Is God Useful? - 8-Bit Philosophy

[@HummusHummus]

Wow. I'm actually really surprised by these comments. Everyone is being pretty nice. WHAT'S HAPPENING!?

[@InherentGem493]

Just wait...

[@HummusHummus]

InherentGem493 grab your shields, kids.

[@CyckOne]

Thomas Pulsifer lol, I know right?

[@RDeathmark]

Thomas Pulsifer not everyone, the trolls are here, but this channel tends to be primarily for non-idiots, religious or not, thus the majority of commenters are well behaved.

[@SandyRodriguez]

that is why i love this channel.

[@phariaz]

Two of my favorite things in life together: Ninja Turtles and Questioning about god. Wow. This summirizes so much who I am! Thanks!

[@CESSKAR]

+Gerardo Farías Oh... And you didn't question how ninja turtles, and for that matter every superhero fiction, work as adapted polytheism?

[@phariaz]

Of course, every fiction is based on a myth, as well as all religions.

[@attakullakullaoukonunaka4091]

+Gerardo Farías "all religions" lmao

[@johnclhugyugihjbvgbkj9729]

Gerardo Farías Not Christianity, it is a relationship not religion.

[@ankurama42]

I think it is useful to believe in something seriously, although I am an agnostic/atheist. Not everyone has the time, nor the will to accept the cruelities of life. If it makes you content with life, I say go for it. Just don't spread violence. Though, I should point out that the majority of violence is caused by money directly or indirectly.

[@ankitsharma-bn2ey]

Make up your mind and then speak.... You are an atheist but supporting religion? What kind of non-sense is that?

[@ankurama42]

I believe in ignorance is bliss. My disbelief is now permanent. I can't just choose to be a religious person. It's like deluding myself without knowing that I am doing it.

[@YouShouldRepeatThat]

+ankit sharma I believe what the original commenter was saying is that they are personally agnostic/atheist but, if another individual wanted to have a belief in a deity of their choosing and/or practice a religion then, the original commenter would support that individual's choice as long as it doesn't create or cause any harm such as it resulting in violence. I hope that explanation cleared things up for you. 😊👍

[@midnight15086]

ankit sharma What's wrong with you? He did make up his mind. I believe in a higher power but I support someone's right to believe differently from me, why shouldn't he do the same from the opposite end? I see a stronger war between calm tolerance and militant intolerance, than between different spiritualities, in this day and age.

[@Lightning_Toad]

I should inform you that there is a religion called "Atheist Christianity" who believe that there is no, nor has there ever been, a God, but still believe that the rules and teachings of Christianity should be followed.

[@chase_h.01]

I can say as someone who doesnt believe in God anymore, being an atheist can be more stressful (knowing there is nothing watching over you and it's all in your hands), yet freeing (knowing you have the power to do anything just as well without assistance from a God) And the complete reverse can be said for thiests. Less stress (believing all will be taken care of for you), yet disempowering (believing you alone have the ability to do very little without God.) If you can accept the world for it's desolate and chaotic nature, then usually the trade off is learning to improve yourself without help. At the same time, if you prefer to believing you are safe under God I can't blame some people. But sadly you are giving up your ability to understand that you already have the power to do anything you put your mind to.

[@Texxxl]

+Chase H *"But sadly you are giving up your ability to understand that you already have the power to do anything you put your mind to."* Nope, no one is claiming you need assistance from God to do anything an atheist cant. Even without God you can be as moral or as good as a Christian can be. Claiming that Christians believe they cannot do anything without God is a terrible strawman argument. *believing all will be taken care of for you* Wtf dude? Really? Believing in God doesnt mean everything is taken care of and you'll just have to sit and relax and reap the benefits of everything. If you're being sincere and not trying to criticize religions in a different angle, then you are seriously mistaken.

[@chase_h.01]

Geoff Easter Okay, so if you don't need assistance from God, then why do you need him?

[@Texxxl]

What do you mean we "need" God? Christians worship God because they believe He is real, not because they "need" Him or something. What do you think, Christians believe in God so that they get the assistance from him to do something they can't otherwise? What is this, a genie lamp? Again, nice straw men ;)

[@LanceAvion]

+Geoff Easter As an atheist I commonly ask my christian family member why they believe in a God, a concept without evidence. As my grandmother claims, the evidence is all around us. "Man can't cover the ground in snow one day and completely melt it the next. Only God can." "God guided that doctor's hand and saved that person." "I get up everyday and thank God for allowing me to get up." From Chase's perspective he's not making a strawman argument, because the Christians he knows literally believe God is the underlying force behind everything. Such as my grandmother, seen in the examples. Anyways to directly address your concerns, my family believes that God gives us the strength, willpower, ability, etc to do everything (positive). If I decide to start working out and eating healthy it's actually because God decided it was time for a change, as an example. Likewise everything you strive towards, if you believe in God, is achieved thanks to God's intervention. Win a competition. Thank God. Finished law school? God allowed that to happen. That's the mentality my family and many Christians have. Even when I ask "Well didn't that person's persistence/education/etc make a difference?" I get a "Of course, but it was God who gave them those traits/opportunities/etc."

[@MDoorpsy]

+Geoff Easter OK, fine. Let's accept for the sake of argument that god exists. Why then, should he be worshipped? Does Satan exist as well? Why worship one and not the other? Should god be worshipped because he has delivered us from the devil? Or is it because he is our creator? Why would him being our creator make him worthy of worship? At what point is a child justified in hating their father, or mother? Does god do good things for you? If not, then what value is there in a negligent father?

[@BingeWatchers]

This is one of my favorite things on the internet. I think that if a person believes in god, and it does him good, or compels him to be a better person, then sure, it's useful, and could be a good thing. Where I live however, the belief in god is mostly used as an excuse to do or not to do things and religion is one of the reasons my country is broken. I think this belief is more dangerous than anything else. I'm on the "How could anyone believe this" camp but I try to be as respectful as I can to believers, there's no way to say that without coming off condescending.

[@CyckOne]

To quote Stephen King (kind of): "I have no use for organized religion, but I choose to believe in God because it makes things better. You have a meditation point, a source of strength." My philosophy in a nutshell. Voting Yes.

[@TrickWithAKnife]

Is believing in fairies helpful? Probably not, but it's likely to be a fairly self-contained issue. One of the most powerful nations on the planet will only accept a leader who believes in a particular mythical being. THAT is terrifying. These same beliefs affects laws, education and public health, as well as being used to discriminate against others. But what do I know? I'm just some fool who somehow doesn't unquestioningly believe everything I'm told, even if it's from a source I feel some personal connection to.

[@Ayzahar]

TrickWithAKnife it's okay, one of the most powerful nations on the planet refused to even allow a belief in a mythical being, and the laws that put the nation at the head of Godhood, then declared t he laws, education and public health, and discrimination policies as well. Maybe it's not a question of belief, but a question of how much are you letting your legislature control you.

[@RDeathmark]

TrickWithAKnife you dislike religion for the discrimination it causes, fair enough i suppose, but imagine that society was reversed belief in the metaphysical was the minority, and considered to be a mental disorder or something, that if it was discovered you believe in god that you'd likely be denied employment, or perhaps even put into a mental institution. would you be as outraged then? and as much as you may think that's unlikely the entirety of human nature provides a lot of evidence that the 'other' is an undesirable class of citizen and will be discriminated against for one reason or another pretty much regardless of how enlightened and civilized the society is. you also fail to realize the good religion does for the world, i guarantee you without the belief in god early in humanity's progression at least we would be significantly less civilized now. belief in god directly influenced the progression of science in how we question the world around us and pursue knowledge about the world god has given us, scientific curiousity probably would've come about eventually, but i guarantee that religious beliefs spurred it by leaps and bounds throughout history.

[@michaelmacalpine4095]

Watch you don't cut yourself on how edgy your comments are truly you have found the one true answer to which thousands of philosophers have devoted their entire lives to.

[@jasonmachacek895]

You're a mythical being

[@Nuisance_Bear]

RDeathmark that's a lot of words you're putting into his mouth, lol

[@zmoon9764]

This is the framework I have been using for some time when it comes to dealing with the two conflicting ideas I have - my distrust of God's existence and the paralysing fear that there is no purpose or meaning to this life. For years I had been sticking with the former and tried to embrace that life is meaningless, but without success, leading to a mental breakdown where I just gave up trying. A couple of suicide attempts later, I got so desperate that I decided to give faith a go and genuinely subscribed to the belief that God has a plan for me and that he is watching over me. This was the only thing that got me out of the rut. I still have distrust in God's existence, but also recognise that AT THE TIME it was absolutely the better choice to believe in it to help me get back on my feet. So is God useful? For me, yes, he is useful under certain circumstances.

[@aussie_anarchist]

Doesn't matter whether it is emotionally better for people to believe in something. Either something is true or it is not. Give me a hard truth over a comforting lie any day.

[@KuroNoTenno]

The truth is that they give apple pies at the church.

[@nicholasdalli6303]

Thank you my fellow Socratic

[@MilataryDog]

Can it be proven as a lie in the first place, for belief in the first place has to be taken in by the individual's faith that their belief is true. In both areas of religion and theoretical science, faith has to be taken in whether their records or numbers are true before concluding anything. What is the difference between a scientist and a priest when both are individuals are just filters to what may be or not true, the only to truly know is to experience it urself. As theorized by some guy in one of these videos ( sorry for not properly referencing), "The act of faith is to act beyond what logic can provide us". In my belief, this is true for whether or not to believe in a higher power and whether the universe started violently with a bang or formed gradually overtime. (Apologies for the long post)

[@aussie_anarchist]

FoolsPeace The difference between a priest and a scientist is that a priest just believes blindly in what he is told to believe, while the scientist relies on scepticism, evidence and empiricism. The scientist does not believe on faith, he believes on logic. And no scientists do not have faith in the Big Bang, it is still only a theory. However it is the most accepted theory because it is the most likely to have happened. Better to believe in nothing then to believe in something blindly. And by the way if your beliefs require for you to consciously circle around logic you might want to reevaluate your beliefs.

[@jmgwachterwachter8153]

Believing is alright as long as at least ONE doctrine in my opinion is followed and for that i turn to a form of pagans (friends of mine fyi)... i'll keep it simple: "Do wtf u want... as long as nobody comes to harm... and if you have doubts about it... leave it be..."

[@Studio54ithy123]

I would probably say 'Yes' to the question. I believe in morality and that fact that certain actions seem morally wrong (e.g. torturing babies for fun) no matter the curcumstance. But science and empirical testing cannot show that these actions are actually 'wrong'.

[@ljp200]

Joshua Smith They seem morally wrong to you yes (and me) but ask the one committing the torture and you will likely get a different answer.

[@DirtyStinky]

Joshua Smith Very.. I would say stupid but I'm feeling nice today. Very silly of you to think that, science explains natural processes and how and why they happen. Morality is something humans created as it allows us to create a community where we all share the same ideas which allows us to live longer, so morality was an evolutionary trait given to us so that we can thrive easier in groups rather than by ourselves. If some "higher" power gave us morality it wouldn't make sense because why does every human have their own set of morals why do we create our morals of what we feel is right or wrong if there should be some objective morality to follow.

[@str8todamoney]

Nobody is claiming that either. But, if your implying that religion can do that, I believe you are mistaken.

[@billyk3933]

Without God to guide ones morality, one must actually discern wrong and right via ETHICS.

[@wasp89898989]

They cannot yet, because studies of the brain is very difficult. That doesn't mean they cannot be studied in the future. Saying "Science can never tell us which action serves a better purpose than some other", you've already put your cards on the table.

[@Casper1993]

I'm surprised that nobody has brought up the subject that Donatello is pretty much dead or at the very least critically injured in the latest comic from IDW that was released last month. Coincidence?

[@Poodlekisses]

I was waiting for someone to bring that up!!

[@diorikmagnison]

Dean V. I caught this as well! Forced me to go look up issue 45 spoilers to find out whether or not they'd really do that.

[@drewmiez13]

I didn't want to spoil it

[@yakumofujii886]

LOL I was going to bring that up too, but then I saw this post. I wonder if it was intentional or not? Wisecrack

[@nightweels]

Dean V. oh! its a sign that god is real

[@pocket83]

Just wanted to drop in to mention my support. I really like the 8-bit philo concept. Awesome work, and I hope you continue to produce it!

[@Mogley-cr6ip]

homer simpson already debunked pascals wager, "what if we're praying to the wrong god and every time we go to church we're just making him madder?"

[@Nightman221k]

XD I love that line!

[@ArvMC]

Max O'donnell plus, given that so many intelligent people are supposedly going to hell, hell would probably be airconditioned running on lava, nothing to worry about

[@keeseman]

Max O'donnell Uh, what? That's has nothing to do with Pascal's wager. Pascal wagered that it was better to believe in God than to not believe in God, rather than to believe in one god over another.

[@ArvMC]

Keeseman that's the point Pascal's wager doesn't address. There's tons of Gods, and even Gods you can just make up on the spot. So, choosing one God over tons of others doesn't really increase your chances of contradicting eternal happiness.

[@keeseman]

Arvidius ツ But if he's bringing up something that's not relevant to the actual wager, then it's, well, irrelevant. Sure, maybe it's a problem that arises after the wager, but it doesn't "debunk" it. It simply brings up a problem beyond the wager (once you've wagered that you must believe in God, which God do you choose?); Homer's whole point is thus a red herring in relation to the wager.

[@killianbaker7992]

Why devote your life to worshiping, and fearing something that neither asks for it, deserves it, nor is proven to exist? Quit worrying about what happens after death. Live life for yourself and those closest to you, not in hope of pleasing a higher power. Do good deeds for the sake of helping others, not out of fear from being damned. What makes you think that an infinite being would care to deal in human affairs anyway? Be proud of your accomplishments, that you yourself have made, don't thank a god for them. Believe what you will though, these are just my personal views, and opinions.

[@bris1tol]

+Killian Baker God doesn't need anything, especially worship. The worship is for YOU. -- see my website independent.academia.edu/RogerClough ----- Without governance the stars will fall. ------Without a single governor they will collide.

[@jamz3243]

+Killian Baker The problem with this argument is just as people would "do good for goodness sake" there are people that would "do bad for badness sake" I live life not to please this higher power but to guide me to do good and avoid hurting others. but you are right, I've seen one too many theists that will "Do good because God says so *or else* ", theists are incorrect in thinking that there are punishments for misbehaving.

[@killianbaker7992]

Roger Clough What?

[@Lahbreca]

+Killian Baker The two are not necessarily exclusive - living life for yourself and others, and hoping to please a higher power. Indeed, the religious thinker believes he can best do the former by following the latter as well. In my opinion, even if God doesn't exist, there is some merit to that, as belief in God is often enmeshed in a variety of behavioral and social contemplation, that aims to seek good and ethical way of living. The eye is turned inwards to our own selves to contemplate our own way of living, and changing where change is needed. Some are obviously less optimistic about the virtue of religious practices, but in my own opinion even if it was all bogus, the bogus is still embedded in a culture and set of practices that promote living life "for yourself and others" as well. Prayer, for example, is a way to also contemplate your own life and need to change in a way that Western civilization does not really have. The kind of deep inwards contemplation associated with it is really rare if nonexistent in secular practices. Does prayer and religion really work? That's a difficult question to answer if you try to base it on anything other than your own beliefs and how you _feel_ about things. My view is, that religion, where it works, has stumbled upon some practices that even if the core beliefs were not valid would actually promote good and ethical living, even if counterexamples are easy to find.

[@Lahbreca]

John G. Well, there we have a vastly differing view of religion, and may just have to agree to disagree. Religion is a double-sided coin. If you look at the core teachings of Christianity, for example, Jesus' main principle was one of love. However, you can find a shit ton of counter examples in the practices that people have, from the Crusades to the Westboro baptists. However, in my opinion the core teaching still remains one of love and respect. Of course the difference also arises from a difference between what the Bible, for example, emphasizes, and what people choose to focus on. If you are born and raised on the Westboro baptist community, you are getting a certain interpretation of the Bible as a part of your cultural upbringing, so the problem is more in the religious practices and theology of that church or movement, and not necessarily the whole of Christianity. I have been a Pentecostal my whole life, and even if I came to regard it as having not much truth value, it certainly has _not_ made me into a hateful person, and looking at those around me it has had that effect on very few others I know.

