How to Talk to a Christian (Religious Person) without Losing Your Sanity

[@aaronparker1221]

I just try my best to recall how deep in the nonsense I used to be. I was absolutely convinced for years. I loved "God" so much. By remembering how head-in-the-sand I was helps me be empathetic when speaking to believers.

[@Eyesopeningheartrealigning]

Such a great comment 😊 Exactly that!

[@Ihatecucumbersanddogs]

It’s not necessarily religious ppl, it’s ppl who think they know it all, I’ve spoken to atheist who ask u something and u get 2 words in and they start talking over u. I’ve even heard atheist say tht they don’t need to read anymore they’ve learned everything. I’m like ok.

[@jamesaston410]

@@Ihatecucumbersanddogs I’ve been atheist since I was 8 and reread both the old and new testament’s when I was mid-teens just to confirm I hadn’t made any mistakes. I think it’s incumbent on people to always question their beliefs, or lack thereof. Nobody should be too self righteous

[@Ihatecucumbersanddogs]

@@jamesaston410 have you ever known someone who believed in Jesus by reading the Bible?

[@jamesaston410]

@@Ihatecucumbersanddogs not many! It’s how I became atheist, learning the bible at school :)

[@francelaferriere6106]

I'm always super happy to find another ex-Christian talking about their deconstruction, it's like music to my ears! So glad I found you through Seth Andrews' channel, I really like your style! I hope to see your channel grow!

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@francelaferriere6106 Thank you so much! You and me both. I enjoy sharing my story after 6 years of silence.

[@therealexistentialist]

My eyes were finally opened this week. So refreshing to not feel so much guilt and shame and you gave me a laugh about it. I was wrong. Lol

[@ovirago8314]

It takes time and patience with one’s own deconstruction process, and this can be further compounded by religious trauma (which unfortunately there still remains very few therapeutic resources for). From my own experience, it took me close to a decade to even be able to get to the point where engaging in conversation around religions in general/going to church with family when I return home for visits didn’t completely upset me. Now I can just laugh (internally), and not become so triggered, but it was a long road to get there. If you’re going through this, don’t push yourself. You’re allowed to have boundaries around this as you heal. And things will inevitably shift over time, such is the nature of life itself.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@ovirago8314 Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[@amygrowls]

It’s WILD to me how firm of a grip Pascal’s Wager has on so many believers. Like, it’s not rooted in any logic or sense, but to them, the terror of a VERY REAL HELLFIRE™️ is all it takes to keep them in the faith. I still have moments occasionally when that old fear creeps up but then my reason kicks in and I know it’s all a bunch of baloney to keep the masses in line

[@martinelzen5127]

I call it afterlife blackmail, and like to ask whether a religion that is true would use it?

[@aaronparker1221]

And they ALWAYS leave out the possibility of the thousands of other gods and their respective afterlives!! Like, the ONLY 2 options for them are Christianty or hellfire.

[@narellepayne1455]

Yes. And if they get to the afterlife and one of those "gods" turns out to be the "true" one, what are they going to do? Appeal to that one's compassion? Well, hang on a minute, their Christian Christian god is supposedly not going to offer that compassion, so why would they expect other gods to do so? ​@aaronparker1221

[@sos1691]

....fear is the success story of religion...

[@prodigal_southerner]

I think the fear of Hell is a powerful motivator, but I think most of them like the offered carrot more than they fear the stick. Humans, like all animals, instinctively fear death, so being offered the option to never die is a strong incentive to keep believing. That fear of death is why I promised myself that I would only challenge the faith of Christians who are hurting people; I accidentally turned a friend with a terminal illness into an atheist, and having to watch him cope with his impending disappearance was kind of traumatic and I swore I would never let it happen again. I no longer make friends with Christians and don't discuss what I believe at all in social settings.

[@Sological]

I absolutely adore your exuberant personality 💙 I'm so glad I found you through the Harmonic Atheist!

[@elizabethgrace7778]

This video came at the perfect time as I’m currently losing it with my hyper religious parents 😭

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@elizabethgrace7778 I totally understand that! Hopefully it will get better. If you get better equipped to not let it bother you, it does get better. I do have a video about that very topic. Glad it helped.

[@elizabethgrace7778]

@@timmygibsonkc thank you!

[@stewarttiley9683]

Deconstruction is a tough period in life for many people. It’s taken me six years of research and education to understand that the story is simply not true and basically just time-old rehashed human mythology! It was the fear of an “all living, yet persecuting “ deity that made my process so long! I’m now a far more compassionate and tolerant person who understands the preciousness of each day! It’s the indoctrination from childhood which is so damaging and allows control from the Christian right winger fundies ( who don’t even read their wretched book!). Keep up the good work bro!

[@Mar-dk3mp]

So you decostruct to be obsessed with God and enter into this obsessive sick cult called atheis,instead to construct a reletionship with God? You are so lost, and you lost when you lost God in your life. No doubt about it.

[@Jesuslordoflords-y4m]

The devil tricked you. You should have listened to the Bible and become born again. Nothing but weak, empty, baseless arguments against the Bible.

