'Hey Bill Nye, How Do I Escape Religion?'

'Hey Bill Nye, How Do I Escape Religion?' #TuesdaysWithBill
New videos DAILY: bigth.ink
Join Big Think Edge for exclusive video lessons from top thinkers and doers: bigth.ink/Edge
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Time travel is the fantasy that humans can’t stop hoping for. Our collective wish for a connection to the future or past floods into our culture through literature, film, television, music, and architecture. But what if it has already been done? What if someone has travelled back or forward and told us their story - would we believe them? Should we? One such case is John Titer, a self-declared time traveler who posted in online forums in 2000, claiming to come from the year 2036 and giving both vague and detailed predictions (which have not yet come true).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BILL NYE:
Bill Nye, scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, is a man with a mission: to help foster a scientifically literate society, to help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. Making science entertaining and accessible is something Bill has been doing most of his life.
In Seattle Nye began to combine his love of science with his flair for comedy, when he won the Steve Martin look-alike contest and developed dual careers as an engineer by day and a stand-up comic by night. Nye then quit his day engineering day job and made the transition to a night job as a comedy writer and performer on Seattle’s home-grown ensemble comedy show “Almost Live.” This is where “Bill Nye the Science Guy®” was born. The show appeared before Saturday Night Live and later on Comedy Central, originating at KING-TV, Seattle’s NBC affiliate.
While working on the Science Guy show, Nye won seven national Emmy Awards for writing, performing, and producing. The show won 18 Emmys in five years. In between creating the shows, he wrote five children’s books about science, including his latest title, “Bill Nye’s Great Big Book of Tiny Germs.”
Nye is the host of three currently-running television series. “The 100 Greatest Discoveries” airs on the Science Channel. “The Eyes of Nye” airs on PBS stations across the country.
Bill’s latest project is hosting a show on Planet Green called “Stuff Happens.” It’s about environmentally responsible choices that consumers can make as they go about their day and their shopping. Also, you’ll see Nye in his good-natured rivalry with his neighbor Ed Begley. They compete to see who can save the most energy and produce the smallest carbon footprint. Nye has 4,000 watts of solar power and a solar-boosted hot water system. There’s also the low water use garden and underground watering system. It’s fun for him; he’s an engineer with an energy conservation hobby.
Nye is currently the Executive Director of The Planetary Society, the world’s largest space interest organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSCRIPT:
Lana: Hey Bill Nye. My name is Lana and I have a question about time travel. So recently I have been searching up various information about a so called time traveler named John Titor who claimed that he came from the year 2036 and wrote about all of this in the early 2000s. So I have a question, can this possibly happen and can time travel actually exist? So thank you.
Bill Nye: Lana, I would say, if I understand this guy's claims, they are false. Time travel so far is not possible. There is a very reasonable theory that you could build a time machine in which you go faster or close to the speed of light, of course that would kill you because you would be accelerated in these very small radii and at very high speeds and you'd fly apart. But that aside, you can only go back in time to when the machine was built, just a complication. The other thing is when people make these extraordinary claims there's generally a way to prove them false, to prove them wrong. And this guy took the trouble to only go the 2036, see if he can tell you who one the Super Bowl. And the other big thing I always ask those guys, why isn't he rich? Couldn't he have invested in certain stocks? Couldn't he have seen certain eventualities, outcomes with the stock market, with certain manufactures, be it the Tesla Automobile Corporation, for example, or the Department of Defense in the United States coming up with some famous new invention? Wouldn't he have invested in certain farmland in the right part of the world to be especially productive? Why? So on and so on. So I really encourage you to look into this guy's claims. Now, in what we call skepticism or skeptical thought, and also it's a very popular phrase right now critical thinkin...
For the full transcript, check out bigthink.com/videos/bill-nye-...

[@bigthink]

Want to get Smarter, Faster? Subscribe for DAILY videos: bigth.ink/GetSmarter

[@Dark_Force_Of_Wishes]

This Made Me Dumber.

[@staff1495]

Nop

[@jhq9064]

I just needed to stop believing in the doctrine of eternal damnation aka ECT (for eternal conscious torment) when I learned what olam and aionios really mean in their original Bible languages.

[@luckspell]

so smart about ghost huh then how are dreams made?

[@rareformx]

It sounds like the kid doesn't have an issue walking away or drifting from religion. The issue is often social suicide. Some families and friends will write you off if you tell them you don't believe what they believe.

[@russellbrooks23able]

Yes, sadly so true. My Christian friends are fair weather friends. Many, not even that.

[@StarKillerMystogan]

Some yes however my family is really religious and my brother told us he doesnt believe in anything and thats ok with us since true christians know we should not judge anyone something most christians seem to forget

[@dude1234522]

@@StarKillerMystogan When you get to college take a philosophy class and bring up your religious beliefs and ask the professor what he thinks. My teacher thankfully nailed the coffin into any sort of belief in christianity or any religion.

[@billDgundam817DFW]

Exactly

[@sanres]

Very very true. "social suicide". Nailed it

[@TweetBird216]

For me, it was a revolutionary moment. I believed in Christianity until I was 14. Then, I read the Bible. In reading it, I realized that it was complete bullshit. Not only did I not believe it, but some of the things in the Bible violated my ethical and moral beliefs. After I was finished reading it, I sat on my bed - completely dumbfounded. It was the first time that I had ever questioned religion. I, like most kids, trusted the adults in my life. It never occurred to me that all of them could be wrong. I believed it not because I lacked critical thinking skills, but because I was sold a lie by my loved ones. I had never read the Bible before. I just listened in church. Somehow, in church, they always skipped over the truly horrific parts of the texts. They also skipped over the inconsistencies. Being indoctrinated into religion is akin to brainwashing. You never think critically about the religion because it is just a part of your identity.

[@Octamed]

+Brandy Lawson I'll bet they never read it either. First time I 'read' it was, as a kid, when I asked someone how the universe was made and they said it's in the bible. So I read the first few pages, and it was done.. I thought "that's IT?". Didn't bother reading further :)

[@TweetBird216]

+Octamed The only reason that I read it at 14 as because I was an honors student. My English teacher, in my freshmen year, gave the class a list of things to read before college that would not be taught as a part of the curriculum at the school. On that list it stated "a portion of Bible, and other religious texts, because you will need a basic understanding of common religions in philosophy classes...." Being the overachieving nerd that I am - I read the entire thing. I also read a portion of the Torah, the Talmud, and the Quran. It amazes me how little people - adults - know about their faith. I can forgive a kid their ignorance. They are, after all, just a kid. However, adults should know what they believe. I once asked a woman, who believes in the literal translation of the Bible, whether or not she intended on keeping that belief system if she was raped, or if a friend or loved one was raped. She had no idea that the Bible states that it is not rape if it happens in the city... because you obviously did not scream. If you did, you would have been heard and it would have stopped. That is the reasoning. She didn't believe me. I showed her. She still refused to believe me.

[@Octamed]

Ah the classic 'must be out of context'. The get out of jail card of all extreme religious passages. I love that you are expected to read the whole thing BEFORE you 'get it'. I especially love how a lot of people claim you can't understand the Quran properly without learning Arabic. So basically 'you have to be totally immersed in the religions culture BEFORE you can claim to understand it', but of course, by that stage you have too much to lose.

