I kept noticing that the Gospel was powerless to actually change lives - Daranté Lamar

Today I spoke with Daranté LaMar, who grew up in the Word of Faith denomination and became a pastor for 10 years before ultimately deconverting as the truth claims of Christianity fell apart.
We touched on many topics, including:
• In his youth, observing his mom have a very moving spiritual experience at church.
• Accepting the invitation to accept god as his loving father, which was especially meaningful as he grew up feeling like an orphan.
• Being forced by his mother to either prioritize her or god and the church ... and proudly choosing god and the church.
• Hearing preachers encourage their congregations to purposely not focus on learning and knowledge, but to simply have blind faith.
• Believing that anything in his mind that was not aligned with the Bible was probably from the Devil.
• Growing in his leadership roles in ministry as well as his perceived spiritual power and influence, which he saw as evidence of god's blessing.
• Getting married before entering the pastorate to ensure he would not be sexually tempted in ministry.
• Constantly praying to god to ask him for clarity and direction.
• Seeing people in the church heavily exposed to the Bible and the church who were nonetheless not showing any evidence of the power of the Gospel to transform their lives.
• Observing his fellow pastors not caring about where the Bible really came from.
• Deconverting but not strongly feeling like the loss of "heaven" and the afterlife was a really big deal to him.
• Experiencing much more peace after deconversion than he ever had as a Christian.
• Realizing that Christianity had deprived his of his personal capacity, and being driven more than ever to achieve the most he is capable of and to keep asking hard questions.
Many thanks to Daranté for sharing his story and insights!
_________________________________________
Connect with Daranté:
KZbin:
‪@DaranteLaMar‬
‪@bridgecityglobal4139‬
/ mytogetherwecan
/ dlddworldgroup
Read Daranté's books:
www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks...
_________________________________________
Please subscribe to my other channels (many more channels and videos coming soon!)
linktr.ee/harmonicatheist
_________________________________________
Tim may be reached on FB at: harmonictim
Or by email at: [e-mail]
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Thanks!
--Tim
_________________________________________
Ending music by Eyal Raz, "Friends"
• Friends
_________________________________________

[@Jimyblues]

The guilt they laid on me during my childhood is unforgivable- believing souls will burn for eternity is sick evil and hateful. None of it makes sense unless you cherry pick Good show !

[@derek2557]

Yes, but that is because you believe, false man made religion. With the greatest respect, all you have been exposed to is lies. God's word does not teach those things. Satan's so called Christian religions do!!! Have you not read the Bible's statement that 'the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one'? What else do you expect from false religion entrenched in his mire, TRUTH?

[@Zydonie]

I know right I can’t talk to Christian’s about anything. I was talking about how I truly felt and the fact that I feel suicidal and wanted to take my life. They just said well you’ll go to hell. So helpful and loving isn’t it.

[@Fair-to-Middling]

I think Daranté should add one more thing to his huge list of interests...radio talk show host. He's certainly got the voice for it, and the quick wit!

[@HarmonicAtheist]

Agreed 100%

[@weylin32]

Yes he has a beautiful voice

[@DarnayaDarice]

❤❤❤

[@Bever71]

Yes!

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thank you all!

[@Muhluri]

He has such an interesting life. It’s funny how all the worst parts of his life had religion involved in some way😂

[@essenceoneessence]

Your statement about how you were told your own inner voice was “the lord” was so powerful. It just highlights how Christianity is literally an imposter and hijacks our own brains away from us. We die to ourselves and give everything we had over to god and call it god doing what we were already capable of doing. Wow 😯 What a mind f. I’m so glad that I have the rest of my life to enjoy it fully without this ridiculous imposter.

[@FoursWithin]

Great point to make. Christianity takes the beneficial aspects of human nature / natural self connection and turns it into a demon force and source of rebellion by traumatizing young believers with threats of eternal violence if they choose to believe in themselves.

[@lasjan2001]

Wonderful comment. So true!

[@essenceoneessence]

@@lasjan2001 I deconstructed and deconverted almost a year ago but I didn’t think I would still be unpacking all of this. But just the fact that I had to give myself permission to access the full depths of my own brain is wild to me. Believers just have no idea of what they’re up against trying to get me to repack my brain back into a prison now that I’m fully aware that’s what I’ll be doing. This freedom is amazing 🤩

[@27273100]

So am I. Now I can be who I am instead of hearing, "Be like someone else or you'll go to hell!"

