How Christianity hijacks your personality

[@Siygrah]

It was in my journey to figure out who I really am that I realised that Christianity was suppressing my identity. My love for fantasy books and games was regarded as shameful, my open-mindedness about other perspectives was me opening myself up to demonic forces... When I shucked Christianity, I felt so free and just peaceful because I could be me.

[@Rain-Dirt]

This has been a good episode. Looking forward to and curious about the one you'll do about "narcissism". We can be 100% sure that religions and cults are made by humans, but clearly not for humans, but for "controlling" humans/reality. What's also remarkable is that people who are controlling (or fearful) by default, always know the best what "god" wants and want to see you OBEY them. Obey obey obey. To hell what you or anyone else wants or thinks. When looking back at myself as a christian I would always describe it as a prison, with an iron ball attached to my leg with a chain. I thought the burden of the world was inside the iron ball and was happily carrying it through the world which I thought was the prisoncell. The light coming from between the bars in the door was my hope for salvation. Only when I found out the door was not locked and making me go through, discovering the iron ball held the key for the chain, allowing me to "break it open" and leaving the iron ball and chains behind... I found out that the "light" was not "god", it was freedom from religion. It is somewhat like Plato's allegory of the cave. Scariest decision I ever made, but also the best! Words can not describe the sense of liberation after decades of imprisonment, internal conflicts, supression and guiltshaming. The facade has fallen, the veil moved away. What has been seen can not be unseen. How would anyone even be able to go back to that?

[@laredolassoo]

It's crazy you mentioned denying oneself a musical path. I spent a couple years in high school deeply depressed that my desire to be in a band as a life path was not the proper use of my talents because it didn't maximize my evangelizing opportunities.

[@stephieboston]

You should have more likes than you do for this video. It hits home on a level that I haven't even been able to articulate, and I'm sure there are plenty of other evangelicals and fundamentalists out there who can resonate with this. It said so plainly and such a calm and loving voice that it can't possibly sound evil and that's why people are so scared to acknowledge it. Good job!🎉🎉🎉

[@KerstinJ_0291]

This has been so important for me; perhaps even more important than any other live or interview you’ve ever done. I can’t thank you enough for doing the work you’re doing!! It’s changing my life. Thank you!!!

[@HarmonicAtheist]

Thank you so much, Kerstin! Please feel free to add me on FB and reach out there via Messenger if you'd ever consider sharing your story. facebook.com/harmonictim

[@sugasweet1239]

As a s.a trauma therapist I second this completely. It’s so saddening to talk to a client who blames demons and unclean spirits for the misfortunes in their life including their s.a. instead of holding self and others accountable. These teachings not only hijack authentic personalities but converts them to codependent, externalizing, spiritual bypassing trauma personalities.😢

[@FatherDragon867]

I have so much trouble explaining this to ppl. As a former youth leader/worship leader for over 15 yrs it was difficult identifying my true self. Im 39 and still struggling to figure out who i am today. God and worship music was my whole life. Now as an atheist i can say this freedom i feel now feels more genuine and true than anything i ever felt in church.

[@John-sl3lu]

@@FatherDragon867 congrats on Ur freedom mate 👍👍👍

[@FatherDragon867]

@@rashaad8083 and you need reason bud. Your not going to find it in an old man made esoteric book. Not to mention the deal breaker for me was Isaiah 45:7 where God literally in his own words admits to creating evil. Nah I'm good

[@FatherDragon867]

@@rashaad8083 think for yourself bud. Cheers

[@Eisblume20000]

Thank you so much for this video. I left charismatic Christianity, and this video has deepened my understanding about the psychological effects of this harmful cult. It is sad to see what I let these teachings do to me... Realizing it helps me heal from the religious abuse. Please do more videos like this.

[@christopherhamilton3621]

Finally: the stark truth about the psychological impact of religiosity… Kudos & best regards, Tim!

[@nicolesaunders081]

One of the reasons I started to feel very uncomfortable going to church (and the main reason I stopped) was that everyone seemed so fake and the same. I felt SO out of place because I knew I was a real person with real struggles and desires around all of these perfect looking people. Now that I’m more agnostic leaning atheist, I feel like the playing field has been leveled. I no longer feel like anyone is “better” than me and I feel free enough to just be myself without guilt.