[@KydaIndie]

I honestly think that belief in God is one of many things that depends on the person, and not just wether or not a God exists, but also details. I.e. If gods a man, or even has gender, if he's sexist, how he created the world, etc... But I also believe that people should believe different things, because being introduced to opposing ideas can make you think, and increase he strength of your own ideas and values and maybe change them. And besides all that, the world would be boring without the belief in a God

[@hdhuga6980]

These 8bit videos are always entertaining and thought provoking. Keep it up!

[@ArjanSangraa]

Your analogies are fantastic :D

[@CognizantPsyche]

“Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.” ― Seneca the Younger

[@oldmanmcslippy9339]

I wish they would do a video on stoicism.

[@Emanon009]

Belief is a good thing. I think the purpose of beliefs in the course of our mental evolution is to get a source of positiveness and general guidance. As our thinking advanced, simply relying on our day to day needs as a way of life lost slowly became less important and we began relying on beliefs.You can believe in what you want, be it god or dog. As long as the concept of beliefs exist, we'll continue to march forward in a path we think is right, even if it may simply lead us to a pitfall.

[@DirtyStinky]

Narukami Yu YEAH! Positiveness and guidance like the Crusades or all the murders because of different ideas, I totally understand now.

[@Emanon009]

That Atheist When you're at that stage in life, those things become a source of positiveness and that is what guides your path in life. That's precisely why people did what they did back then. That's what I mean by your belief could lead you into a pit with you falling forever as seen by an observer but for you, it's simply walking in a straight line.

[@crisisofdemocracy8940]

It's a saddening thought that a great population won't question the veritability of their beliefs, which they've probably been fed since birth.

[@Jacques834]

There are also religious people that questioned God and faith and decided to stay christian/jew/muslim ecc, though.

[@SubtleStair]

Crisis of Democracy "Fed since birth" is accepting religious teachings simply because you are/were told to a life of outward fealty to them. No, "fed since birth" doesn't cut it. It's not what's being asked of us.

[@domotdow]

Same can be said about being fed evolution as fact all of people's life's and not ever questioning there beliefs in it. Looking at your believe and questioning every thing about your believe is very important. And learn about the evidence on both sides of the argument. This is major problem I find in the schools today not showing both sides of the argument. I believe are school needs this, it would teach critical thinking even nothing else. by the why I do believe in god and I evidence to back my self up. So I believe there is more evidence to believe there is a God then the evidence there not being a god.

[@Lightning_Toad]

:Perhaps they are such a great population BECAUSE of their beliefs. I think we all can agree that, even if you don't understand something, if it's good for you, do it. Plain and simple.

[@DarkArtistKaiser]

Crisis of Democracy The problem is that is what most humans are like. it isn't just a question of beliefs but also a question of identity. Humans eventually change their identity, but we will always have a tribal mentality to it. No matter what identity we take, we still approach things with a "us vs them" mentality. Even the atheists/secular are guilty of it and a prime reason I don't associate or put myself in with either crowd.

[@alwaysfallingshort]

Even as an atheist who appreciates rational thought and scientific claims over ideas and values that lack those truths, I think it'd be a lie to say I lack any beliefs which are not scientific. I think then the question of why people belief is still important, and because it lacks rational truth, should have some moral truth. I think morality can be informed by the rational understanding of things, but that our issues come from assigning generalized morality to specific topics. Analyzing the value of a belief is important and is not directly related to its adherence to rationality, but irrational beliefs do need to be recognized for their true use and value.

[@Lightning_Toad]

While I am a Catholic person, I concur with your statement. The question at hand appears to be misinterpreted with it's audience. The question many like to gloss on over to is "Is there a God?" when the more important question to be faced is "What, if any, is the value of (insert deity/lack thereof here)?" And this is a very difficult question to answer with both sides. Atheists are forced to put themselves in the Christian point of view and vice versa. This is much too close to telling each other that they have been wrong their entire life, as such they would rather argue about the existence of anything rather than the importance of reasoning. And the answer to said enigma is interchangeable given your stance. The other, more important one is rather "How ignorant are you to stepping into the shoes of your opponent?" for not just one, but both sides.

[@BobWidlefish]

"it'd be a lie to say I lack any beliefs which are not scientific." The question wasn't if you believed in things that were (explicitly) not scientific, but in things that "lack scientific rigor." In my reading of the question that widens the scope a little. For example, any epistemological system must have axioms at it's root. Axioms are intrinsically true, or self-evidently true, but they're the absolute bedrock of thought: you can't dig any deeper. So are axioms of epistemology still scientifically rigorous? I'd say yes, but I can see at least somewhat convincing arguments for the opposing view. "because it lacks rational truth, should have some moral truth" It seems like you're assuming morality lacks a rational basis. While that could be true, personally I'm skeptical. :) "irrational beliefs do need to be recognized for their true use and value." In a meta-analysis kind of way, sure -- the same sort of way we do scientific research on heuristics and biases. I'm unclear if that's what you meant.

[@BulbaBryan]

BSG My question is this. Do you strive to make your beliefs conform to the evidence of reality or do you not strive for that? I also have beliefs which lack scientific evidence, but if I learned science made them unlikely to be true I would stop believing them. I don't really consider them actual beliefs, but more like applied guesses or hypothesises.

[@TheTrueHolyDarkness]

What is this lack of evidence people keep memeing of? '_' www.godandscience.org/apologetics/designun.html Anyway, can you do me a favor? 1) How's your relationship with your Father? 2) Why are you an atheist? Were you raised that way?

[@Tim3shark]

+TheHolyDarkness Fine tuning arguments are arguments from ignorance. We have no way of actually knowing the odds of something happening by chance within the universe, or any way of knowing if the "constants" could have been any other way or how much change there could be in them before life is impossible. You'll notice that many articles say things like "many studies support ____" but don't actually give examples of what studies they are talking about or what those studies actually say. This is because, 9 times out of 10, the studies either don't exist or are about a completely different topic and are taken out of context. First, your questions are not honest ones, they are an attempt to "poison the well" and shift topic by pretending that being an atheist is because of an issue with family instead of evidence and logic. 1. If by father you mean my biological one, then its great. 2. I am an atheist because no good evidence for any god has been presented to me and the gods that I have been told about are either illogical, completely unsupported and/or unnecessary. I was raised Catholic, and my family is relatively religious.

[@CraniumOnEmpty]

Hello. Former Catholic. Hell yeah, it was useful. - There was a massive social network. I could go anywhere in the world and immediately could connect to someone on some level with that one thing. People help each other out if you need a job, help with finding some help, looking for someone to do work, tutors, pretty much anything social that people do. If you need emotional help, you have the church leaders and others in the church to help. I can't overstate how helpful this social network is in the church and how much it was a big deal in my life. This was all attributed to God though. All of that help that you received, especially since it came through the church, was directly connected to the church in your mind. God was good. - There was the huge individual emotional help that could help out even in the toughest times (even if it meant sometimes denying that anything was really wrong). This could be done with prayer or simply thinking about and feeling happy. The huge connection to that concept is an overall satisfaction. Death became a non-issue. Pain is only temporary in this life and we will all be fine come death. Nothing was overwhelming. Nothing was impossible. God was healing. - There was a constant love. There was a huge emotional connection to God. It was a being greater not only than myself, but to anyone ever. It was ultimate good in the world. It's like a person that never leaves you, but not yourself really. It's someone that everyone simply knows is there that helps us out and allows us to be who we are in the universe. God was love. ... I'm going to end this tirade. It was going to go on, but it will just keep getting longer, and you don't want to hear it. So, let's deal with things as they are now. One day, the concept left my head. God was gone. I wasn't looking for truth, I thought I had it. I never questioned my faith. It happened in a matter of seconds. I'd never met anyone else (that I knew of) who didn't believe in God. What the hell was wrong with me? I spent four years trying to believe again to no avail. I even contemplated whether I should leave truth to follow God again since God no long equaled truth. It was devastating. Now, do I want people to go through that? No, but they really should. No real god would do that. That experience was convincing enough for me that if some deities exist, they are vastly cruel. However, it seems that none really do exist. There is no deities to blame at all. We did this to ourselves. We should build our lives up on reality, not myth. That being said... The nongod principle: If there really is a deity, it left no proof of it, so it must want us not to believe in it and it instead wants us to use our rationale and critical thinking to discover the world and live our life. It would probably punish us for all eternity for trying to promote falsities like believing in deities, since it would've left proof if it wanted us to believe. (yeah, it's a kind of Pascal's wager... ;p) BTW, a religious text is not proof of supernatural... hell, words are not proof of supernatural. If we want to believe things that aren't scientifically rigorous, can we at least make them somewhat plausible? Like my dog is outside, when it's really in the next room? Or my jokes are really funny (not plausible, I know... haha)?

[@FatherOfGray]

Despite being an atheist I am a man of faith. I have a faith even more ludicrous than any other religion. I have faith in humanity. Despite all of the news stories and KZbin comments I have read, it is a stubborn faith that I cannot dismiss. I have no logical basis on which to believe humanity as a whole will see the error in its ways and that the world will change for the better. I just sincerely believe, without evidence, that such is true.

[@screamingphoenix8113]

Good luck with that. If humanity was a tv series the next ten years would be the season (maybe even series) finale.

[@adambrown1837]

FatherOfGray Despite what you see on the news, this is the most peaceful time humans have ever experienced. There is less death by war, famine, and disease than ever before; and things are tending to get better and better. That's not to say there aren't problems (overpopulation and climate change come to mind) but overall, humanity has improved.

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

FatherOfGray I think with science, things are often looked a without the criteria of good or bad in the way that you are trying to look at humanity overall. Likewise, I think that it would benefit in that you look at it like a holistic process, to which one needs error in order to advance. Faith in holding on to the idea that it will one day be without the need for error, I think is an error. But again, to see error as not necessarily a bad thing is to become the change that you wish to see in the world, and therefore the change you hope for has come. It took failure to see the brilliance in the process of this path and it was indeed necessary to the realization in a fractal sense. As a visionary, I do indeed see it much like faith in that we have to believe in that which there is no evidence for, and we tend to all do that with the seeking of fulfillment of "dreams" to which we often times pour our resources into, and the more that we enjoy that path the more likely we are to realize it. Often times our dreams impede on others dreams and this is where the visions for humanity fail a person dedicated to finding the positive and negative aspects and desiring more positive than negative, or holding a vision for more positive falls short. Each "Error" you see is subjective, and lacks true insight into that dream which is being fulfilled for some other person, as part of their process. So in essence your dreaming is the destruction of another dream. That which you would regularly refer to as "Negative" yet essential to the fulfillment of your subjective vision. Look around everywhere and you will see this evidence, the good or the bad, the low point of a path or the high point. All such brilliance even beyond what we can rationalize.

[@RDeathmark]

FatherOfGray you're right, that's way crazier than the belief in god lol

[@Chud_Bud_Supreme]

I have faith in humanity too. I mean, it's either that or be just another big-head misanthrope, and sometimes religions have pretty misanthropic sounding messages. But despite that fact, I don't look down my nose at people who believe in God either, because I also believe in supernatural things for the sake of gaining confidence and inspiration.

[@Milubee]

This made me realise how happy i am to live in an almost absolutely atheist country. I've never argued with anyone over beliefs and it's amazing :) Over here, with believing in God, it's the same as with the fairies in this video. "Who cares?"

[@JSAVACADO]

Is a belief in God useful? Certainly. The belief in a higher power/order and faith in his benevolence can act as a grounding principal by which we can happily live our lives. Rene Descarte felt this way, as his entire argument for existence as we understand it relies upon a good God looking over us. However, believing in something should not be based on its usefulness. Belief should be based upon what an individual perceives as being the most likely and correct account of life as they know it. Even it is painful or not useful to us, we must accept those concepts into out belief that accurately describe our current experiences. Life is not about cherry-picking out those things we like or find advantageous; rather, it is about deciphering the mystery of our own being - of finding truth and beauty. In short, belief cannot subvert fact and reasonable deduction, and the question of God's existence should not be simplified to such a basic utilitarian choice as this. If you believe in God, great - I wish I could understand your faith better. But you better have a reason for your faith other than "God is useful" or "I want to go to heaven".

[@DudeBeale]

Thanx to Trace over at D-News, I now have awesome philosophy channel to watch. I love this 8-bit philosophy!

[@AussiePillow1]

Science explains how the world works Religion explains why the world works this way

[@arnemaris6850]

AussiePillow1 That is as it should be, but not everyone sees it that way. For example creationism

[@GuillePuerto]

AussiePillow1 So, why?

[@GuerillaBunny]

AussiePillow1 History has shown that that religion (at least modern abrahamic religons, though ironically not pre-Islam sufism) explains pretty much nothing at all. The modus operandi seems to be "I do not know, therefore God" followed by "I refuse this bit of evidence, because God" and "I accept this bit of evidence, so that God." Through the centuries, the church has been active in declaring scientific discovery heresy, tormenting and executing "heretics" and accepting new information only when refusal risks a massive backlash, if even then. But if I were to compare the two questions "how does this work?" and "Why does it work this way?", I'll need two examples. First, a car engine. The answer to both questions would be a description of the engine's functions, though the latter might go into more depth on the physical principles. But that type of answer makes very little sense from a religious standpoint, because you are still describing scientific principles. If, however, you changing the second question to "why is it built this way?" would not significantly change the second answer regarding a car engine, but makes a crucial difference in the case of religion, though it questions either a creator's competence or intention. Because surely, either this world of ours is clearly broken, or it is not. Philosophy, on the other hand, tries to make sense of what it means. Not objectively, of course, because in from a truly objective standpoint it means nothing at all. It's us who need meanings, and questions pertaining to what those meanings are and why we chose them, are the stuff of philosophy.

[@Kwazkneeack]

AussiePillow1 attempts to explain

[@stephenseputra9897]

GuerillaBunny I dont quite agree, religion(especially the christian/jewish bible) showed us many things, those things are not old news because everything written in the bible still holds up today. ex: How to keep being healthy in both mind and body, Darwin's theory about us evolving is actually originated from the bible, etc. Me and my community of christians believe in science because the God I believe makes humans as logical beings. We do not just easily say "Because God wanted us to" or "Because God" (sorry if this was a bit bad im just a 13 year old so give me a break)

[@Rickyxmex]

Keep up the excellent work guys.