[@moodyrick8503]

The truth has nothing to fear from investigation.

[@markrichter2053]

“Your questions are valid and that’s the greatest freedom.”

[@FoursWithin]

Losing 500+ LBS is similar to how many theists must feel when they leave religion. Thanks for sharing your story !

[@derek2557]

Yes indeed if you are leaving organised religion. Not if you actually, exegetically study the Bible yourself. The only unpolluted Bible, as far as I can find out, is the 2001 Bible Translation. That at least attempts to take out all the man made religious lies we have all suffered from.

[@todds.6028]

I definitely feel a newfound sense of freedom. Unfortunately I wasted the best years of my life (20's, 30's, and half my 40's)...but, there's nothing I can do about that. All I can do is press on.

[@FoursWithin]

@@derek2557 Studying the Bible exegetical through what lens ? There are so many. And if it's through the lens of a believer then you've already took a wrong step at a foundational level.. for what anyone here is concerned about. So what's yours ?

[@FoursWithin]

@@todds.6028 Yes, keep on pressing on my friend. I'm just grateful that the wasting of time and energy on the superstitious traditions of world's largest cult has ended for so many of us.

[@derek2557]

Under the lens of a non committed person. So many ex Christian leave organised religion after becoming convinced there is no God. Sadly those persons have succumbed to the lies of Christendom. I have been in you space. But with a need to be sure. Exegetically studying the Bible, means to do so with an honest, open mind. Sadly most people cannot or will not do that.

[@buddy.boyo88]

he's still got that charismatic energy !

[@DaranteLaMar]

I can't seem to shake it lol 😂

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS Jesus isn't real.

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS The complete lack of supporting evidence. The inability to demonstrate that this mythological figure actually exists.

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS The universe is only evidence of the universe, nothing else. You might as well say look at the trees, LoL.

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS Do you accept that the universe is evidence of other gods, for example Brahma or Allah, when Muslims or Hindus claim the same thing?

[@christahewitt2758]

Very intelligent man, who has raised himself and had to figure things out for himself and somehow did well for himself regardless of the lack of support he had growing up. Congratulations sir, on surviving and thriving even in a toxic environment and for getting yourself out of Christianity. I am so proud of you.

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thank you!

[@deb6252]

The ugliness of the cross. Yep. Resonates. Not a cross fan ever. "Why did Jesus like crosses?" Me too....bewildered. I love this whole telling of your story. Thank you. This is great.

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thank you!!!

[@freeman8759]

Its so amazing, that after you watch a few of these interviews, most people say, "I dont blame the church, it was me." And its so true. We become our own captures. I have alot of respect for people who publicly deconvert. I stepped out a little, and the venom was so strong that i quickly realized i didn't want that smoke. I quietly packed up my my faith and set it on the curb.

[@bradgoldman5053]

Darante, I can sure relate to your storie. As a recovering charismatic being in all the circles of the Big Guns deceived and manipulated by hype and jive never thinking in my wildest dreams ,i that would leave the faith gives my hope. Keep up the good work.

[@JamesRichardWiley]

The gospel is a collection of man made words. Unfortunately words are not things. A careful analysis of the Gospel by a non believer who has tested out the words reveals numerous contradictions and false claims. The Mindshift channel with Brandon is another good source of critical thinking.

[@richiecunningham6552]

Hi! I've always lived in the UK and went to various churches, including evangelical and a couple of large pentecostal churches. It took me 30 years, to realise that the amazing "power of God" also required faith, and belief that it even existed. People preached about the power of God and heavily promoted it, A LOT, but it was never evident, provable, measurable, and people couldn't even decide exactly what it did, why, or when!🤣

[@autumn5852]

I thought the whole religion was built on faith, belief and make belief 🤔

[@pjj.5649]

What a revealing and honest telling of Derante's personal experience, as well as the upheavaling, shattering, and momement dissolving of the brainwashing of religion and its fallout aftermath. I love how he honestly says, he was not feeling anything in the faith. So many followers have/had these same inner thoughts and feelings but afraid to think it much less say it. Can't wait to hear his channel. Thank you Tim.

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thank you!!!

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS None of that is true.