[@TweetBird216]

+Octamed She didn't say that it was taken out of context. She claimed that it wasn't the real Bible... although it was a KJV, which is the version that she takes to church. I have one that I have marked with notes and page markers - to make it easier to show people what it really says. I doubt she has ever read it. I doubt she ever will. it's interesting - say what you will about the Jewish and Muslim faiths, but they seem to know their holy books. Christians, most of the ones that I have met, do not. The most common mistake among Muslims is the virgins. No such promise is made in the Quran. It may be made somewhere else, but it's not in the Quran. When it comes to the Christians, they can not tell me that I do not understand it. I've read all of it, twice front to back and then some more as I've used it to prove my point. They have never actually read it. Some have studied it, but only certain parts. Jewish people and Muslims can claim that I do not speak the language, but a lot of their books are ones that used an updated version of their language. I used a direct translation from the original languages. That's a higher standard than any Bible in existence that is written in English.

[@Octamed]

Well, maybe it's a good thing 'Christians' don't know their book as well as Muslims. Because if they actually found out what they're *supposed* to act like, they might actually do it..

[@xxGLhrMxx]

I just ran into a Wifi named "Bill-Wi-The-Science-Fi"

[@tengkuizdihar]

I changed my wifi to that.

[@milobergen406]

Guilherme C. Lol

[@gluca7163]

You saw it from cowbelly you moron

[@richterman3962]

Guilherme C. Yes and alahamora opened it

[@sangeetabahuguna9141]

I could hear the comment.

[@wooskee]

"Do not confuse skepticism with cynicism - those are two different things. Cynical means you don't have any expectation of good outcomes. Skeptical means you want things to be proven or shown." -Bill Nye Wisdom from those that are truly wise

[@amojak]

All he needs to do is read the Bible completely and understand its content from a rational perspective. then the cherry picked crap he had been fed will all fit into place and the absurdity of the bible will be revealed.

[@MrRayne911]

+amojak "Ration: based on or in accordance with reason or logic."... Some cultures are grown in a buble of their own reasoning and logic, so "rational perspective" is different for everyone. for example it would seem irrational kissing a part of the doorway every time you enter or leave the room, but in the jewish culture it is makes all the sense in the world.

[@ArgentumEmperio]

+amojak In the western world we see things such as the castsystem in India to be an extremely rational idea of how religion and life in general should be percieved as. However, over there ... it is mostly seen as a reality to most people and nothing more. The bible was written by human hands - whether or not the words written in it would be of a god's or not does not change the hands it was written by. So it really isn't a 'rational perspective' to think that all things in the bible is false on the contrary, its the opposite. I study political science and religion is often a solution for people that seems quite reasonable, since it provides with hope and a 'solution' at the end of all things where life would be worth living. That makes the bible seem alot more rational than most other things since it actually allows you to do something and feel a good sense of achivement or reward for doing it. The bible is a really bad example since what I said before, it was written by human hands thus' the content and context of it is shaped by human nature. Reading the bible and thinking "this has to be bullshit" ain't gonna help since it is a theoretical and ideological viewpoint as opposed to a practical one. If one were to really change to look at things from a rational perspective, then the answer is "How would you answer?" Just a bit of 'perspective' worth taking in mind considering the bible is quite sensible... if one would answer that there "'should' be answer" as opposed to "'could' be answer". For short: the only perspective to look at the bible is that of just another plain' ol book. See it for what you choose to trust and for that you choose to find a better solution yourself. Basically the same thing Bill Nye stated but far more sensibly and with better examples.

[@amojak]

ALL books were written by people :) , any claim otherwise needs some serious evidence, something that will not be forthcoming.

[@ArgentumEmperio]

amojak Yah' but my point still remains - if science is seen as the logical between the two, why wouldn't religion if you trust the same words? Point is still very much so like what Bill Nye said, it all comes down to what's part of critical thinking. There's as much scientific bollocks as there is religious BS so one can't base it all around the single idea that the bible wouldn't come from a rational mind.

[@Bluefalcon6154]

This is how I escaped religion. It started when I learned about Noah's ark but I was turned into a atheist once I began reading the bible.

[@rudai123]

I like Bill's focus on skepticism. Not slamming any group or belief.

[@YamiAi]

+rudai123 Indeed. Humility is truly a sign of a mature mind.

[@Abitibidoug]

Yes, you're quite right about that observation. It clearly shows that Bill Nye thinks like a true scientist by being open minded, taking in as much information and possible, and not prematurely jumping to conclusions.

[@manuelruen]

he probably slams all religions in his mind for real. but he's not going to tell you in real life because of publicity. hardly no scientist believes in religion. because they want to see hard proof evidence for it visually.

[@rudai123]

@@manuelruen Well, since neither of us are mind readers, we really don't know what Bill Nye thinks, except for what he shares with us.

[@manuelruen]

@@rudai123 ok my fault then.... my bad

[@andrewlarue8496]

I submitted this question back in June. Me currently: question everything, assume nothing. I'm going to college to further my education. Wanting to pursue a career in aerospace engineering! I have found a love for space a just want to do what I can to further space exploration! And I'm not perfectly out of the woods yet. But like Bill said, just taking things slowly!

[@moterinsun]

Good for you! Aerospace is hard, but I bet you can do it!

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

Two years late but nonetheless congratulations and the best of luck; I hope it's all going well for you. p.s. Yes, education is the key!

[@richardbonnette490]

May God help you in your journey. :)

[@chayblay]

That’s great, we need more aerospace engineers! I personally got hung up on Bill’s message of finding your own morality, which sounds to me like moral relativism which most philosophers agree is a dangerous foundation for society, so maybe he should just stick to science.

[@h1tsc4n40]

@@chayblay he probably has more important things to read than the bible, you know, aerospace isn't easy.

[@memahselfni]

I love his advice. I just left religion a month and a half ago. I used to always say a prayer during a hard time or when I was nervous about something. It is such a hard, emotional moment when I have that urge to bow my head, and then realize that there is no God out there to help or listen to me. But then it turns out fine in the end, same as if I had prayed. It's a process deprogramming from religion.

[@shorea27]

memahselfni Prayer works for some people just as well as yoga/ meditation does for others. Maybe anything that quiets the mind during stressful times help people focus on the things they need to do.

[@shorea27]

@Death Eater True. What i hate about some religions. How they believe they're the only one who will be "saved" and all that crap. And all extremists. I was thinking buddhism or wicca or any of the polytheistic religions that teach tolerance.

[@Pfyzer]

@@shorea27 that "saved" stuff is such a weird concept.... and very Christian lol

[@shorea27]

@@Pfyzer I agree. We have lots of those different Christian denominations here selling Jesus in various flavors of the same salvation.

[@Pfyzer]

@@shorea27 couldnt said it better myself. and for me, I have faith that salvation does exist in terms of moral values as it's "work", but those flavor Christianity been sellin since European kingdoms aren't what im buyin lmao

[@1993bassmasta]

Good point about skepticism vs cynicism at the end.

[@Richie_Godsil]

agreed, excellent point

[@warmleatherette]

+1993bassmasta Yup, growing up I have a lot of friends who can't separate them.

[@ShawnRavenfire]

+1993bassmasta George Carlin was once asked about encouraging people to be more cynical, and he responded by saying that he hoped people would be more skeptical, not cynical.

[@daakrolb]

+1993bassmasta Yes. But once you realize, after your skepticism makes you analyze life, you become cynical, but that's just being a realist. Rust Cohle philosophy for the win.

