Letting go of God | Julia Sweeney

www.ted.com Julia Sweeney (God Said, "Ha!") performs the first 15 minutes of her 2006 solo show Letting Go of God. When two young Mormon missionaries knock on her door one day, it touches off a quest to completely rethink her own beliefs.
TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers are invited to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes -- including speakers such as Jill Bolte Taylor, Sir Ken Robinson, Hans Rosling, Al Gore and Arthur Benjamin. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, politics and the arts. Watch the Top 10 TEDTalks on TED.com, at
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[@kenmcclellan]

I loved my wife's answer to the Mormons doing "mission" in Spain. They had come to the door with their alternate version of ancient allegories and fairy tales (everybody has one) on a Sunday morning when we hadn't made it to Mass (somehow more necessary to us because, in order to get married, I had to swear to the Bishop of Madrid that I would raise my kids Catholic even though I was a Baptist). So her answer was Catholic (but no way in its "Universal" connotation): "If I don't have time for my Church, which is the one True Church, how am I ever going to find time for yours?" She had said it without missing a beat … and without a touch of malice. God love her. She got off this earthly treadmill a year ago. But I miss her sense of humor.

[@krispybacon9285]

she seems like a funny person or one with a dry wit. regardless of belief. humor is seriously lacking these days. i miss her wit and i dont even know her

[@joanodom2104]

Ken, how could you NOT miss someone with such a keen mind and quick wit? My sincerest condolences to you.

[@markbrisec3972]

Did she loose her sense of humor together with her belief?

[@kenmcclellan]

@@markbrisec3972 Neither ever.

[@bajone02]

Shame she and you didn"t find time for the truly One True church of God. Hope she snapped back during her final judgement.

[@saikiranhero]

She's speaking so well. Her expressions are awesome. Loved her.

[@adelchidipalma46]

she doesn't know what she is saying

[@siim605]

@@adelchidipalma46 Explain.

[@adelchidipalma46]

@@siim605 God is not what those who claim to be of the Christian or other faiths believe. Its a combination of laws which have evolved that have been proven to protect life, freedom and property. Its the supreme Law. God is a guide on how man/woman should behave. Historically it has been proven that when the people live accoring to God's Laws they prosper.

[@adelchidipalma46]

Queen Elizabeth II swore verbally and signed the Coronation Oath, she promised to govern according to the Gospel. In fact, the existing criminal and civil law has evolved from God's Laws. But man has gradually deviated from God's Laws and we have a mess in our hands. The men/women elected to govern Canada have sworn to uphold God's Laws but they have ignored God's Laws. If the people do not like to use the word God then use the International Constitution. God’s Laws are immutable. Meaning they have stood the test of time to work for harmony, justice and peace. Obviously, man has not applied God’s Laws and we have paid a high price. The problem that theology has been corrupted and this is the reason that God’s Laws have been ignored. If you study the colonies of the new world on how the people lived according to God’s Laws and they prospered. When they were compelled by the bankers to pay interests on the loans America began a gradual decline to social degradation. During the colonial times there was no police no courts no judges. If anyone stole something the people would bring the accused to the pastor of the church. The pastor would ask what did he/she do? If robbery the pastor would order restitution as per God’s Laws. If the killing another man/woman was involved, then those who committed this crime would be killed as per God’s Laws. I personally do not agree to this, but there is also forgiveness by the victims’ family. Actually, this is in the American Constitution. The American and Canadian Constitution are based on the Magna Carta of 1215, which is based on God’s Laws. For the greater part after the renaissance interest charges were not allowed it was considered a serious sin and a crime. In fact, even under secular laws interest charges are prohibited. Both Nations Constitution have been ignored and we have had nothing but wars, social degradation, and the rest is well exposed.

[@siim605]

@@adelchidipalma46 Did you say "God is a combination of laws"? If so, that's a bizarre definition; can't say I've seen that before. Could you clarify? Do you believe in the Bible?

[@DBCisco]

I have been waiting for Theists to reach their "age of reason" for over 50 years.

[@bubbalong7646]

God will help you. Believe.

[@DBCisco]

@@bubbalong7646 I already believe. Now go away.

[@bubbalong7646]

@@DBCiscoYour name being Cisco, I thought you did! Bless you, fellow believer, in our journey through God's beautiful world filled with challenges, joys, sorrows, yada yada yada!

[@DarthAzlan]

@@bubbalong7646 shut up

[@bubbalong7646]

@@DarthAzlan I, sir, am a gentleman: you go first! Please!

[@cuddlycactus6378]

YES!! Love this amazing woman!! I am so happy she did this!! Julia is such a gifted story teller...he passion and intellect, honesty and humor are a bright shining beacon of Atheist & Agnostic Hope for all of us who reject mainstream religion, esp the problems with Christianity. (Plus the way she tells the story of the Mormons who came to her home and the ludicrous fictitious non-sensical stories of Smith...a clear and total fraud to anyone with just a few brain cells!) THANKS SO MUCH JULIA-from one of your many fellow female fans, love the way you stick up for us women!!

[@marthabrown7307]

Cuddly Cactus - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6ivp5ypoLyjr7s

[@trafficjon400]

oh my god IT'S PAT she was a lovly actris and Comedian. Ya know i can fix that blinking lite on your VCR for any Moron Could do it. Guy carying a window Fan . Pat remarks IS THAT A BIG FAN OF YOURS😂🤣🤣

[@aaronbono4688]

What we "think" and what we "feel" are very different. This talk says it in an amazing way!

[@roypryer5567]

I can't get this book anywhere... Any ideas?

[@jilliansmith7123]

But she said, "What we believe and what we feel," not "think." Don't we always tend to feel what we believe?

[@dorisofwyoming2640]

I saw her do this live in Seattle many years ago, with Ira Glass doing the intro. Besides being pee-in-your-pants funny, I related at such a deep level at the journey she described. Afterward, she and Ira had a Q&A. I was surprised that when they asked the audience hearing her monologue changed anyone's mind about the existence of god - and few hands were raised. It seemed, at least to me, that many people in the audience were actually still holding on to the concept of the existence of some supernatural force in the world. I was just surprised.