[@joygibbons5482]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS How do you know it was supernatural? The human sciences have a lot to say about these very human experiences, and none require the supernatural

[@PittPens6866]

​@OragansIsLessThanNuthnTrash I'll grant you one thing and it's that at least you're a nice person, so it seems at least. Too many "Christians" end up in the comment sections talking trash and doing the internet thing and I know the Bible says to not get wrapped up in such activities. So regardless that I do not believe what you believe it's nice to not see some hypocritical person of faith in the comments

[@whatshatnin4572]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS You are pushing faith to people who would rather deal with facts. Faith is used to believe and facts are used to know. Your bible and preacher always encourage you to apply faith because they want you to believe. Your history and science teacher give you facts because they want you to know. Faith is required to accept mythology. That is why you believe in mythology or you believe in Jesus. History is accepted through facts which is why history is to be known.. People are replacing faith for facts so they can stop believing in mythology and start knowing history. So when you dealing with folks who dont really care about faith and are more concerned with facts, get you some facts to support your stance so you can be taken seriously.

[@ItsSageof]

Many of us who left have become even more free to be our authentic selves you might say. Great convo! Hope to appear on one of these videos soon!

[@HarmonicAtheist]

I would love that! Please add me on FB and reach out there: facebook.com/harmonictim

[@tom.y-2113]

I just had the longest and best laugh in weeks, thanks to this interview. When Tim asked Darante to present the Gospel message as he understood it back when he (Darante) was starting to get an understanding of sin, Darante said (45:40), "A perfect, perfect world, and then we messed it up. And He [God] warned us by killing us all [via Noah's flood], and giving us another chance, giving us a beautiful rainbow..."" I literally replayed this part about 10 times because the laughter brought me so much joy. I used to believe this was all true, but when Darante put it in those terms: "God WARNED us by KILLING US ALL." But hey, look at the bright side: we got a pretty RAINBOW out of it. LMAO! Great interview Tim and Darante. Thanks for sharing.

[@presentfuture7563]

Once a person has had that "cannot unsee" moment, it's impossible to get back in the box. lol.

[@lissavanhouten6628]

Evolution is amazing because ultimately it means we humans have some form of connection to every species on the planet, just as all species have the same connection. This depends on how far back in time we go, of course, to see when there was a common ancestor in regard to how closely we are related to any species.

[@totonow6955]

And all the way back to the stars.

[@derek2557]

The whole problem is once you join a religion you are expected to believe what they tell you to believe, You literally give away your freedom of choice. It is plain to see why these religions do not teach you to search the scriptures to find out what the truth of the scriptures really is. All of these organisations have charitable status. We give them their power and make them rich. They want blind adherents, not knowledgeable Christians.

[@johnjohnson1657]

Great guest. Great interview. Kudos again.

[@alicearcturus8610]

Thanks for your honesty!! Sometimes I don't listen to programs on this subject till the end because I have heard it all before but I learned new things listening to this. I hate Christianity because of the cruelty in the Bible and the child abuse I suffered because of it. I have hope for life beyond death because no one knows one way or another. I have had 'strange' experiences through my life which actually loosened the chains of religion. I follow Eastern Philosophy. Not religion. Thank you both!

[@Muhluri]

37:31 I agree. Sometimes my parents would share these videos of 8 year old preachers and I was always wondering why god would choose certain people to be in such positions of power

[@a.b.2405]

I remember when I was a kid and an adult at church showed us videos of child pastors. Basically trying to get us to be more involved in church since no one is too young. It didn’t do any convincing because none of us wanted to preach.

[@charliecoley2423]

Exactly I found that out between 13 /15 and reading the Bible Led me to disbelieve by the time I was 25 I Was no longer a believer 58 now Haven’t said a prayer and almost 30 years nothings changed

[@essenceoneessence]

You hit the nail on the head Tim!! Christianity appeals to one’s ego. This works for many but if it doesn’t it appears to one’s fears.

[@browneyedbunny6707]

This!!!

[@pointbreak8646]

Death anxiety is a massive part too. Theists can't cope with accepting they have one life, die and cease to exist. They have predetermined there has to be a happy ending, an afterlife

[@Misslayer99]

This was ao great, thanks for sharing. Subbed to Darantes channel. I live in the south and i don't know any other atheists. (Frankly I hate it here) My dad was a Nazarene preacher for over 30 years so you can imagine how my family is. I feel pretty lonely a lot of times as I have no one to talk to about it It really helps to hear other people's deconstruction stories, there's always something I identify with...feeling not good enough, not capable of anything myself. It's nice to know so many other people have come to the same conclusions and I'm actually not fucking crazy for thinking rationally lol.