[@wayneu1233]

I came out of an evangelical setting, but I always leaned progressive, part of which was to meticulously avoid judging others regardless of their beliefs (or unbelief). Perhaps because of that, I can’t recall any truly negative interactions with my former Christian college classmates or co-workers in the nearly 30 years since I came out as an unbeliever. I did recently have an exchange with a friend of a friend who told me I was never really a Christian. I tried to explain myself but she started proof-texting me, so I kicked the dust off my sandals and moved on. I’m happy to talk about my experience, but I’m too old to waste time arguing about it.

[@timmygibsonkc]

I hear ya. Clearly not all Christians are the nutty kind who think they are right in their understanding of Scripture and everyone else, including every other religion, in false. They can't see that their own religion is also false, fiction, myth. :)

[@Krissy-Saturday]

New sermon title: Are you being Holy, or are you being AHoley?

[@CinnamuerteNunya]

Wish I could put 100 likes on this comment!

[@lauriecalkins781]

😂😂😂❤

[@carabara84]

I really appreciate you putting yourself out there. I have been an agnostic atheist for over a year now and just told my worship pastor father and mother (both in their 70s). Turns out even when you’re married to the same person for 50+ years, you might have different interpretations of whether or not I’m going to hell now 😂

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@carabara84 I hear ya! Thank you for sharing!

[@thesingerintheshower]

Lol. That's a great punchline. I know it's your real life, though. Sending empathy.

[@carabara84]

@@thesingerintheshowerthank you so much!

[@thesingerintheshower]

@@carabara84 you're welcome 😊 🙏 🤗 ☺️!!

[@TunziSNORT]

Timmy this is the golden ticket. It is so annoying to hear people parrot a quote in the bible as if it is truth. Thank you for discussing this important topic.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@TunziSNORT Thank you!

[@corneliahanimann2173]

It is interesting. While not religious, I did grow up cstholic and in religion class, I did learn about what that stuff means and how to interpretit, and if anything, the bible is still a piece of literature that one can respect for what it is. But I don't understand throwing these bible quote out there. It's like a tourettes they are very proud of or something, it is weird.

[@matthewdixon7305]

I fully enjoy listening to your podcasts. I grew up in the Assembly of God and went to Bible college at Trinity Bible College to be a minister. Much like you, I slowly understood that much of Christianity wasn’t true and I couldn’t continue to pretend to believe. Keep up your “good” work !

[@Mar-dk3mp]

still obsessed with what you do not even believe anymore (God)? Still in this religious empty cult called atheism?

[@christophergibson7155]

But what happened to your love for Jesus?

[@matthewdixon7305]

@@christophergibson7155 I honestly don’t think I ever had a love for Jesus. I feel like religion was forced on me from the age of 5 or 6. Basically was brainwashed. I never knew anything different than what Pentecostals believe. It took a long time but I finally in my late 20s and early 30s, figured out it was ridiculous.

[@mender722]

I just went to my 50th Class Reunion, and who did I sit next to, but the most religious person in my class. He is the one who lead a prayer during the event. In about five minutes I heard several things 'not to say to an atheist', ending with "I'll pray for you.". I may have started the conversation by asking if he was a preacher. I had that sense about him. I think when a person de-converts, believers find it threatening, so they say, "you never were a true believer'. If a "Godly Man" can walk away from Christianity, then the validity of their faith may be at risk.

[@canwelook]

IMO nothing more condescending or disrespectful than a Christian saying to an atheist "I'll pray for you". The answer which matches that tone is "OK, then I'll think rationally for you."

[@mender722]

I didn't word that last sentence correctly. "If a believer sees someone they perceive as a godly man walk away from a life of faith, then the believer may feel that their faith is threatened, so they lash out to protect themselves." I hope this brings clarity to what I intended to relay.

[@RuggedCross1]

@@canwelook How can it be disrespectful to say I'll pray for you? That only shows they love them and are concerned for their spiritual welfare. God is real, Jesus is real and only ignorant blind narrow minded men would deny Him

[@luvyatubers]

​@@canwelookstealing this. Love it!

[@MikesChannel1108]

The Christian 24hr church told me once I got saved, I could never be unsaved. I like to call the 24hr Christian church periodically. The ladies I talk to know me on a first name basis and I can air out all my issues about life and religion. I don't attend church but I like calling the 24hr church. The ladies listen. I've got no family or anything. They're gone. I get lonely and the 24hr church doesn't judge me. I told them I don't believe it and they told me since I got saved, I'm still going to heaven. They say we all fall short even in our faith but since I was saved, I can't be unsaved.

[@misslayer999]

Holy shit your evangelical impression is absolutely on point, and freaking hilarious 🤣 I've heard a lot of people like that.

[@aaronparker1221]

Timmy these videos help me so much and your down to earth way of speaking is very refreshing.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@aaronparker1221 I appreciate that Aaron! I honestly didn’t think I’d add any value to the conversation, but it seems I am connecting and that’s wonderful to hear. Thanks for listening!

[@agreeablegraylife]

"I feel uniquely qualified to make fun of that group because I came out of that group." ❤❤❤

[@MGhobbyroom]

The "identity thing" is the key in my opinion. If people could identify as just Human instead of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Democrat, Republican etc etc, then a lot of problems would just go away.

[@Myke664]

You have to know that with certain people.. a challenge to their idea is a challenge to them personally. You have to start with being an example of the opposite. Encourage the separation of ideas and identify before you begin a debate with someone.