[@srvfan454]

I grew up in a religious background, in a religious state and for some reason from a very young age I realized it was B.S. I am glad I had the ability to reason.

[@dinosaur0073]

Freedom speech depending on hierarchy of human rights.

[@User0000000000000004]

Education.

[@donovanscabbia6770]

You are all the better for it. Kudos to you.

[@MilkyWayGalaxyy]

Same here. I knew it was BS from the start even as a little boy.

[@janethansen3617]

Julia is wonderful. Please bring more .......

[@outerlimitsurvey]

I am so glad Julia Sweeney created this video. I get so much religious crap from people. This girl I went to school with used to send me links to every crazy religious wingnut under the sun. Occasionally I would watch or read them then answer the email with my thoughtful comments. I sent my old classmate a link to this video asking her to watch and comment on it. Her answer was that she was afraid that the video would take her to a dark place so she couldn't watch it. After that I told her to keep her stupid links to herself.

[@giroudeq6172]

Exactly what happened with me 😪

[@Callzter]

God bless her. Just kidding, always been atheist XD

[@random55912]

That's a good example of how religion controls behavior through fear. In this case the fear of having to realize you build your life on quicksand. I used to be in a group that associates being friends with outsiders or questioning anything a bad thing that leads "to a dark place". Hence most people stayed within the group. Luckily me and a couple friends were strong enough to escape at great cost

[@nurkovicbeytoh2529]

Hallo

[@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113]

.

[@reversepolarity8981]

SO TRUE. I was raised in a Catholic family and was told the same thing about god keeping records. Having had the idea constantly reinforced that I was bad, always breaking rules, misbehaving, etc., I literally used to believe that there was some cosmic notepad where god kept striking off all the "bad" things I'd done. Imagine the psychological effect this can have on a child. As an adult, I was diagnosed with Aspergers, and that is when I started on the road to atheism. All my supposed issues stemmed from the differences in the structure and wiring of my brain. Not the devil. I wasn't evil, satanic, possessed. It was actually easier to let go of god than it was to all the psychological baggage that came along with Christianity.

[@optimus1212]

So what's your God now? Science, technology, evolution, the big bang fallacy? You're brain dead to believe any of those lies. If you think your new gods are any better than the God of the Bible you're just burying your head in the sand, hahahaha!

[@transatlanticnostalgia4655]

Perhaps my story won't matter to you. But I still feel the need to share. My purpose isn't to brainwash, but to tell the truth. I apologize for the long comment right away. I was an agnostic. Not only that, but a very selfish and stubborn human being. I was convinced everyone owed me something. I relied only on the human intellect and technological advances. I didn't like going to church, and absolutely despised religion. I was certain it manipulates people (Which, in some cases, is, unfortunately, true). I struggled with fears and anger. And so, one day, when I asked myself why I sometimes feel so horrible in life, something incredible happened: I heard His voice in my heart. NOT IN THE EARS, and NOT even in my head, but in my heart. It was incredibly strange, as, you'd think, how can one HEAR with their heart? But, believe me, it really was the case. Had someone told me this before, I'd think it was a case of self-convincing or a mental disorder. At first I got scared, and even angry, but He revealed His plan for me, and helped me get on the right path. I am not claiming to be a perfect person now, but I try to be better every day. I now know I'm not master of the world, and that every single thing we do in this life is done only for the purpose of glorifying the Lord. And the thing is, I never did read the Bible, and yet, after that occurence He revealed things to me that are said there (Like, for example, that we must love God more than our own parents, and that we help others ONLY for the purpose of glorifying His name). But most importantly, when He was revealing all of this to me, I felt INCREDIBLE LOVE AND HAPPINESS. No human could ever love so much, not even a mother her child. It was a feeling that nothing matters besides God. It simply cannot be confused with anything else.Why am I writing all of this? It's because I sincerely wish for you, anyone reading this, to find Him. You don't need to go to church or anywhere else. Simply, before going to sleep, just think very well about your opinion towards spirituality. And talk to Him, even if you don't believe. Talk to Him like you would talk to a friend, even if you think all of this is just a sick person's fantasy. And ask Him to reveal Himself to you. And if you TRULY want it, it will happen. Maybe not immediately, not at that very moment, but it will. Before, I wouldn't have believed it myself. I wouldn't even read this comment. But now, I don't just believe, I KNOW, that everything I used to mock believers about, IS TRUTH, after all. As absurd as it may sound. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. The Bible has NOT been changed. I used to think so, too, but no. Every single word in that book is TRUTH GUARDED BY GOD. I apologize for such a long comment, and wish you all the best.

[@MrSidney52]

This is the first time I've ever heard of her, she's hilarious & a great story teller.

[@User0000000000000004]

First time!? Are you younger than 25?

[@johnnycastellanetta7183]

This is only half of the show. The whole thing is quite enetertaining and worth a listen.

[@deardog4957]

It's interesting to see how different families can be. I grew up in a family which, on the surface, would appear very similar to Julia's - Irish Catholic and probably about the same social class and same ages - but the way Julia describes her parents' actions in dealing with religious issues is totally foreign to me. I used to think my parents were TOO Catholic and TOO strict and TOO rigid, but now I realize I was actually pretty damn lucky. Anyway, I believe in God but adore Julia Sweeney.

[@BojanBojovic]

She is brilliant. First time hearing about Julia. Who knows what else I miss on this planet, so depressing... :)

[@heidigone]

What have you seen on other planets? 😊

[@BojanBojovic]

@@heidigone I have seen so little on this one, imagine how big our ignorance is on a cosmic scale.

[@heidigone]

You replied so fast! Thank-you. Yes, there is sooo much that we don't know. @@BojanBojovic

[@MrExEssex]

11:36 The hearty laughter from the audience at this point is quite reassuring. If only all religious claptrap were treated the same way - and by everybody. What a much better world it would be.