[@antondresucks6055]

As someone living at the buckle of the Bible Belt, I 100% vibe with this statement. Especially if you’re rural, it’s really tough out here. I’m fortunate to have some cousins I can talk with and live near a decently sized college town, which helps. If there’s any metal shows or other “misfit” (for lack of a better word) cultural activities like D&D near where you live, you may not make atheist friends immediately, but I find it’s at least cathartic to do things my religious family would never have let me do

[@Misslayer99]

​@@antondresucks6055thanks for your response I appreciate it. I'm actually pretty old so I've done a lot of stuff like that already. I've lived quite a few other places as well and it's not that I don't have friends, but I have some good reasons for distancing. My partner died 6 years ago (which is actually when I began to deconstruct) and it changed me profoundly. I fell in love with science and I'm going back to school starting this summer for the first time in almost 20 years...I guess I'm doing it kind of backassward, but I don't care what anyone thinks. It's exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. (It's also why I'll never believe in Christianity again.) I'll probably be in TN for two more years and then I'm transferring to University of Illinois(which is actually where I was born). My education is my top priority right now, so I've been hyper-focused on that, self studying calculus and neuroanatomy to prepare. I spent a lot of my life doing social things, not necessarily using my brain, but now my greatest desire is to learn and attain higher education. Idk if it would be worth it to go out of my way to make social investments here at this time. Frankly I don't want distractions, although I do understand the importance of social connection. I just want social connection that aligns with my goals if that makes any sense. I'm thinking ill meet some like-minded people along the way to my degree. Hopefully anyways. Sorry for the novel lol

[@antondresucks6055]

@@Misslayer99 I’m sorry, I can only imagine such a harrowing experience to go through and understandably life-shaking. I’m glad you’re finding purpose and prioritizing what matters to you, it’s all we can do sometimes If I inadvertently infantilized your situation, I apologize. I’m sorely lacking in social connection at the moment so that was my first thought in how to cope with the loss of religious community, find new ones. If social connections are not your focus, I admire your dedication to working on your own well being and fulfillment. Best of luck to you in TN, IL, or wherever you land in your future!

[@Misslayer99]

@@antondresucks6055 Oh no you're totally fine I wasn't offended or anything like that at all, I thought it was very nice that you even responded. I wasn't being sarcastic. Just a lot of people think I'm younger than I am which is probably partially my own fault lol. I understand, bc I don't talk to anybody either and sometimes I really want to. TBH I'm kind of terrified of emotional attachment even tho there are times I really crave it. Im worried about getting distracted like i said, and investing time and effort in incompatible people/relationships. I've done plenty of that shit in the past...but you know, I'm fucking lonely sometimes, I'm not gonna lie.

[@cindychristman8708]

When I die I want nothing more than to "see" and be with my husband. I do not long to be with God/Jesus/Yahweh.

[@brielleanyez7113]

Me too, mine passed in 2009😢I'm very sorry for your loss❤

[@Misslayer99]

Same here, he's the only thing I think about when it comes to dying.. I lost mine in 2018. Is it ridiculous to be an atheist and a hardcore science advocate but hope there might be something after this life? Not heaven or hell or judgement, but something else? Not because I want to live forever or any of that bullshit...I just want to see him again

[@WatchingwaitingG2D]

Too bad.

[@jannettesamuel844]

Why would that option exist if there is no God?

[@Misslayer99]

@@jannettesamuel844 not that I believe in it, but reincarnation would be one of many theories. The argument is invalid since god isn't falsifiable, but just for kicks, what proof is there that a god is the only option? None.

[@TheZeroNeonix]

It's funny how no matter what kind of Christian you were before, if you leave, people who are still Christian will say you never were. Daranté said that he thought it was his fault that he didn’t understand God, and I think that's a very common attitude. At least for Christians who are genuine about their faith, who want to grow and learn. But why should it be on us to figure out God? Why can't an omnipotent, omnipresent God communicate with us in a way that is clear and unambiguous? Although my beliefs were a little different, I had a similar approach. I thought that if my religion was true, then I should examine and challenge it, because the truth isn't afraid of being questioned. Eventually, God's silence just became too much of an issue for me. I needed guidance in my life, and despite all my praying, reading the Bible, and devoting myself to living a godly life, I was getting absolutely nothing from my supposed Heavenly Father. So I gave him an ultimatum. I was sitting in my car in the church parking lot and said, "God, if you're there, if you care about me and want to keep me, give me a sign. Anything at all." I got nothing but silence, so I said, "Okay. Either you're not real or you're not good. Either way, I'm done wasting my time."