[@patrickparker4576]

“I believe it is an established maxim in morals that he who makes an assertion without knowing whether it is true or false, is guilty of falsehood; and the accidental truth of the assertion, does not justify or excuse him.” Abraham Lincoln

[@Sological]

Apply this to Trump

[@StevenMyers-wx6du]

My dad was an AG pastors for over 65 years. Fortunately, my folks rejected the name it, claim it, frame it, and hang it sect. I’m embarrassed to say I was 60 when I finally came out of religion in 2017. All my brothers and their families are still YEC, so I just never go visiting on Sunday. My baby girl is a missionary, so she doesn’t know I’m an atheist. It would break her heart! Some of my children know, some don’t. Like you said; just avoid certain subjects, be empathetic, bite your tongue, and get along.

[@davashorb6116]

I gained a little humility and open mindedness when I realized that followers of other religions earnestly believe they are doing the right thing, just as I did in mine.

[@ckvarnmass]

I learned how to shut them down, quick and in a hurry. After many years away from church and those that continue to buy into the sham, I ran into one of the women that knew me. She was at an event handing out info on the church and what they believe. She didn't recognize me and when I told her who I was, she was surprised. I declined her literature and politely told her that I no longer believe in organized religion. She asked me what it was that I did believe in. I told her that it was not the proper time and place to explain, but if she wished, we could meet sometime and I would explain. Of course that spooked her and I never did hear from her. That church had a yardsale earlier this spring and I went to it out of curiosity. It gave me the willies being in that environment and I needed to flee.

[@Timblisi]

I'm a Catholic Christian, and I'd like to agree with a couple of points, from the proverbial "other side." To me, it's really important to consider the personality of the person you're dealing with. I've had equally contentious situations with both atheists and also fellow Catholics who disagree on some tiny point of belief that isn't even about church doctrine, just because that individual couldn't handle differing opinions. But I've also had great relationships with people who have different beliefs, because the individual was able to relate as a human being to others. As the video says, if a person is just cantankerous, I don't engage with them and walk away, and if a person can actually have an interesting, engaging conversation, I love talking about beliefs about all kinds of things, like politics, or exercise training techniques, or anything, not just religion. So I find it comes down to knowing your audience. It's the person you're talking with, beliefs are just the subject.

[@bobgreenfield9158]

Baptists don't think Catholics are Christians.

[@canwelook]

@Timblisi Overwhelmingly the Christian attitude I've seen towards atheists is highly disrespectful. Which is why most non-believers (1 in 3 Americans, half the population here in Australia) avoid identifying as atheists and instead say they are 'spiritual' (whatever that means), non-religious, or agnostic (i.e. "I don't know") to avoid being looked down on, or even abused. You seem to be a refreshing exception to the rule.

[@Agonostic]

You are my Sunday routine now! Love it! 🎉❤

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@Agonostic I so appreciate that!

[@franklinbarrett4630]

You really can’t control people who go on religious rants, but you can get ahold of your self and let frustration drain away. I have been retired for five years and it’s liberating to say to myself “I’ve got all day.”.

[@alexandraparadela9548]

I'm new to your channel and love it. I just don't want to bother with my old Christians friends ( not all) because their only concern is to bring me back to that stupid belief

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@alexandraparadela9548 I totally understand that

[@daniellepyle5844]

Great discussion today, you had me chuckling quite a few times. Oh no, not The List! Hahaha.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@daniellepyle5844 😂

[@pg9112471]

Hi Timmy, I have a question that I think is fundamental to our species believing things that aren't true. How is reality created in the human mind? The simplest way to create a "reality" is to say a lie and repeat it as many times as it takes until people believe it. Then you add an emotional connection to the lie and it becomes " real" in the minds of believers. Adding emotion creates Cognitive dissonance that protects the lie from irrefutable facts and evidence. Trump for instance uses innuendos and lies that taps into the biasis of religious people creating a false reality that only serves him.

[@austin_h]

Who agrees Timmy sounds like Ernest from the movies when he does that voice? 😂😂 I laugh every time. New subscriber here Timmy!

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@austin_h Thank you! 😂😂😂

[@ApostateMike-41]

@austin_h know what you mean, Vern! I love those movies lmfao

[@Just_me_1974]

Ernest Goes to Heaven. 😂

[@deirdremorris9234]

How we talk with anyone, is with patience, understanding of limitations in various areas of understanding. ❤

[@BridgetWalker-xu8sw]

Genuine question for Christians: if Hebrews were in egypt for 400 years, where are all of the hebrew tombs? Why are there no hieroglyphic accounts of such an event? Cultural artwork will integrate into religions, you can see it with Christianity in Ireland having specific celtic knot artwork, for example. Why didn't that happen with the hebrews in egypt?

[@weirdwilliam8500]

Whenever I quote a Christian, I also find myself automatically talking like someone in an Alabama trailer park. 😂

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@weirdwilliam8500 it just seems fitting 😂

[@scottfulton267]

I honestly feel like I need to lop off 80 to 100 IQ points to even consider going back to Christianity.