[@CloudCuckooCountry]

"The believer and the non-believer can come up with equally compelling arguments." HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@DarkArtistKaiser]

***** Philosophy is meant to think beyond accepted boundaries friend.

[@anlaaranilde]

***** stupid westeros infidels thinking their faith is superior because blah this and blah that meanwhile they have a dwarf advising the throne an abomination of incest whore riding whelps a bloody bastard on the throne and were once ruled by inbreeding retards house targaryen is garbage death to the heathen dragon huggers may the eight hang on the walls of the most divine treasure halls of eschershire chain the fools of the east and unite them under the stars glory to the infinite celestial empire death to the effeminate weak inbred imbeciles and death to the abominations of incest The Infinite Celestial Empire A terrible Horde of bigots from the unknown depths of the west. They claim to come from Mystros, a massive continent mostly under the control of the Infinite Celestial Empire that rules from the land of Mystrin with the emperor’s seat, the Stoic Throne - a seat that is merely a flat stone bench that sharply contrasts with the lavish decorations in the throne room plundered from years of conquest and wars to unify all of Mystros under one throne - in the tall city of Eschershire. The Infinite Celestial Empire has always ruled over a fair chunk of Mystros ever since anyone can remember, but the empire that is known these days are forged from the Great Purge started by the first emperor of the “New” Infinite Celestial Empire, Mjollgast Fylikaem, who lamented over the authority of the throne crumbling due to a series of emperors and empresses who suffered the cruel fate of inbreeding due to the Old Ridhelm beliefs of “Divine Marriages” which involved rulers marrying close kin as to become as close as to the first man and woman who formed the first Great House. Determined to see his people ruled by a strong leader, this knight rallied the strongest of his people, and started a five year long war that ended up eradicating all members of the royal bloodline as well as firmly placing the Fylikaems on the new throne. The old throne, dubbed the Magnificent Throne, was melted down and the wealth it brought was added to the empty treasury of the crown. Mjollgast rallied his men after the realm rested for ten years, and began a series of bloody wars to bring the other inbred rulers out of their thrones and their land under the new empire. The fighting awakened what would later be known as the Skierjad, mighty dragons believed to have been driven to extinction by their smaller and more numerous brethren. The Skierjad decimated all sides of the fighting, and Mjollgast himself was burned alive by these dragons. It was believed that the conquests were to end due to these dragons, but the new emperor, Ylvgast, had different plans…. Ylvgast contacted a close friend, Ilysanth Flacara - self-proclaimed Priestess of the Stars - in order to hire her help for an insane plan to tame these ancient dragons and use them to quicken the conquests. Ilysanth wholeheartedly agreed, but tested Ylvgast with what would be known later as the Ten Trials. Iron, Flesh, Chains, Heart, Fear, Command, War, Love, Peace, and the final and most dangerous, the Trial of Dragons. Upon succeeding and proving his worth to the priestess, the Priestess used her influence among the Skierjad to convince them of the great strength the empire possessed, and their intentions of a united land. The Skierjad were interested in the idea of the fighting ending, and in fact, they acted in an attempt to end the fighting and return peace to the land. The rest, after that, is history. The remaining lords were crushed under the darkening wings of the mighty dragons, the valiant soldiers of the empire, and the superior magic the elite of the empire possessed. Almost 200 years of peace in the land of Mystros has passed, and with news of fresh land to the east from explore, the banners have once again raised and the Divine Empress Maeraehn Fylikaem has received permission from the Grand Overseer for a Sanctioned Valiant Crusade against the infidels. A new age has dawned on the world. This is the age of the Second Great Crusades. This is the age of the Second Purge. Settle your conflicts and cast aside your petty plots, lest you be washed away by these zealots who seek to exterminate your way of life and install their new order. Initial Ruler - Divine Empress Maeraehn Fylikaem House Fylikaem Base stats - Diplomacy - 12 Martial - 19 Stewardship - 10 Intrigue - 13 Learning - 10 Education - Brilliant Strategist Traits - Divine - This character is blessed with the divine might of the gods upon drinking from the Chalice of Supremacy, earning not only great respect from all people but also mind, body, and soul like no other. +10 to all stats +10 relation bonus with all characters +2 health +20% fertility Cannot be killed, maimed, or wounded in combat. Given to the ruler of the Infinite Celestial Empire automatically Not congenital, but will give Divine Spawn to descendants Divine Spawn - This character was birthed from a union between Divine and mortal, sharing some of the abilities of the Divine but suffering from the weakness of the mortal shell. +3 to all stats +5 relation bonus to all characters +1 health +10% fertility Cannot be killed in combat. Attractive - This character has a most pleasing physique, most attractive to the opposite sex +30 sex opinion +1 diplomacy Strong - This character is blessed with a powerful physique. Martial: +2.00 Diplomacy: +1.00 Fertility: +10.0% Health: +2.00 +20 relations with Ridhelm members instead of just +10! Legendary Dragon Commander - The Celestial Empire houses some of the mightiest dragons that the denizens of the known world has never even heard of. Dragons with wings capable of blocking out the sun once spread, magic so powerful that legends can not even speak of, and intelligence so vast that the secrets contained within can not hope to be recorded in a single lifetime. +10 personal combat skill +5 martial Even on defeat in a duel, will never suffer a death or maimed result. If defeated in a duel, you will lose 500% prestige and the enemy will gain 500% prestige. Monthly Prestige: +2.00 month Morale Offense: +75% Morale Defense: +75% Light Cavalry Attack: +25% Light Cavalry Defense: +25% Horse Archer Attack: +35% Horse Archer Defense: +10% Sons of the Stars (Dragon Rider troops) Attack and Defense: +150% Grants access to the following unique tactics: Field of Flame (Skirmish Phase)- Command your mighty dragon to torch the fields and obliterate the enemy flank. Can only trigger once per Skirmish Phase Instantly reduces the enemy flank’s morale by 10%. Instantly kills 5% of the enemy flank’s total troop. Improves archer offense by 250% Improves archer defense by 250% Reduces heavy infantry offense by 150% Increases heavy infantry defense by 150% Reduces light infantry offense by 150% Increases light infantry defense by 150% Reduces heavy cavalry offense by 100% Increases heavy cavalry defense by 150% Reduces light cavalry offense and defense by 150% Increases horse archer offense by 250% Increases horse archer defense by 250% Increases magus offense by 350% Increases magus defense by 350% Blacken the Skies (Skirmish Phase) Upon tactic switch, switch to melee phase Archer, Horse Archer, Light Infantry, Light Cavalry, Magus Offense and Defense: +250% Sons of the Stars Offense and Defense: +400% All other troop types offense and defense: +125% Grants access to events regarding dragons. Allows dueling other dragon riders. Allows recording of tactics in order to pass this trait onto another character. Skierjad Dragon Rider - This person is riding a Skierjad, a terrifying monstrosity of a dragon that only answers to themselves, powerful figures who have proven themselves, and the Emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire. Monthly Prestige: +1.50 monthly The dragon, Apocrypha, will always serve the current emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire. She will also not die of a natural death, and is 2750% less likely to perish in battle. Commanding Apocrypha allows her owner to more easily tame other dragons and allow strong military characters in the owner’s court to become dragon riders themselves. Myjlar - The descendent of the first Emperor of the Celestial Empire, Divine Emperor Mjollgast Fylikaem. He is believed to have ascended to godhood alongside his wife, Serene Empress Seria Valerin. The denizens of the Celestial Empire believe that Mjollgast guides the hand of his descendents as well as the current emperor, and that their decisions are of Mjollgast’s. +15 vassal opinion Given to the current emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire even if he/she is not in the same house as Mjollgast. Passed down both matrilineal and patrilineal lines as long as the family member passing along the trait was in a marriage that causes that family member’s children to belong to his/her line. Will not be inherited by the current emperor’s children if he/she is not of the same house as Mjollgast. Unification - Forged from the flames of the mightiest dragons, the Skierjad, themselves and melded from the finest steel, this weapon looks plain and simple - only decorated by the insignia of the Celestial Empire on its hilt - but is fabled to be able to slice through any metal and capable of humbling any dragon with its mere sight alone. In addition, the wails of previous conquests can be heard emanating from the blade if you listen closely enough. The blade appears to have a mind of its own, and will not accept serving an infidel who has not been “Proven”. Thieves have attempted to steal this sword in the past, but these foolish thieves were strung up and disemboweled by unknown forces without fail. Given to the ruler of the Infinite Celestial Empire Can not be stolen…...however, contact the Priestess of the Stars, and she may offer you a chance at a sword capable of rivaling this incredible sword….at a great risk. After all, you live or die in the Game of Thrones, but you win or you serve forever in chains in the Annals of Fate. +10 opinion +2 martial +0.50 health +10% morale damage +3 dragon combat skill +3 personal combat skill Allows use of the tactic: Cut off the Head! (Pursue Phase) - Light Cavalry Offense: +250% Archer Offense: +250% Heavy Infantry Offense: -80% Light Infantry Offense: +135% Chance to kill leader of enemy flank: +10% Chance to maim leader of enemy flank: +20% Chance to wound leader of enemy flank: +30% Chance to capture leader of enemy flank: +15% Mystical Heroic Stand (Melee Phase) - Morale Defense: +35% Heavy Infantry Offense: +250% Heavy Infantry Defense: +500% Light Infantry Offense: +100% Light Infantry Defense: +150% Light Cavalry Offense: -200% Light Cavalry Defense: -150% Heavy Cavalry Offense: +150% Heavy Cavalry Defense: +150% Counter Sword to Unification - Chaos - Perhaps the only blade able to rival Unification. Very few know that when the Skierjad helped forge Unification, four other swords were created - Destiny, Ragnarok, Viper’s Kiss, and Chaos. Three of the swords have failed the test of time, and are little more than rubble. Unification was dedicated to the emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire as a sign of strength and unity that the emperor brought to his subjects. What few know is that the blade, Chaos, was given to the Priestess of the Stars for her service in the unification of Mystros. The blade has been kept safe by the Priestess and unused for several hundred years. It is unclear as to why she kept it for so long….until now. This blade has been given to the one who has passed the Ten Trials as Ylvgast has so long ago. Blessed by the magic of the Priestess and the magic of the dragons, may this blade be united with its sister blade so that the strongest emperor may lead the empire to victory. +10 opinion with all characters +5 martial +3 health +25% morale defense +25% morale offense +8 dragon combat skill +15 combat skill +40 relations with Ridhelm faith members +5 to all stats that stacks with +5 martial If you decide to fight for the throne of the Infinite Celestial Empire, you will recieve adventurers from Mystros to support your cause. 45% of the emperor’s max levy split into 10 stacks with enough boats + 50 more boats to support these stacks. They compose of 35% horse archers, 35% heavy cavalry, 20% light cavalry, 5% Sons of the Stars, and 5% Magi. Allows use of the tactic: Cut off the Head! (Pursue Phase) - Light Cavalry Offense: +250% Archer Offense: +250% Heavy Infantry Offense: -80% Light Infantry Offense: +135% Chance to kill leader of enemy flank: +10% Chance to maim leader of enemy flank: +20% Chance to wound leader of enemy flank: +30% Chance to capture leader of enemy flank: +15% Mystical Heroic Stand (Melee Phase) - Morale Defense: +35% Heavy Infantry Offense: +250% Heavy Infantry Defense: +500% Light Infantry Offense: +100% Light Infantry Defense: +150% Light Cavalry Offense: -200% Light Cavalry Defense: -150% Heavy Cavalry Offense: +150% Heavy Cavalry Defense: +150% Ambitious - Ambitious characters work harder, making them better at everything. However, their drive to reach the top means they tend to make poor vassals… Martial: +2.00 Intrigue: +2.00 Diplomacy: +2.00 Stewardship:+2.00 Learning +2.00 Patient - Patience, or 'Patientia', is the fifth of the seven virtues and the opposite of Wrath. Patient characters are just a little bit better at almost everything. Intrigue: +1.00 Diplomacy: +1.00 Stewardship: +1.00 Learning: +1.00 Cruel - This character is an evil sadist, taking pleasure in the suffering of others. Intrigue: +1.00 Diplomacy: -1.00 Zealous - This character burns with religious fervor and cannot tolerate heretics, infidels, or heathens. Monthly Piety: +1.00 (monthly) Martial: +2.00 Holy Warrior Unyielding Lead from the Rear Unqiue Casus Belli - Heaven’s Bounty - Targets an entire de jure kingdom belonging to someone of another religion. Upon victory, you will take all holdings and you will vassalize holdings owned by someone of your religion. This Casus Belli can only be used once every 45 years. Increases moral authority of the victory by 10% and lowers the moral authority of the defeated by 10%. This will cause all non-Ridhelm followers to be able to join in the war against you. As Emperor, you have enough religious authority to call a crusade against the infidels, albeit not as often as the Grand Overseer. Call the proud warriors of our faith, and they will wash these lands of the inbreeding filth that corrupt and plague these lands. Cooldown is reset to 150 years if the Infinite Celestial Empire has been pushed out of the known world. Upon declaring war, the emperor gains event troops If not in the known world, 200k worth of event spawn troops that will never suffer attrition as well as 25k boats spread out in 10k stacks of 35% horse archers, 20% archers, 20% heavy infantry, 10% cavalry, 4% Sons of the Stars, 4% Magus, and the rest are randomly spread out among the current troop types. If in the known world, 100k worth of event spawn troops that will suffer attrition at 50% of the rate of normal troops as well as 15k boats spread out in 5k stacks of 20% horse archers, 20% archers, 20% heavy infantry, 10% heavy cavalry, 10% Magus, 10% Sons of the Stars, and the rest are randomly spread out among the current troop types. Every year this war drags on reinforcements from Mystros will arrive. Reinforcements = 100k worth of event spawn troops that will suffer attrition at 25% of the rate of normal troops as well as 15k boats spread out in 5k stacks of 15% horse archers, 10% archers, 15% heavy infantry, 15% light infantry, 5% heavy cavalry, 5% Sons of the Stars, 5% Magus, and the rest are randomly spread out among the current troop types. Support Invasion - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire can fund an adventure against a nation that is ruled by either an infidel or a heretic. The adventurer targets a de jure coastal duchy and gains event troops over the next 2 years. When the war is declared by the Emperor, he becomes the primary participant and the adventurer is a secondary participant. The war will NEVER end inconclusively even if the adventurer is killed (next heir is decided using gender matching law of the Emperor and primogeniture) or if the Emperor is killed. Every year this war drags on on the adventurer gains 20k worth of event spawn troops and 3k boats with 45% horse archers, 10% heavy cavalry, 25% light infantry, and 20% heavy infantry spread across in 4k stacks. Upon victory, the adventurer gains all of the land in the de jure duchy, all counties occupied (maximum of 10 counties outside the de jure duchy) and vassalizes all people of his/her religion. The adventurer will not accept vassalization to the Emperor, but the adventurer will become a permanent ally (all rulers following Ridhelm are automatically allies) and will pay 5% total income (but no more than 25 dragons a month) to the Emperor (another unqiue mechanic to the religion). An ambitious adventurer has come seeking your aid, Mighty Emperor. (S)He seeks to claim land from the filthy infidels. Take some money from your treasury, and gather forces from the motherland. When you feel you are ready, begin the invasion. Purge Deformity - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire can declare a ruler who follows Ridhelm to be “impure”. The Emperor is able to use this CB against rulers who have the following traits. Any poor congenital traits except lisp and stutter. Upon victory, the ruler adbicates to the next available heir that is considered “pure” by Celestial Empire standards. Ridhelm gains 5% moral authority. The new ruler (if not content or non-ambitious close-kin to the previous ruler) gains 100 opinion with the Emperor. If defeated, Ridhelm loses 5% moral authority, the Emperor pays war reparations, the ruler is no longer allied with other members of Ridhelm under Imperial Authority but will become allies with Ridhelm rulers not under Imperial Authority and the ruler targeted will not pay taxes to the Emperor until the Emperor uses the Install Imperial Authority CB and wins that war. The unthinkable has happened! A ruler of our faith suffers from an ailment of poor breeding. Remove this stain before it brings dishonor to your rule, Mighty Emperor! Install Imperial Authority - Although all new Ridhelm nations start with Imperial Authority installed, events may cause them to break off from the protection of the sovereign Empire. This CB can only be used on a nation once every seven years. Upon victory, Ridhelm gains 5% moral authority, and the ruler targeted resumes being under Imperial Authority. Upon defeat, Ridhelm loses 10% moral authority, and the Emperor pays war reparations. Some of our faith have forgotten their duties to the emperor. Show