[@Mariagrigorieva]

100%!!!

[@wtfhomesteadingadventures7832]

Im so happy some fluke thing didnt happen in that moment 😂 I did a similar thing. We might still be there 😂

[@Mr.PeabodyTheSkeptic]

I just subscribed Daranté. Hopefully I can listen to your entire interview. Looking forward to it.

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thank you!

[@lewisrogers9263]

Darante you have no idea how much your story sounds like mine. Thank you for your"testimony". I wish we could talk.

[@heatherclark8668]

I felt under enormous pressure when other Christians would ask me what I felt God was saying to me I found it very hard to reply "Nothing. I don't know." That was the wrong answer and I was judged for that But I was just being honest which is more than what I can say for most other people Once, at a bible study, the leader asked if we were enjoying the bible studies and getting something out of it I made the mistake of taking her question literally and I thought she genuinely wanted an honest answer So I replied that I actually wasn't getting anything out of it She turned from being or sweet and nice to being vicious and nasty, declaring that if I had the holy spirit living inside of me, like everyone else, I would be getting something out of it I was so shocked I just sat there and said nothing but I wish now that I had kicked up a big stink and walked out and told the minister what she had said to me In the end, church is just a social club for a lot of people That's what it was for me in the end until I just couldn't do it anymore

[@DaranteLaMar]

That is sad and sadly common. I'm sorry that you had that experience.

[@antondresucks6055]

Daranté’s experience tells such an incredible and relatable story. My experience isn’t very similar, but every rationalization he made, I did too. I’m pretty in love with this series

[@carrieokieOG]

Me too!

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

Impress with how he represented himself against bogus charges by the southern baptists. There is a trend in some black churches. to become completely passive and surrender Your agency in the hopes that a magical being will rescue you. Must be resisted.

[@Jingnan-j1h]

This guy is great at talking. Great interview!

[@Truthseeker0926]

Another Epic story!!!!! He should also become a radio DJ....😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@lizhoward9754]

Fascinating interview. I was never super religious, except as a very young Catholic who wanted be a nun when I grew up 🙄, but I could have seen myself being taken in a bit by Darante because he is captivating. Funny how he never gave the afterlife a thought. I will admit that I still believe in some sort of afterlife. But what I don’t believe in is some old man with a beard and a staff pointing to hell and heaven and judging people. If I die and see that, I will definitely think it is hell.

[@NeedSomeNuance]

Lmao I love this quote and used to think about it all the time… so uuuuhh if this religion is supposed to cause supernatural change why does all the change just look like natural placebo? 👀😂

[@a.b.2405]

THIS!!

[@turnerturner3281]

What a beautiful soul. Thank you for introducing us to this lovely human being, Tim!

[@logicsetsyoufree9052]

I could listen to you two talk for hours! Great chemistry, awesome guest and interview. Man I just about died laughing when he said the church lady said he was possessed by Beelzebub😂 I know it’s not funny, but its just outrageous when you’re out and see that kind of mindless abuse. You cant make this stuff up, truly sad. I Love this channel Tim. Please keep going strong brother 💪🏻

[@lizhoward9754]

3:05 - very good point! There was a time when some of these church teachings were appropriate and made sense. And I can’t agree more that we have evolved and learned so much since that time

[@derekcrews2781]

Great show today.Thanks!☮️

[@HarmonicAtheist]

Thank you so much, Derek!!

[@FoursWithin]

The greater works cerse is a clear red flag that Christianity is a LIE. No Christian, not a single one, has ever come close to doing ANY of the mIrAcLeS ascribed to the Jesus character. Either theres no christians worthy of being called "Christian" or Jesus is a conpletely fictional legendary type of character. Neither look good for the church.