[@scaraboo3624]

I live in a decent trailer park. Middle class people are more snob than rich people

[@aaronlarsen7447]

I'm a Christian. Some Christians are indeed very strange, but t's all religion. People have to have faith to believe everything blew up so many billions of years ago and caused a chain reaction that no person has ever witnessed. I've met alot of other goofy people too. Dropping acid and communing with aliens.

[@weirdwilliam8500]

@@scaraboo3624 Oh, I absolutely understand that there are many kinds of trailer parks and some are quite lovely. It’s just a certain vibe I’m referring to.

[@delightfullife9489]

“Sophisticated Christian” love it!!! So true…some people believe what they believe and coexist with everyone peacefully. My dad is an evangelical pastor and when I was young he was bible thumping all the things. Now he is definitely more relaxed and less outspoken in a Rude way. More sophistication over the years 😎

[@corneliahanimann2173]

Can I ask you, what the requirement is for your peopoe to become pastors? I know that the priests in Switzerland need to have a masters degree in theology before they can become a pastor/priest. Apparently this is not the way it is worldwide.

[@thomashennessy3585]

Hey, Timmy - really enjoyed your youtube appearance circuit. So… how to talk with christians - ask honest questions, speak in a kind tone, compliment their values - then challenge their curiosity beyond scripture.

[@tameling1973]

just landed here! good stuff - from a ex-Christian

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@tameling1973 Thank you!

[@kathleengarrison1302]

Thank you for this Sunday message. I hate when you give all the signals that you really don’t want to have this conversation with them. A friend shows up after thirty or so years and wants to pick up right were we left off. I guess I am going to confront this. Thanks for these tips. 💜✨💜

[@michaelhagley4762]

I feel the need to help this man in his struggles but know his journey will be long and I can't because he is unwilling to totally remove these people from his life. Stay strong Timmy

[@kelseypowell5641]

Thank you for your videos. would love to hear you talk about exactly why you went from creation/young earth to evolution. I am in the middle of figuring all this out for myself and after years of young earth and homeschooled, evolution is a lot to wrap my mind around but i want to be open to it and learn to see if it is the truth. Thanks!

[@martinelzen5127]

When I had trouble rhyming evolution with faith is when I became an old earth creationist, back when I was 14 or so which is a loooooong time ago... But as to your issue with evolution: it's just sexual reproduction crossed with time.. This has the logical consequence that survival of the fittest happens. And that also has logical consequences..

[@tonymiller3788]

Please check out the books Only A Theory by Kennth Miller And Why Evolution is True by Jerry Coyne Or the KZbin channels Gutsick Gibbon Aaron Ra

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@kelseypowell5641 I read the book, SAPIENS

[@unfixablegop]

@@timmygibsonkc Harari is a world champion at taking common sense as far as it goes.

[@canwelook]

@kelseypowell5641 About 8.7 million species have been identified on earth (6.5 million on land, 2.2 million in oceans). Broadly speaking, species cannot successfully interbreed outside of their species. I'm wondering if you currently reject evolution, are you thinking these 6.4 million land species all came off the Ark? And how did, say, Koalas get to Australia (and only to Australia).

[@jamesaston410]

I’m 58 and decided to become atheist when I was 8! I’d gladly debate religion all day with even the most devout Christians and academic theologians out there, after all they know no more than I do about god’s existence :) Like your video, I will watch more of your content!

[@Sassy413]

I am nearly 58 and I was saved (believing in Christ) when I was eight. Two people choosing two different paths. God gave you free will to choose.

[@jamesaston410]

@@Sassy413 :) But I contend there is no such thing as free will, it’s a fallacy. If god bestowed man with free will, why did he then intervene with Sodom & Gomorrah and the great flood? His intervention negates the entire premise of free will

[@MrFiddler1959]

I'm fortunate that I don't often find myself in situations where I'm being accosted by Christians who need to save me. Also that I live in a part of the country that isn't so in-your-face with Christianity. It's more likely to come up online, to which my response is generally, "no thank you, I'm not your mission project." I do have that one cousin who had to keep telling me what the Lord said to him; it was a more loaded situation with him. He didn't realize the extent to which my mother had been harassing me along those lines (for decades). Probably I wasn't as empathetic as you suggested, but I think he did come to understand and respect that it was a closed subject for me.

[@MrFiddler1959]

I'm a new subscriber, so maybe you have talked about this before. How do you handle the contempt beneath protestations of unconditional love? In my family I have often wanted to retort that unconditional love shouldn't fill you with self-loathing and suicidal despair.

[@Andrea.1tree]

Their “unconditional love” is a lie. If it were true, they wouldn’t incessantly attempt to change you. For me, my family closed ranks, and made it clear that unless I returned to church, I was no longer welcome. They treated me like a criminal. I couldn’t enter into my own dad’s house unless I had a chaperone. (This would never have happened if my dad was still alive.) So, after several years of attempting to respect their beliefs, and continue to interact with them, I had to go no contact. The immediate feeling of relief was like a heavy load fell off my shoulders. Everyone has their own way of dealing with deconstructing from that toxic community/family. If you can get one to accept you for yourself, the rest might leave you alone. I wish you all the best in your journey.

[@tylerjordanguitar]

Hey Timmy! Thanks so much for sharing all your videos. I just watched the movie “the body “ thanks for the recommendation. Very good. A lot of cognitive dissonance throughout. Another great movie that you probably have already seen is “small foot.” Fantastic movie.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@tylerjordanguitar Actually I’ve not seen Small Foot! Hmmmm I’ll look it up.