[@TheFubbick]

+Dan Krolikowski Realists aren't cynical. I'm a realist and I'm not cynical. One does not necessarily equate the other. Cynicism is more like pessimism whereas realism can be both cynical and optimistic; the outlook from realism depends on the mood of the individual viewer.

[@Raysmobileonsite]

Reading the Bible, on my own, without prompting, without coaching, at a very young age .. cured me of my religious infection.

[@bigyabayamin3708]

Try to read the Qur'an

[@Raysmobileonsite]

@@bigyabayamin3708 I have done so as much as I could stomach. It is pure poison.

[@bigyabayamin3708]

@@Raysmobileonsite you think that because you never read it

[@Raysmobileonsite]

@@bigyabayamin3708 Not at all .. I read as much as I could stomach. Beheadings everywhere .. of innocents. And a bunch of unscientific garbage.

[@bigyabayamin3708]

@@Raysmobileonsite it predicted the big band and how baby are born before we had any idea of knowing

[@akabaker98]

Read any (other) religious text. Then read yours as if for the very first time. They are equally ridiculous.

[@akabaker98]

Luke V Exactly.

[@marv151]

+Luke V yep the bible isn't a bad book just take it with a grain of salt. it has some good lessons in there

[@Nilguiri]

+marv151 "the bible isn't a bad book" How about you finish reading it before you give it such a positive review? If you have read it all and still think that it's not a bad book, then I'm afraid that says a lot about your morals or lack of them. Not good things, unfortunately, but terrible things. Yes, it may have a couple of good lessons - plagiarized from older texts - in there mixed with the hateful and immoral, anti scientific bullshit, but so what? You can be a better person without all of that nonsense, especially as the vast majority of it is simply not true.

[@akabaker98]

Luke V If there was but one turd in the pool, would you go swimming?

[@akabaker98]

Luke V Indeed. LOL

[@Bensaw11]

Awesome answer, Bill. Critical thinking is one of the most useful and powerful life skills to make use of. I would never completely disregard somebody's beliefs before investigating them and forming an opinion based on fact.

[@1simo93521]

+Shadow Girl if you believe in astrology then you have failed at critical thinking.....

[@rafaelrincon3109]

+Shadow Girl Please make a claim that is somewhat (maybe not completely) unique to vedic astrology. I don't want to do research on vedic astrology just to find out that you don't believe the things I read about it. Maybe if you reveal what you believe about vedic astrology, +Simo will realize that its not what s/he thought it was. Or maybe someone will be able to come up with a way to prove you right or wrong.

[@1simo93521]

+Shadow Girl if you believe in astrology and religion then that's fine, I really don't care but there is no scientific truth in it. The stars are not magical things they are products of the physical laws of our universe, is that not amazing enough without attaching mythology to them!

[@TheOmegau]

+Shadow Girl If you have any knowledge of astronomy, you already know that astrology in all forms is bullshit. Those constalations are entirely imagined by us, and all those starts are moving away from each other. They aren't even in those same positions that you see. You're seeing light that's millions of years old.

[@crabbyoldgamer3028]

+georgem In other words, think for yourself as long as you agree there is no God. Don't draw conclusions without facts unless the conclusion is there is no God.

[@Ron4885]

Murdering people is just a 'bit' antisocial 3:17. He does have a decent sense of humor. I love listening to him.

[@davemarshall9322]

Being raised Christian, the moment I realized I didn't believe in God or any religious rhetoric was the most amazing and spiritual moment of my life

[@3zooz17]

You found out the truth?

[@isabellaman9513]

this recently happened to me, and i definitely feel the same way.

[@AlisinaAtai]

@@3zooz17 you never know the truth, you live until you die believing in an incomplete theories that give you limited views of the world.

[@landoncooper2934]

@@AlisinaAtai And what proves he exists? and cant I just say the same thing about you?

[@kidwave1]

You never learned the origin and truth about Sun worship, or what or why it exists. Start at the beginning, discover WHY there are 360 degrees in a circle. To understand that, is the genesis point of ALL understanding. You'll never TRULY understand ANYTHING if you dont learn this most important thing of ALL THINGS EVER!

[@pacrii]

Science is not the antithesis of religion.

[@pacrii]

***** "magical thinking" may be a part of some religions. it cannot be applied to all.

[@pacrii]

***** care to name specifics and examples of religions and their magical components? otherwise your argument is ambiguous.

[@ryane8633]

+pacrii please name one religion (preferably a major one) without magical components. I'm having trouble thinking of one, maybe pantheism?

[@pacrii]

***** i think calling prayer magic is a stretch. and not true. anyhow, thanks for your comments.

[@bigsh00g17]

+pacrii I agree completely. There is no reason a person cannot be religious minded and science minded at the same time. It all depends on how literally that person decides to interpret their particular religion.

[@badnade4886]

Write your own Bible. I'm serious. Write down your own code of morals, beliefs, and spiritual questions. Put down an honest account of your own beliefs. Figure out exactly what you think is good in life. Then, read everyone else's Bibles, until you find the faith that best matches your own. Mine happened to be the holographic universe theory. I religion based around proven facts of science.

[@FreeThinkingRichard]

+Morgan Davison I don't know about subscribing to a religion just because it has common values with you. As my name suggests, the concept of a "free thinker" is extraordinary. If I made a religion called "Morganism", and it was all about you, about how great Rhubarb pies and hockey are, it doesn't make you a Morganist. As a free thinker you can have any belief you want, and it 100% belongs to you. You can be a free thinker and be pro-life or pro-choice, pro death penalty or anti. TL;DR, you don't have to have a religion, having your very own moral code can suffice for some people.

[@chrisv4496]

+Morgan Davison Personally I never found an existing faith that coincided with my interpretation of reality, so the only label I'll allow for myself "agnostic" - even though it's not quite accurate, it's the closest descriptor of my beliefs.

[@krogan52]

+Morgan Davison Why do you feel you need a religion? In my view, religion was merely a way to keep peasants in line by promising an afterlife, explaining their origins and purpose for living. Science should help us to think differently and not make up answers to questions for societal control. Everything should be tested and proven true. For some it may be scary to realize, your birth was by chance and not some divine creation, or that your death will be just how it was before you were born, nothingness. This shouldn't be scary, it is reality, and doesn't it make this life more important? What are odds that everything before came together in such a way to make the person you are, and although the same thing has happened to all of us, it doesn't make it any less amazing.

[@chrisv4496]

krogan52 Anyone making claims that the afterlife is or isn't anything, or that god(s) do or do not exist is, IMO, speaking outside their jurisdiction, so to speak. You cannot _disprove_ that a god or gods exist. You cannot _disprove_ that some sort of afterlife exists. Remember that the province of science is proving things, _not_ disproving things. You can make the claim that, based on statistics, personal observations, etc. that such a being or reality is _unlikely_ to exist, but you _cannot_ say that such a being or reality _does not_ exist. This is a core facet of science that most people seem to easily forget: _You cannot prove a negative_; absence of evidence _is not_ evidence of absence. Therefore the only reasonable stance is one of, "I don't know," with a sprinkling of your own personal feelings, IMO, but to each their own.

[@chrisv4496]

***** Indeed, discovering _for yourself_. Where I start to take issue is when someone attempts to use their personal experience (and very little else) to convince someone that a belief that cannot be corroborated to a reliable degree is _fact_. I believe that you believe it; that doesn't mean that I have to believe it as well, as it cannot be proven one way or the other, scientifically speaking. Hence why I'm agnostic with some personal flavor. I don't worship any gods, but I can't prove they don't exist.