[@FoursWithin]

To my amusement I accidentally created a new word. Cerse - a combo of verse & curse. A cursed verse. And in my opinion this verse, john 14:12 , about believers doing greater works is a "curse" from reality. Reality has cursed the lies of Christianity, stating "NOPE , it's never happening." To this day Reality has been right, while Christians are cursed to mental gymnastics &self deception. 🤔🤔🤔

[@phantom1951]

I recommend you do more research into the lives of the Saints

[@FoursWithin]

@@phantom1951 I've done plenty of research of people the Catholic Church has labeled saints. Feeding the poor isn't a miracle and it isn't even uncommon among people of all religions or no religion. Educating the poor falls into the same category, not a greater work. Neither is teaching natives the lies of Christianity anything worthy of praise. Experiencing the stigmata or having visions isn't something to be considered 'greater works". They're not even equal works when compared to the culmination of Jesus miracles, such as; water into wine, healing multiple blind people , healing leprosy, walking on water, healing a paralysed servant , heals a withered hand, raising multiple dead people, calms stormy weather, heals deaf and dumb...

[@boxelder9147]

So true. Ive considered that. At 58 I havent experienced any verifiable association with a spiritual entity. Its so damn bizarre this notion of an omnipotent and loving God. I havent observed anything miraculous.

[@noracola5285]

I've witnessed/experience exactly two events that Christians might consider miraculous (one bizarre coincidence and one remarkable recovery) but neither was outside the scope of what's possible in nature, however uncommon or unprecedented. They certainly did nothing to explain why prayer does nothing to change the likelihood of such an outcome vs something like that happening by chance - let alone through human intervention, which has an astronomically higher success rate.

[@jeffmaestro]

I know it’s been said already but what a conversation!!! Thank you gentlemen. It’s good to know I am not alone.

[@user-ks4vl1jl7j]

Great interview gentlemen. Thank you

[@totonow6955]

Ëmile Durkheim. Yes! Darwin did not describe survival of the fittest, rather what he called the struggle to survive. It's Darwin's birthday today.

[@NC-dk4mh]

I'm almost there . I've been questioning ever since lockdown as I wasn't in church every sunday and had time to think for myself. I went a bit fundie with the headcovering, skirts, getting mad when people spoke in tongues on demand e.t.c. The strange thing is my dad always told me christianity has "holes" (and read extensively) but as he was pretty abusive so I ignored him. One of the catalysts speeding up my deconversion though was wanting to get married to my partner who grew up ctaholic but no longer religious and myself (grew up pentecostal). My family love him and he's a great guy but asked things like is he really baptised? is he saved? , you should go to pastor for advice. I also thought to myself do I really want our future kids to be raised Christian, do I really believe this and am I going to have to leave the love of my life and pick a "Christian" (protestant leaning) man I have no interest in? The rest is history.

[@letahamilton]

Wow. What an incredible story!

[@annfisher8811]

This was fantastic thank you.

[@juba9575]

This is one of the best interviews i have watched on this channel. Very interesting conversation. Hope to hear more from him.

[@jingham9990]

He was way too smart for a bunch of American christians...humble but it didn't avail him none

[@thoughtsurferzone5012]

Impressive dude.

[@shirleynoble685]

Not very far into the video but what an interesting and vital person.

[@rik80280]

This has been one of my favorites of yours so far. It’s so valuable to see behind the curtain about these pastors backgrounds and doubts and feelings.

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thank you!

[@jeffwatkins352]

Mr. LaMar's journey reinforces the sad truth that not only can deconversion be traumatic, it can also be dangerous. How his former fellow believers could delude themselves their awful behavior "Christian" is just more powerful against their belief system. And yet, Mr. LaMar, you come out of it knowing a profound truth it took me much longer to learn. We are the authors of our fate. We have to own our behavior or we'll never rise above it. Boundless admiration to you! And again many thanks, Tim, for a brilliant interview.

[@cjgt77]

Just finish watching the whole thing. Really good interview, enjoyed it a lot Daranté has a very interesting story. Thanks.

[@Bryan198026]

Damn he's got some great pipes LOL.

[@helencrewdson4392]

I love ALL these interviews 😍

[@sia6929]

I can relate to this sooo much internally except my Christian journey didn’t start until I was 25 and ended by the time I was 27.

[@sidstovell2177]

What a terrific interview. Daranté you're something else. May you continue successfully on your journey. Tim, thanks as always.

[@Michael-cb3uw]

Love this message, the truest message any pastor could speak lol

[@KerstinJ_0291]

This was SUCH an amazing conversation, so happy to have heard it!!! Thank you!

[@thunderbird3694]

Great Show Tim!