[@tylerjordanguitar]

@@timmygibsonkc definitely check it out. It’s an animated movie. Great for the whole family. 👍

[@tylerjordanguitar]

And of course the movie, “the invention of lying “. So good.

[@dahmanbeck5256]

Nothing is more contrary to reason and common sense than Christianity

[@christophergibson7155]

So says the sinner who will not come to the light. Jesus said that He was the light of the world, and that whoever follows Him shall not walk in darkness (of sin) but have the light of life. John 8:12

[@dahmanbeck5256]

@@christophergibson7155 bla bla bla...

[@theoleadventurer1199]

They do like to twist your words and make you seem like you are a bad person.

[@FemaleUser2024]

I was born into Christianity. Stayed into it, saved and baptized. Up until 2 years ago. They do get annoying sometimes. I just ignore them.

[@dwightfitch3120]

Thot I was saved twice as a teen. Didn’t last long either time. Parents were great but they did apply pressure

[@kurtfrederiksen5538]

When I have these conversations with Christians, especially if they are trying to convert me, I point out all the horrible things God did in the bible. I usually start with slavery, specifically pointing out Exodus 21: 20-21 which says something to the effect of "If a Master beats his slave with a rod, and the slave does not die after a day or two, the Master shall not be punished because the slave is his property". The question I ask after reading this passage to them is "Do you agree with God, that someone being property is a good reason to not punish the person who assaulted them?" This usually causes them to go down a defense of slavery, which has nothing to do with the question. Be prepared for some terrible answers, I have had people actually admit that slavery is fine. Though the best answer I got for this question is, "That was not written by God", to wit I respond with "What process or procedure do you use to determine what is written by God and what is not? As in if two people disagree on what is written by God and what is not, how do you determine who is right?" Does not really "fix" the issue, but if the conversation is public it usually stops that person from trying to convert you again, probably because some other Christian who was listening finding the topic unsavory. Depending on how hard this person tries to justify these terrible things, I find it also acts as a good litmus test on who I am going to associate with in the future.

[@RuggedCross1]

Ex. 20: 20-21 20And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. Wrong passage there is no such passage as what you refer to in the bible. Exodus 21:20 And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. God never approved of slavery but allowed it in the beginning bcz to take away something so quickly that was so deeply entrenched in society would be like forcing a newborn baby to eat solid food. but God set strict rules on how servants were to be treated. They were not to be abused in any way, and in some cases freed if the servant wanted to leave.

[@kurtfrederiksen5538]

@@RuggedCross1 pardon, you are correct the passage I intended to reference was Exodus 21, the part I am more focusing on being on line 21. Per my original post, you did exactly as stated, a defense of slavery. As slavery has nothing to do with the point I am making, or the question I am asking, I see little reason to go off topic. My post was about if God through the bible gave a good reason to not punish someone who assaulted another. So as you engaged with my post, let me try asking the question again "Do you agree with God, that someone being property is a good reason to not punish the person who assaulted them?" Keep in mind this question and its answer is independent on if God condones slavery.

[@Alice-the-seal]

I use a different method to talk to religious people. Just one step: "piss off"

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@Alice-the-seal 😂

[@shiningskies47]

first video of yours that ive seen, it kinda reminds me of a sermon but like a reverse sermon, and im all for it ahaha

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@shiningskies47 well thank you! I’ll keep “preaching” 😂

[@Darrin-z1r]

I used to try and witness to Mormons before I became agnostic/atheist. A good friend of mine was one in the military. They know the Bible better than most strong believers.

[@therealexistentialist]

You're spot on with the identity part because that's actually our ego we can still have an ego as a Christian so the identity is our conceptual narrative we tell ourselves. Eckhart Tolle talks about this. So you're wiser than you realize I think. Even Jesus' teachings were similar to eastern beliefs like Buddhism. So there's a golden thread of truth in all religions. We are consciousness. Whether we awaken to realize it or we don't is God's will we are opening our 4th Chakra our heart Chakra many don't graduate to that level of compassion for others in different belief systems and your part about empathy proves how tapped into that you are I believe.

[@shawnstatzer95]

Finally, I stopped asking and telling. I am what I am or I am not what I am not. I was going crazy debating all the time. You tell one person your side, and you have twenty more people in line behind him or her waiting.

[@jaredwalla3064]

thank for this, great listen

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@jaredwalla3064 Thank you so much!

[@ChristopherGranning-tj3pf]

I don't waste my time with believers.. because eventually the only thing they can come up with is you are going to spend eternity in a lake of fire if you don't repent one's sin..... can I puke now?

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@ChristopherGranning-tj3pf Luke away! 🤮

[@unfixablegop]

Believers have a great hint in all the other religions they believe to be wrong. But they invest a lot of energy into not taking that hint.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@unfixablegop So true!

[@Mar-dk3mp]

@@timmygibsonkc It is amazing how this empty cult and those people leave a religion to create another religion, actually a sick religious cult... you really have no God and no Honor and must be ashemed of yourself for doing that.

[@Mar-dk3mp]

and why atheism must be true?