[@Illzy]

If you think religion is the source of evil in this world youre lost

[@hindsightpov4218]

My parents still believe being near any images of dragons puts you in danger of Satan corrupting you. 😪

[@bubbalong7646]

They are correct, my child. Wear the cross, pray to keep your soul godly.

[@TwoPyramid]

It does. 🐉

[@gomezmaidelyn4658]

lol

[@dynjarren7523]

Is that why Game of Thrones is so popular?

[@greglaprade7507]

@@dynjarren7523 Popular amongst the ungodly like everyting on premium cable pretty much, almost all of TV for that matter

[@ptuffgong8504]

As a former Mormon, yes. Their beliefs really are that insane. Sorry dad. Still love you though.

[@storminmormn6283]

Ptuffgong lmao I was raised Mormon too, now I’m an atheist. Funny how I saw this post a month after you wrote it

[@bubbalong7646]

@Muhammad Raped A Child We shall pray for you.

[@bubbalong7646]

@@storminmormn6283 We shall pray for you. Come back to the Lord!

[@identityvskywalker8379]

a good story told by a good story-teller

[@GrantTarredus]

Thanks,Julia! I’ve always liked you, and now I just ADORE you!

[@stevenrod7]

AMP For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God.

[@jimcolegrove5442]

1 Cor.10:14- "My beloved ones, flee from idolatry." (An idol is an image or symbol that is an object of intense devotion, veneration or worship.)

[@wittwittwer1043]

Steven: Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool. - Voltaire. When one guy sees an invisible man, he's a nut case; ten people see him, it's a cult; ten million people see him, it's a respected religion. -Richard Jeni, comedian and actor (1957-2007). Gods are fragile things; they may be killed by a whiff of science or a dose of common sense. -Chapman Cohen, author and lecturer (1868-1954)

[@gretalynncarpenter8967]

Steven Rodriquez Amen.

[@UserName-sj8fg]

Now that's good stand up comedy.

[@EVZYL]

I have watched the full 2 hour long monologue several times. It remains fresh and relevant.

[@T3x45.m4d3]

Link

[@psychologicalwarfare9935]

"I wasn't so sure if I BELIEVED, what I so clearly felt". I wanted to hear how she reconciled the conundrum.

[@bartgrossman9361]

I think it's a conundrum we never resolve.

[@thandonkolongwane9809]

Watch “Letting go of God” by Julia Sweeney. It’s an extend version of this ted talk where she goes in great detail. It’s about 2 hrs long and very funny, indeed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWiXXplqj7tgqdU

[@seamus9305]

This should be called "Letting go of your own Fundamentalist Version of God".

[@mtobrien1]

Seamus, no... Letting go of God is perfect.

[@jerichosharman470]

Hmmm not letting go of her own fundamentalist view of god, but letting go of ancient people’s ignorant ideas of life

[@captaincinema5066]

She is brilliant. Saw her do this one woman show on stage in NYC and was enthralled. Humor and logic woven together moving to the ultimate conclusion that there is no old man in the sky. Thing is, she is able to reach that conclusion gently, lovingly, and without the aggressiveness of a Hitchens or the biting sarcasm of Bill Mahar. Unfortunately this TED Talk is much too short and only gives a smattering of the full work. The full show was released on CD with this same title and well worth finding it or see if it exists on other platforms.

[@saquesas]

Brilliant?

[@patrysjamuradyan303]

Mormons should visit me every time when I'm sad if they have more funny stories like this xD

[@michelleart3780]

Mormons are better than Hindus and any pagans.

[@tadstrange1465]

There's even a Broadway musical!

[@adamplentl5588]

@@michelleart3780 i think your statement disproves that outright.

[@trudyafrakoma7963]

That's so hilarious

[@mijorchard6206]

Be careful what you wish for...

[@johnsmith655]

She is a tremendous storyteller!

[@HobbyOrganist]

"TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design," Thats the FIRST time Ive seen the explanation of what TED meant and I've watched a lot of the videos and seen the main web site and none explained that.

[@gammondog]

I think the “E” stands for education. Or at least it should.😼

[@MIDiver67]

I noticed that the words God, religion or Christianity do not appear in the description.

[@africaart]

You comment was the 1st explanation for me.

[@wakeupbarb]

"Is that really what it stands for? I never knew …"

[@IamDoogy]

I was just wondering what TED meant. Thanks

[@herself50]

I’m a recovering catholic. Love her video.

[@ajrwilde14]

I'm a recovering Catholic too, but I still believe in my creator.

[@mzimmerman12]

@@ajrwilde14 It takes more than belief though. Even the demons believe.

[@kathrynoneill5862]

Recovering from what,? I love being Catholic but that's just me.

[@herself50]

Always love the Creator. the Ultimate Source. Catholicism and other organized religions are a scam. Raised catholic till I discovered the Truth. Recovering from the dogma, the manipulation, the lies, the hypocrisy.

[@ihaventshoweredin6weeksbut527]

@@mzimmerman12 demons dont exist

[@dans5595]

interesting punch line. i went through all the same Catholic gymnastics Ms. Sweeney did. personally, i never believed nor felt God's love.

[@ultrad-rex1389]

+Dan S: I don't think you've tried hard enough and long enough...

[@triphop1681]

He loves you. You don't need all the ceremonial stuff to connect with God. Just open your heart and mind, and pray that He'll reveal His presence and purpose in your life. I was raised Catholic, and I went through all the ceremonial "rights of passage" stuff. I didn't feel anything either. That's because we don't "earn" our way into Heaven. God's grace is sufficient. Pray, repent, and have faith. It's truly that simple. Once you welcome Him into your life, He'll change your heart and guide you through life.

[@dans5595]

@@triphop1681 God doesn't exist. the revelation of His presence is manufactured in the unconscious part of your brain.

[@triphop1681]

@@dans5595 -You're entitled to your beliefs, as I'm entitled to mine. I don't argue with others about my faith, that's between me and Jesus. I don't owe anyone an explanation or "proof" either. I wasnt asking you to conform to my beliefs. I was just sharing my own experience. Take it or leave it. I can only share what I've experienced in life.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@@triphop1681 What was His purpose for the Spanish inquisition, massacre of August 1572 (blessed by a Pope!) and other things, then?