[@junevandermark952]

After a lifetime of mental confusion taught to me by religion, I didn't leave religion completely until I was 70 years of age. I am now 81 years of age, and the last 11 years have been my best. If I can do it at 70 years of age, there is definitely hope for others.

[@needtoshop7253]

Thank you for this comment kini sir. I’m only 23 and already feel like my whole life is slipping away as I’m an exmuslim living in a very religious society. My family is also very religious and will kill me if they know

[@junevandermark952]

@@needtoshop7253 At one time in these countries, Christians killed each other. Many wars were fought between Catholics and Protestants, before things changed, to where now they simply fight with words over who they believe will be saved, compared to who they are certain will suffer for eternity in the supposed afterlife. No matter which religion ... it is NOT good. I wish you well. Be careful of what you say to those you trust, because if they think there is something in it for them, they will report you as being an infidel, just as the Christians reported each other as being heretics, to those in religious power.

[@cw-wj1vs]

Really appreciate the comment, I feel a lot of anger at 40. Constant back and forth since I can remember. Relationships lost, friendships, not to mention the horrific lasting pain since I thought prayer was going to fix or prevent at least some of it. Sheesh it kept me from focusing on personal growth and maturing.

[@junevandermark952]

@@cw-wj1vs I don't know about you, but I'm fond of the word "truthiness." lol Truthiness "act or quality of preferring concepts or facts one wishes to be true, rather than those known to be true," catch word popularized in this sense by U.S. comedian Stephen Colbert, declared by American Dialect Society to be "2005 Word of the Year."

[@mwamussa]

@@needtoshop7253 BIZARRE. JUST LEAVE THAT COUNTRY AND NEVER LOOK BACK

[@g0tzeus]

im sure asking bill this question you've already begun your escape! do what pleases you, not others.

[@Jonathan-zj6to]

+GoTZeuS except murder

[@Bluefalcon6154]

+NotJonathan Perez does that make necrophilia ok?

[@Jonathan-zj6to]

Thurston Lambert as long as it is consensual

[@Bluefalcon6154]

+NotJonathan Perez lollll what do humans have a innate sense of morality or is it given to us by society? Is the default pragmatism?

[@g0tzeus]

+NotJonathan Perez there's the military...

[@00mazone]

I was raised in a religious family. It was easy for me to leave this type of thinking. I never truly believed. Even when I was very young. When I was told all the stories from the bible I did not buy it at all. I did try to be religious for a little while but I knew deep down I thought it was total BS. That was enough proof for me.

[@jamesmaxwell9613]

My childhood was similar but I was indoctrinated enough to put my doubts away, but they never left. Now, after *decades* of research, I can assure you that ALL acknowledged gods are nothing more than ancient mythology. It is simply amazing that today people still believe any of that could be real.

[@waifu_png_pl6854]

ye same here, except for that my family wasnt really religious (maybe my grandparents, but eh, they never really pushed it), it was the society that wanted me to be catholic. still i had to go to religious classes and i couldnt escape communion, but i always found it weird why people believed. i tried my hardest to believe until i was around 10, then i just stopped and kinda rethinked my faith. at around my 12th birthday i accepted myself as an atheist

[@juless3568]

Ancient Egyptian, Summerian and Hinduism are the foundations of understanding what religion is. The monotheistic religions are the BS absurd mind controllers and perpetual mental viruses.

[@NewtonWashinton]

Extraordinary Claims require Extraordinary Evidence

[@MyCynner]

The book that was pivotal for me was Carl Sagan's, Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark. In his book, Sagan explains the scientific method and outlines a series of tests (or questions) you can ask against any claim. He called it the "Baloney Detection Kit" and it really helps bring a lot of clarity to your understanding of the world. Why this book is not part of every high school curriculum I will never understand. It was one of the most influential books I've ever read.

[@heethn]

For me the process of dumping religion was more emotional than anything else. I already knew deep down that it was all nonsense but the emotional effects of childhood indoctrination is nothing to scoff at. It's been awhile and I hope this young man has figured some stuff out and is doing well.

[@RustyCyler]

That boy needs a healthy dose of Hitchens to set him straight.

[@pacrii]

+Rusty Cuyler ironic you say healthy when Hitchens passed away not too long ago.

[@juandeldiablo696]

Amen my brotha!!

[@BigRedScouser]

+Rusty Cuyler He died 4 years ago today =c

[@Aandemaat]

+BigRedScouser *holds minute of silence. :'(

[@Bluefalcon6154]

He will be remembered for generations to come. Death is not the last words will continue to give wisdom and inspiration for those of us who will always be curious.

[@TristanBanks]

The important thing to remove from religious teachings is the dogma. Once you remove the religious aspect of the text, it just becomes a book of lessons. Then you can look at these lessons in an objective way and decide whether you agree or disagree with them. Don't just look to yourself, because what you feel is right may not always be the most moral approach, because you may be influenced by another outside source. This is especially true with current mass media and the power it has over popular opinion. Don't always assume secular/atheist = 100% rational...

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

I'm all for that, but once you remove the dogma, is it actually a religion any more?

[@aznxCOOLxguy]

Man, Bill is such an inspirational person. Extremely brilliant and yet so awesome at the same time. "It's a cool question man, Good Luck!"

[@880User088]

Something worth mentioning is that in skepticism, if 100% valid evidences have been presented then you must accept it even if you don't like it. Otherwise you're just a hater.

[@jimbeaver27]

+880User088 Some of us like to hold back that no evidence can be 100%. Take climate change for example. Believers say that evidence is very close to 100%. So I'm an idiot for not believing? Valid evidences are usually not something that each of us is testing and confirming for ourselves, rather something we're told was tested by experts. Keep an open mind and don't feel you have to accept anything, nothing has to be 100% true. We can take a side and feel it is correct, but do not shut your mind possibilities we can't imagine yet or just don't know. Science has always expanded because previous truths were proven false, yet at the time they were considered 100% true. And so it goes...

[@curtismilligan317]

or hipster but what's the difference

[@MrRizeAG]

+Jim Davis (Eastern Beaver) You claim to support skepticism yet you buy into the "climate change isn't real" propaganda? Really? I get the rest of your point, and it's a good one, but come on dude.

[@curtismilligan317]

Jim Davis or you could just look at weather records and come to a few conclusions the 1930s were hot winter is shifting towards febuary and march there was an ice age that shows signs of reapearing climate change seems legit.

[@jimbeaver27]

The Dragon Hunter One thing is for sure, Climate is always changing. And man does influence it. But CO2 is NOT the problem.

[@taykimyang5951]

I love how when he receives the question doesnt go on to say " oh yeah thats the way to go and let me prove to you why that is" but instead he encourages the person who asked to think for himself through what i prefer to refer to as critical thinking, which bears the same meaning to skeptical thinking. He doesnt try to tell him whats wrong or right and take his word for it because thats what religion is, instead he encourages the guy to evaluate the evidence and make his own decision which is exactly what we should be doing. Way to go Bill!