[@Mar-dk3mp]

@@timmygibsonkc how this religious cult goes? Still obsessed for what you do not have, GoD?

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@Mar-dk3mp Yep

[@somersetcace1]

It's easy to talk to religious folk. Just don't talk to them about religion. Fishing, favorite TV shows, cars, you name it, just not religion.

[@BubbaF0wpend]

Or politics😂

[@somersetcace1]

@@BeepBoos Wise!

[@flosscal1]

whats your thoughts on the satanic temple, a non theistic religious group showing the contradictions of the separation of church and state and ones own rights?

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@flosscal1 that’s a very interesting question. I’m not sure I fully understand it to be honest.

[@rohnleidigh213]

Just don't. Why bother?!!

[@martinelzen5127]

Thanks for sharing your PoVs on this. I do sometimes have trouble balancing people's right to believe *whatever* and my right to having a more evidenced existence. While of course it remains true that right to freedom of religion does NOT equal respecting any articles of faith. But then I like r-atheism so... TTYL!

[@canwelook]

Where Christians hold personal beliefs that do not adversely affect others then that's a no-problem area. Where they gravitate to Christian authoritarian rule then big problem. E.g. The overwhelming support for criminal Trump, the stacking of the Supreme Court, and other courts, increasingly with taliban-style religious zealot outcomes that interfere with others' rights. This is how Christianity is trashing its standing in the community - and why people are leaving Christianity in droves.

[@zdzislawmeglicki2262]

It depends on which Christian. There are many varieties of Christians who derive their doctrine from different sources, and who'll answer differently to your questions.

[@rebeccabrockway8258]

After being raised in Christian fundamentalism, I’m now an atheist guilty of being an a-hole, although unintentionally. I question my Christian friends about their religion and encourage them to think critically. Often, they become defensive. I wish someone like me had been available when I was a believer. I suppose I would have gotten out a lot sooner.

[@freewill8218]

I just turn around and walk away.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@freewill8218 Not a bad idea! 😂

[@TheMsPetal]

Thank you for this. My issue is that my great friend of almost 40 years, though she isn't proselytizing me, but I know she is praying for me. Which is fine for her because it brings her comfort. But I find she is free to share her Christian experience with me, but I feel like I can't freely share my deconstruction experience with her. It's very uncomfortable at times and I feel it's a hinderance on the friendship. I can't be fully myself with her. It's painful. And I'm not sure how to address this with her.😢

[@less9816]

if you haven't yet, consider exploring the reason(s) why you don't feel like you can share your deconstruction experience. Why is it uncomfortable for you? What are you afraid will happen if you do share? These are just a couple of questions you can ask yourself to start exploring :)

[@carolebingham7262]

Hi Timmy have u read ceasars Messiah ime excited ime getting this on Tuesday from amazon

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@carolebingham7262 I have not. Let me know how it is.

[@JudyYeager-wu3yn]

I have not been in church for 9 years now. I am 71 and when I was 19 my dad died. When I went back to work I was asked if my dad was saved. I told the person I had no idea what that meant and after she told me I told her no and it felt the need to tell me he was burning in hell. Several years later my son decided to kill himself actually cut his wrist when I asked our pastor to talk with him he told me to tell him to grow up. So I have no desire to return. Now I would love to know what you think about haunted homes

[@slade8863]

I encourage you to go another church. That pastor is totally in the wrong for speaking like that. Please don’t let terrible actions from people like this keep you from God I think i misunderstood you, please do explain

[@JudyYeager-wu3yn]

@@slade8863 i know my typing is terrible. My son about 9 years ago cut his wrist trying to kill himself. Thank God the police found him before he died. We had been going to this one church and I had asked him to see my son. The answer I got was to tell him to grow up. My son handicapped. Thank you for asking. Oh I know from the Bible the pastor will have to stand in judgement for his actions.

[@slade8863]

@@JudyYeager-wu3yn Thank God for that indeed, hope he's doing well now. That's great

[@LovinOffGrid]

very good talk

[@ingenuity296]

Excellent advice. ❤

[@percubit10]

I was wondering what you think of energy healing, reiki, yoga, and the chakras. Most Christians think it's demonic. it hurts when they try to push it on you.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@percubit10 I don’t believe it demons, so I don’t think it’s demonic!! I don’t have a problem with people doing whatever they want to bring them peace and serenity. Or to quiet the mind. I’m not into it, but that’s just me.

[@percubit10]

@@timmygibsonkc What do you say to Christians who claim this country was founded on Christians values and not Secular Humanism?

[@jaysonjacob2891]

It is so crazy that the same Bible that can cause someone to be a believer, can also cause that same person to become an agnostic or atheist. In my opinion, so many Christians have not read the whole bible...or they constantly have to "jump through hoops" and "cherry pick" the feel good passages from the Bible.

[@jackstiv8395]

It’s almost impossible cause you can’t argue facts against superstition, Knowledge vs beliefs Reality vs. fiction. you live in reality on earth and they’re delusional in la la land

[@timmygibsonkc]

So true!

[@crapton9002]

Thulsa Doom explained why People are conditioned for perfect obedience. He was another honest Serpent in a book/movie.