[@Lenergyiskey358]

Thank you Tim. This was a really great talk with insight into how people's minds are affected through these practices.

[@MitchWickers]

I married someone who I never loved because I was convinced based on the circumstances that it was God’s desire for me to marry this person. Worst decision of my life, leading to a horrible marriage, divorce, and all the aftermath. I was in a church that taught that God leads you by using circumstances and feelings and signs and all that crap. I’m on a journey now to rediscover my true self, the “me” of my youth that was fun and curious and creative (Christianity robbed me of that, but I’m going to take it back, because it’s MINE)

[@DebbieCarter-pw7rf]

Growing in a high control denomination cause me to suppress myself to just follow the rules. I was the good girl even though my true identity was trying to fight against the programming. I feel like I was constantly living a double life. What I did was going against what I truly believed. By 30, I was finally living my life as I wanted.

[@heatherclark8668]

For many years I very much wanted to trust God that he would heal me of several muscular skeletal conditions But I was afraid that he would heal me I was afraid that I would somehow have to thank him by doing what I thought that I, as a woman, should do. I thought that I had to show my gratitude to God by getting married and having lots of children I really didn't want to do that When I think back to that, it seems so ridiculous but, at the time, it was perfectly in line with the culture of the denomination and church I belonged to

[@SUNROSE7878]

Totally agree, my thoughts as well.

[@alternativevoice2541]

It's true that it does these things you mention (a subtle process of change). It evokes supreme power that cannot be questioned/criticised/debated with. It is an iron fist in a velvet glove.

[@stevenbolin7688]

Incredible podcast Tim

[@aaronparker1221]

Tim you are a true treasure to a lot of people including myself. A great communicater and very thoughtful and profound. I look up to you and enjoy your content

[@HarmonicAtheist]

Thank you so much, Aaron, I really appreciate your encouragement. --Tim

[@kevinbalmer-dw2ms]

You’re the man Tim. Keep going! In the long run your kids will appreciate you beyond your imagination. You are doing great work and your content is exceptional

[@amandabrown7280]

This video was so validating and profound for me. Thank you. Seriously. Cried during certain parts.

[@newhebrewrib]

This is sooooo right on point!!!! Thank you ❤! And thank you for no ads!!! 😊

[@SUNROSE7878]

This podcast confirmed thoughts l have lived by for decades trying to understand the hypocrisy and lies. Tim, you spoke my mind and heart and leaving it some 9 years ago was The most freeing thing I have ever done for myself. Thank you so much!.❤

[@amandabrown7280]

Commenting again after finishing the whole video- this live has changed my life. Never ever have felt so validated in my struggle after growing up in a high control Christian religion. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@MrMister441]

Thanks Tim for speaking about this. I left christianity 5yrs ago, Immediately I started feeling the old very jovial pre-christian self coming back. Christianity really had done a number on me negatively. But I'm glad I came out.

[@SUNROSE7878]

I am glad for you as well! Each day and moment without it is a day/moment of discovery and recovery. ❤❤❤

[@markbradford4814]

Indeed, it can suck the life out of you!

[@laurarethemeyer3629]

Powerful stuff, Tim!

[@karnobot9814]

Hey Tim, good video. I think it's more like Religion convinced us that we are BROKEN UGLY pot and commanded to be unbroken and good when we actually generally born intact and a beautiful pot.

[@naomielaguerre]

The concept of inherent human dignity (rather than sinfulness) is one of the biggest things I am working to internalize.

[@barefootincactus]

I’ll be listening to this several times to really grasp it. Thank you

[@naomielaguerre]

Same here, same here…

[@ginnabaker2725]

I’m not sure who I would have been if I grew up outside Christianity. I grew up being rewarded for “sitting down and shutting up ” 😅 and specifically as a girl-child “a gentle and quiet spirit” from Proverbs 31. I re-discovered my curiosity well into adulthood.