[@eltonron1558]

Raised as a Catholic. My sympathy, however, God is not bogus, while religion is.

[@Johnrider1234]

Elton Ron amen. Jesus is god almighty. Religion is bullcrap

[@2DReanimation]

John Rider "Jesus is god almighty." and God says "You must have no Gods before me", and Jesus said God is his father. So what is it? The Bible is rife with contradictions.

[@humanbeing2009]

That's where I draw the line too. I choose to believe in a God that created everything and is in everything but I don't expect God to do a damn thing for me or be responsible for my brilliance or stupidity. It is important to believe in something greater than yourself otherwise the ego just gets out of control - hence the formation of religions. Religions can be interesting fables but I wouldn't live by them. And by the way, take any of your saviors, Jesus for example. So much better to live by how Jesus actually behaved towards another than to care about all the mumbo jumbo nonsense of how he was born, died, resurrected, went to heaven, will return, etc., etc.. Uh

[@thewordforever4839]

@@Johnrider1234 not sure Jesus would refer to the church he established as bullcrap.

[@ssm445]

Gods were created by religions, so how should religions be bogus, but not their gods?

[@robincapuano8216]

Did the video really end here? Is there a second part? Seemed to end abruptly.

[@ConservativeAnthem]

Be grateful.

[@SandraLovesSun]

no! @@ConservativeAnthem

[@RadioFreeSpike]

@@ConservativeAnthem A faith unquestioned is a child's faith. It is only through a crisis of faith that one knows if the beliefs they were taught as a child still hold up for them.

[@brianhaley4471]

What's to miss...she encourages folks to become atheist. Ted is nothing more than a platform for all things atheist. You won't hear pro-God talks here...why?, there not tolerant. Being raised Roman Catholic she was ignorant of the foundation of Christianity which is the Bible, not Catholic/Pagan traditions and dogma. She's lost, don't follow her.

[@carakiller2103]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWiXXplqj7tgqdU for the rest of her talk (and skip the 1st 17 minutes).

[@onlineeducationnepal7842]

Few questions and common sense can kill God in 10 mins

[@greglaprade7507]

I call baloney sandwich on that nonsense. So does God in Psalm 19:1.

[@gordon3186]

@@greglaprade7507 "Knock knock." "Who's there?" "It's me, Jesus... Let me in." "Let you in why?" "So I can save you." "Save me from what?" "From what I'm going to do to you if you don't let me in."

[@greglaprade7507]

@@gordon3186 So you don't want Jesus or His resurrection getting in the way of your fantasy? You know better and would have designed things differently if you were God? Justice and mercy aren't "fair" to you?

[@gordon3186]

@@greglaprade7507 --- What fantasy would that be? Yeah, for one, I wouldn't have condoned people owning other people as property. Or demanded the execution of sabbath breakers, witches, disobedient sons, men who lie with men, and women who aren't virgins on their wedding night.

[@greglaprade7507]

@@gordon3186 The fantasy that the Holy Bible wasn't God inspired and therefore true. Perhaps you believe that no God at all exists. You seem to deem yourself smarter and more worthy than He.

[@ConstanceCox]

I loved her on Saturday Night Live

[@bubbalong7646]

Oh you are kinky!

[@missgoldie6257]

I've missed seeing Julia. This was delightful on many levels.

[@markbrumfield9533]

I would like to thank TED for providing this forum and for not deleting an alternate viewpoint . Who wants to " preach to the choir " anyway ? Well , actually a lot of folks do . To my friends who live by faith ; as difficult as it can be we cannot fear the disapproval of those who do not live by faith nor have our feelings hurt by the words of lost souls in pain . They are blind beggars looking for food just like we were . We are NOT better than them , the only good things about us are from God and even what we see in ourselves as virtues will be burned away in the presence of Jesus . God is good . Pray for Julia Sweeney .

[@robyndowney2233]

This woman is hilarious! Definitely a natural comedienne. Interesting take on the Latter Day belief. Not sure if she's including some artistic licence but very entertaining.

[@roncarey8810]

Look it up. No license. Truth. Fucked up crazy fairytales.

[@iamachildoftheuniverse]

WHERE IS THE REST OF THIS TALK!!!!!

[@vintage78channel]

Right?!? It just kind of ended like... Done.

[@oldcowbb]

Exactly, it ends akwardly

[@AirborneMind]

Look up "Julia Sweeney, Letting Go of God". It's a two hour program. It's not TED, but the intro is the same, and the program gets even better.

[@bluzedogg]

@@AirborneMind good observation and i agree. i bought it years ago. it's actually quite amazing. julia is very cool.

[@Ken.-]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpPHoIqVd9dmrKs

[@niansenx]

2019 and this is still great!

[@jalemairliha]

Nelson's Rudolph - only religious people care what other people don’t believe.

[@margaretbolger2322]

I'm so glad I met Jesus when I hit rock bottom in my life and I wouldn't live without Him... you will find out after you pass out of your body (die) that He's really real and awesome (and I came from a really cruel religious background my mom was an ex-Catholic nun and I married an ex Catholic priest... But I still cried out to Jesus that day and I'm super glad I did)... everyone's walk is their own no matter what your parents did or did not do in your life for you so, stay grateful and have that mustard seed of faith it's worth it.

[@rosebarnwell6016]

I didn’t have a strict church upbringing but chose to be a Christian on my own. That’s just the way it worked for me And I’m perfectly OK with it.

[@ronhawk1231]

This lady is hilarious

[@sanepatient]

Especially at 14:15. :D

[@mattgonzalez4457]

She is a Saturday Night Live alum

[@JeanmarieRod]

A non-Christian on the cast of SNL?!? Say it isn't so😨, how could this travesty occur?

[@mattgonzalez4457]

@@JeanmarieRod they're all Christians on snl? 😂 you may want to research a little more

[@JeanmarieRod]

@@mattgonzalez4457 I was using sarcasm. Few Christians are in the cast of SNL, if any, or in all of NYC for that matter. It's a toilet.