them the error of their ways lest we become divided against a unified enemy. Trial of Iron Invasion - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is able to target a kingdom in Westeros as long as he/she controls at least 6 provinces in the target kingdom. The Emperor of the Celestial Empire may usurp the Iron Throne and integrate it into the Celestial Empire if the Celestial Empire owns 80% of all of Westeros via decision. The filthy infidels claim their Iron Throne belongs to the mightiest of their kind, and they claim that their throne has been blessed by mighty dragons. Mighty Emperor, show these infidels our might by washing away the filth that stains this land, and let our mighty Skierjad darken the skies in order to pave the way of melting the Iron Throne. Destiny’s Solace - If the Emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire has successfully usurped the Iron Throne, he/she can attempt to unify all of Westeros one de jure kingdom at a time without any restrictions. The filthy cowards cower as their lands are broken and their throne melted. Mighty Emperor, flush these fools out of their hiding hole so that the Grand Overseer may judge them appropriately. Trial of Chains Invasion - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is able to target a kingdom in Essos as long as he/she controls at least 6 provinces in the target kingdom. Upon controlling 80% of the lands in Essos (de jure Empire of the East), the Infinite Celestial Empire gains de jure claims on all of Essos. Upon victory, if you have wiped out a republic, integrate all of its own slaves into your ownership, execute all 5 patricians and any of their family members with poor congenital traits, and take all of their treasury. The lands to the east is home to slavers and foreign folk. Perhaps stronger than these idiotic west-men, but they must be brought into the empire nonetheless. Scatter them with our mighty Skierjad, Mighty Emperor, and bring glory to our people! Trial of Sins Judgment - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is able to target a de jure kingdom whose top liege is connected to the blood of Old Valyria, whose blood has been tainted with generations of inbreeding and incestuous customs. For most scenarios, only House Targaryen is subject to this CB. Upon victory, execute any filthy prisoner captured that is tainted by the sins of Old Valyria, vassalize but do not assume control of any counties owned by someone able to be your vassal. These new vassals gain +75 Subjugated and are much easier to convert. Ridhelm gains 5% moral authority, and the religion of the top liege loses 5% moral authority. Upon defeat, Ridhelm loses 20% moral authority, the religion of the enemy’s top liege gains 20% moral authority, all Ridhelm rulers under the emperor can decide to declare independence (and will not face any rebuttal from the emperor, note the most powerful ruler who becomes independence can offer to vassalize the other rulers who broke off), and the current Ridhelm emperor is forced to abdicate. This has a truce timer of 5 years. You are not allowed to break this truce, and this truce persists even if either character of either party dies or loses their position. My Emperor, the people of these lands speak of a foul people that once had a great empire that spread far across the known world. Admirable, but these fools collapsed quickly. We presume it is because of the very same reason the Old Celestial Empire fell. Although the empire is dismantled, the blood still taints this land. Eradicate this filth once and for all, and show no mercy! This land must be clean when we bring it into your rule! Unite the Stars - The Emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire, once proclaiming the Essos to be rightful property of the emperor, can target one de jure kingdom at a time without any restrictions. Essos is now ours, but the remaining infidels refuse to bend knee. Show them the error of their ways, Great Emperor. Trial of Dragons Invasion - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is able to target a de jure kingdom whose top liege is a dragon rider of any type and does not follow the Ridhelm faith for no reason other than to test the mettle of the enemy dragon rider. Ah, the dragons have graced this backwater land as well. They are weaker than our glorious Skierjad despite these infidels’ claims. Do honorable battle with these “mighty” riders, Mighty Emperor, and watch their faces pale as their dragons are ripped into bloody shreds of flesh and liquid. Hang the Eight - Any emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire can begin a mission for the empire that can be accomplished over the span of many generations. Upon beginning this mission, any emperor can declare a war against a ruler of any of the houses in Baraethon’s Make the Eight ambition for the sole purpose of capturing the ruler, forcing him/her to abdicate, and hanging him/her in the trophy room of the Infinite Celestial Empire. Upon accomplishing this mission, Ridhelm gains 50% moral authority, the current ruler’s dynasty gains 250 prestige, the current empire gains the title “The Chosen Saviour, Conqueror, and Heathen Purger”, and the trait Vylgast. The Eight are supposedly great houses that rule in these lands. They follow archaic notions of blood and legitimacy. Even worse, some have fallen prey to inbreeding which has corrupted and destroyed our very own lands so long ago. In the name of the Divine First Emperor, abduct a powerful figure from each of these eight houses and hang them in the Most Glorious Treasury in Eschershire like Mjollgast before you when he purged the realm of the inbred rulers. Trial of Fear - Target the Wall, and assume control of it. Upon victory, the Infinite Celestial Empire gains control of the Wall and can begin the Imperial ambitions Unite the Clans and End Winter. If defeated, Ridhelm loses 5% moral authority and pays war reparations. This CB can only be used once per forty years. Look at these weaklings. They cower behind their wall, and they fear savages and White Walkers. Assume control of the wall, and we will end these problems once and for all. Unite the Clans - The Free Folk have survived the dreadful winters of this land, and they have proven themselves useful. Send them a message. Make them our soldiers, and give them the salvation they deserve. We will use them to crush the people of these lands. Upon declaring war, trigger an invasion from the Free Folk. Crush the invasion to win the war. Upon victory, Ridhelm gains 20% moral authority, the Northern Stars mercenary group is established and becomes vassals of the emperor. It consists of 12,500 men. 45% light infantry, 20% heavy infantry, 20% light cavalry, and 15% heavy cavalry. Upon defeat, lose control of the Wall to the invasion, Ridhelm loses 20% moral authority, and fail this ambition. If you have not completed the ambition, End Winter, you can no longer work on that until you finish the ambition, Subjugate the Free Folk. Subjugate the Free Folk can not be used until 50 years pass, and will give future chances to establish the Northern Stars. End Winter - The White Walkers, they call them. These supposedly cold killers once almost destroyed all civilization in Westeros. The Wall was built to keep them at bay. Little do these infidels know, these very beings invaded Mystros and crippled the Old Celestial Empire in the ancient days. However, even our inbred ancestors did not cower behind a wall. They humbled them, and allowed them to live with our people. They taught us their ways, and our ancestors were able to integrate their strength in our people. Our mages bear their powers most prominently, but the people of Mystros and these White Walkers practically share the same blood. Repeat the actions of our ancestors, and bring them into our fold. Usher in a new age for our people, and end this accursed winter. Upon victory, establish the Winter’s March that become vassals of the emperor. Ridhelm gains 40% moral authority. It consists of 5000 men, all of which are Winter Soldiers which have a skirmish/melee/pursue value of 9.4 /15.3 / 8.3. Note that killed enemies by Winter Soldiers strengthen the company by 10% of the slain. These new soldiers persist for a year. Trial of Destiny - Target a de jure county whose top liege follows a faith that isn’t Ridhelm that has an untamed dragon in it, and attack its top liege for the sole purpose of capturing the county to tame the dragon. Upon victory, do not assume control of the province. Instead, the dragon disappears from the map, but the emperor is allowed to begin attempting to tame it. What is happening is that the dragon is moved to the homeland in Mystros. Upon defeat, this CB can not be used on that specific dragon, and the emperor pays war reparations. A dragon has encroached itself in heathen territory. Liberate it, and make it serve our people. Vylgast - This character has the honor of being the one to prove the might of the Infinite Celestial Empire by taking the most powerful of the infidel scum and crushing their body, spirit, and soul. +15 vassal opinion +1 prestige per month +1 piety per month +30 temple vassal opinion +30 dynasty member opinion Descendents get the trait Ilgast. Ilgast - The descendent of the glorious emperor who crushed the filthy infidels’ spirits by hanging their most powerful in the most prestigious trophy room in the great castle of Eschershire in Mystros. +5 vassal opinion +0.25 prestige per month +10 temple vassal opinion +10 dynasty member opinion Passes both matrillneally and patrineally as long as the family member uses a marriage that causes children to be of the dynasty of the person with this trait. Religion: Ridhelm A religion that was formed by the usurpers of the Celestial Empire when they watched the noble bloodline crumble due to issues with inbreeding caused by the notion of “Divine Marriages”. Upon usurping the empire, Emperor Mjollgast Fylikaem and Ylvgost Fylikaem after him began conquering the land of Mystros and their inbred rulers. With the entirety of Mystros under the command of the emperor and proud Ridhelm rulers who, although are autonomous, still consider the emperor their protector and pay taxes to him, the Celestial Empire looks towards the east. Ridhelm does not worship gods. Instead, they believe that although gods existed at one point, they perished in the creation of the world. They also believe that the Emperor of the Celestial Emperor is tasked with keeping Ridhelm rulers pure in order to continue the work of the gods. -- The Emperor is seen as the great protector and father/mother of all people of Ridhelm faith. All rulers of Ridhelm nation follow either Imperial Authority or Completely Autonomous. Rulers who follow Imperial Authority pay 5% of their total income to the Celestial Emperor, but no more than 25 dragons a month. In addition, all rulers that follow the Ridhelm faith are automatically allied with each other regardless of marriage alliances. However, a Ridhelm ruler who follows Completely Autonomous is only automatically allied with other rulers who follow the same law, but can still gain alliances (but you can’t ally with the Emperor with marriage even if the Emperor is a player) with marriage. -- There is always a Grand Overseer. -- Excommunication -- Order of priority for Valiant Crusades = Dragon Rider infidels > Infidels with lands of Ridhelm faith > Infidels with lands bordering the Infinite Celestial Empire > Infidels with lands bordering any other nation whose top liege is of Ridhelm faith > Infidels in Westeros > Infidels in Essos -- Elected via Circle of Seers -- Priests who like either the Grand Overseer or the Emperor can pay taxes to them (splits 50/50) instead of their liege -- Can grant invasions but will not grant invasions against the Infinite Celestial Empire -- Can call Valiant Crusades against infidels -- Can call Burning Crusades against most foul Ridhelm followers -- Can grant claims -- Can grant divorces -- Divorces are free if spouse suffers from poor congenital traits except lisp and stutter -- Order of priority for Burning Crusades = Impure Ridhelm followers > Impure infidels > Infidels under a foolish marriage > Ridhelm members under a foolish marriage > Dragon Rider Infidels -- Gives money to Ridhelm members who fight in holy wars and crusades -- Ridhelm valiant warriors who participate in a siege of a target kingdom’s province in a crusade earn the Tyvalgost, even if she is female -- Tyvalgost - This valiant warrior is a veteran of a Glorious Crusade +25 temple opinion +25 same trait opinion +10 same faith opinion +3 martial +2 personal combat skill -- There is always an emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire, even if it holds no lands in the known world. -- The emperor, if pushed out of the known world, will still be able to periodically invade with event spawned troops -- Vassals of the emperor are forbidden from sitting out in wars -- Begins the game with Absolute Crown Authority -- Begins the game with Imperial Administration -- The emperor may castrate and blind prisoners with poor congenital traits except lisp and stutter with no penalties -- The emperor may cut out the tongue of prisoners with lisp or stutter with 50% less piety cost -- The emperor may castrate and blind prisoners freely, but doing so too much will cause great discomfort for vassals and rulers of Ridhelm faith especially if the victim has good congenital traits (-2 opinion for 5 years, -50 piety for normal victims; -4 opinion for 10 years, -100 piety for “pure” victims) -- Begins the game with Imperial Levies -- The Mandate of Heaven dictates that able men and women of the Infinite Celestial Empire are loyal to their emperor at all times. Feudal vassals of the emperor always dedicate all of their levy to the emperor with no penalty to opinion. However, the emperor may lower the amount of levy dedicated to him to gain opinion bonuses from his vassals. -- 80% of levies - +5 opinion -- 50% of levies - +10 opinion -- 35% of levies - +15 opinion -- 20% of levies - +20 opinion -- Will not suffer from wrong government type as long as the vassal follows Ridhelm faith -- Powerful emperors who suffer from a congenital trait that isn’t inbred or imbecile can attempt to have the Grand Overseer announce the toleration of the traits they suffer from until the emperor perishes -- Removes righteous imprisonment and banishment for those suffering from that trait -- Access to the unique Casus Belli Dismantle Profane Marriage, only targets Ridhelm rulers --Imprisons ruler and spouse, forces to abdicate to next available heir that has not committed a profane marriage. If the available heir is not of the same dynasty as the ruler, all lands are integrated into the Infinite Celestial Empire -- Can not use the Dragon Invasion CB and must rely on unique CBs and holy wars -- The Emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire is a rank higher than normal emperors (Emperor of Emperors), which is designated by a green ribbon with a dimly shining halo around the portrait allowing him/her to have vassal emperors which are called High Kings. -- Male and female rulers of Ridhelm may take concubines as long as the concubine does not have any bad congential traits (lisp and stutter are fine). -- Ridhelm members are able to hold Trials of Flesh which allow them to remove bad congenital traits and gain good congenital traits. -- Trials of Flesh can also occasionally cure the Maimed, Infirm, Incapable, and any disease. -- Ridhelm nations can and are expected to allow slavery. -- -35 relations to all vassals to Ridhelm nations who outlaw slavery -- Ridhelm rulers who gain enough power can attempt to usurp the Infinite Celestial Empire -- Any Ridhelm ruler that is king-tier or higher can start a faction to gain support to eventually declare war against the emperor -- Righteous imprisonment and banishment of anyone who suffer from bad congenital traits -- Free revoke rights of anyone who suffer from bad congenital traits -- Looting -- Ships are able to navigate major rivers -- Rulers are able to raid any coast -- Holy War casus belli are allowed to target any coastal duchy -- Ridhelm rulers can request crusades against infidels, heretics, and impure Ridhelm rulers. -- Foolish Marriages (-20 vassal opinion to marrying kin, -100 zealous vassal opinion to marrying kin) -- Ridhelm rulers require no election to change laws only 50 piety per law change. -- No mercenaries or holy orders available at the start for Ridhelm rulers -- Ridhelm rulers may dedicate a castle to house vassal mercenaries. Rulers may have a maximum of two vassal mercenary orders. Ridhelm rulers are able to fund and create mercenary orders via decision chain. Vassal mercenaries start off at 2,000 strength, but can end up being ~15,000 - ~30,000 strong. Mercenaries may only be used as long as they own land. -- The Emperor of the Celestial Empire may create a holy order. This holy order requires a castle in order to be housed. Maximum of 2 holy orders created. These holy orders are vassals to the emperor. Holy orders start off at 4,000 strength, but can end up being ~25,000 - ~50,000 strong. Holy orders may only be used by the emperor, and they require land in order to be used. -- Able to designate heirs directly -- The Infinite Celestial Emperor generates no claims upon deaths, but any powerful Ridhelm ruler can gather support from other Ridhelm rulers and attempt to test the might of the current emperor in an attempt to usurp his/her title -- Legitimacy does not matter. Only strength and purity matters. -- Murdering people with poor congenital traits will not trigger dishonorable, but will still cause opinion loss with non-zealous and non-cruel kin. -- Absolute Cognatic, Enatic Cognatic, and Enatic successions unlocked -- Each Valyrian Sword stolen grants 50 dynasty prestige as long as it remains in the dynasty -- Ridhelm followers will not care whether or not a ruler or heir is male or female -- Piety also gives a maximum of 20 bonus opinion with all vassals -- Ridhelm religion grants 30% more levy size, 15% more attack and defense for horse archers, and 80% more attack and defense for all friendly troops fighting in lands that follow Ridhelm religion -- Same Dynasty bonus is +25 instead of +5 -- Ridhelm rulers may publically torture infidels and any impure people who are imprisoned to gain opinion, prestige, and piety (if the victim suffers from a poor congenital trait that isn’t lisp or stutter) with all vassals and courtiers who follow Ridhelm who are not kind AND zealous. This has a high chance to give the cruel trait. -- No opinion penalty for the cruel trait. In addition, cruel gives an additional 0.25 prestige per month, an additional 2 martial, an additional intrigue, and you will not trigger the tactic Charing Own Skirmishers because of this trait. docs.google.com/document/d/1Tn4yTQPrd3BMCGs0gdeVLCZJJ_KS_QZ4nAOqYOlbviY/edit