[@seanmvincentvideos]

I experienced this as a boy. I can't imagine what it must have been like as a girl. I hear you 😔

[@SUNROSE7878]

I had a boyfriend in my early 20s. He was not into religion, doctrine, dogma etc. One day I was complaining about doing my best, crossing every t, dotting every i and how "unfair" etc. not knowing it was designed to be bias, prejudice, misogynistic to control, and suppress woman/men. I remember him saying, "you don't get anything out of being a good girl except being a good girl." I didn't fully understand it at that time, I sure see it clearly now. The best thing you could ever do in your life is to throw away religion, all of it.

[@magicnova7398]

Tell it Tim 💥🧨💥 you hit it all on the head at the jump start 💪 I'm just up to minute 7 and WOW🔥 EVERYTHING you speak is actually the way I see. 🥰

[@YattaDobson]

This one right here! Never commented before. So true!

[@Fr3nchfrii]

Triumph is the perfect word. It comes from the Roman Empire; when a commander was successful in conquest or war in general, they got to have a triumph through the city. The army would parade through to display their power, prestige, and intimidation. Parades have mostly been terrifying so I find it very suiting to the simulacrum that is American Empire has had parades with blow up Santa's, beauty pageants, etc. Anyhow thank you for your vulnerability, and deconstructing deconstruction. You put things into words in such tangible ways that have really helped me to open up to myself and my partner. Solidarity to you 🤘🐌

[@DarqueSyde66]

I would argue that theinside out movie is more relevant for adults than it is for kids. Unless you already know how the movies ended, I would highly suggest watching them all the way through. In essence, the people you are addressing in this video have become children again as they navigate life outside the doctrine. And your “that’s what she said” quip CRACKED ME UP!!! I HEAR YA, SIR!!! 😂😂😂 Great video as always.

[@doodleschmoodle]

I know Creed is considered cheesy these days, but I remember their song My Own Prison bringing me to a dark desperate place.

[@markbradford4814]

Creed is still cool.

[@leelee1921]

As a former Christian, I have come to realize that you are not allowed to be a human, which is exactly what we are. So many years of guilt and beating yourself up over and over again because you are a human. So glad I am out of Christianity. I have and am still learning to trust myself. But boy oh boy have I grown. Self love is what got me out and I will never return to Christianity or any other religion.

[@jamesryan74]

Incredible, Tim. Been listening to your YT channel for the past couple weeks and it's so wonderful. You're so gifted at speaking and articulate so many ideas with tremendous clarity. I especially loved this video. Thank you so much!

[@richiecunningham6552]