[@Trapper4265]

I grew up in Arkansas as a part of the Southern Baptist faith. At the age of 25, I started asking for clearer explanation for things I had been taught from The Bible. I was told not to question but to accept as fact and have faith. That intellict had no source of reason to me at all. Since leaving the church and it's teaching, I began a journey of self discovery and a clearer meaning of the person I wanted to become. I had to learn the difference between skeptical and cynical, as Dr. Nye explains. Once I started thinking for myself life took on a whole new meaning. I began to love an appreciate my life much deeper than I ever did before. I also discovered my respect for humanity, because I was not shackled by the narrow thinking of those in my past who claimed if others think different from us, then they are wrong.

[@eljono1]

If you have to "escape" it isn't a religion, its a cult. I choose my faith, it isn't forced on me.

[@peterwurst5407]

+eljono1 the fact that you chose your faith is irrelevant. you leaving your religion could still be accompanied by great sanctions from the people around you. in such a situation the word "excape" is appropriate.

[@davidmartin2626]

+eljono1 Look around you, if you have the same or similar religion to others around you, you didn't choose it. It was chosen for you.

[@reynal_omnicide9217]

+eljono1 Reminds me of the a certain group of girls walking down with trashbags on their heads and claiming they choose to wear them. Reconsider your thought through an objective point of view.

[@WhoLetThemIn]

+David Martin Why wouldn't that aply to every like-minded social group then?

[@smith549371]

There's only one difference between a religion and a cult- popularity. The more people to believe something, the more acceptable it is. It all depends on how many people believe a fantastical story or that the world they live in has a supernatural elements without any evidence: If it was one guy-they're crazy, if it's a small group- they're a cult and if theirs enough people- it's a religion. No other difference.

[@mattosu7]

This is a perfect answer by Mr. Nye. Throwing off the shackles of religion does not happen because you read something in the comments section mocking religion. The ability to develop critical skepticism is something you work at and earn, brick by brick. But once you can think that way, you are free. And it doesn't ever go away because *you* built the foundation of your understanding - it's so much more powerful than being spoonfed indoctrination.

[@Raysmobileonsite]

Bill Nigh is no scientist .. nor is he a theologist. He's an actor, very bad comedian, and child indoctrinator for the radical left agenda.

[@mattosu7]

@@Raysmobileonsite While I disagree with what you say, I'll defend to the death your right to say it.

[@Raysmobileonsite]

@@mattosu7 That's great! I'm not sure Mr. Nigh would, however.

[@blackscreenman6117]

​@@Raysmobileonsiteuh huh. Every sentence he speaks here is more intelligent than your whole existence buddy.

[@ador7572]

This is what a good educator is about, they teach you how to think not what to think.

[@carolinemike6932]

I love how he advised him to read the bible so confidently! He knows how the book testifies against itself

[@topologyrob]

Only to the woefully ignorant.

[@phumlanimakabingwe5852]

@@topologyrob no only to those who are not indoctrinated

[@topologyrob]

@@phumlanimakabingwe5852 The very fact that you focus on doctrine shows how sheltered you are

[@phumlanimakabingwe5852]

@@topologyrob no it's shows that I don't blindly believe in sky fairies like religious apologists

[@topologyrob]

@@phumlanimakabingwe5852 Wow, you're still using silly words like "sky fairies" and expect anyone to think you know the first thing about religion? Go and read some scholarly literature on the topic. Urgently.

[@Kaipyro67ALT]

The fact that he's even thinking for himself is great.

[@Urhoboman5]

Start by just simply asking questions. And never be satisfied with the answers your elders give you. Very quickly you'll see the nonsense for what it is. That would have been my answer.

[@pacrii]

+Urhoboman5 so you don't believe anything your elders don't understand? like quantum mechanics? :)

[@FireofOne]

+pacrii ah another sole who actually knows basic shit 101 with quantom mechanics there is no possible way for an omnipresent being its just impossible

[@pacrii]

+FireofOne you mean "soul". you misspelled it.

[@FireofOne]

Auto correct on the phone bro don't be a grammer Nazi those people are terrible people who really need to care about more important things then a little bit spelling or grammar . and if you are smart enough to correct then just interpret no need to correct something thats not a licensed pice of work

[@pacrii]

FireofOne Well that's the issue. Unfortunately, your inflammatory statements made little sense, so I deferred to spelling "101". And "piece" btw.

[@coolen]

Bill's head is so perfectly rectangular I love it

[@clonboymusic]

Guys like these, making such questions, give me a lot of hope! a LOT of hope!

[@playeraj96]

As a Christian, I have to say that I have great respect for what Bill Nye has just said. We may not agree, and that's okay. We all have minds, whether they were given to us by God or developed over millions of years (or both) we all have a responsibility to use them, to be open to new possibilities, and to walk a mile in the other persons shoes.

[@hejm8421]

Just please don't stone people for being gay

[@alanclarke7]

@Paul Dana *"Are you aware your INVISIBLE "God" only exists in Hebrew MYTHOLOGY and religions are nothing but money making scams?"* What Jesus taught isn't reflected in all religions, especially not his religion: *(Matthew 6)* _25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? ... 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."_

[@alanclarke7]

@Paul Dana*"that's what the STORY says but it's not true."* I did what Jesus said and found that the outcome was exactly as he said: _"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."_ I didn't make money my foremost goal but instead sought "the kingdom of God and his righteousness" then everything else fell into place: my career, my marriage, house, kids, dog, etc.. I didn't even interview for a job when I graduated with a BS degree. I've been self-employed for the majority of my life.

[@alanclarke7]

@Paul Dana Let's back up a little. Earlier you said, "that's what the STORY says but it's not true." That's a truth claim. In other words, it's not something that you gravitate towards but you know it to be a fact. How did you come to this knowledge? Through the scientific method?

[@alanclarke7]

@Paul Dana *"There isn't a shred of evidence supporting any of the claims in the bible."* I seriously doubt that you have complete knowledge of all events, past & present. Obviously what you must mean is: 1) you personally aren't aware of any evidence; 2) you interpret existing evidence differently

[@Standing1Last]

Bill Nye, I just want to shrink you and put you in my pocket.

[@soupkitchen467]

I would love to have a miniature Bill Nye in my pocket.

[@m-sq]

Like, for example, a bill?

[@randommanny7659]

I really hope that in the future we can really do that with robots... That would be awesome

[@ProjectfullCurcit]

I enjoy your comment

[@thinkdunson]

when we get true AI, maybe we can copy Bill Nye's mind into an app.

[@nikolaneberemed]

Hats off to Andrew, it takes balls to drop a warm fuzzy feeling in favor of facts.

[@sharkamov]

I beg to differ; all it takes is a fully functioning brain and the _WILL_ to make use of it! . . .

[@Sandmanofamarillo]

i remember at one point the sharp edge of religious indoctrination, being fear of death and an eternity of torture; i had no clear vision of what was objectively right or wrong, this even occurred after my initial doubts: i had to ground myself again.

[@muiscnight]

I had this same question because I was born into it. for me all it took was a short time just living life and I just slipped away from it

[@marknutt4470]

"The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will turn you into an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you." -Werner Heisenberg Always be open minded and the truth will come

[@BarbarianKing2964]

Mark Nutt after my masters degree I determined that sending your own creation to hell is justified 🥰

[@rahn45]

I've never been religious, but running across a Veritasium video named "Can You Solve This?" gave me a deeper understanding of how people tend to look at reality, and how when presented with a problem or riddle we quickly come up with an answer, and then spend a lot of effort into making that first answer the correct one. The default state of being for most people is the want to be right, and do a lot to reinforce that position; when in reality getting closer to the truth require us to search for the wrong answers. That in the end the more wrong we find ourselves, the closer we end up getting to the real truth; because being wrong provides us with far more information than being correct. Being correct tells us nothing new.