[@joe_karry]

Hi. I m french, i was curious about others beliefs I m 4th generation of atheists, my parents told me not to challenge people about faith because they re getting angry fast . But i m discovering a (old) world. For me all 4200 religions are egally ridiculous, no difference. I don't know how to talk with em.. true

[@joe_karry]

But you can feed an animal but you can force him to eat.. believers are thinking you hate them, or we are jealous, whereas we re not We are just finding them goofy.. (your word). Yeah it s frustrating. I know

[@mohamedsirker4858]

Timmy....i agree w ur advices from the most part. However, if there is an audience, or just people around; then I think it wont be to bad to talk sense.... not necesarilly for the bible guy but for the others.

[@agreeablegraylife]

I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior at the ripe old age of 8. Mom and Aunt sat all of us kids down, and explaind how important it was. I remember thinking the following:: 1. Santa isn't real, but Jesus is. Not sure how they worked that one out, but I had better not ask. 2. I better do this quick, or I'll never hear the end of it from these women. Thus, I was first in line. They were happy, and therefore stayed cool. But then, there was that library book my aunt tried to tell me I shouldn't read because it was about a witch. I kept repeating, "but Aunt, it's fiction... it's fiction... it's FICTION!" In all honesty, the book was a test. She failed. I was 8.

[@not-a-cupid-stunt]

I made the classic mistake of trying to save some Christians from their Santa beliefs as they were trying to save me from my Scientific ones. I just have to accept that some people are drunks, druggies, stupid...or religiously brainwashed. It shouldn't be my job in life to save everybody from themselves. I have a hard enough time trying to deal with my self, let alone trying to 'fix' the world as well 🤕

[@shelzp7272]

I have a family full of fundamentalists and simply say ‘It wouldn’t do me any good to say I believe it because I don’t’.

[@brianfreeman6226]

Timmy I noticed you never cuss. Why is that? Do you never drop a well placed F-bomb for emphasis?

[@tonymiller3788]

He does it for KZbin only.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@brianfreeman6226 I cuss a lot, but decided to withhold so not to get demonetized! I want KZbin to recommend my videos 😂🤬 I cuss like a sailor normally 🫢

[@brianfreeman6226]

@@tonymiller3788 does KZbin care about swears?

[@Sological]

@@brianfreeman6226yes

[@patrickparker4576]

You should look up something called street epistemology. I think it would be right up your alley. They also talk about how essential it is to build rapport before you start breaking down their beliefs. Free word of advice: attack people's ideas, not their accents. 🤔

[@canwelook]

Street Epistemology is a powerful approach, I especally love Anthony Magnabosco's videos. But I'd argue there's complementary value in different approaches, and styles, as well. Including those approaches that mimic and even mock Southern apologists.

[@billybobwombat2231]

I'm lucky, I don't know any religious people , move to Australia and you'll have to look to seek out a christian, occasionally you'll bump into one that's free-ranging for the day.

[@canwelook]

G'day. Yeah Australia is well ahead of America in the trend in all modern free societies to ditch religions. When I was a kid, almost everyone identified as Christian. Now about the same number of people have no religion as those who identify as Christian. And the proportion identifying as Christian continues to plummet, while those with no religion continues to sky-rocket.

[@unfixablegop]

That know-nothing voice when quoting hardcore believers is hilarious. But I think it also shows that Timmy's own patience with these people must be fairly limited. 🙂 It can't be denied that he's making some fun of them here, but what is really important is that he isn't trying to reverse proselytize. People will change in their own good time or they will never change.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@unfixablegop oh it’s part of my stick, plus dealing with a very religious family sometimes can be challenging.

[@unfixablegop]

@@timmygibsonkc The closer people are to you the harder it is to not be disturbed by the fact that you cannot actively change them. Let me say that overall I really like your delivery. You have a way of making a one-way communication feel more like a conversation.

[@timmygibsonkc]

@@unfixablegop Thank you, that means a lot. I’m just sharing my story, the things I experienced and how I see it.

[@IanM-id8or]

I'm fortunate in that I have no regular contact with any fundamentalists anymore. If someone starts pushing Christianity on me, I have enough knowledge to be able to tear any argument they put up into tiny little shreds and I've got no compunction about doing so. Nonetheless, I don't go around looking for theists to deconvert

[@PseudoIntellectual2.0]

Thanks for this. I was raised in a fundamentalist church. It’s interesting how non-religious, atheist liberals other than myself are so accepting of fundamentalists out of some kind of sense that it is okay to believe in nonsense as long as the person is happy.

[@aaronlarsen7447]

@@PseudoIntellectual2.0 AscaChristian I feel the same way for you. Your rejection of Christ is your own concern. You don't need my badgering.

[@PseudoIntellectual2.0]

@@aaronlarsen7447 You have NO evidence to support your beliefs. We don’t have ANY writings from Jesus’ life, writing about Jesus came decades later from people that never met Jesus.

[@PseudoIntellectual2.0]

@@aaronlarsen7447 Methodological naturalism had, and still has, the door open to the supernatural and still, nothing supernatural has ever stepped even one toenail in. That is why philosophical naturalism is the only valid belief when it comes to science vs religion.

[@PseudoIntellectual2.0]

@@aaronlarsen7447 And, sorry to tell you, faith is not a virtue. It’s not a virtue to believe in fantastical, magical stories with no evidence.