[@Aristocratic13]

***** its easy to dismiss something with ridicule than to do so with an argument. All you did is make your self look like a jackass

[@LWGArcade]

It's kind of weird that I searched 8-bit and found this video which came out just yesterday! I like it!

[@LarlemMagic]

*Pulls up a chair* Oh, this is gonna be good! *Takes a sip from my soda and eats some popcorn*

[@dmclean635]

I still go back to this episode in particular from time to time. It's a good perspective on religion.

[@levisweeney4598]

The problem with this line of thinking is that it fails to distinguish between different religions. By doing so, it does not address the fact all religions have different ideas about who "God" is, and therefore have varying degrees of factual evidence concerning their religious tenants. The question, therefore, is not whether believing in "God" is useful, but rather, "Which God is it useful to believe in?" Follow up questions would include, "Why is it useful to believe in this God?" and "What do we mean by 'useful'?"

[@BuckFastZombie]

Good comment, good point. Its too complex to be summed up in such a way. People go their whole lives going back and forward on this stuff. like me!

[@StarStrider99]

Turns out philosophy is NOT 8 bit! :)

[@fami5893]

i'm liking this vote thing you're doing now. i'm actually interested in the results of these polls. keep up the awesome vids. :3

[@ryuumajin]

While I'm not trying to make a religion-war, the conflicts and clashes between themselves are because they believe that's what's better to them. With no "official" confirmation from the... 'god' itself and all you can lean on is the interpretations of said holy guidance, eventually you will just believe the interpretation, which comes from your mind. "Congratulations! The God is YOU!"

[@RunItsTheCat]

Any subjective opinion is a belief without scienctific rigor. Science attempts to explain and predict the objective processes, but the what is considered "beneficial" and "harmful" is strictly a matter of perspective. Even the belief that logic is beneficial is a subjective behavior with illogical basis. Afterall, how do we discern its usefulness to humans as strictly good, when by perspective of other beings (or even amongst ourselves) this may not necessarily be a good thing? Considering this, what can be considered "faith" is much broader. Our belief in scientific rigor is another form of faith. But I guess the big question here that everyone is itching to answer must be "where and how one draws the line". And for this, no one should answer for others... Or so I believe.

[@Ancor3]

Does a belief in intelligent life forms on other planets count as something that lacks scientific rigor? I mean the odds seem to be astoundingly low for it not to be the case.

[@RDeathmark]

Afro Samurai the odds according to what?

[@CurtisCovington]

RDeathmark Things like the drake equation.

[@RDeathmark]

Curtis Covington yeah, after skimming over that equation that doesn't put the odds of extraterrestrial life, much less intelligent and advanced life into the favorable range, especially since the drake equation leaves out extinction level events from its variables, and also until we know how life is originated our best guess is that planets are seeded from dead planet chunks carrying microbes, thus for life to develop there has to be that seed, not just a planet in the habitable zone.

[@CurtisCovington]

Drake equation includes extinction. Moreover the Drake equation shows the number of civilizations we could be in contact with at this point in time. So its only taking into consideration our galaxy. Extrapolate that to the entire universe and all of time, then all bets are off. There is no hard evidence support extraterrestrial life of any kind though. Drake equation is just fun with numbers. It does give us a small insight into the question though. But make no mistake, it does not answer the question.

[@RDeathmark]

Curtis Covington in the universe, is it likely there's at least one other planet with what we would recognize as life, even another sentient species, almost definitely, but i'd argue against the likelyhood of another intelligent species in our galaxy at least, but that's just my opinion, other life in our galaxy, maybe. but yeah, the drake equation is fun to mess around with and see what numbers come out to what odds of other life being within reach so to speak.

[@redsparks2025]

Great video. I really like your entire series and hope you will do many more. Anyway in regards to deciding if believing in a God is useful maybe this diagram will help. Sorry I can't give the direct link because youtube blocks it for some unknown reason. Anyway go to deviantart and do a search for an artist named LBAMagic and in his gallery find a diagram called God is safe (for now).

[@josophobia917]

**grabs popcorn** Time to visit some flame wars.

[@jorger1818]

Don't forget your flame shields!

[@josophobia917]

Phijkchu YoosRNaym Right. Hey, want some? **hands popcorn**

Josophobia You should see the winner I found at the very top under the Wisecrack comment, Bubblegum Gun. I see her around from time to time making inane comments. I decided to humor her, and boy, was that a mistake! But, I got a good laugh at the end. Hope you enjoy it.

[@anlaaranilde]