[@cjgt77]

I went to both Catholic Church and Baptist Church, so I saw the wild swings in culture, even tho they were both Christian. Funny enough, I was never very religious, but for a long time I believed. I just never really thought that an all powerful god would care what denomination you were or how you worshiped it, but each side saw their own as the "true" religion, and I think that's was the little seed that started my deconversion. I think that was when I realized all of it was pretty fake and it's just their opinions. No one really had a clue about what they were talking about. Enjoying the interview.

[@meenacoultas9598]

This is a great interview 😀 Thank you

[@emmatessier600]

So profound 1:01:50 and the next twenty minutes !! It's so true that the best evidence must be in the community of the believers themselves, especially if people don't even need their beliefs or the bible to make sense. Anything God is gonna do he's gonna do through his people (So well put!), but the reality is people being mean and making foolish decisions because of their faith.

[@trellusg]

Great interview and I have deep respect for Daranté - I am glad you weren’t willing to play pretend anymore. I grew up in a holiness, tong-talking church, but I departed that when I was 18. My faith now is simple: I take as a premise, “God exists, and God is good.” I see that in the teachings of Jesus in the gospels. I don’t read the Bible as inerrant or infallible, but instead read critically. One of my favorite Bible scholars is Bart D Ehrman - he’s a former fundamentalist turned atheist.

[@ConservatoryOzarks]

Wowwww....I so identify with him 😢

[@salt1956]

45,000 denominations. I wonder if Jesus had written down his message in a book, would it have made any difference to the massive divisions in the church?

[@jeremywvarietyofviewpoints3104]

They would all be Jewish.

[@a.b.2405]

@@jeremywvarietyofviewpoints3104this right here!

[@alicearcturus8610]

I don't understand how people can say living forever would be boring. Don't they realize how big the Universe is?

[@wtfhomesteadingadventures7832]

Over the past few years Ive come to see a beauty in death. It adds preciousness to life. Knowing that we have an end is a great reminder to live the life you want. Enjoy every moment and then go into death peacefully. Living forever leaves people feeling they can do whatever they want. What they do now doesnt matter that much. What happens to them doesnt happen that much, because one day life will be perfect in Heaven. This is really our heaven though. This is our bit of joy and we have to assure our own peace

[@shirleynoble685]

Counting the squares on the church ceiling reminds me of my father. He was active in their church, always took a turn as an usher, read a devotion from a yearly periodical every might and was a Mason of high degree. But whenever we went to a friend’s wedding he would count the carved wooden diamonds on this big panel behind the altar. And if it was a High Mass service in Latin he counted them several times. It’s one of those memories I just have to laugh at. I was given a Bible when I was 7 or so and I read it but was never required to do so. We never discussed doctrine. And when I told them at 13 I was not doing the church thing anymore, they accepted it without an argument. But they were the most ethical, compassionate and tolerant people I have ever known. They didn’t need to talk the talk, they walked the walk every day.

[@boxelder9147]

Yeah, this guy being interviewed is pretty cool

[@27273100]

Man-made christianity has done *NOTHING* for me my whole life. The next time someone says to you, "Our god made this and that...", ask them without hesitation, "Then who made god?" If only their god is in heaven, then where did "...let's us make man in our image..." come from, other than man himself??

[@davidmeehan4486]

Obviously, there are many gods, and mankind was created to do the labor that the least of the gods no longer wanted to do. The Sumerians wrote this down five thousand years ago. Can't you read?

[@27273100]

@@davidmeehan4486 -- Can't you think??

[@carolebingham7262]

and love led zep and it makes me feel alive as a woman since my husband died and Ime afraid of dying listening to this music

[@ManokJanik]

I really appreciate this honest conversation and while our experience are not the same, many of what you are experiencing resonates with me in so many ways. Thanks Darante for sharing!

[@DarnayaDarice]

❤❤❤

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thanks babe!

[@DarnayaDarice]

@@DaranteLaMar You're welcome always!🥰😘

[@moodyrick8503]

*God is the clay & humanity, the sculptor.* More like, _made in our image._

[@dantallman5345]

Great interview. Related to much of what Darante said but also his experience was a world away from mine. Really liked the closing thought, “Your questions are valid.”

[@DarqueSyde66]

What an AMAZING conversation. Darante and I share a similar upbringing. The things that didn’t make sense to him didn’t make sense to me either. The difference between us is that I never sought to understand it. It was just plainly fake. And the more I saw “Christians” being Christian, the more the whole thing turned me off. I’m glad I never later that stuff usurp my life and time. And I am so happy that he was finally able to let that stuff go. Good job, gents!