I totally agree👍👍👍👍 I grew up mostly as a pacifist (non violent), my parents weren't always Christian when I grew up, but got more evangelical as I grew. BUT they were Anti nuclear demonstrators, Borderline Hippies, and leaned heavily towards the "hippy", "peace and love", "acceptance" side of Jesus's teachings. They taught me from an early age that all war, and any form of anger or aggression (even if it seemed justified to save lives, or remove a dictator) was wrong and stupid. In fact she often said that all the military leaders mums should get together and sort out the various war problems! When my friends had "Action man"(G.I. Joe) toys, My brother and I also had those toys given to us as presents aged around 6-9, but my mum had removed the guns and uniforms, and, made knitted soccer or camping outfits for them! (I remember being so confused, and deeply dissapointed) At school it was a problem was bullied, for various reasons, but being pacifist was confusing in those confrontational situations. I managed to talk my way out of a lot of fights by basically agreeing with the bullies insults or doing whatever the bullies wanted, this made me very lonely as basically no one respected me. As a kid like most I still wanted to play "war" army type games, and waa interested in guns and army kit, and in Boy Scouts it was greatly encouraged, alot of the kids wore army jackets and we often played hide and seek games, where older scouts dressed in full camouflage even carried wooden replica guns....it was great fun! Eventually curiosity won over and Later on aged 18, like most teenagers I rebelled, but rather than becoming a Hippie or Goth, I joined the Army the reserve (TA)British Army Infantry (I didn't do anything dangerous, brave, or exciting). I didn't want to fight anyone I just wanted to see what it was like, because it sounded exciting! At the time I was a nervous, paranoid, quiet young man, with only one real school friend, I only knew him because he was also lonely, and bullied! To be honest with my pacifist upbringing I would have been useless on a battlefield and would have been the first to have been shot for not following oreders! I was only in for a couple of years and loved every moment, I made lots of friends, I got super fit, and gained huge amounts of confidence, but I knew in my heart, My "built in" non compliant "War is stupid" pacifist attitude, would get me in serious trouble in wartime, and would not work in the military. When I left, I was a lot more confident I walked more upright, and felt I could approach anyone and talk to anyone! Today I'm 51 and thankfully mainly due to my height, build (I'm 5"11 average build) and being street wise, I've never been attacked on the street, I think part of this due to feeling, and appearing to be confident to possible attackers. . It seems a lot of self defence and dodging sucker punches, and learning how you feel about physical conflict is learned in rough play as a kid on the playground I really think I missed out! Both my sons and my daughter got into fights at school and they all seem to be far more street wise and confident than I was at the same age. I know this sounds weird, but, I really feel I missed out, I have no experience of that very natural risky childish playground fighting, or self defence, like knowing how to dodge, duck, or weave, all the stuff boys have been doing since the dawn of Humanity! I think you NEED some of that playful fighting to help you if someone attacks you as an adult. Part of pacifism is just being gentle, friendly, "going with the flow", allowing stuff to pass you by, listening but not acting, not questioning because that causes conflict....all perfect attitudes if you want to be indoctranated!😱 Soon after leaving the military, I felt lonely again because I missed my army friends and joined a "fun" "exciting" evangelical church, that completed my childhood Christian indoctrination, roughly 30 years laterI asked some questions none was answering, and realised religion is a very old but very clever scam, the bible is clearly a way to control people, and I'm currently on the fence as to if Jesus was even a real person! Tim, please Keep doing what you do! Your videos have helped me a lot in my deconversion, and many of your conversations with people are helping me to figure out who I really am!(Or should have been?) 👍

[@janechambers9980]

Acceptance of conventional religion requires acceptance of magical thinking which is preferred over logic. In extreme cases, magical thinking precludes critical thinking entirely.

[@markbradford4814]

I think you're correct.

[@marycollis6900]

I never got that paralysis about a decision- as to what was God’s will. In my church, we either prayed for a ‘word’ and got it (from our own imaginations no doubt), or else we asked the church leaders and they told us God’s will for us in that decision. Easy! It was like staying a child all your life.

[@markbradford4814]

Wow, that's frickin sad. Better days now I hope.

[@unicyclist97]

Audio starts at 0:50 if you're struggling to hear 😉

[@tombrower6544]

Wow, thanks so much for this message. I deconverted 33 years ago but I've never heard a better description of what Christianity does to us psychologically. Brilliant, and SO helpful.

[@iw9338]

Yeah, we were taught to fawn and pretend to be okay. All the mental gymnastics 😢😮. Glad im out 😅

[@renata2834]

This was so great, I'm so glad I came across this video. Thank you so much!!

[@John-sl3lu]

Really enjoyed this podcast.❤❤❤💪💪💪

[@ThatchyThrone]

This hits home deep. Thank you for such a good video 💛

[@magicnova7398]

🥰 Love to see you smile 😁

[@aaronparker1221]

Tim I'm not very youtube savvy. How do I spread awareness of your channel? I need many people in my life to hear what you have to say. Is it just word of mouth or is there a trick to do?

[@John-sl3lu]

totally agreed with this statement,Tim deserves more subscribers for his great work

[@markbradford4814]

hit the "share" button.

[@sherrythemysticalgoddess2]

💜 Thank you.

[@Bhadradd]

Very interesting broadcast, Tim. I have a friend, sadly brainwashed by Christianity, otherwise a lovely person, for whom Christianity did not sneak in in his childhood. He first encountered it and felt for it at age 19, but didn't really get serious, and baptised, till he was in his early thirties. Personally, I cannot relate. This person is otherwise very intelligent. What happened, I wonder.

