly 10^80 molecules in the universe. To get even the first living cell going would require DNA / RNA molecules, a multitude; this is assuming that chemical reaction would be sufficient, without an 'X factor.' Now some people are welcome to put their money on odds of 1 in 10^130 for the first protein molecule ... and the odds for the first living cell, etc. Furthermore, even if there were a first living cell, it would need to self-create the ability of cell division, otherwise no second cell. On the other hand, Jesus Christ fulfilled all of the major prophecies of the Old Testament. On the day of crucifixion He fulfilled more than 30 at odds of 1 in 10^128. The odds, of course, are even greater with the rest of the prophecies. For prophecy students, I recommend Dr. James A. Bloom's (physicist) study on the prophecy of Tyre, since this is a hot bed. Also recommend his 80 page paper on existence of God. Since 1901 to now the majority of Nobel laureates have identified themselves as Christian. Raymond Damandian, inventor of the MRI, should have received a Nobel according to at least one Nobelist. RD was once an atheist. Ditto Francis Collins and many other present day scientists. Now, if some will entertain the idea of extraterrestrial seeding, surely the idea of an Infinite Intellect/Power should also be on the table? For now, Mother Nature can't create life; nor can she morph species to species. The number of flora and fauna number at least 100 million that have been cataloged. And there is not one transitional fossil in the bunch. On another tack, I would also caution about siding with the Soviet Union's view from the 1930s to its dissolution. In 1939 an American communist testified before US Congress of the Soviet's Psych-politics (PP) program, i.e., brainwashing. Among their chief targets was Christianity: develop in the people a 'foaming hatred' of Christianity. He was murdered shortly after. Even to the late 20th century, the SU had a dept. of atheism numbering 20,000, whose sole goal was to promote atheism and destroy Christianity. Despite that, there were a number of underground Christians. Some noteworthy atheists of the period became Christians when they encountered 'real' Christians.

[@MaulScarreign]

What job did he lose?

[@kidglort9396]

He was in the tech industry, I think.

[@rstevewarmorycom]

Software QC

[@Captain_Gargoyle]

Great talk, Matt. And i've never actually seen him do magic before. lol great stuff

[@wildcatso]

At first I thought that I left the church (raised as catholic) because I was gay and that gays had no business in it, but later I found out that it was much more and beyond that assumption. Church and rational thought do not belong in the same dictionary. That perception did not come easily or as fast as I'm telling this but as my old man used to say over and over: "That does not make any sense to me". That pretty much sumarizes my views on religion today. Great lecture from a brilliant mind. Congratz, Matt.

[@joehinojosa24]

It was beautiful to listen to Matt waxing eloquent. He should have begun with " I have a Dream"though

[@RavancheII]

Hello, just wanted to inform you that I subscribed to your channel just yesterday, I found this video today and when I went to click on it to watch it noticed that I was not subscribed. I have hit the subscribe button yet again but I just wanted to let you know that this is beginning to become a thing with KZbin. Their algorithms are still sending select videos to my feed, but some of the sights that I know I've subscribed to have been unsubscribing me. It's not me I assure you. Love your channel!❤ please keep up the enlightenment of the world.

[@Drew-fn6rq]

Love this! Well said Matt! The real MVP

[@krazyhorse448]

That is one of favorite magic tricks ever, knowing how doesn't make it less impressive!

[@leemattox3511]

I've been racking my brain......how did he do it?

[@myyoutubechannel6280]

i mean, it does. thing is most ppl don‘t know how.

[@vincentjohnson3717]

This was hilarious, made my day :D

[@markmenning1804]

God bless you Matt

[@rookonzo1436]

Well said that was great Matt!

[@silver292]

The crazy thing is, as a Christian, I actually agreed with pretty much everything he said in the “I want a world” section of his speech….and I think Jesus does too….