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

Back when TED still had balls... Too many adults give kids too little credit for what they are able to understand.

[@albertrogers2506]

It's after midnight, and I've seen this before, but she's lovely and a brilliant comedienne. So I watched it all again.

[@summeryamashita17]

Doing the exact same thing after a year :)

[@letsgoBrandon204]

I don't remember ever really believing it. I was brought up Catholic too, and it was just normal to go to church every Sunday. The only emotional memory I have of church is that it was really boring.

[@roypryer5567]

I used to go under protest. HATED IT. USED TO CAUSE AS MUCH TROUBLE AS POSSIBLE

[@bacfa-2360]

I pray one day that the forgiveness you deny others finds you. God will not be mocked.

[@joansullivan4668]

LOL, oh brother.

[@themadgentleman6949]

all children have a WTF moment when it comes to atheism, we are just taught to ignore that feeling and have "faith"

[@BalloonInTheBalloon]

only children who are brought up in a religious enviroment. For the rest of us the mere concept of Gods become.. well kind of strange..

[@greglaprade7507]

I don't have enough faith to be at atheist

[@BalloonInTheBalloon]

@@greglaprade7507 what do you mean?

[@hedgie9823]

@@greglaprade7507 Do you mean you are an agnostic atheist? As in you don't know there is no God?

[@greglaprade7507]

@@hedgie9823 No, I know that the heavens declare the glory of God. Only a fool denies that.

[@chuckbodnar5756]

Well Julia Sweeney I grew up Catholic too. I was an alter boy at age 12 and joined a Seminary at age 18. After 1 year of Seminary I decided I did not have a calling to the Priesthood. At 21 I marries a girl that became Catholic for me and began married life. I knew nothing about Mormons or there beliefs but I did kn ow Catholic theology very well. Like you one day 2 Mormon missionaries knocked at my door. Like you I let them in and listened to their story. My hot button was Baptism. As a Catholic I had water sprinkled on my head and was considered Baptized. After reading the scriptures ( something Catholics really NEVER do) I was convinced that I was not Baptized correctly. One thing led to another and after a lot of prayer my wife and I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. That was 42 years ago, 7 kids ago. A Temple marriage ago.My sons served missions in the U.S. and Africa. Next to marrying my wife , ( 50 year anniversary this year) joining the church has been the BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE. I would advise anyone watching this video to look further. Julia gives a nice presentation but leaves out the best part. I have been living that BEST PART for the past 42 years and its been GREAT. Check it out. YOU REALLY DESERVE TO KNOW :)

[@jean_mollycutpurse_winchester]

I was five when I told my mother that Santa wore boots just like daddy.

[@RoseNoho]

When I was a little kid, around 6 or so, I caught my dad putting the Xmas presents in the stockings. Then I figured "Santa" was a role he played. And if figured other kids' fathers played "Santa" for them.

[@bubbalong7646]

Your mom had an affair with Santa? Wild!

[@bubbalong7646]

@Folk Aart Don't you realize that both God and Santa shop at Bradley's? You were being tested. Return to the Church and to Santa!

[@ThinkWWW]

So beautifully layouted. Great work. This lady is my hero.

[@waqas729]

After 13 years here.

[@mazzmarymaria]

Wow what a great story teller this woman is.

[@debbiethompson9209]

I remember watching Julia on Saturday Night Live. She is very talented.

[@racetime1960]

I always thought she sucked.

[@Nonotkidding]

Julia is great ! I was also raised a Catholic, in a science family (my dad was the university dean of science, math, including physics, geology, engineering, biology, etc.), and I became an atheist in that university ... years before becoming a believer, after enjoying my life as a non-beleiver, when, after self examination, I opened my door (love that movie) to, of all persons, Jesus. I never expected to be spiritual and accept Christ in my adult fun. Julia, I love your presentation of the path so many of us take (took). Then, when I least expected it, my brother, also a scientific, former atheist, and at the time, an annoying believer, asked of me the questions over a few weeks, about what I thought. And with sincere internal searching, I found God (who isn't lost ) and 'BAM', experienced the Holy Spirit (not my doing, trust me!) and asked what was next. He told me and I did it. I accepted Christ on the spot....I love to recall my journey, thank you, Jon.

[@jnhrtmn]

Buy her DVD. This bit is longer, and it is awesome. I bought about 5 copies and sent them to family. Whew! It didn't change anything with them, but I am in awe of this whole presentation by her.

[@JadedByReality]

You reached an age where you were told you needed to replace Santa with god. Then you reached adulthood and realised they are basically the same thing.

[@anthonynorman7545]

Was this a TED talk or a standup set? Either way, it was hilarious!

[@hi-hk2zv]

Anthony Norman both! She’s intelligent and she’s a comedian (actually I think those two things go hand in hand anyway)

[@greglaprade7507]

@@hi-hk2zv In real comedy, you are right. But most so-called comedy is PC shill watered down garbage see late night talk shows, Amy Shumer, etc. Truth telling comedians are censored, as are truth tellers in general.

[@carakiller2103]

Go to kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWiXXplqj7tgqdU for the rest of her one woman show (and skip the 1st 17 minutes, as already seen here).

[@humanbeing2009]

A timeless perspective and performance. What a sweetheart too :-)

[@johnnowakowski4062]

Move from belief to knowing. This is the lesson...

[@unicorntamer2207]

As an ex-mormon, I can confirm that these outlandish beliefs are what Mormons believe.

[@dr.andphd6878]

Ok not what I expected when I read the tag line. Very funny loved it all.

[@DavidSmith-qo1se]

I remember her from SNL where her most memorable character was Pat whose gender was always in question.

[@DavidSmith-qo1se]

@Amy McGraw-Pate Thanks for the correction.

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

@Amy McGraw-Pate agreed

[@mikebailey1226]

I thought there was something familiar about her.