[@MariusK1977]

This is where I'm at leaning who I am

[@LarryLee999]

This is great stuff

[@swenett1308]

This is no accident i came upon this video. My spirit brought it to me. Christianity reminds me of the movie, "how to train your dragon". The members of all the churches are the workers who feed that dragon who in turn grows humongous while the workets (members) are meagre. There is a regime feeding on the members (slaves). Yes, there is a family at the head who is feeding on the tithes if the slaves. Before I got into Christianity I was bold, jovial, strong and free. When I got into Christianity I felt defenseless and uptight. My power was diminish. I allowed people to attack me and felt ashamed if I would get angry. People hury my children yet I didnt feel i have the right to defend them. I just smiled while inside i was in pieces. I stayed in an emotional abusive relationship because i was told God would punish me if i left the marriage. I left Christianity in 2016, and it took me years to find myself. I am now picking up the fragmented pieces of my life and I'm doing so with a vengeance. Yet I'm closer to God than I was in the church. I am feeling more like my true self again and I won't sabotage that to accommodate nobody's bull. I won't be a reflection of the lies no more. I knew God before I started in the church, so I don't need Christianity to tell me who He is. Thank God, I'm free.

[@d.c.603]

I desire to have my own questions in my journey of discovery for truth. Will using AI change us if we become reliant upon it to provide answers?

[@magicnova7398]

Tim I'm a little new here and have watched many of your videos and so glad that I found your channel ,, I've never allowed the brainwashing religion to effect me,, I would so love to share some of your videos with family and friends unfortunately I think that as soon as they see the word atheist it would be a turnoff, that's how programmed they are😪.

[@MundtStefan]

😭😭😭😢😢😢 Thank you very much!!!

[@joshridinger3407]

i was never able to suppress my individuality or perdonality as a christian, and i always hated myself for it. i still hate myself as an atheist. but at least now i hate myself for the right reasons.

[@Ronnymikkonen2686]

It's really easier if you can relax? And release the shame and the tension from your body and mind. It need practice how to do it.

[@krembryle]

I like how atheist KZbin content creators always look and sound like real people, while Christian ones sound like smug narcissists. If you've never experienced a narcissist, you are bewitched by their charizma and atheists on the other hand look boring and sad to you.

[@Jean-p3y]

This is so true.

[@ashleytheseeker8480]

My whole life has been repressed because of islam. Even the good feelings I feel because I no longer believe and I feel free doesn't last long enough

[@John-sl3lu]

Congrats on Ur freedom mate .pls subscribe n share this channel to fellow freethinkers n atheists ♥️♥️♥️💪💪💪

[@malcolmmoag3740]

You are so Correct 😰

[@Martin-z1j]

Wow.spot on..thank you.

[@name-ce7sn]

Is it not fair to say that any religion and or negative energy can do this.

[@Lenergyiskey358]

Yes. I was just about to comment about this. This kind of programming goes on even in non religious families. Any kind of abusive or controlling behaviour in childhood, ruins your chance to develop your own personality and sense of self. My childhood was extremely oppressive and abusive. I was not allowed to express myself or question anything. It was a lonely, stifling experience. Religion had nothing to do with my upbringing, my parents were not religious, just psychologically broken. In fact, Jesus was a positive part for me at one time, because it was a place of hope, and it was a freedom from my childhood pain. I discovered Jesus at school, but even this was short lived because once I joined a church and started to hear the teachings, they did not jell with me at all. Maybe because it resonated with the oppression I had at home. Nevertheless, everything Tim is speaking about is what I struggle with even at this age of 57 years old. The deprogramming from any kind of oppression and suppression of healthy development in childhood, leaves a black hole and a bridge to yourself, your true self, needs to be crossed. This is difficult and depending on the level of the abuse and oppression, it can seem almost impossible. Psychological damage, even outside of the church, can truly mess you up. I would argue however, that the church, the Christian religion, is behind alot of it, even if religion itself is not used. The Christian/Islamic/Jewish God has permeated the collective consciousness of the majority of the planet really and generationally has caused abuse and oppression that takes hold ancestrally. It is one of the most, evil and controlling paradigms that we have, yet people believe it saves you. I just do not understand. If they truly opened themselves up to see the harm, they would see the truth, but so many do not or, cannot do that.