[@bloodofredmoon]

My favorite point he made is skepticism vs cynicism. I feel very cynical at times but I think it's because I'm skeptical of many things I see and hear from day to day. P.S. Bill Nye visited my town about 7 years ago and he is a very down to earth, good hearted man. The power went out in the auditorium that we were in, and he had everyone pull out their cell phones and flash lights and we lit up the room and he spoke loudly until the power came back on. He didn't act like a stuck up celebrity and leave when the power failed. I really respect him and appreciate all he has taught me since I was a child.

[@ramie1498]

I remember when I left religion. For years I would pester my grandmother, asking her to clarify and give evidence for parts of the bible. By the time I was a seventh grader, her answers couldint satisfy me. I looked into other religions, tried a few, then I found science videos, articles, and I have been an atheist ever since. Now I hope to teach kids about biology, especially evolution when I am done with school

[@ShawnRavenfire]

He should also take into account the different interpretations of religious books. Having had a Catholic upbringing, I was always taught to take the Bible as symbolic language, which made it a shock when I first met someone who was raised to take it literally. It was even stranger for him to meet me, because he couldn't understand how a person could believe in both science and religion. (Before anyone asks, I'm not Catholic anymore, because I converted to Wicca.)

[@GarrettSzilard]

My Philosophical/ Spiritual / Religious journey started with this: -An attempt was made to raise my brother and I as Christians. That failed due to a lack of consistency and interest. -We forgot all about it and learned only what could be applied to reality -Didn't think much on spirituality or religion till about junior high. I realized there I closely fit the labeled Atheist. So I adopted it -Started off with me jokingly argue with religious friends time to time. -Discovered Philosophy in my Junior year of High School. I was confused at first at all that I was taking in -Then as it started to hit me, it felt like the world was melting -Thoughts would flow and surge through my head it seemed everyday trying to make sense of it all. As if I was trying to reconstruct a destroyed reality -This went on till early this year when I first picked up some readings of Buddhism, Meditation, etc. -I came to a realization that it was myself that was destroying myself, but that too will pass and it did. -As my interests peaked and my practice of the art of meditation, my overworked mind slowed -I found a way to end most of my needless suffering. I found that my core nature was aligned with this system from the beginning, I just needed to find the switch. -This journey hasn't reached its peak and thus has not yet ended for me. One thing I know for sure, allow yourself to always grow and change.

[@ATADSP]

It really does take a very long time to become skeptical of the world around you. It took me half a decade to go from christian to atheist and that was with a supportive family who didn't discourage me at all in my journey and friends who helped me along the way. I cant imagine how long it might take if your family isn't as supportive as mine was.

[@bowhows]

Re the point about whether morality is innate in us or taught by religion, I'd ask people to think about their reaction if they were to see someone hit a dog with a club. I think most people would feel horrified, maybe feel a bit like they had been hit in the stomach. That's a sign of innate morality. We don't empathize with people and animals because we're told to do so, it is natural within us.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

as a Christian, I really appreciate your deft handling of a difficult question. Very nicely done!

[@aries061988]

I’m an agnostic now, it’s true what he said about how it’s gradual. I last prayed when I was 29, that’s all I can remember. I currently don’t bother believing in anything and it’s awesome 🤩!

[@shirosenshiesq]

The greatest first step is to start asking yourself is there's more out there. Good work, guy. I went through the same network of questioning when I was 12, when my mother was married to a preacher who sent me off to church every Sunday. The people were so weird - the kind of people who talked about how they kept their kid's pubes shaved to prevent bad thoughts and banned comic books and video games because they were bad for you. The weirdness of these people helped me start questioning, and when that started, it all fell into place.

[@YolaroozXD]

To escape religion is to ask and not accept everything you see and hear as absolute truths. Not everything you see on the internet is real, not everything people tell you is real, so thinking logically, doing your research and having an open mind are key elements to truly discovering the answers we all seek.

[@BASSFZz]

Step 1. Stop believing Step 2. Repeat step one. Seriously, not believing is easy, believing in God is the hard option. XD

[@mouthpiece200]

+BASSFZz Fancy seeing you here. KZbin gets smaller by the day.

[@TheSpicyPotatoe]

It's hard . I use to be religious

[@JDGothard]

+BASSFZz Believe in a positive future and work every day toward realizing that world. That's a belief worth having.

[@TrevorHamberger]

+BASSFZz God is a self evident truth. It's where your rights come from. How fucking brainwashed are you?

[@TheChrisneitoffer]

+Fulcanelli Do our rights come from God?

[@roseeposey3072]

What a great question, and what a great answer! Glad they both had the courage to talk about it.

[@brod2man]

Iron Chariots Wiki is a good one for this. Covers a lot of different arguments for and against religion. Shows the fallacies etc Probably a good idea to think it through for yourself, but it's a good reference

[@ZombiGamer1679]

Great video. Lots of respect for Bill

[@juless3568]

Always lots of respect for Bill. We are learning from Bill.

[@Raysmobileonsite]

@@juless3568 He's a raging idiot, actually. Hopefully he will get cancelled at some point. The Left will eat it's own, if given the chance.

[@slm129]

I love this Abraham Lincoln of 21 century

[@mdflows]

Bill Nye is one of the best communicators there are. Thank you for answering his question in such an informative way that encourages the questioner to find the answer for himself instead of you telling him what you think the answer is. That is how to truly encourage critical thinking.

[@trippplefive]

pretty scary to think that anybody would need some fantasy book to tell them that murder is bad.

[@alextv8975]

Just read the first 3 pages of Genesis in the bible. That's enough to show you how absolutely ridiculous religious claims are.

[@poohandler8646]

trueee

[@missc2742]

+alejandro ocampo Those aren't religious claims. At least within the Catholic Church, the old testament is not taken as literal truth, but as a historical and theological background used to better understand how the concept of God has changed over time. The Church acknowledges evolution and doesn't believe the earth was created in seven literal days. To discount religion because of a text that doesn't even represent that religion is "absolutely ridiculous" if you ask me.

[@missc2742]

FiniteAutomaton You didn't mention transubstantiation. That's a bugger, too. A big one.

[@RavenwingAcademy7511]

That fuck ass book actually says light came BEFORE the sun and other stars. Fukkin..what? Lol.

[@No-yz7hv]

"Murder... It's antisocial"

[@adurnaebrithil]

i loved the way he approached this topic. it was very thoughtfull and mindfull with no finger pointing or blame game. that is how you lead a person to enlightenment in my opinion.

[@Boeing_hitsquad]

commendations on giving such a complete and unbiased answer.. I couldn't have done it.. much respect

[@ronjohnson4566]

listen and watch Matt Dillahunty of the atheist experience (you tube) answer questions from believers...

[@Yomama5923]

What a great answer! Very fair, non-polarizing, empathetic... as a religious person, myself, I do think believers would do very well to more critically evaluate what they believe and why... what they are willing to summit to faith and why and what they are only comfortable knowing empirically and by firsthand knowledge. There is a place for reasoning things and leaning on your own understanding, and there is a place for seeking the advice of others, whether it be a close friend, a significant other, your parents, a scientist, a pastor, rabbi, or a guru. This is your life; are you who you want to be?