Josophobia goddamn infidels in westeros house targaryen is garbage death to the heathen dragon huggers may the eight hang on the walls of the most divine treasure halls of eschershire chain the fools of the east and unite them under the stars glory to the infinite celestial empire death to the effeminate weak inbred imbeciles and death to the abominations of incest The Infinite Celestial Empire A terrible Horde of bigots from the unknown depths of the west. They claim to come from Mystros, a massive continent mostly under the control of the Infinite Celestial Empire that rules from the land of Mystrin with the emperor’s seat, the Stoic Throne - a seat that is merely a flat stone bench that sharply contrasts with the lavish decorations in the throne room plundered from years of conquest and wars to unify all of Mystros under one throne - in the tall city of Eschershire. The Infinite Celestial Empire has always ruled over a fair chunk of Mystros ever since anyone can remember, but the empire that is known these days are forged from the Great Purge started by the first emperor of the “New” Infinite Celestial Empire, Mjollgast Fylikaem, who lamented over the authority of the throne crumbling due to a series of emperors and empresses who suffered the cruel fate of inbreeding due to the Old Ridhelm beliefs of “Divine Marriages” which involved rulers marrying close kin as to become as close as to the first man and woman who formed the first Great House. Determined to see his people ruled by a strong leader, this knight rallied the strongest of his people, and started a five year long war that ended up eradicating all members of the royal bloodline as well as firmly placing the Fylikaems on the new throne. The old throne, dubbed the Magnificent Throne, was melted down and the wealth it brought was added to the empty treasury of the crown. Mjollgast rallied his men after the realm rested for ten years, and began a series of bloody wars to bring the other inbred rulers out of their thrones and their land under the new empire. The fighting awakened what would later be known as the Skierjad, mighty dragons believed to have been driven to extinction by their smaller and more numerous brethren. The Skierjad decimated all sides of the fighting, and Mjollgast himself was burned alive by these dragons. It was believed that the conquests were to end due to these dragons, but the new emperor, Ylvgast, had different plans…. Ylvgast contacted a close friend, Ilysanth Flacara - self-proclaimed Priestess of the Stars - in order to hire her help for an insane plan to tame these ancient dragons and use them to quicken the conquests. Ilysanth wholeheartedly agreed, but tested Ylvgast with what would be known later as the Ten Trials. Iron, Flesh, Chains, Heart, Fear, Command, War, Love, Peace, and the final and most dangerous, the Trial of Dragons. Upon succeeding and proving his worth to the priestess, the Priestess used her influence among the Skierjad to convince them of the great strength the empire possessed, and their intentions of a united land. The Skierjad were interested in the idea of the fighting ending, and in fact, they acted in an attempt to end the fighting and return peace to the land. The rest, after that, is history. The remaining lords were crushed under the darkening wings of the mighty dragons, the valiant soldiers of the empire, and the superior magic the elite of the empire possessed. Almost 200 years of peace in the land of Mystros has passed, and with news of fresh land to the east from explore, the banners have once again raised and the Divine Empress Maeraehn Fylikaem has received permission from the Grand Overseer for a Sanctioned Valiant Crusade against the infidels. A new age has dawned on the world. This is the age of the Second Great Crusades. This is the age of the Second Purge. Settle your conflicts and cast aside your petty plots, lest you be washed away by these zealots who seek to exterminate your way of life and install their new order. Initial Ruler - Divine Empress Maeraehn Fylikaem House Fylikaem Base stats - Diplomacy - 12 Martial - 19 Stewardship - 10 Intrigue - 13 Learning - 10 Education - Brilliant Strategist Traits - Divine - This character is blessed with the divine might of the gods upon drinking from the Chalice of Supremacy, earning not only great respect from all people but also mind, body, and soul like no other. +10 to all stats +10 relation bonus with all characters +2 health +20% fertility Cannot be killed, maimed, or wounded in combat. Given to the ruler of the Infinite Celestial Empire automatically Not congenital, but will give Divine Spawn to descendants Divine Spawn - This character was birthed from a union between Divine and mortal, sharing some of the abilities of the Divine but suffering from the weakness of the mortal shell. +3 to all stats +5 relation bonus to all characters +1 health +10% fertility Cannot be killed in combat. Attractive - This character has a most pleasing physique, most attractive to the opposite sex +30 sex opinion +1 diplomacy Strong - This character is blessed with a powerful physique. Martial: +2.00 Diplomacy: +1.00 Fertility: +10.0% Health: +2.00 +20 relations with Ridhelm members instead of just +10! Legendary Dragon Commander - The Celestial Empire houses some of the mightiest dragons that the denizens of the known world has never even heard of. Dragons with wings capable of blocking out the sun once spread, magic so powerful that legends can not even speak of, and intelligence so vast that the secrets contained within can not hope to be recorded in a single lifetime. +10 personal combat skill +5 martial Even on defeat in a duel, will never suffer a death or maimed result. If defeated in a duel, you will lose 500% prestige and the enemy will gain 500% prestige. Monthly Prestige: +2.00 month Morale Offense: +75% Morale Defense: +75% Light Cavalry Attack: +25% Light Cavalry Defense: +25% Horse Archer Attack: +35% Horse Archer Defense: +10% Sons of the Stars (Dragon Rider troops) Attack and Defense: +150% Grants access to the following unique tactics: Field of Flame (Skirmish Phase)- Command your mighty dragon to torch the fields and obliterate the enemy flank. Can only trigger once per Skirmish Phase Instantly reduces the enemy flank’s morale by 10%. Instantly kills 5% of the enemy flank’s total troop. Improves archer offense by 250% Improves archer defense by 250% Reduces heavy infantry offense by 150% Increases heavy infantry defense by 150% Reduces light infantry offense by 150% Increases light infantry defense by 150% Reduces heavy cavalry offense by 100% Increases heavy cavalry defense by 150% Reduces light cavalry offense and defense by 150% Increases horse archer offense by 250% Increases horse archer defense by 250% Increases magus offense by 350% Increases magus defense by 350% Blacken the Skies (Skirmish Phase) Upon tactic switch, switch to melee phase Archer, Horse Archer, Light Infantry, Light Cavalry, Magus Offense and Defense: +250% Sons of the Stars Offense and Defense: +400% All other troop types offense and defense: +125% Grants access to events regarding dragons. Allows dueling other dragon riders. Allows recording of tactics in order to pass this trait onto another character. Skierjad Dragon Rider - This person is riding a Skierjad, a terrifying monstrosity of a dragon that only answers to themselves, powerful figures who have proven themselves, and the Emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire. Monthly Prestige: +1.50 monthly The dragon, Apocrypha, will always serve the current emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire. She will also not die of a natural death, and is 2750% less likely to perish in battle. Commanding Apocrypha allows her owner to more easily tame other dragons and allow strong military characters in the owner’s court to become dragon riders themselves. Myjlar - The descendent of the first Emperor of the Celestial Empire, Divine Emperor Mjollgast Fylikaem. He is believed to have ascended to godhood alongside his wife, Serene Empress Seria Valerin. The denizens of the Celestial Empire believe that Mjollgast guides the hand of his descendents as well as the current emperor, and that their decisions are of Mjollgast’s. +15 vassal opinion Given to the current emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire even if he/she is not in the same house as Mjollgast. Passed down both matrilineal and patrilineal lines as long as the family member passing along the trait was in a marriage that causes that family member’s children to belong to his/her line. Will not be inherited by the current emperor’s children if he/she is not of the same house as Mjollgast. Unification - Forged from the flames of the mightiest dragons, the Skierjad, themselves and melded from the finest steel, this weapon looks plain and simple - only decorated by the insignia of the Celestial Empire on its hilt - but is fabled to be able to slice through any metal and capable of humbling any dragon with its mere sight alone. In addition, the wails of previous conquests can be heard emanating from the blade if you listen closely enough. The blade appears to have a mind of its own, and will not accept serving an infidel who has not been “Proven”. Thieves have attempted to steal this sword in the past, but these foolish thieves were strung up and disemboweled by unknown forces without fail. Given to the ruler of the Infinite Celestial Empire Can not be stolen…...however, contact the Priestess of the Stars, and she may offer you a chance at a sword capable of rivaling this incredible sword….at a great risk. After all, you live or die in the Game of Thrones, but you win or you serve forever in chains in the Annals of Fate. +10 opinion +2 martial +0.50 health +10% morale damage +3 dragon combat skill +3 personal combat skill Allows use of the tactic: Cut off the Head! (Pursue Phase) - Light Cavalry Offense: +250% Archer Offense: +250% Heavy Infantry Offense: -80% Light Infantry Offense: +135% Chance to kill leader of enemy flank: +10% Chance to maim leader of enemy flank: +20% Chance to wound leader of enemy flank: +30% Chance to capture leader of enemy flank: +15% Mystical Heroic Stand (Melee Phase) - Morale Defense: +35% Heavy Infantry Offense: +250% Heavy Infantry Defense: +500% Light Infantry Offense: +100% Light Infantry Defense: +150% Light Cavalry Offense: -200% Light Cavalry Defense: -150% Heavy Cavalry Offense: +150% Heavy Cavalry Defense: +150% Counter Sword to Unification - Chaos - Perhaps the only blade able to rival Unification. Very few know that when the Skierjad helped forge Unification, four other swords were created - Destiny, Ragnarok, Viper’s Kiss, and Chaos. Three of the swords have failed the test of time, and are little more than rubble. Unification was dedicated to the emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire as a sign of strength and unity that the emperor brought to his subjects. What few know is that the blade, Chaos, was given to the Priestess of the Stars for her service in the unification of Mystros. The blade has been kept safe by the Priestess and unused for several hundred years. It is unclear as to why she kept it for so long….until now. This blade has been given to the one who has passed the Ten Trials as Ylvgast has so long ago. Blessed by the magic of the Priestess and the magic of the dragons, may this blade be united with its sister blade so that the strongest emperor may lead the empire to victory. +10 opinion with all characters +5 martial +3 health +25% morale defense +25% morale offense +8 dragon combat skill +15 combat skill +40 relations with Ridhelm faith members +5 to all stats that stacks with +5 martial If you decide to fight for the throne of the Infinite Celestial Empire, you will recieve adventurers from Mystros to support your cause. 45% of the emperor’s max levy split into 10 stacks with enough boats + 50 more boats to support these stacks. They compose of 35% horse archers, 35% heavy cavalry, 20% light cavalry, 5% Sons of the Stars, and 5% Magi. Allows use of the tactic: Cut off the Head! (Pursue Phase) - Light Cavalry Offense: +250% Archer Offense: +250% Heavy Infantry Offense: -80% Light Infantry Offense: +135% Chance to kill leader of enemy flank: +10% Chance to maim leader of enemy flank: +20% Chance to wound leader of enemy flank: +30% Chance to capture leader of enemy flank: +15% Mystical Heroic Stand (Melee Phase) - Morale Defense: +35% Heavy Infantry Offense: +250% Heavy Infantry Defense: +500% Light Infantry Offense: +100% Light Infantry Defense: +150% Light Cavalry Offense: -200% Light Cavalry Defense: -150% Heavy Cavalry Offense: +150% Heavy Cavalry Defense: +150% Ambitious - Ambitious characters work harder, making them better at everything. However, their drive to reach the top means they tend to make poor vassals… Martial: +2.00 Intrigue: +2.00 Diplomacy: +2.00 Stewardship:+2.00 Learning +2.00 Patient - Patience, or 'Patientia', is the fifth of the seven virtues and the opposite of Wrath. Patient characters are just a little bit better at almost everything. Intrigue: +1.00 Diplomacy: +1.00 Stewardship: +1.00 Learning: +1.00 Cruel - This character is an evil sadist, taking pleasure in the suffering of others. Intrigue: +1.00 Diplomacy: -1.00 Zealous - This character burns with religious fervor and cannot tolerate heretics, infidels, or heathens. Monthly Piety: +1.00 (monthly) Martial: +2.00 Holy Warrior Unyielding Lead from the Rear Unqiue Casus Belli - Heaven’s Bounty - Targets an entire de jure kingdom belonging to someone of another religion. Upon victory, you will take all holdings and you will vassalize holdings owned by someone of your religion. This Casus Belli can only be used once every 45 years. Increases moral authority of the victory by 10% and lowers the moral authority of the defeated by 10%. This will cause all non-Ridhelm followers to be able to join in the war against you. As Emperor, you have enough religious authority to call a crusade against the infidels, albeit not as often as the Grand Overseer. Call the proud warriors of our faith, and they will wash these lands of the inbreeding filth that corrupt and plague these lands. Cooldown is reset to 150 years if the Infinite Celestial Empire has been pushed out of the known world. Upon declaring war, the emperor gains event troops If not in the known world, 200k worth of event spawn troops that will never suffer attrition as well as 25k boats spread out in 10k stacks of 35% horse archers, 20% archers, 20% heavy infantry, 10% cavalry, 4% Sons of the Stars, 4% Magus, and the rest are randomly spread out among the current troop types. If in the known world, 100k worth of event spawn troops that will suffer attrition at 50% of the rate of normal troops as well as 15k boats spread out in 5k stacks of 20% horse archers, 20% archers, 20% heavy infantry, 10% heavy cavalry, 10% Magus, 10% Sons of the Stars, and the rest are randomly spread out among the current troop types. Every year this war drags on reinforcements from Mystros will arrive. Reinforcements = 100k worth of event spawn troops that will suffer attrition at 25% of the rate of normal troops as well as 15k boats spread out in 5k stacks of 15% horse archers, 10% archers, 15% heavy infantry, 15% light infantry, 5% heavy cavalry, 5% Sons of the Stars, 5% Magus, and the rest are randomly spread out among the current troop types. Support Invasion - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire can fund an adventure against a nation that is ruled by either an infidel or a heretic. The adventurer targets a de jure coastal duchy and gains event troops over the next 2 years. When the war is declared by the Emperor, he becomes the primary participant and the adventurer is a secondary participant. The war will NEVER end inconclusively even if the adventurer is killed (next heir is decided using gender matching law of the Emperor and primogeniture) or if the Emperor is killed. Every year this war drags on on the adventurer gains 20k worth of event spawn troops and 3k boats with 45% horse archers, 10% heavy cavalry, 25% light infantry, and 20% heavy infantry spread across in 4k stacks. Upon victory, the adventurer gains all of the land in the de jure duchy, all counties occupied (maximum of 10 counties outside the de jure duchy) and vassalizes all people of his/her religion. The adventurer will not accept vassalization to the Emperor, but the adventurer will become a permanent ally (all rulers following Ridhelm are automatically allies) and will pay 5% total income (but no more than 25 dragons a month) to the Emperor (another unqiue mechanic to the religion). An ambitious adventurer has come seeking your aid, Mighty Emperor. (S)He seeks to claim land from the filthy infidels. Take some money from your treasury, and gather forces from the motherland. When you feel you are ready, begin the invasion. Purge Deformity - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire can declare a ruler who follows Ridhelm to be “impure”. The Emperor is able to use this CB against rulers who have the following traits. Any poor congenital traits except lisp and stutter. Upon victory, the ruler adbicates to the next available heir that is considered “pure” by Celestial Empire standards. Ridhelm gains 5% moral authority. The new ruler (if not content or non-ambitious close-kin to the previous ruler) gains 100 opinion with the Emperor. If defeated, Ridhelm loses 5% moral authority, the Emperor pays war reparations, the ruler is no longer allied with other members of Ridhelm under Imperial Authority but will become allies with Ridhelm rulers not under Imperial Authority and the ruler targeted will not pay taxes to the Emperor until the Emperor uses the Install Imperial Authority CB and wins that war. The unthinkable has happened! A ruler of our faith suffers from an ailment of poor breeding. Remove this stain before it brings dishonor to your rule, Mighty Emperor! Install Imperial Authority - Although all new Ridhelm nations start with Imperial Authority installed, events may cause them to break off from the protection of the sovereign Empire. This CB can only be used on a nation once every seven years. Upon victory, Ridhelm gains 5% moral authority, and the ruler targeted resumes being under Imperial Authority. Upon defeat, Ridhelm loses 10% moral authority, and the Emperor pays war reparations. Some of our faith have forgotten their duties to the emperor. Show them the error of their ways lest we become divided against a unified enemy. Trial of Iron Invasion - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is able to target a kingdom in Westeros as long as he/she controls at least 6 provinces in the target kingdom. The Emperor of the Celestial Empire may usurp the Iron Throne and integrate it into the Celestial Empire if the Celestial Empire owns 80% of all of Westeros via decision. The filthy infidels claim their Iron Throne belongs to the mightiest of their kind, and they claim that their throne has been blessed by mighty dragons. Mighty Emperor, show these infidels our might by washing away the filth that stains this land, and let our mighty Skierjad darken the skies in order to pave the way of melting the Iron Throne. Destiny’s Solace - If the Emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire has successfully usurped the Iron Throne, he/she can attempt to unify all of Westeros one de jure kingdom at a time without any restrictions. The filthy cowards cower as their lands are broken and their throne melted. Mighty Emperor, flush these fools out of their hiding hole so that the Grand Overseer may judge them appropriately. Trial of Chains Invasion - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is able to target a kingdom in Essos as long as he/she controls at least 6 provinces in the target kingdom. Upon controlling 80% of the lands in Essos (de jure Empire of the East), the Infinite Celestial Empire gains de jure claims on all of Essos. Upon victory, if you have wiped out a republic, integrate all of its own slaves into your ownership, execute all 5 patricians and any of their family members with poor congenital traits, and take all of their treasury. The lands to the east is home to slavers and foreign folk. Perhaps stronger than these idiotic west-men, but they must be brought into the empire nonetheless. Scatter them with our mighty Skierjad, Mighty Emperor, and bring glory to our people! Trial of Sins Judgment - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is able to target a de jure kingdom whose top liege is connected to the blood of Old Valyria, whose blood has been tainted with generations of inbreeding and incestuous customs. For most scenarios, only House Targaryen is subject to this CB. Upon victory, execute any filthy prisoner captured that is tainted by the sins of Old Valyria, vassalize but do not assume control of any counties owned by someone able to be your vassal. These new vassals gain +75 Subjugated and are much easier to convert. Ridhelm gains 5% moral authority, and the religion of the top liege loses 5% moral authority. Upon defeat, Ridhelm loses 20% moral authority, the religion of the enemy’s top liege gains 20% moral authority, all Ridhelm rulers under the emperor can decide to declare independence (and will not face any rebuttal from the emperor, note the most powerful ruler who becomes independence can offer to vassalize the other rulers who broke off), and the current Ridhelm emperor is forced to abdicate. This has a truce timer of 5 years. You are not allowed to break this truce, and this truce persists even if either character of either party dies or loses their position. My Emperor, the people of these lands speak of a foul people that once had a great empire that spread far across the known world. Admirable, but these fools collapsed quickly. We presume it is because of the very same reason the Old Celestial Empire fell. Although the empire is dismantled, the blood still taints this land. Eradicate this filth once and for all, and show no mercy! This land must be clean when we bring it into your rule! Unite the Stars - The Emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire, once proclaiming the Essos to be rightful property of the emperor, can target one de jure kingdom at a time without any restrictions. Essos is now ours, but the remaining infidels refuse to bend knee. Show them the error of their ways, Great Emperor. Trial of Dragons Invasion - The Emperor of the Celestial Empire is able to target a de jure kingdom whose top liege is a dragon rider of any type and does not follow the Ridhelm faith for no reason other than to test the mettle of the enemy dragon rider. Ah, the dragons have graced this backwater land as well. They are weaker than our glorious Skierjad despite these infidels’ claims. Do honorable battle with these “mighty” riders, Mighty Emperor, and watch their faces pale as their dragons are ripped into bloody shreds of flesh and liquid. Hang the Eight - Any emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire can begin a mission for the empire that can be accomplished over the span of many generations. Upon beginning this mission, any emperor can declare a war against a ruler of any of the houses in Baraethon’s Make the Eight ambition for the sole purpose of capturing the ruler, forcing him/her to abdicate, and hanging him/her in the trophy room of the Infinite Celestial Empire. Upon accomplishing this mission, Ridhelm gains 50% moral authority, the current ruler’s dynasty gains 250 prestige, the current empire gains the title “The Chosen Saviour, Conqueror, and Heathen Purger”, and the trait Vylgast. The Eight are supposedly great houses that rule in these lands. They follow archaic notions of blood and legitimacy. Even worse, some have fallen prey to inbreeding which has corrupted and destroyed our very own lands so long ago. In the name of the Divine First Emperor, abduct a powerful figure from each of these eight houses and hang them in the Most Glorious Treasury in Eschershire like Mjollgast before you when he purged the realm of the inbred rulers. Trial of Fear - Target the Wall, and assume control of it. Upon victory, the Infinite Celestial Empire gains control of the Wall and can begin the Imperial ambitions Unite the Clans and End Winter. If defeated, Ridhelm loses 5% moral authority and pays war reparations. This CB can only be used once per forty years. Look at these weaklings. They cower behind their wall, and they fear savages and White Walkers. Assume control of the wall, and we will end these problems once and for all. Unite the Clans - The Free Folk have survived the dreadful winters of this land, and they have proven themselves useful. Send them a message. Make them our soldiers, and give them the salvation they deserve. We will use them to crush the people of these lands. Upon declaring war, trigger an invasion from the Free Folk. Crush the invasion to win the war. Upon victory, Ridhelm gains 20% moral authority, the Northern Stars mercenary group is established and becomes vassals of the emperor. It consists of 12,500 men. 45% light infantry, 20% heavy infantry, 20% light cavalry, and 15% heavy cavalry. Upon defeat, lose control of the Wall to the invasion, Ridhelm loses 20% moral authority, and fail this ambition. If you have not completed the ambition, End Winter, you can no longer work on that until you finish the ambition, Subjugate the Free Folk. Subjugate the Free Folk can not be used until 50 years pass, and will give future chances to establish the Northern Stars. End Winter - The White Walkers, they call them. These supposedly cold killers once almost destroyed all civilization in Westeros. The Wall was built to keep them at bay. Little do these infidels know, these very beings invaded Mystros and crippled the Old Celestial Empire in the ancient days. However, even our inbred ancestors did not cower behind a wall. They humbled them, and allowed them to live with our people. They taught us their ways, and our ancestors were able to integrate their strength in our people. Our mages bear their powers most prominently, but the people of Mystros and these White Walkers practically share the same blood. Repeat the actions of our ancestors, and bring them into our fold. Usher in a new age for our people, and end this accursed winter. Upon victory, establish the Winter’s March that become vassals of the emperor. Ridhelm gains 40% moral authority. It consists of 5000 men, all of which are Winter Soldiers which have a skirmish/melee/pursue value of 9.4 /15.3 / 8.3. Note that killed enemies by Winter Soldiers strengthen the company by 10% of the slain. These new soldiers persist for a year. Trial of Destiny - Target a de jure county whose top liege follows a faith that isn’t Ridhelm that has an untamed dragon in it, and attack its top liege for the sole purpose of capturing the county to tame the dragon. Upon victory, do not assume control of the province. Instead, the dragon disappears from the map, but the emperor is allowed to begin attempting to tame it. What is happening is that the dragon is moved to the homeland in Mystros. Upon defeat, this CB can not be used on that specific dragon, and the emperor pays war reparations. A dragon has encroached itself in heathen territory. Liberate it, and make it serve our people. Vylgast - This character has the honor of being the one to prove the might of the Infinite Celestial Empire by taking the most powerful of the infidel scum and crushing their body, spirit, and soul. +15 vassal opinion +1 prestige per month +1 piety per month +30 temple vassal opinion +30 dynasty member opinion Descendents get the trait Ilgast. Ilgast - The descendent of the glorious emperor who crushed the filthy infidels’ spirits by hanging their most powerful in the most prestigious trophy room in the great castle of Eschershire in Mystros. +5 vassal opinion +0.25 prestige per month +10 temple vassal opinion +10 dynasty member opinion Passes both matrillneally and patrineally as long as the family member uses a marriage that causes children to be of the dynasty of the person with this trait. Religion: Ridhelm A religion that was formed by the usurpers of the Celestial Empire when they watched the noble bloodline crumble due to issues with inbreeding caused by the notion of “Divine Marriages”. Upon usurping the empire, Emperor Mjollgast Fylikaem and Ylvgost Fylikaem after him began conquering the land of Mystros and their inbred rulers. With the entirety of Mystros under the command of the emperor and proud Ridhelm rulers who, although are autonomous, still consider the emperor their protector and pay taxes to him, the Celestial Empire looks towards the east. Ridhelm does not worship gods. Instead, they believe that although gods existed at one point, they perished in the creation of the world. They also believe that the Emperor of the Celestial Emperor is tasked with keeping Ridhelm rulers pure in order to continue the work of the gods. -- The Emperor is seen as the great protector and father/mother of all people of Ridhelm faith. All rulers of Ridhelm nation follow either Imperial Authority or Completely Autonomous. Rulers who follow Imperial Authority pay 5% of their total income to the Celestial Emperor, but no more than 25 dragons a month. In addition, all rulers that follow the Ridhelm faith are automatically allied with each other regardless of marriage alliances. However, a Ridhelm ruler who follows Completely Autonomous is only automatically allied with other rulers who follow the same law, but can still gain alliances (but you can’t ally with the Emperor with marriage even if the Emperor is a player) with marriage. -- There is always a Grand Overseer. -- Excommunication -- Order of priority for Valiant Crusades = Dragon Rider infidels > Infidels with lands of Ridhelm faith > Infidels with lands bordering the Infinite Celestial Empire > Infidels with lands bordering any other nation whose top liege is of Ridhelm faith > Infidels in Westeros > Infidels in Essos -- Elected via Circle of Seers -- Priests who like either the Grand Overseer or the Emperor can pay taxes to them (splits 50/50) instead of their liege -- Can grant invasions but will not grant invasions against the Infinite Celestial Empire -- Can call Valiant Crusades against infidels -- Can call Burning Crusades against most foul Ridhelm followers -- Can grant claims -- Can grant divorces -- Divorces are free if spouse suffers from poor congenital traits except lisp and stutter -- Order of priority for Burning Crusades = Impure Ridhelm followers > Impure infidels > Infidels under a foolish marriage > Ridhelm members under a foolish marriage > Dragon Rider Infidels -- Gives money to Ridhelm members who fight in holy wars and crusades -- Ridhelm valiant warriors who participate in a siege of a target kingdom’s province in a crusade earn the Tyvalgost, even if she is female -- Tyvalgost - This valiant warrior is a veteran of a Glorious Crusade +25 temple opinion +25 same trait opinion +10 same faith opinion +3 martial +2 personal combat skill -- There is always an emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire, even if it holds no lands in the known world. -- The emperor, if pushed out of the known world, will still be able to periodically invade with event spawned troops -- Vassals of the emperor are forbidden from sitting out in wars -- Begins the game with Absolute Crown Authority -- Begins the game with Imperial Administration -- The emperor may castrate and blind prisoners with poor congenital traits except lisp and stutter with no penalties -- The emperor may cut out the tongue of prisoners with lisp or stutter with 50% less piety cost -- The emperor may castrate and blind prisoners freely, but doing so too much will cause great discomfort for vassals and rulers of Ridhelm faith especially if the victim has good congenital traits (-2 opinion for 5 years, -50 piety for normal victims; -4 opinion for 10 years, -100 piety for “pure” victims) -- Begins the game with Imperial Levies -- The Mandate of Heaven dictates that able men and women of the Infinite Celestial Empire are loyal to their emperor at all times. Feudal vassals of the emperor always dedicate all of their levy to the emperor with no penalty to opinion. However, the emperor may lower the amount of levy dedicated to him to gain opinion bonuses from his vassals. -- 80% of levies - +5 opinion -- 50% of levies - +10 opinion -- 35% of levies - +15 opinion -- 20% of levies - +20 opinion -- Will not suffer from wrong government type as long as the vassal follows Ridhelm faith -- Powerful emperors who suffer from a congenital trait that isn’t inbred or imbecile can attempt to have the Grand Overseer announce the toleration of the traits they suffer from until the emperor perishes -- Removes righteous imprisonment and banishment for those suffering from that trait -- Access to the unique Casus Belli Dismantle Profane Marriage, only targets Ridhelm rulers --Imprisons ruler and spouse, forces to abdicate to next available heir that has not committed a profane marriage. If the available heir is not of the same dynasty as the ruler, all lands are integrated into the Infinite Celestial Empire -- Can not use the Dragon Invasion CB and must rely on unique CBs and holy wars -- The Emperor of the Infinite Celestial Empire is a rank higher than normal emperors (Emperor of Emperors), which is designated by a green ribbon with a dimly shining halo around the portrait allowing him/her to have vassal emperors which are called High Kings. -- Male and female rulers of Ridhelm may take concubines as long as the concubine does not have any bad congential traits (lisp and stutter are fine). -- Ridhelm members are able to hold Trials of Flesh which allow them to remove bad congenital traits and gain good congenital traits. -- Trials of Flesh can also occasionally cure the Maimed, Infirm, Incapable, and any disease. -- Ridhelm nations can and are expected to allow slavery. -- -35 relations to all vassals to Ridhelm nations who outlaw slavery -- Ridhelm rulers who gain enough power can attempt to usurp the Infinite Celestial Empire -- Any Ridhelm ruler that is king-tier or higher can start a faction to gain support to eventually declare war against the emperor -- Righteous imprisonment and banishment of anyone who suffer from bad congenital traits -- Free revoke rights of anyone who suffer from bad congenital traits -- Looting -- Ships are able to navigate major rivers -- Rulers are able to raid any coast -- Holy War casus belli are allowed to target any coastal duchy -- Ridhelm rulers can request crusades against infidels, heretics, and impure Ridhelm rulers. -- Foolish Marriages (-20 vassal opinion to marrying kin, -100 zealous vassal opinion to marrying kin) -- Ridhelm rulers require no election to change laws only 50 piety per law change. -- No mercenaries or holy orders available at the start for Ridhelm rulers -- Ridhelm rulers may dedicate a castle to house vassal mercenaries. Rulers may have a maximum of two vassal mercenary orders. Ridhelm rulers are able to fund and create mercenary orders via decision chain. Vassal mercenaries start off at 2,000 strength, but can end up being ~15,000 - ~30,000 strong. Mercenaries may only be used as long as they own land. -- The Emperor of the Celestial Empire may create a holy order. This holy order requires a castle in order to be housed. Maximum of 2 holy orders created. These holy orders are vassals to the emperor. Holy orders start off at 4,000 strength, but can end up being ~25,000 - ~50,000 strong. Holy orders may only be used by the emperor, and they require land in order to be used. -- Able to designate heirs directly -- The Infinite Celestial Emperor generates no claims upon deaths, but any powerful Ridhelm ruler can gather support from other Ridhelm rulers and attempt to test the might of the current emperor in an attempt to usurp his/her title -- Legitimacy does not matter. Only strength and purity matters. -- Murdering people with poor congenital traits will not trigger dishonorable, but will still cause opinion loss with non-zealous and non-cruel kin. -- Absolute Cognatic, Enatic Cognatic, and Enatic successions unlocked -- Each Valyrian Sword stolen grants 50 dynasty prestige as long as it remains in the dynasty -- Ridhelm followers will not care whether or not a ruler or heir is male or female -- Piety also gives a maximum of 20 bonus opinion with all vassals -- Ridhelm religion grants 30% more levy size, 15% more attack and defense for horse archers, and 80% more attack and defense for all friendly troops fighting in lands that follow Ridhelm religion -- Same Dynasty bonus is +25 instead of +5 -- Ridhelm rulers may publically torture infidels and any impure people who are imprisoned to gain opinion, prestige, and piety (if the victim suffers from a poor congenital trait that isn’t lisp or stutter) with all vassals and courtiers who follow Ridhelm who are not kind AND zealous. This has a high chance to give the cruel trait. -- No opinion penalty for the cruel trait. In addition, cruel gives an additional 0.25 prestige per month, an additional 2 martial, an additional intrigue, and you will not trigger the tactic Charing Own Skirmishers because of this trait. docs.google.com/document/d/1Tn4yTQPrd3BMCGs0gdeVLCZJJ_KS_QZ4nAOqYOlbviY/edit