[@MitchWickers]

That’s what she said!! 😂👏

[@alvideos2145]

You can say that about anything that's a group, or an establishment or anything else. You can say that about school, or politics, or even atheism.

[@joshridinger3407]

you can say it about a lot of things. but not everything, and not to the same degree

[@laurarethemeyer3629]

"You are the Potter, I am the clay, Mold me and make me, this is what I pray..." Change My Heart Oh God - Vineyard. I used to sing this song repetitively. Talk about indoctrination! YUCK

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

Definitely read 'The God Virus' by Darrel Ray

[@cpnlsn88]

You are developing an interesting approach which is worth thinking about. In a more formal way I would apply this to more extreme forms of Christianity like evangelicalism. This might be overly intellectual as an approach. But for me the freedom of accepting and exploring the different authors and dating of biblical books. All the twisting over the Canada Canaanite genocidal conquest. I mean according to archeology it didn't happen. But the words itself are horrible and there's no way around that. An honest view of the gospels and letters attributed to Paul. Acceptance of earth's dating, of evolution and Noah's flood is a literary product not true in any meaningful sense. Israelites were Canaanites and started out with the Canaanite pantheon. In some circles you aren't allowed to think these thoughts or explore this. Denial of pleasure and self fulfilment is of course terrible. So is the closing of the mind to enquiry.

[@cpnlsn88]

Apoogies for my reference to Canada - that was autocorrect..... I think it's important we all level. There was no Canaanite conquest, no genocide. But genocides have occured and the injunction here is painful and morally compromising. THere is no way around it. And an inerrant Bible in its current form can't survive the exposure. Archaeology tells us the Israelites were Canaanites and had the surounding religion until a later invention of worshining the sole diety of Yahwe. There are some remnants of this in our Bibles. El presiding the council of the gods (a core part of Canaanite religion). Onlly a very subservient mind cannot encounter these things in open exploration.

[@lovinglife9743]

commenting for the algorithm.

[@Grelotmystiqueetal]

Just a constructive comment; when we watch this as a replay, having the comments read and commented on is less interesting. Hard to follow; comments are read too fast. It “slows down” the rythm.

[@rogersacco4624]

Very insightful.! Want more ? Jesus Christ Superstition by Robert M Price

[@unicyclist97]

That's a pretty good book, even though Price turned out to be a fascist.

[@cpnlsn88]

Price has views so extreme Christianity seems the more reasonable of the two.

[@rogersacco4624]

1Corinthians 6:1-8.Do you really believe 100 billion people will be resurrected,give an account, and live to infinity? I don't

[@malcolmmoag3740]

You are so treu my mom told me at the age of 10 that there was a god and how to pray to him .. child indoctrination ! 😡😡

[@TejPatta-jj7gy]

Sir Watch any of Swami SARVAPRIYANANDA Videos about Advaita Vedanta , It’s not at all about GOD It’s About Your Own Identity of WHO I AM Abrahamic Religions look for GOD Outwardly but in Hinduism irrespective of One being An Atheist, Theist, Monotheist, Polytheist, Agnostic, Transgender, belonging to any faith, color Race, every single humanbeing ultimate Goal should be to Experience GOD individually. Jesus was an ENLIGHTENED ENTITY who had Divine power that is dormant in each Humanbeing, it needs to be Properly Channeled to become like HIM. . There’s nothing like Fear , Shame, condemnation, Sin, Heaven , Hell, Curse . Only You and Yourself.

[@Creolemonkey]

The christ centered Christianity of the Bible is freedom. The organization centered Christianity of denomination is bandage. Please,learn to mk the discerning distinction. When you try to please God by works you become self-righteous and scared of going to hell you nitpick your life to neurosis. But a church that teaches christ did a work of salvation for us freely of his own accord of the father and through faith into him we are saved from the guilty condemnation of sin bring justification of life and peace.

[@joshridinger3407]

nah all the dying to yourself, hating your family, abandoning those you love, plucking your eye out, castrating yourself, making yourself a doormat for bullies and abusers stuff comes straight from the gospels

[@josegaleano6932]

Christianity hijacks personality exactly like a parasite that's the same thank you good program

[@shanederry2691]

Great points, Tim!