[@MasterSpade]

Religious people should listen to what jesus HIMSELF SAYS about “Interpreting” his word - 2 Peter 1:20 - “20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” Proverbs 30: 5-6 (NIV) Also - Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 12:32, Revelation 22:18-19 - basically says to NOT add or interpret his word - “Every word of god is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” But as we know, religious people love to interpret the bible to fit what they WANT it to say, they don't care what it REALLY says. In Matt’s conversation with those preachers = Matt reading direct from the bible - "And god hardened pharaoh's heart" ........preachers response - "Yes but if you read it correctly..pharaoh was hardening his own heart" So it says this....but it means that. It says one thing, but it means another. If only those people would actually READ their bibles, and follow what it says. What more do they need than for jesus himself to tell them to NOT INTERPRET his word!?? So when he says something word for word, then it MEANS EXACTLY THAT!! But religious people don’t listen to their supposed “god”……. Just more proof that even religious people do not really believe their fairy tales.

[@MasterSpade]

"Religion is a phase a species goes through when it evolves enough intelligence to ask profound questions but not enough to answer them." - Bill Flavell

[@MasterSpade]

kpmercy -- Then you are disagreeing with jesus, not me. All I did was quote directly from the bible. If you have a problem with what those parts say, take it up with your imaginary friend, not me. Think about that ...........even you disagree with your supposed god!

[@jazzhuman]

Awesome. Matt has really become a wonderful atheist preacher.

[@anzu3439]

😍 love it

[@KeizeShow]

I agree with a lot of Matt's points. I'd like to see him debate Frank Turek. When Matt says "...that we know are wrong..." Frank Turek would say "...do you absolutely know? By what standard?" Would like to know Matt's response. He'd have to take the position that 'morals are relative' & therefore how could you 'know' what's absurdly wrong?

[@KeizeShow]

Oners82 What would the alternative be? I'll look it up.

[@KeizeShow]

***** I can see that with Yahweh but not Jesus. Tough questions...

[@RadioactivFly]

+Keize Montoya Turek's response sounds like textbook prepositionalism, the same kind practiced by Eric Hovind and Sye Ten Bruggencate. Presuppositional apologetics is the intellectual equivalent to flipping over the game board and declaring that you've won. The best way to demolish the arguments of a Christian presuppositionalist is to pick up a Quran and (sarcastically of course) argue the presupp's every point from the Muslim perspective. Presuppositionalism is designed to go after atheists using word games and semantic tricks, but this is all a distraction from the actual issue. Its only argument is "I'm right because I'm right, and you can't prove me wrong," but falls flat on its face when put up against the beliefs of another, equally absurd religion.

[@MYB63]

Just found this site! Community, fun , wisdom and logic. Compassion and excellent argument. All focused on dispelling, as an illusion, the elephant in the room. What's so poignant, is that the stronger and more profound the argument the stronger the sense of well being and momentry illusion that the elephant is a figment, not there. But in the the gaps between speakers and such the revelry is not of sufficient depth to stop the said animal once again taking shape. If anything, the need for attendance at such a gathering is more an indication of personal doubt of one's unbelief than any more conscious reason. In my subjective opinion.

[@n.presley917]

+Mark yelland-brown a few purposes of 'such a gathering' which may have eluded you are that skepticism that one keeps to oneself is (a) not doing the rest of the world much good, (b) harder to apply consistently without comparing notes, (c) a powerful factor in isolation, depression and cynicism for more than a few.

[@Amalekites]

Love this guy! :)

[@TheWraithkrown]

I am an atheist..... and an a$$hole. I have tried but I can not treat people equally who believe in fairy tales. I try to be tolerant, but more often than not I fail. I try to respect the person and not the religion, but I fail more often than not. I keep trying though. Thank you Matt Dillahunty for giving me the inspiration to keep trying.

[@nznegativeions]

Don't bother you're obviously a loser.

[@maf6856]

I love this guy

[@BenC460]

I find a better response than "I don't know" is "that is currently an unknown"

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

I want to live in the world Matt is describing.

[@MrRob1967]

He should write a book called: "Challenging Fashion Sense: Living as a Skeptic."

[@gideona.dunkleyiii699]

Matt is doing the Lord's work

[@RaineStudio]

The old magic coloring book trick? Elementary, my dear Watson.

[@Greyz174]

the book he had had a tiny bit of writing on each page, probably "what to tell people you're guessing"

[@jerrydoyle5622]

Matt is great!!!

[@HarrySingh-bm3eg]

Really an excellent rendition.

[@someonezmom]

I love Beth & Matt

[@dozysplot]

Just love the last 5 minutes of this.....