[@chiyo1h]

This is stand up about an adult who's a pissed off ex- Catholic

[@peterplotts3]

It took a disappointing length of time to find your correct concise summation of this TED Talk.

[@chiyo1h]

@@peterplotts3 Sir- the minute I hear any stand up bringing up God or the nuns in school. I know there an ex-Catholic or whatever childhood religion their family called themselves by. 99% of comics have walked away from God. I think that's why most of them r bitter & pissed off.

[@canuckereh5646]

Pissed off? More like overjoyed that she was able to pull herself out of the brain fog known as religion.

[@RoderBrent]

Says the pissed-off Christard

[@krs2711]

@@chiyo1h , yeah, women comedians aren't funny. And listening to her rant against God is just... Sad and pathetic.

[@bubbasmama2123]

So beautifully and HILARIOUSLY explained!!!! Loooooove!!!!!

[@galileoshift8330]

my mother celebrating my bday with out me...iam a libra not a virgo...Julia is the best storyteller ever so enlightening iam black & a new anti-theist thank you Julie

[@somethingyousaid5059]

Faith is believing only the best about God in the face of all that flies in the face of it.

[@darrellhamner4608]

"scoffers will come in the last days"

[@dylanbradshaw8706]

WOW WHAT A PROFOUND PREDICTION! HOW COULD ANYONE EVER HAVE POSSIBLY PREDICTED THAT! I GUESS YOU JUST COMPLETELY DESTROYED THE WHOLE TALK WITH THAT QUOTE! AMAZING

[@darrellhamner4608]

yep

[@Rebecca-fu5hg]

No, we have always been here. We just quit drinking the koolaid.

[@edgepixel8467]

If I like vanilla ice-cream, I'm perfectly fine with other people liking chocolate ice-cream; I don't feel the need to be offended by their choice or convert them to vanilla. Some people don't partake in your favorite fantasy. Get over it.

[@garymcdonald3803]

Stating "People will ridicule ridiculous ideas " is neither profound, prophetic, nor proof. Otherwise you'd be a scientologist

[@taylordixon5871]

Ex Mormon here: She messes up a few of the 'Book of Mormon' details (not that I care, it's a laughable premise) but she does misrepresent their..... "story". But I am grateful for people like Julia, or Sam Harris, or Christopher Hitchens, that helped me rationalize away these ideologies.

[@sgrant39]

Look up rationalization,

[@josefpdx]

Not sure why story is in quotations, it literally is their story.

[@taylordixon5871]

@@josefpdx I was a devout Mormon for 20 years. She got a few of the details or nuances wrong; I don't remember what they were, I watched the video over a year ago.

[@josefpdx]

@@taylordixon5871 Right, I get that, but she is misrepresenting their story opposed to she is misrepresenting their "story" lmao. its all good. cheers.

[@taylordixon5871]

@@josefpdx Distinguishing between a true account and a fable. Book of Mormon is fantasy.

[@Dano-uf8ys]

I'm an X catholic but certainly not pissed off, I merely regained my sanity. If you believe in the invisible teapot and nobody else does, you're nuts but if millions also believe, you're a devout follower of the devine teapot.

[@williamgullett5911]

The problem that Catholics face, and why so many fall away, is they are taught mans traditions...they have a relationship with mans traditions...priests..the pope...and do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They are being misled. No person that has a real relationship with Jesus Christ falls away. People that have a relationship with Jesus have that relationship with love, peace, joy, and hope...and its understandable why so many catholics fall away. They have a relationship with a pope and a priest and not Jesus

[@ovrezy]

Everybody questions their faith at some point, whether God exists or it is a soothing story to avoid thinking about death. Unfortunately, some people think that they are the only ones who have stumbled upon this idea, marvel at their own profundity, and what idiots the rest of humanity are for not realizing their simple concept. Meanwhile, philosophers and scholars have bandied these ideas about for thousands of years. There is obviously a conversation to be had.

[@ramaraksha01]

It's because of Science, Reality that asks us to question the ideas - there is zip, zero evidence of any supernatural being - the fear of death and the greed for the easy good life to be had if we believe - why believe? Because when asked for evidence religious people have zero and so they closed their ideas to non-believers - kicked them out and once they find enough believers then they could go ahead and kill and mass murder those that questioned them & once that is done, now you have a committed people who will blindly believe whatever you say Why is a "God" insist on belief? Do we ask ants to stop whatever they are doing and grovel to use when we pass by? Do we get offended if strange Dogs bark at us? You can see this insistence on belief is the way out of not having to answer difficult questions - a total lack of evidence is the push for "only if you believe"

[@brianhaley4471]

Ramaraksha There are many scientists who believe in God and the Bible. Some very famous. “Science” or what is passed off as science (like macro evolution) is not science; is unverifiable like the age of the earth, carbon dating yet is accepted (believed) without question. Scientists that know this keep up the illusion; it’s called lying. No one has any evidence whatsoever that God does not exist. Atheists have much more shaky foundations than the most far out religious nutcase. You hide behind pride in unverified science. Lying anthropologists, speculators, “guessers” of where we came from. “Scientists” who outright lie about DNA. Belief simply because you want to believe it; because you have allies, involving intimidation & bigotry. Evolution? Atheism? You BETTER believe it!

[@kozhedub]

My friend has this hilarious story about how his dad left a disgusting slime spot where he puts his lips to his glass and my friend found it disgusting. When he found that same slime on Santa's glass of milk, he knew the situations

[@kayceegreer4418]

FYI if anybody else cannot stand the high pitched nasal of her voice adjust your playback speed and it will lower the sound so as to not hurt your ears and crawl with scratchy electric pulses up-and-down your spine

[@topologyrob]

So many of us went the next step and let go of atheism too - it's just growing up. You move past the magical, mythological and rationalist stages eventually.

[@amerocker]

Julia Sweeney's movie, _God Said "Ha!"_ is a great film. I can listen to her talk for hours.

[@gerardmazzarese9363]

Santa is real. He was a Catholic bishop in Turkey known as saint Nickolas around the year 400. He started the gift giving. The north pole where he lives is heaven. Santa's elves is anyone who makes or buys a gift. He is represented by everyone who give a gift on Christmass and in this way he everywhere that night. His ability to get around to every house is represented by the reindeer pulling the sleigh.