[@josophobia917]

Ilysanth Amaranthine Holy fuck how did your fingers not fall off? Also, no way I'm gonna keep up reading all of that .-.

[@DrSulikSquirrel]

"What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite." -- Bertrand Russell

[@seamuskennefick7692]

Wow! A KZbin video about religion that isn't full of Dawkins/Hitchens/Harris/Maher anger filled and mockery based rhetoric in the comments section! There is hope!

[@Nikkerman]

+Seamus Kennefick They just point out the flaws in religion.

[@seamuskennefick7692]

Hmm, so Dawkins saying "Mock them! Ridicule them!" is just him pointing out the flaws in religion?

[@Nikkerman]

Seamus Kennefick because they belive in talking snakes,unicorns,and that 2 of every animal on earth fucked during a flood that wiped out almost all of humanity.

[@seamuskennefick7692]

Even if somebody told me they thought the moon was made of cheese, I wouldn't take personal jabs at them because that would make me an asshole. Rather, talk with them and try to reason. If they don't listen, then give it up and walk away. And another thing, try checking out figures that don't belittle religion, because it's much more sophisticated and worthy of intellectual respect than your strawman arguments. For one thing, check out St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, St. Irenaeus, GK Chesterton, John Henry Newman, Thomas Merton, etc. Those guys changed the way I look at God and religion. That is all. I will not respond to mocking semantics.

[@Nikkerman]

Seamus Kennefick It's hard to reason with people who believe in a book that has so many flaws it is unreal.

[@Illier1]

People need to accept that faith is something we all do. You can have faith in God, faith in another, or even faith in yourself. You cannot prove something like faith until it has already happened. Life is full of uncertainties like this.

[@barrygormley3986]

The idea that you could be better off if you believe in something that isn't true is absurd. What you believe effects your actions, and if your actions are based on faulty assumptions, the results are far less likely to be positive. When you get right down to it there is no difference between believing in God and believing in Superman, and neither delusion is likely to help you in any way.

[@barrygormley3986]

tsuich00i Any belief that is supported by empirical evidence or, failing that, you at least consider to be rationally justifiable. Bear in mind that you must be ready to denounce these beliefs the moment they are contradicted by the evidence, or the arguments you base them on are shown to be faulty. Now, no person is without bias and what I'm describing is easier said than done: but at the very least it's an ideal that we can aspire to.

[@barrygormley3986]

tsuich00i The earth revolves around the sun, two plus two make four, wolves usually hunt in packs, masturbation can reduce stress, my dog likes to be walked: and a bazillion other things.

[@barrygormley3986]

tsuich00i Because they're true. Do I not address why it matters if what you believe is true in the comment to which you are responding?

[@Lightning_Toad]

You are forgetting one very key variable, my friend. You are simply just assuming that there is no God. That is stubborn and pig-headed and not fair to those who do. It's changing the rules of the game to your favor and simply not inclusive.

[@barrygormley3986]

tsuich00i 9/11 is true, and you are better knowing that it is true. An awareness of historical fact is one of the most important things you can have in your tool box when it comes to understanding the world and the people in it. You do not live in a fairtale land where things like 9/11 don't happen, and you are better off not thinking you do. "What is the connection between truth and the good?" How can you do good without knowing the truth behind the bad? How could a doctor treat you without knowing what illness you had? How could a policy maker reduce poverty without understanding the socio-economic factors that contribute to poverty? Could a scientist make a life improving discovery/invention without an understanding of the scientific method or the relevant fields? Noah4oo Now both of you are changing the subject. This video, and this conversation were not about whether God exists, but whether you could be better off believing he does even if he doesn't. Now if you want to have a conversation about why I don't think God exists, then fine, but I'll take that as you conceding my earlier points. "Secondly, what makes you so sure God is false? If you still subscribe to the view expressed above, if god turns out to be true, wouldn't you be worse of? Sounds like your making the same wager Pascal did to me." Pascal should have stuck to mathematics, because his wager is both facile and stupid. He pretends the possibilities are two when in reality they are infinite. If a God does exist, he/she/it is just as likely to be the God of Islam, or Hinduism, or of some obscure tribe in Africa. In fact, I would say it's more likely to be a God humans have never heard of, considering there's an infinitely larger amount of possibilities that would fall into that category. How do you know God isn't a God of reason? And after we die, those of us who tried to live by reason will be rewarded, and those who lived by faith will be punished? How do you know God doesn't despise Christianity, assuming that's the religion you both follow? Maybe he/she/it thinks the bible makes him/her/it sound like a complete psychopath, and doesn't believe a good person could possibly worship the God depicted therein? How do you know we aren't all living in a giant simulator and only those who reject superstition in favour of logic will ever be released into the real world? More to the point, how do you know God takes any interest in human beings whatsoever? How do you know he/she/it is even aware of life on earth? In such a vast and complex cosmos, it seems strange that the creator would be so hung up on some tiny apes, hurtling through space on a blue pebble. How do you know the being that created the universe is still alive? Or that it hasn't lost interest and moved us into the attic or something? Every one of those possibilities has the same, if not a greater chance of being true than what you're proposing I should believe: just to be on the safe side (also, if your God is omniscient, then wouldn't he know that's the only reason I believe? He's killed many people for less).

[@kavudx]

I love you guys, you're completely awesome on so many different levels

[@MortenHaulik]

But but Kirkegaard.

[@KingZu555]

Better to believe in God than science, science is always changing but God is constant

[@DirtyStinky]

cairosveryown I hope that's not your actual philosophy. Science is changing, it's correcting wrong ideas or gaining more knowledge, I don't think the bible or any other religious text can explain the natural processes of this world.

[@gabrielrangel956]

How is that an advantage?

[@TrickWithAKnife]

That's right. And as you are a true believer that God is constant, I'll presume that you never shave or cut your hair, and kill every person you encounter with different religious beliefs. The bible is the word of the unchanging god, so the rules within cannot be changed either.

[@LarlemMagic]

Imagine we were talking about anything else, take transportation, would you rather have the modern version of it or the 20 BC version? You do that thought with the morals or the plumbing of that time and you will quickly come to see that unchanging really isn't good.

[@DoomVik]

cairosveryown Why do religious people despise change so much?

[@jalioswilinghart]

If the non believer would be equally respected, then this would not be an issue. But when many believers think those who do not, deserves the worst punishment imaginable, just for wanting proof, proof they did not get mind you, then, it becomes an issue. If we should take both sides seriously, then we should also try to respect each other equally. I will lay down my sword, if you stop wishing for my eternal torture.

[@jalioswilinghart]

tsuich00i Depends on what people are demanding others to believe.

[@jalioswilinghart]

tsuich00i ... Why would it matter what people ask us to believe?... Seriously?

[@jalioswilinghart]

tsuich00i If you ask someone to believe that the paint on the wall is wet, then someone can touch it, and see that, yes indeed, the paint is wet. But, to ask that a magical man created everyone and everything a few thousand years ago, that people can rise from the dead, that souls exist, and that a book that says the earth is at the center of the universe, rapists should be 'punished' by marrying their victim, that unruly children should be stoned to death, and that women who touch their husbands while on their periods, should be killed... that book... is somehow perfectly moral, and not insane. That is quite another thing. Extraordinary claims, requires extraordinary evidence.

[@jalioswilinghart]

tsuich00i So you think people like me, live a meaningless life?... And you wonder why I get offended?

[@jalioswilinghart]

tsuich00i If you claim that anything other than material things, exist, then you should not expect everyone to simply agree with you when you say that. Or would you call the court of law to be a silly thing, since it rely's on evidence, and actual proof of the claims stated there... Or would you have us revert back to just 'feeling' the answers? The dark ages are over. And humanity has never been better. And yes, I do have a chip on my shoulder. Why? Because of the millions killed in the cursaides done in the name of unproven sky gods. The millions who suffer, because the Vatican thinks that preventing people from getting aids in Africa, is somehow not a problem. The millions of people who are being hated, and discriminated against for their genetically decided sexual orientation. And when someone defends the same flag as those people are under, I sadly get rather aggravated. Why? Because I want humanity to be better. I want a good life, and I want others to have the same. Why? Because I have empathy. "Those who can make you believe in absurdities, can make you commit atrocities." Remember, flying plains into a building, was a faith biased initiative. So is ISIS, the abortion clinic bombers, the Norvegan mass murderer a few years ago. So I apologize if 'taking things on faith' is not something that counts as much of an excuse for me.

[@menthy]

Well, I am a god (from ancient Roman times) and I still believe in me. Lots of ppl believe lots of things, but those beliefs aren't really put into use. For example, someone may believe that they should eat more healthy, but they don't. I see this a lot with religion. They say they believe, but they don't practice the doctrines (such as love + forgiveness). So my question is, what's the point of even believing in the first place? I'm not asking if God is useful. I'm asking if believing in something, but not doing anything about it has any value. On the other hand, I can not believe in a God, but I can practice love and forgiveness. Who then is the true believer? The one who believes but does not act? Or the one who acts correctly, but does not have any belief in a god? Maybe it's not what you believe, but what you do.

[@Pattycake1165]

Actually there is an even more important question to ask. Is there any reason to give a shit?

[@Pattycake1165]

tsuich00i How is the rational alternative suicide?

[@Pattycake1165]

tsuich00i Of course there is still reason to stick around if nothing matters. The sensation of life is worth sticking around. If you only get one life, one insignificant life that will mean nothing in the long run you should hold fast to it and enjoy as much of it as you can. Go out and experience all there is to experience.

[@Pattycake1165]

tsuich00i Why does anything have to have intrinsic value? Why do they have to amount to anything? Nothing is valuable in any sense. Everything amounts to nothing. Your entire life is a sequence of events which all cause you some form of emotional response. All you have are perceptions of pleasure and displeasure. Hang onto them while you can because in all of this deep philosophical "edgyness" the only thing that keeps you from snuffing it is the emotions that you perceive. Real or fake they are what you perceive and you cannot deny that you do. Hang onto what makes you happy. Hang onto what makes you sad.

[@Pattycake1165]

tsuich00i I think we're stepping into waters too deep for either of us here. If you're going to ask "Why is feeling happy good?" you need to properly define "good"

[@Pattycake1165]

tsuich00i Happiness is inherently good in the same way that unhappiness is inherently bad,in the same way that pain hurts. An individual wants to be happy not for any logical reason, but simply for chemical reasons. This is proven by the unending strive toward happiness found in every living human being.

[@onesky5570]

I'm a believer but from a "neutral" point of view belief in god has its benefits e.g. helps people grieving and dealing with depression/suicidal feels etc, belief gives people immeasurable hope, I have seen it first hand many times among my family/friends.

[@Mineralvand1]

Pfft, you have to exist, to be useful.

[@LarlemMagic]

Actually, there are plenty of things which don't exist except through pure belief. Fiat money is one of them, I'm on your side just pointing out it wasn't a sound statement. I got your back bro.

[@ACloudWithoutAir]

welp, I guess numbers aren't very useful then. SICK BURRRRRRRRRRRN

[@kakashi76767]

***** Han Solo doesn't exist, but he is useful. Jar Jar on the other hand...

[@Masterof7s]

***** Fiat money exists through nothing but the collective belief of the people who use it as trade currency and agree that it has value. The American dollar is a prime example of this, Bit Coin is another. Hell, the fact that it's even possible to be a billionaire because of what amounts to imaginary numbers in a computer is an even greater example. If you're going to get snarky and try to tip your trillby, you should come up with better examples.

[@ActuatedGear]

***** As a trillby owner, No TRUE Trillby wearer would ever make that kind of mistake. Its nice that you know the diffference though.

[@hashamkhan4220]

William James concept of Pragmatism can help us in deciding whethere such things are useful or not.

[@UnordEntertainment]

The answer is (in the case of the average religion) we are much morally better off not believing in god and instead using rationality. Sources: all of human history.

[@anonymousR7]

Yes. It has always been completely rational to make room and destroy those whom we conquered, if those conquered lack the ability to conform or advance along with us. Rationality alone would say that it is ok to destroy or enslave an entire race, if in our eyes are not useful. This is can be portrayed as fact, or "reason," which is all that is needed to be reasonable. So, sure. Rationality in it's purest sense is better off than having some type of faith or moral belief system. Sources: All of human history

[@UnordEntertainment]

David Ibarra Your argument is fundamentally flawed as you assume that reason dictates a way to evaluate which out of two choices is better. It does not. It merely gives a way to evaluate which out of two choices is better *given a certain way of determining which is better*. My point is that religion generally gives very disgusting morals while rationality can give us much better morals with very few base assumptions e.g. "suffering is bad".