[@TheAlldayBeast]

i was in a similar situation and i started questioning my religion. i know in my mind that there i s a higher power because it doesnt make sense that our existence happened randomly. but i wasnt sure about my religion because there are many other and who is to say which one is right. i had an open mind for many years but i still prayed to god. i strongly believed in god but i was still skeptical and one time i asked God for a sign and i got one that same day but i just thought that i was making stuff up. i continued to get even more signs throughout the following months but i dismissed them using critical thinking. then after like 50 signs i got one so powerful and so specific that i couldn't deny it, it literally felt like the aftermath of a super slap to the face. i dont think any religion is 100% correct but i label myself a Catholic mostly because of my own personal experience where after using critical thinking i came to the conclusion that my guarding Angel, spirits, and God is real. im just throwing my experience out there because many people ridicule religion because it is man made and take it too literal therefore they dismiss the idea of God. if you start applying god itself without religion to certain aspects like the creation of the universe, You are going to have a harder time dismissing that idea

[@Nauct]

Yay, Bill Nye :D

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

Science Guy :D

[@MendicantBias1]

The Bible is an owner's manual to a car that never existed.

[@louisvrana236]

Peter Grooms lol

[@amyrobbins5602]

Thanks Bill. :) I have been on this skeptic path since 2011 and I too was raised in a very very religious household. For me it was stopping to take a moment and evaluate the connections between things that are deep in our culture, and other cultures at that. I love folk lore and creation myths and looked at the timeline of when these were written before the notion of science. How did people explain things they observed? I started asking myself these questions, then after watching several documentaries that spanned across the religion/science debate, anthropology, psychology and philosophy, I was able to see the connections that led me to where I am as an Atheist/Skeptic. It makes me appreciate this life that I have more than worrying about saving my soul from eternal damnation. ;)

[@juliethorne1247]

I'm glad you did the research! I wasn't raised with religion, my mom gave me two books instead. 'The Book of Virtues' and 'The Moral Compass'. But I had friends invite me to their churches, I would go, but it was really weird to me. I'm the observer and the way people listened, sang, and the messages just didn't speak to me. I have always been a skeptic, but I did give Christianity a shot in 2012, only because I was in a bad state of mind. It was Ephesians that honestly turned me into a complete Atheist. I didn't agree with any of it and I was never going to conform, I would have been faking everything and lying. Which obviously a lot of Christians actually do, I wasn't going to be the type who didn't practice what they preach. I'm glad you found your way out!

[@AConcernedCitizen420]

“Good luck”! 😂 Love the parting words Bill! Thanks!

[@JanAndhisfiets]

Read Nietzsche!!!!!

[@MrHaganenoEdward]

Why do people treat religion and science as polar opposites? They're not. I personally am a religious person but I just cannot take words of pope for holy wisdom, because he's only a human. Also I don't believe in most of those examples mentioned in video.

[@alvarofalkov5467]

It's like you have a religion of your own.

[@tommynorthwood]

Having the principal in mind that anything is possible, you could then evaluate all possible outcomes. Knowing will keep you from learning so to speak. I like the possibility of reoccurring beings from the sky steppin in for a sec. Then again I am happily insane.

[@phillipking4621]

I’m a Christian, and I am grateful that my parents taught me to question everything I ever seen in this world…even my own beliefs. So I find it powerful and so wonderful that bill pointed out the tactic of being skeptical. I appreciate and look to science, belief, even the things we shrug aside to be skeptical and see if there is some form of truth and if it can be proven. I think as we are all looking for this thing called truth we have to approach it without bias and with the intention of actually learning and figuring out the mysteries of life to give us and justify why we are here and move us to be better for humanities sake.

[@CupeyPr15]

I'm christian and I love Bill so much. Isn't that weird?

[@WardofSquid]

No. He's an intelligent man.

[@Sam-dy7wl]

you are right. Also communicator of science is as important as a scientist can be. They spread curiosity and thirst for knowledge and solutions of unknown through mass media like TV shows (e.g. Cosmos) and KZbin in interesting format (like graphical presentation instead of "dull boring" books). I like to think future scientists are somehow influenced by them.

[@helphelpimbeingrepressed9347]

+CupeyPr15 Hey aren't you meant to love everyone? Wheres ma hugs XD

[@victory1014]

CupeyPr15 THANK YOU,. Finally someone who believes in science and religion.

[@schwarzerritter5724]

What does Atheism have to do with sceptical thinking? Theists believe in gods, Atheists don't, the is little scepticism involved. Seriously, when an Atheist claims God doesn't exist and you ask him for evidence, will he congratulate for your sceptical thinking?

[@Atharkas]

+Schwarzer Ritter Techncially, this is the atheist's claim : I do not have any belief in the existence of deities due to the lack of evidence pointing in their existence.

[@schwarzerritter5724]

+Atharkas The comment section does not agree with that.

[@Atharkas]

Schwarzer Ritter "The comment section does not agree with that" Actually it does agrees with that. It shows people believing in the existence of deities, but not a single empirical evidence of a deity existing.

[@schwarzerritter5724]

Atharkas That is not what I mean, several commenters flat out say deities and religion are nonsense, without offering any evidence.

[@Atharkas]

Schwarzer Ritter In extraordinary claims, like the existence of a deity, the absence of evidence of it's existence is evidence of it's absence. The existence of a specific deity (per instance, the abrahamic one) is nonsense when what is observed contradict it's mythology. Or are you saying it makes sense despite the claim of it existing (and the story around it) contradict what is observed?

[@PkSage89]

this is such a good vid, very genuinely simple, to the point.

[@cinephile0620]

I like how Bill Nye didn’t tell him to leave his religion, but to reevaluate

[@dirhido9665]

why is everybody hating on religion in the comments? seems to .be the trend these days

[@Atharkas]

+BF Dijidox The younger generation is realizing that religions in general are tales of fictions and the gods therein are figment of imagination. With that generation being more used to online tools, of course their reflection on the subject will overwhelm those of the older generations who still cling to those myths.

[@dirhido9665]

+Atharkas no ill tell you the actual reason ( i think its worth noting that im not a religious person). people of our generation think that science is the opposite of religion, they also think that religious people are old fashioned, close minded, and they think they are better. calling religion myths and tails is no less close minded than they think religious ppl are. they think that if you dont scinetificallly prove smthing than its wrong. and in act of rebellion they claim that all religion is bullshit without even learning about it. they insult it and disrespect it! even if i dont believe in religion i still respect jesus bcause he died on the cross for all of us! and they also think that the existence of a god is scientifically ridiculous and impossible and uncompatible with science. well To think all that is very close minded. im studying physics, and when you study science like me, and really think about out world and universe, you actually start To acknowledge the existence of a possible god. you jussmt have To think about it. smthing most young ppl dont...

[@histreeonics7770]

+BF Dijidox The hate comes from how religion is used for political purposes, and especially to suppress personal freedom.

[@Atharkas]

BF Dijidox "i think its worth noting that im not a religious person" And "i still respect jesus bcause he died on the cross for all of us!" Nice contradiction there BD. There is no empirical evidence that the Yeshua as described in the new testament existed. "people of our generation think that science is the opposite of religion" Technically, science is based on empirical evidence while religion is based on faith (belief without evidence) and, as such, they are opposite. One is demonstrable, the other not. "they insult it and disrespect it!" It is not an insult or disrespect to correctly use the adjective of "myth" and "fables" when describing the tales of a religion. If it offends you, then it's your own problem, not the one using the correct description. "they also think that the existence of a god is scientifically ridiculous and impossible and uncompatible with science" Actually, if there is no evidence of a deity existing, there is no reason to even believe one does and to do so despite that is to be intellectually dishonest. "im studying physics, and when you study science like me, and really think about out world and universe, you actually start To acknowledge the existence of a possible god." I actually study science, but more along the lines of biology for my personal amusement, alas for you, nothing, not even in physic, points to the existence of a deity. You seem to be using the old canard of a god to fill the gaps in your knowledge, you are using a god as an argument to cover for your ignorance.