[@joycesky5041]

There's no possible way we are created in the image and likeness of Yahweh because if we were we'd all be evil like him ... if evil isn't allowed in heaven then Yahweh shouldn't be there!😮 That's how much sense the heaven doctrine of Christianity makes. Faith is pretending to know and believe in something you know nothing about.😮

[@jeremywvarietyofviewpoints3104]

It means humans look like God. Ancient people usually thought Gods looked like humans.

[@jeremywvarietyofviewpoints3104]

Gods were reflections of human hierarchies, which back then were autocrats who bullied everyone.

[@tealx8462]

Great interview!!

[@dsrob5681]

Loved every second of this! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@user-pi7do8to8e]

Awesome!

[@donnaburden.dip.d.analysis2148]

Awesome video. Thank you. Xx

[@petmur2451]

What a great guy Darante is

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thank you!!!

[@QuestionThingsUseLogic]

Subscribe to his channel....he responded here. 😊

[@tomdavis9236]

1:44:42 This an amazing story from an amazing man WOW, GREAT EPISODE Tim and Darant'e

[@MitchellRose-gi2ln]

I also noticed that actual change in maturity and self actualization seems to be hinderd in Christianity. Better examples of wholeness were exemplified in the non religious people in my life.

[@Snapoutofit37]

This was life charging! Thank you both!!

[@paulthew2]

Great interview and guest

[@gregcorricello8997]

Tim, you've done it again! Very interesting interview. Glad to be introduced to Mr. LaMar

[@PaulineKellam]

Great interview

[@cavefacts2660]

oh my god, the part about the firing/trial, i am so sorry that happened to you. ❤

[@QuestionThingsUseLogic]

Honestly Tim, you and Daranté are so good together! This interview brings out so many important points. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@17...20]

This was right. on. time! 👏👏👏👏Thank you for this openness. ❤

[@DaranteLaMar]

Thank you!!!

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS It isn't true nor is it moral.

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS It is immoral, eternal punishment for a finite crime is the epitome of immorality.

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS The god of the bible is immoral over & over. No question about it. I reject immorality.

[@kidslovesatan34]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS Demonstrate this god of yours. Prove it's real.

[@stanleywatson8292]

I love this interview thank you

[@ryanerickson3063]

Fantastic interview, thank you

[@johnalvarez6681]

I still believe in God. However, I am struggling with the the Jesus story. After listening to Toviah Singer explaining Isaiah 7 (14 -16) versus Matt 1:23. I was never the same.

[@derek2557]

There is so much I agree with in your last post four. The problem is, the inability to answer you properly was inhibitive. But, my whole reason for posting was to say, dont take the word of others for what the Bible says. Search for yourselves in an exegetical, not eisegetical manner. The you will find the truth of the Bible. As for cults, I know all about them. I was in one for many years without realising the poisoning effect of their teachings and brain washing. I am 74, following an accident, I am wheelchair bound, but through zoom am still able to teach soil science at various universities. However when I disassociated myself from this organisation, they commenced shunning me. Good friends made over forty years ago passing me on the street as if I wasnt there. Family in the organisation shunning me. Locked out without a friend in the world. Thanks to my study of many years, I was eventually able to get my family to disassociate too. We are now all shunned, but it's much more comfortableable being shunned as a family. What I advocate is NOT being part of organised religion, which also includes sects. That is where the pain is. Belonging to such organisations means doing as they tell you, believing what they tell you. It is the Bible that warns of scoffers not the sects. This site is, as I see, it for consolation of those that have suffered and still are suffering. I want to show them a different way. I feel their pain in my heart, I was them afew years ago. Now I am not, surely you don't consider it wrong to want to show people the truth according to the Bible and not according to the cult and Organised Christian religions?

[@sekkhiaakare7701]

This was really really good.

[@sackyrye40]

This was interesting to watch.

[@mackhomie6]

Tim still looks 100% Christian. The necklace, the hair lol Edit: its not a necklace, but the point stands

[@pinky9440]

What necklace? You realise that it is his earphone cable?

[@mackhomie6]

​@@pinky9440my phone screen is pretty small, but no. Either way, he looks a bit like one of these youth pastors. Maybe only dudes around still using hair gel. Then again, I can barely make out his hair so I feel like you're about to tell me he doesn't have any hair gel in either

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

Excellence in broadcasting!!