[@anonymousR7]

You just repeated what I said, and merely added "given a certain way of determining which is better," which would correspond to established societal norms, which change and are corrupt. Even more than religion. And in the same way I can say that rationality states that "suffering is not bad," as long as it's not me who's suffering

[@UnordEntertainment]

David Ibarra "suffering is not bad, as long as it's not me whose suffering" again, that depends on your base assumptions. If self interest is your only base assumption then you will not be a moral person. If collective interest is your only base assumption, it's much different, so again, it ties in with what I already said. It is not hard to just assume collective interest as most people have empathy and a capacity to be able to understand how things must be like from another person's perspective.

[@anonymousR7]

You're also assuming that your morals are universal, and that they don't vary from culture to culture. I would agree that most people are capable of empathy, but don't really do anything with it. You're also assuming that people will willingly understand other people's perspectives. Why do you think we still discriminate, become intolerant, hate, spread rumors, lie. The reason racism still exists. My point is to show you that in a world where one thing is relative, everything else is also subject to relativity, be it through actual scientific thought, religious belief, or in the case of everyone in the comment section, just plain stubbornness and a desire to mess with people

[@Mohawkmania96]

fell in love with this channel

[@BenCadetThePastafarian]

God doesn't have to be good to exist.

[@jamz3243]

+Ben Cadet Well the video makes a point. Logically why would the thing that created the universe advocated for the extinguishing of life it created? One could use the "God has a master plan" argument, however if you accept that God is responsible for the creation of life, universe, etc... Then why indeed would this all knowing/loving/powerful entity wish for something to end living? could God not slay his own creation its self? are there some rules that prevent God from doing any dirty work? why did he even allow for this thing to live in the first place? (only to end it shortly after) But you also make a point. The thing that created us might not have any good intentions at all but then.. the existence of God would be one of utter suffering. A God that births us to only see us suffer slowly. (would good things even happen if such an evil being existed?) I mean I could be full of shit. Personally I believe there is a God but I see him as a very loving father. As such I use logic to understand that the bible passages that say "God asked so and so to kill so and so" very well could have been falsely put into the bible because man, unlike God, is flawed and may not have such a loving agenda.

[@photoshopschool9205]

True

[@BenCadetThePastafarian]

Jose Mendoza Have you ever like built a lego tower just to knock it down? What if that is god and we are the tower. Only here to please him

[@cavemanzach9475]

Google "The problem of evil."

[@MissLionRose]

It is completely natural to ask questions and good teachers encourage them. There's always something new to learn. Just keep asking and searching :) "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 2:14

[@CrispySenpai]

Real philosophers claim that although the nature of god is impossible to reason through, his existence is provable. People like Thomas Aquinas and Rene Descartes. You know, REAL philosophers. CAN WE PLEASE LOOK THROUGH THEIR IDEA ON 8-bit philosophy?

[@satanic_rosa]

What makes a philosopher a real philosopher? Is John Stuart Mill a real philosopher? And if not, why?

[@GestasLeftcross]

Aquinas believes that the deity is reasonable, not necessarily "provable." Aquinas' epistemology included a great deal of non-"scientific" knowledge. Descartes' categorical imperative (which is what I assume you refer to, though I'm hardly a specialist in his line of thinking) isn't really "scientific". And that's something else the video could have teased out - the difference between "science" and "logic". Who knows, maybe they are planning an episode on epistemology.

[@DarkArtistKaiser]

Crispy Toast Not even sure what your saying, but honestly, there is no such thing as a "real" philosopher. The thing about a philosopher, is that they tend to be deep thinking individuals. The thing is, they are a great many with varying and almost contradictory views that we agree or disagree with(much in the way of religion or what we think would be a better government/economic system).

[@s.r.2985]

GestasLeftcross CI is Kant, not descartes. Descartes was all about using reason to prove reason... CI is something that has some genuine rigor to it.

[@GestasLeftcross]

Linear Philosopher Correct, I get that confused all the time. Derp. I agree that CI is rigorous, though I would hardly call it "scientific".

[@PMetheney84]

"When you are studying any matter or considering any philosophy ask yourself only what is the truth and what is the truth that the facts bring out." - Bertrand Russell

[@khills242]

If you see this comment first, stop scrolling down. I have been there, and....did not like it

[@NoahKaneisme]

It is funny because Christians do exactly the same thing with science and facts. Stop reading facts they dislike.

[@anonymousR7]

You don't know what irony is, do you?

[@NoahKaneisme]

David Ibarra I don't know it's whether it's sarcasm or irony, I'll fix it though. thanks

[@anonymousR7]

That's better. I for one enjoy reading the comments. It's like tabloids that people take super seriously :)

[@khills242]

Noah Kane I'm just saying people are so stubborn about their beliefs that they bicker endlessly in the comments. Pain in the ass reading them

[@8bitkron1k38]

My top three favorite vids in order: Is God Useful? Does Science = Truth? What Is Real?

[@Wkumar07]

I would add the video on rationality.

[@GODOFAWSOMENESS1]

If there is a god there is no free will since he saw what happens in the future and made everything at certain points to make a particular future happen. Being all everything negates the power of others and free will is the power to choose.

[@adamsagehorn3520]

Trick question. All beliefs require some sort of leap of faith. While thinking something is true is different. If I believe in global warming I am taking it on faith that the science is right. If I think global warming is real I am rationaly deducing from what I know to be true and false according to the data. I have no problem with people thinking things are true even if they are not because thought requires ideas to be examined and re examined thus perfecting them while belief requires little but faith and lends itself to a world where ideas do not evolve and mankind becomes stagnant.

[@explosiveegg3920]

@Afro Samurai If the odds seem high due to scientific understanding then you are basing it on reason. Though you must believe it is the 'more likely' situation and that it is not guaranteed. Aka, you can't say it with 100% certainty.

[@JasonPruitt]

I'd say very useful, the topic is like a painting, for an awful lot of people, they might like the nice colors and subject matter, or not, and they find another, either way, it fills in the space on an otherwise blank wall just fine for them, which is all they want. For the rest, it gives them something to endlessly debate about, which is exactly what they want. As for good and evil, everything has the potential to be used and abused.

[@neosoontoretro]

This got me thinking, if TMNT were religious then what religion would they be? They were taught zen philosophy by Splinter but there also named after Renaissance artists who are known to be responsible for the some of the most famous religious artwork in Western culture (such as the Last Supper and the creation of Adam). I theorize that if they were religious they would be Zen Catholics (which is sort of hybrid of Catholicism and Zen Buddhism).

[@UncleSam2112]

Love your channel! This segment got me into philosophy. Can you do a video about "The veil of ignorance" by Rawls ?

[@jaethomasmusic]

The question at the end is interesting - of course I believe things that are unfounded (as do all humans) , but I place a priority on the things that have evidence supporting them.

"The believer and the unbeliever can come up with *equally compelling* arguments"!!!!

[@Drosera420]

I prefer to believe as many true things as possible. That is whats of use to me most. Not if it makes me feel good. How can I act correctly on things which aren't true?

[@YisYtruth]

Religion isn't actually about belief, but rather about what you experience and feel. The only part that is belief comes into effect is when you believe that those feelings and experiences point towards a better way of living for everyone. Thus, good is manifest. Saying that "God is good" is thus just explaining your belief that there is a good that's universal. ...maybe.

[@cephalopad]

The first bit really reminded me of Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling." However, unlike James, for Kierkegaard religious belief is at its most authentic when it contradicts rational ethics, but only if the believer realizes this and embraces it regardless. The "knight of faith" will understandably be acknowledged by his peers as misguided or delusional, and the "knight of faith" understands this but carries on regardless. The key is that this individual KNOWS that there is no way that religious belief can hold up to rational scrutiny. Personally, as an agnostic, I can get behind Kierkegaard's interpretation more than James's, mostly because I think that any follower of religion has to acknowledge that their beliefs are inherently irrational. Thus, they may be unethical when viewed by the populace at large. Ethical people have every right to denounce their actions, and justifiably so. A person truly embracing faith cannot argue against them on rational grounds, but still believes to be justified because faith transcends rationality. The question of whether rationally conceived ethics trumps spiritual conviction or vice versa is a matter that can be debated without end.

[@flipletape9706]

ARG I need to work, but you guys are so, sooo, interesting.

[@thebatmanover9000]

I went up against this one 2 years ago. I am glad I looked this one up but I did not know you guys would post it.

[@Pensive_Scarlet]

Uwah! What was that snare sample at the title screen? It totally sounded like the old Konami/Ultra NES sample BEFORE it was down-sampled for the 2A03! I'll probably end up having to contact the composer, but if anyone else can figure it out for me, please tell. I might just be hearing it wrong, of course... XD I'm a huge collector of sounds, and helping me gain access to even one pre-down-sample NES sample would net at least ten samples from my own library as a reward. I'm even working on ways to give regular samples the 2A03 down-sample effect, and I've invented some surprisingly amazing sounds when applying the effect to directly ripped SNES samples. I can also manage to create pseudo-up-samples every now and then by applying a bunch of FX trickery, but access to the actual original samples would make things sooo much more efficient. :D

[@GJxPaladin]

I understand that the question at the end was supposed to encompass more than religion, but nearly everybody believes in something 'without scientific rigor'. For example, I can quite simply argue that our feelings lack 'scientific rigor'. I know I have them, I believe that they matter and that they can influence one's actions, but we all can ignore them as well and act 'rationally'. They are immaterial, we don't know how they come to be or how they interact with other things, so I cannot collect empirical evidence either, because the meaning of brainwaves and brain activity is again based on nothing but repeated observation, plus many feelings generate similar physical reactions or activity in similar regions of the brain, so I cannot make an absolutely true statement about somebody else's feelings just from their behavior, heart rate, MRI scan etc. Also, Positivism, the philosophy that basically states 'only empirically verifiable statements are to be considered true', has been practically dead since the 1930s, inter alia because the statement doesn't hold up to its own rules. So yes, I believe in things without scientific rigor, like hope, love and every other feeling one is capable of perceiving. But that doesn't mean that I believe in God.

[@michaelchaney2336]

You could believe in both. Rationality and God are both believable. Rationality multiplies a thing by the parts of a thing like a ratio. God is more like the upper limit of sentience. A consciousness singularity instead of a technological singularity.

[@ClydeLeeM]

I like the do not decide approach and stick with the blank state of openness

[@rosa-chan9303]

As far as science goes, it is the first thing I go to when I have questions that need answers. Though I will admit, I'm still confused on how the big bang began. I keep asking myself, what caused the big bang that started the universe? But I still don't know the answer. The closest thing I could think of was a hypothesis relating to the concept of a world tree that exists outside of our universe and possibly other multiverses, but the world tree is more so rooted in mythology rather than science.

[@solarcite8955]

I think the real question comes down to if something is deemed true at this point in time yet it is not beneficial to act within our understanding of true-ness does it outrank something being beneficial?

[@d3s3rtray]

I don't know why but "You can't poke God with a stick." was really funny.

[@Visc0us1488]

I haven't decided if i believe or do not yet. In a metaphoric sense it is always a tug of war between the heart and mind.

[@jawzdeadeye]

Super sly send off to Donnie. Amazing job again guys. :)

[@SakraIgor0qNomoko]

Religion is useful in that it can provide a premade moral structure for people who simply don't have the time or the ability to create their own. The usefulness of religion can be seen in its universal adaption across all cultures: populus ergo Deus.

[@Elagabalus711]

Based on Kant's distinction of the pnueminal and phenomenal, we might conclude that we can't ever know if there is a God. So, to me, the question comes down to utility. Is belief in a God better than non belief? What are you're thoughts?

[@Bagman451]

You kind of have to believe things without scientific rigor at some point, or another, to get things done. I don't just mean in an entrepreneurial manner, testing one thing over another for scientific advancement, or choosing a topic to explore without knowledge of it (heck, or even trial/error in solving complex mathematical issues); things instinctive, but yet to be explained: those matter too. Loyalty, Love, and So on. There are plenty of propositions that aren't God-related that require belief simply because we can't fact-check everyone in the universe - or even in our neighborhood - nor can we fact-check the future for the eventual possibility of its existence. Things like this are vastly complicated. Trust is a large topic: are people generally trustworthy? You may start off thinking "Yes". Loyalty, Trust, and Honesty have some real benefits if everything both acts on them and thinks them of true. But, if you've been betrayed more than a few times, some people give it up. The belief is too painful to uphold. It asks for more hope, despite continual mini-cases of the proposition being false relative to yourself. And with more hope comes more despair with repeated cases of betrayal (especially if there haven't been any mini-cases of trust). Get's even more difficult if you factor that people can shape the consequences themselves. Take Borderline Personality Disorder: a key-trait is issues with intimate relationships where they can not only betray in hyper-vigilance, but push people to a point of leaving them to affirm, in excess, that people are either REALLY loyal or REALLY disloyal. So, even without scientific rigor it seems that, in our own lives, we must choose beliefs that are not only convenient, but manage ourselves with them: and even manage the intensity of belief.

[@LucasLima-vq6ig]

I can't choose between believing or not believing in god because after so much thinking and reflecting i know he doesn't exist,at least the ones that we as humans create doesn't exist

[@joshuatheawesome9440]

Sigmund Freud If you think you know he's not real, how do you not know if you believe?

[@LucasLima-vq6ig]

Because it isn't a matter of choice like I said,it's a fact(for me) It's like telling me to choose between believing that the earth is plane or believing that the earth is round,of course the earth is round,it's not a choice,it's a fact again.

[@JohnFWitt]

I think it's perfectly fine to believe in things that lack scientific rigor (up to a point.) Modern thinking often mistakenly synonimizes "rational" with "empirically observable", "true" with "proven", and "logical" with "scientific". All of these words have unique meanings, with the exception of "rational" and "logical" which mean more or less the same thing. The fact that the earth revolves around the sun was true before it was proven. You can also prove things without being able to observe them empirically. Math is a good example of that. The existence of inductive reasoning alone shows that a concept can be unscientific while still being logical. I also think that an over-reliance on scientific rigor can often cause one to "miss the point." "I had a dream about you last night." "Oh yeah? Prove it." All this being said, I'm not anti-science by any stretch; I study biology. It just seems to me that a lot of people today almost treat science as their new religion. They don't seem to know its limits and see it as the only means of arriving at truth.

[@bobwall8021]

It is useful for the ones who can't decide for themselves what is wrong and what is right. Or can't find meaning in their lives.

[@Brunotche]

The problem it's not beliving or not. The problem is at you belief starts to mold your etic accordenly to your prejudgement, when it demand society to behave as some model of purity.

[@keeseman]

I like seeing this kind of philosophy. Many New Atheists seem to believe that belief in God is utter foolishness, but there are theists who do think over and analyse their beliefs very seriously, like stated at 2:06.

[@nightsage217]

I never able find a way to put myself in that thinking before. It's quite interesting. Felt like gambling, felt like 'miracle'. A result in which you desire but never possibly having any of effort into.

[@TheF1nalResistance]

DO ALAN WATTS PLEASE AND/OR JOSEPH CAMPBELL'S THE HERO'S JOURNEY

[@shababsbotten69]

All those comments down here are beautifully expressed in a very eloquent and nice manner, thank you all :)

[@timetuner]

I believe in things without scientific rigor so far as my decisions are approximately the same as if I did not.

[@Gabstei]

Faith in god brings hope, nothing else can bring as much durable joy and hope in this world. Anyone who has faith in god can hope for a better world. So much more to say, but if you really understand it, you'll realise that everyone needs to have faith in god, an almighty and righteous being.

[@TheBr8kdownjunkie]

What we know to be true today can change in an instant, the only truth we have is what we know right NOW. and for each of us, our different life experiences will lead us to different truths. Its very hard to to tell anyone, what they think they experienced is not real.

[@francispena2818]

So I watched every single 8 bit philosophy so far, I feel so much smarter now

[@napoleon_bonaparte2462]

It seems to me like it has advantages in terms of willpower, and in taking matters seriously.

[@popc5245]

As Celine say in Before Sunset: "If you don't believe in any kind of magic or mystery, you're basically as good as dead."

[@jackwitty255]

I simply believe in a creationary will that brought about the universe as we know it, and ultimately gave us life, and eventually, the thinking skills to question the nature of our existence, and ruminate over death and other things we can't know until our time comes.