[@dirhido9665]

+Atharkas 1. believing jesus existed and died on the cross and not being religious is in no means a contradiction 2. calling someones beliefs myths is disrespectful, anyone is in title To believe what ever the fuck they want and dont go around thinking you possess the absolute truth. 3.religion and science are compatible, smthing is considered true or possible until prooved otherwise. a lot of scientists are religious. 4.no there is ni evedience, like there is no evidence of parrallel universes, but the existence of a god could be very possible and there is a reason To think that (that is another debate though that i will not get into bcause To long) and you can beleive what u want rlly. 5.i dont believe in god, well im not sure tbh, but i would not use it to fill in my lack of knowledge, on the contrary, its because of the things i know that make me sometimes question the existence of a deity, or atleast an intelligent being that created the universe.

[@lorddryden]

Well presented answer. Even as a person who is follows a religion, I agree that one should question his or her ideals. Many horrible things have been the cause of people blindly following an ideal.

[@Ragesauce]

Bill's advice about reading the bible fully is spot on. I'm amazed at how many people I have spoken with who talk about their religion that have never read it fully, if at all outside of the few passages their minister combs over at church. After reading the bible front to back, and reflecting on it critically, you start to understand the parts in it that have wisdom, and the rest that are complete nonsense. However you intemperate it, remember this; the answers of the world will never come from a single book, if you think they will, you're limiting yourself to one source and one view with nothing else to compare. It's easy to think your views are right when you refuse to reason with anything else.

[@cabeto821005]

I love the part of what "you feel you should do" when he talks about ethics, dude, how do I know that what I feel I should do is right?, I loved the difference between being skeptic and cynic part though.

[@vermontartisanworks1728]

ever since i was very little i never believed in religion... everyone around me tried to make me believe... never happened and never will... science will always prevail... religion is something that came about because humanity needed something to explain their explainable... now we have science to prove or disprove things... science forever...! keep up the great work bill...!

[@RealationGames]

My quick answer to this question: Subject yourself to competiting ideas. That is why popular and open discourse platforms in the internet are the best method of killing poor idelogies. Learn to identify argumentation fallacies, such as mixing emotionality and rationality when making decisions.

[@sablechicken]

+RealationGames Would you ever question if we have been told the truth about the earth? Would you be too emotional attached to a spinning globe model to question it?

[@RealationGames]

+sablechicken I'm not emotionally attached to anything. I go with the choice that is the most reasonable and doesn't strictly contradict any real evidence. I hold no emotional attachement to any model, I prefer the choice that has the most explanatory power. There is no agenda to prefer any model, as I don't believe in absolute truth set by deities(=religious leaders). I know which models correlate with reality because the field of science is not closed. I myself study in engineering which is using these models, and I here in our university is couple guys who are building their own satellite "Iceye". These "we are just told X" schemes are only theoretically possible, but utterly impossible in practise and there would be absolutely no agenda for such thing. It's not "chosen inside scientist group vs. mortals", it is just us. Anyone can join the scientific progress of discovering the secrets in our universe. There is no authority other than reality(well, funding holds some amount of power in practise). The part of science is not to drive any particular model, because there is no reason to do so. I'd change my mind on _anything_ whenever a better model is introduced. Intelligence is not knowledge, it's the ability to adapt.

[@sablechicken]

RealationGames You said that you don't believe in absolute truth. What does that mean in a pratical way? If the earth is not spinning, we have all been lead to believe a lie. Do you want to know the truth?

[@RealationGames]

sablechicken In practical way I only assess probabilities. Earth's spin has in the order of 99.99999...% probability, which means that it's only theoretically possible that it isn't the case. Everything that we can observe about magnetic field, coriolis effects, day cycle, weather, GPS systems etc. correlate with that theory. It is practically impossible that all the thousands of scenarios would also work perfectly with another explanation. Again, we are *not to lead to believe* anything. Your abscence in the scienctific research is YOUR own decision which you can change any time.

[@praetoriandorn3154]

We cannot rely solely on our intellect. We must listen to our heart. An intellectual utopia would be cold, sterile and devoid of love.

[@LDSRaichu]

I am religious, and an amateur scientist. I do both, cause I believe both. "True religion and true science go together."

[@jamesmaxwell9613]

I guess it's what you refer to as religion that makes the difference. Most of the recognized religions have been proven over and over to be nothing more that ancient mythology but the myth is promulgated by indoctrination, inculcation, and imagination. Religion needs to go away and all those buildings converted to homeless shelters.

[@chopsueykungfu]

A good book to read is "Losing Faith in Faith" by Dan Barker, a man who was once an evangelist but then he questioned everything - years later he became the head of the group Freedom from Religion.

[@thesenate5510]

I was never really raised religious. I believed in God when I was a kid, then it evolved into atheism for a little bit, but now at 17 I confidently identify as an agnostic, but more on the atheist side.

[@APprojection]

Watching Dawkins and Hitchens debates with creationists really opened my eyes, this should also be considered, it gives that shortcut to pure quality skepticism.

[@ravikgpiit]

thanks sir, for differentiating Skepticism and Cynicism !!

[@davidsw92]

I read a lot of documents/letters from Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson. Opened my mind quite a bit.

[@AaronGRandall]

"Question everything." Einstein was on to something here. This is good. :)

[@jmcg1010]

even at 15 it took me months to let go of religion completely. I think we sometimes forget just how hard it is to relieve ourselves from these indoctrinations, especially when you are brought up to believe that god will punish you if you forsake him. This is why we need bill, dawkins, harris et al

[@civilsavant6072]

Bill Nye is the coolest guy in the whole world. As one who was also brainwashed into religion from an early age and eventually woke up to reality, I can vouch for everything he says. Especially 'it doesn't happen in an afternoon.' It is a long, painful process of challenging the fantasy world you were brought up to perceive. Been there, done that.

[@monserratpalomo587]

thank you Bill Nye! I like how you explain topics.

[@briana7515]

Honestly, my first memory of religion, i didn't really believe it on the inside. But everyone else was believing and there was no commotion so from then on its "okay i guess this is normal."

[@ZachFromIT]

When evaluating claims, remember "occam's razor", the more complex/outlandish the explanation, the less likely it is to be true.

[@KingPimpinThe3rd]

I like the way Bill Nye approaches this. It's wasn't abrasive what so ever. He simply stated that you should believe in what makes sense to you. I grew up christian and around 18 to 19 I began to question things. Fear impeded my ability to question reality and view a world that worked scientifically before. Once I gained enough confidence to overcome fear, I began to realize I this world is not how the bible depicted it and humans are too unreliable yet predictable to trust. More critically deep thoughts on the subject lead me to believe in myself and have my own perception in the word. So I don't label myself athiest or religious. Simply have my own beliefs and I'm happy living life that way.

[@paulmryglod4802]

attending church three times a week until 13 years took about ten years to undo before I felt comfortable with no supernatural belief.