[@psychedelicpython]

I grew up about 7 blocks from the Sweeney family until their house burned down. I didn't get to know them at that time. I'm friends with her sister Meg, who is a really sweet person.

[@keithwilson6060]

I remember when we learned there is no Santa Clause when we found the stash of gifts hidden in our basement. My mother still played the game and labeled presents “from Santa” for several years after that.

[@User0000000000000004]

It's Santa Claws.

[@heronimousbrapson863]

Life of Brian: "He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy".

[@buddyneher9359]

Follow the gourd!

[@brianharron8006]

@@buddyneher9359 No! Follow the shoe!

[@amandacogger3075]

I'm Brian and so is my wife!

[@neuvilpanindra2581]

I like the humour of the talker.

[@nosuchthing8]

She was a comedian

[@greglaprade7507]

I like the irony. She talks about adult idiocy while displaying it.

[@rini6]

I remember believing in Santa until I was about ten or so. I just couldn’t imagine that my parents would lie to me, despite the idea of a man who could circle the world and give all kids toys in one night being less and less believable to me. When I found a gift I had asked for in a closet a couple of weeks before Christmas I had to face reality. I wondered why my mother specifically would have done this to me. Why lie? I knew she wanted me to be excited and feel magic around the holidays. Then it dawned on me that her excitement over Christmas was just as much as mine. Why? Oh, god is Santa for adults. I became an atheist then. And nothing has happened since to show me otherwise. It made more and more sense, the more I learned about the world and people.

[@gregsmith5134]

Irene Haralabatos Because people lie cheat and steal and do all other kinds of evil that isn’t prove that God doesn’t exist. In fact it actually supports that he does exist.

[@bajone02]

So if God is Santa for adults, does that mean God gives us all the good things we have in life like your excited mother wanted to provide for you? I see the parallel It is sad you let your young brain stunt you in your understanding of who God is.

[@1212kpm]

That's not all she's doing. She talks about how she first reacted against the Mormon proselytizers, noting the absurdity of the story they wanted her to believe. And *then* she talks about the realization that her own religion was no less absurd even though her upbringing had made it feel so familiar and natural. So clearly there's a rational process going on -- an analysis of merits that goes beyond disgruntled defiance.

[@williamwilson6499]

The ending was less than amateur. This video should be re-edited and reposted and then we can get what her point was.

[@virgorising7388]

This woman's a comedian. Nuf said.

[@Finians_Mancave]

You'll have to be more precise. See, your statement could be taken as an insult or a compliment (She's a comedian, so what does she know about serious issues? - or - This woman has a natural ability at comedy which is why she comes across so effectively)... So, not exactly "Nuf said"....

[@gracious1111]

Moving, accessible, succinct - everything you want in a good TED talk, and persuasive to boot! Sweeney is definitely one of the underrated thinkers of our day.

[@FlyingFletch]

That girl just killed it! Great speech!

[@randomobserver8168]

Curious to have this appear for me 12 years after posting. Wonder why?

[@OspreyFlyer]

Same here...

[@spaceghost8995]

because you are gay.

[@ohiodevildog85]

Just give it a thumbs down. That'll show the algorithms.

[@toniturner3478]

It’s appearing now because of the agenda to wipe out Christianity, the only potential agent for genuine love, respect and joy, once those who call themselves Christian actually live according to the heart of God. Get ready.

[@Chris-Data_Analyst]

@@toniturner3478 LOL

[@markwilkie7633]

This wouldn’t qualify as a ted talk today

[@st13chet]

Mark Wilkie yeah it’s more of a standup

[@africaart]

It's like a stand up without cuss words.

[@roypryer5567]

@@africaart I'll provide the cuss words thanks.... Nice of you to offer though.

[@barbaraconnett5057]

Thank you, you are so wonderful!

[@NotADood]

She kind of reminds me of Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes

[@anotherhomunculus]

It's Pat from SNL.

[@jessepasdeck7996]

When i was very young, i let go of God. Thank God he never let go of me!

[@ateoforever7434]

Hmmm...is holding you in chains ? he likes slaves......

[@antariopittman6941]

Yes Jesus

[@ateoforever7434]

@@antariopittman6941 Yes what.....you want to be in chains ? maybe...a bit of whipping ? nice !

[@antariopittman6941]

@@ateoforever7434 I'll rather be in that than to not knowing where I'm going or afraid of death

[@ateoforever7434]

@@antariopittman6941 I think we all know where we end up....but we try to " dream " a different ending.

[@theflyingotis3797]

It seemed l;ike this ended when there was more. Was that it? Is there more to this video somewhere?

[@kevinperera18]

+OtisBomb Read the description, which is the problem with people. We can't see what is plain.

[@blancaroca8786]

Kevin .. be more cool. It’s easy to overlook things as a human. And thanks for the answer... I’m gonna look there right now , in fact that’s why I was scanning down the comments and forgot what I was doing here.

[@AdinaAmironesei]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5_LmKKXhtmpa68 It's not TED, but the intro is the same, and the program gets even better.

[@philiprein8985]

I never found Julia Sweeney funny.....until just now. Hysterical!

[@thewordforever4839]

I find her naive views and childlike reasoning hilarious

[@suzbone]

Happy birthday hunny- there is no Santa Claus. Best. Parents. Ever. :\

[@thewordforever4839]

Santa Clause was a real person. This is historical fact. So not a great example to be used. It actually goes to show how disingenuous the whole talkis

[@themaggattack]

@@thewordforever4839 Yes, St. Nicholas was a real person- but the Santa character is not real. St. Nicholas couldn't fly and he wasn't immortal. Jesus couldn't do magic and there is no such thing as resurrection. The Santa character and the Jesus character are not real. They are urban legend, based on real people who died thousands of years ago.