[@aaronlarsen7447]

@@PseudoIntellectual2.0 Okay already. I totally understand what the badgering feels like.

[@RichLunaMusic]

3:26 That's like the perfect Ernest impression hahahaha I have never laughed so hard at a video and it takes a lot for me to laugh these days since I have depression. Keep "preaching" brother!!!

[@warrenbruhn5888]

You can quote Hebrews 6:4-6 and see if that ends the conversation.

[@deborahabc4117]

I filed a complaint with the FTC to stop a religious group from coming to my house and writing me.

[@JonathanMcLatchie]

Question: When you say "there is no evidence" for theism or for Christianity, would it be more accurate to say you think there is insufficient evidence? It seems to me to be trivially true that there is evidence for theism (and Christianity). The question is whether it is sufficient to justify belief.

[@cliveadams7629]

Evidence? If it's trivially true there's evidence for theism or xtianity, then you'll easily be able to provide it and convince me. I'll wait.

[@peaceandfood7952]

That's my main question where do you draw a line between that's what he believes that's fine and now you go too far...i struggle with this... How can they say free when religion root means bond to! I'm always amazed about the brain switch from fundamentalist to "this is bullshit"

[@ricklamb772]

Don't talk to a Christian,just walk by.Just say I have no need of Jesus, he'll just knock the dust off his shoes and keep walking,just as the bible instructed.

[@Scorned405]

I can see both sides of the coin considering I use to be the one proselytizing. I use to pass out pamphlets at work etc. I cringe when I look back at how brainwashed I was. I just avoid the conversations all together because most of them are gonna believe what they wanna believe. I just stay outta the conversations

[@rickemmons7300]

"How to talk to a deconstructionist, without losing your lunch.."

[@fergusfitzgerald977]

It depends on the type of Christians you encounter ! Some are quite open to consider things more allegorically ? Some people can only work with literal truth even when the Scripture may have actually meant it not to be literal ! More often it's literal but not accurate due to there being less scientific knowledge then ? Mostly I have found that Biblical Literalists are ignorant people but some religious people are very deep philosophical thinkers - they are very rare though !

[@RastaWitch-668]

Well said.

[@brucesorensen]

I'm not convinced that the "ancient alien" theory isn't worth investigating more thoroughly.

[@dwightfitch3120]

Von Daniken did not act like a scientist. More like some of the apologists. He concluded things and then tried to make his “evidence” fit those conclusions. Pretty much backward thinking.

[@Niko-777]

It’s insulting when they slip bible verses into a casual conversation, as if you are ignorant, needing salvation explained on a preschool level. Sharing your hurt feelings regarding their assumptions about your spiritual status is helpful. The Bible says that we can’t know the depths of another person’s heart.

[@Sealust50]

My problem isn't fending off hard core christians from trying to get me back into the fold. On the contrary, my problem is that I keep feeling frustrated with hard core christians close to me (in this instance, my boyfriend) who when I confront them/him on all of the discrepancies and issues dealing with the bible I have come to realize and learn, they/he simply refuses to acknowledge those newfound truths I discovered, even to the point of being like a child who simply refuses to hear or totally blocks those truths out in order to remain in their beliefs. I find myself not being able to control my frustration and anger with them. Has anybody else experienced this feeling? Wish I could say it's a good feeling, but it's not - especially when you and the other person once shared in those biblical beliefs and now you don't.

[@barbarasmith2693]

I find when I get frustrated and angry with them, the best thing I can do is to remember that the person I am dealing with has been abused by having been lied to (usually from childhood), and that the person who lied to them was a product of the abuse and lies that were fed to themselves, and so on and so forth. Cognitive dissonance can cause extreme emotional pain for someone who has made these lies a large part of their identity. Even more so for those who have surrounded themselves (or have been made to be part of) a community of people who will vilify them f they break from the herd, so to speak. That fear of losing their community can cause them to shut down and not hear what would otherwise make them think twice about what they've been taught to believe. It's frustrating and can be depressing to realize that multiple generations of people have been (and will likely continue to be) victimized by religious contagion. But it helps to try to be empathetic when you get to the point of wanting to knock them upside the head.😉

[@Sealust50]

@@barbarasmith2693 Thank you so much

[@emmanarotzky6565]

Thank you for repeating that not all Christians are weirdos because the internet does not grasp that concept sometimes!

[@canwelook]

Many Christians are not weird people. But that doesn't mean their religious ideas aren't totally weird to those who value truth, and critical enquiry.

[@Joemama-nt5yz]

27:11 That was fkn perfect XDDDD

[@timothykiarie2166]

Hey Timmy! Here’s another Tim wondering if you had your wonderful tatoos while you were a pastor.

[@RobertGraziose]

They don't want to save you cause they care about you . Fir the most part they are responding to the threat that all branches that do not bear fruit will be cut off and thrown into the fire. They are scoring points for the afterlife!!

[@gullettr1]

I never could understand apologists even when I was a Christian. I was forever wondering where they got their info. There's a lot of talking heads in Christianity who really like what they're saying.

[@canwelook]

Why would an all powerful god who wants to reveal itself even need apologists?

[@ibrahimelmasry-z3k]

احسنت سيدي حسنا فعلت مبروك لمغادرتك عنبر المجانين 🌹🌹