[@BlacksmithTWD]

@@thewordforever4839 Indeed, the whole denial in the video seems to be based on fallacious arguments. Getting confronted with silly ideas about god(s) told by other people, is by no means proof of non-existence of god(s), it rather is proof of the fact that human beings are limited beings.

[@BlacksmithTWD]

@@themaggattack There is the metaphorical immortality as expressed in the saying "as long as the deceased is not forgotten, he/she is not truly dead". Conflating a metaphorical meaning with a literal meaning and making accusations or denials based on that is rather indicative for a disingenuous mindset.

[@MarkR1957]

Something I find quite odd - - - as an Atheist, I never watch theist based videos on YT. Why would I? It would be a huge waste of time. I don't believe in their point of view and feel that they are at best, delusional fools. So why then are many of the Atheist based videos on YT visited by, and have so many ridiculous posts left by theists? Just curious . . . . . .

[@thaJagman1971]

+Count Penta those two points can be applied to atheist aswell which is why I enjoy watching atheist vids on utube

[@nikospolitis5635]

Count Penta nicely said Count. I did watch some christian videos and some debates and I find most of them falling in the second category.Maybe we should start trolling their comment sections with Ad hominem attacks,bashful and slurry comments belittling their intelligence and stuff :) I know that this way we would fall to their level but wouldn't that be fun?? For extra fun we could write posts on christian videos, zealots of other religions would write.That should be entertaining.

[@MrCmon113]

A belief is more easily upholden when many people buy into it. Monotheists are used to practically everyone in their soceity sharing their believes. The mere existence of Atheists is a hard blow to the common delusion.

[@suzbone]

+MarkR1957 You say that you view theist videos as a waste of time, and I agree with you in a way, but I would like to comment that--particularly in the United States--if you don't have a pretty good working understanding of Judeo-Christian scripture, you can not even begin to understand a wide array of values and behaviors that have persisted through centuries eventually to us. To which many may say "who cares?", but these values and beliefs have enormous affect on our legal, educational, and social institutions... and they cause colossal, widespread, and unnecessary suffering. I'll put it to you this way: It wasn't until I understood the underlying beliefs and motivations of the story of Abraham's accumulation of wealth--a story that is utterly incomprehensible if you don't know the beliefs behind it--that I understood why many Americans can see an emaciated, ragged person panhandling on a street corner in the blazing heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter and think to themselves, "Get a job!" I could not more highly recommend Robert Crumb's illustrated Book of Genesis, to any and all who wish to gain a better understanding of the culture which unwittingly served as our own cultural ancestors.

[@thaJagman1971]

suzbone a culture that unwittingly serves as our ancestral culture, that is total genius wow congratulations

[@sharonh2991]

Everyone knows Julia Sweeney is Saturday Night Live alum, right? She was on SNL in the late 80s or early 90s. She’s very funny.

[@carlfreeman6587]

She needs to read C.S. Lewis 'Mere Christianity'. The Catholic Church wouldn't encourage a review of this deep dive into why we will face our Creator after we 'Check Out'. We aren't here to simply 'Consume & Check Out'.

[@tonyotoledo1]

its called faith-- a belief in a power greater than yourself---- don't put me down because I have it- you are entitled to your own beliefs

[@Marialla.]

But there are many powers greater than you. The postal service, for example, is far more powerful than you at delivering mail. The judicial system is vastly more powerful than you at punishing people who break laws. A river is immensely more powerful than you at moving stuff around. Yet you don't have faith in any of those things, because you know them to be real. So you have knowledge of them, not faith. You only call your belief in God "faith" because it is based on your deeply held and sincere hope that it is true, which is a hope that you buffer with stories and anecdotes and prayer and confirmation from others. But if you had proof it wouldn't be faith, it would be knowledge, and "faith" would not be necessary.

[@daveogarf]

LOVE YOU, Julia! EXCELLENT presentation.

[@paratrooperlane7022]

I am 59 and this is the first time I have heard it. (Age of reason)

[@thefisherking78]

In my Protestant upbringing, they usually called it the age of accountability, and it was never too clear what the age was, or even where the concept came from.

[@theprinceofdarkness4679]

@@thefisherking78 the way it was explained to me, it was the moment that a child became aware of the difference between good and evil. At that moment the child was supposed to lose its innocence similar to the moment when adam and eve ate the fruit. It depended a lot on the upbringing of the child and only "god" could know the moment. The RCC had a monk who determined that if he could teach the child for the first seven years of its life, the child would be so indoctrinated that it would always belong to the church.

[@MrWise_Christian]

@@thefisherking78 Every instance in the bible of children dying very young, such as Davids 7 day old child, the bible states they go to heaven. It is a biblical doctrine actually. But it is from reading the bible, not from a direct statement. The age of accountability is probably a lot younger than 7 but will be different for every person. For example: Children who are aborted in the womb will go to heaven(as they have not reached the age of accountability), but will loose their reward(for the good things they do throughout their life) which will be tried by fire. The reward is separate from salvation into heaven. Entrance into heaven is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, however the works of all who enter heaven will be tried by fire for a reward. Take care.

[@thomaswhittaker4137]

@@theprinceofdarkness4679 I believe it was the Jesuits who said " Give me the child until he's seven and I will give you the man"

[@theprinceofdarkness4679]

@@thomaswhittaker4137 that Sounds right. Jesuits are known for being astute.

[@pierredaher9590]

Nothing more beautiful than seeing a free spirit in action expressing its concerns even doubting this is a great gift of the Divine granted to humans , and the more we try to deny God's existence the more God the creator evidently exists .

[@majordendrocopos]

Pierre Daher It is not evident that any invisible divine beings exist. Nothing is more beautiful than when a sane person realises that, after being lied to as a child.

[@pierredaher9590]

@@majordendrocopos nothing will please me more than seeing all the atheist activists remain atheists until the last second of their lives same for all believing activists . you have all right to believe in whatever !1?? and we have also the full right to believe in God .

[@majordendrocopos]

@@pierredaher9590 The difference between atheists and religious people is that atheists have no interest in believing, just an interest in knowing what is actually true and supported by real evidence.