Haggai: Coming Home Isn't All It's Cracked Up To Be | Secular Bible Study (Episode 37)

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Late to my own video today lol, but thanks for being here!

[@GameTimeWhy]

Thanks for the consistently good content! You should see if you can do a split live or something with Paulogia. I feel like you two would make a really good team up.

[@thegametroll6264]

Not at all brandon.

[@archbishoprichardforceginn9338]

Nice work! Good Show

[@MindShift-Brandon]

@archbishoprichardforceginn9338 thanks!

[@labspeciman7402]

I've been making sure everyone behaves..

[@hamobu]

I used to think like this when I was a Muslim. If something bad happened, it's because I didn't pray enough, or watched dirty pictures or whatever. If something good happened it's because I was good religiously or whatever.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yup, the whole world gets framed in this way and its so very damaging!

[@rodbarrett1581]

The more you peel back the layers of the fantastical story the more absurd everything becomes. This truely is bizzaro world. How could this madness consume so many for so long??

[@slinenjr8767]

"Always surprised when this tactic doesn't work." I literally laughed out loud. Good stuff.

[@MrDalisclock]

Yahweh gets taken by surprised often. Way too often

[@leslieyancey5084]

Such an omniscient being! 😂

[@Person-ip7iy]

⁠​⁠@@MrDalisclock fr though. If god knows everything that, how can he ever feel surprise or disappointment? The definition of disappointment is sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations. How can something fall short of your expectations for it if you already know what it’s going to do?

[@cyphlone3306]

​​@@Person-ip7iyIt's not that God was disappointed or surprised. The book was written by people who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The words used could be misunderstood by many because it is them who translates it into human language. They were inspired, but they are also the one who will interpret it into human language. Therefore, many misunderstandings will occur because of the language. These even happened to different translations of the Bible. "For we know in part and we prophesy in part." 1 Cor. 13:9 The knowledge of the apologists and the prophets are only a tiny slice of what we know of God. There is much more to learn. Many, if not all of the apologetic arguments may not be effective, but one thing I know is that Christ's ministry here on earth and His death and resurrection is evidence. I know that He came in human form to redeem me and you. Have a good day, brother.

[@jaycahuenga6416]

And Yahweh also felt regret. That's heartbreaking to tell his "children"

[@Queenread82]

I've probably written this previously but it is so interesting to go over these books I read as a christian without trying to rationalize the horrible behaviour of this god. Also it is refreshing to say "he is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow" with the blinders off. No more justifying the old testament with some "new covenant" (which also doesn't survive scrutiny). Thank you Brandon. It is so freeing, so mentally relaxing (no more mental gymnastics to make it be ok) to read and hear these writings as mythology or poetry.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Freeing indeed! Thanks!

[@JodiGraff]

Thank you for your service! You have put into words things that I’ve been feeling for a long time and introduced me to things I didn’t know existed. I’m truly grateful.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thrilled to hear it, Jodi. Thank you!

[@NYKim_NY]

I appreciate everything you do! Please take a break when you need it, we have plenty of videos to rummage through while you have a rest! ❤

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that, and am sure I will soon here.

[@terrencemichaelcruz1801]

Just a quick hello. Hope you're doing well, & thanks for another great video.. It's a comfort for sure knowing I'm not going through this alone. Just wanted to take a second, and express my gratitude ✌️

[@dasbus9834]

So they _still_ haven't figured out that being God's chosen people is a curse.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Sometimes it's best not to have dad's attention.

[@freethinker--]

Yes,just look at Gaza,god's chosen bookends hate each other so much god allows violence 🤦 In Ukraine Christians killing Christians.🤷

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@MindShift-Brandon #DaddyIssues

[@DrakeTimbershaft]

Brandon and company, you might find this amusing. Your description of Yahweh demanding his temple be built before anything else and his subsequent dissatisfaction with the end result reminded me of an episode from the animated series "Krapopolis." There is a scene where a goddess named Deliria is overseeing the construction of a temple meant to be dedicated to her. She sees some laborers working on a wall. Dissatisfied she bellows, "NO! You're doing it wrong! I want it done like THIS." Deliria uses her divine powers to levitate a pile of marble and shape the wall the way she wants. She continues, "You see? That's how it's done!" Then, she uses her powers to disassemble the wall and put the marble back in the pile. Finally Deliria commands, "GET TO WORK!" I was in stitches when I saw that scene, and your reading of Haggai reminded me of that scene, which made me laugh even harder. Looking forward to your new video, Brandon! I can't wait for another "Dissecting the Divine."

[@riluna3695]

Sounds like the writers fully understand what an all-powerful deity can do. Far more-so than those who worship one.

[@michaelhenry1763]

Lovely show! Excellent points!

[@berkah6240]

"I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you do not turn to me .... Always surprised that this tactic doesn't work" 😂😂😂 And this is where we are supposed to get parenting advice from the heavenly father.

[@GameTimeWhy]

We obviously don't understand what love is.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I have been delaying my "God As A Bad Parent Video" simply because there are so many examples I need to include. Its overwhelming.

[@berkah6240]

​@@MindShift-Brandon It's like, am I doing something wrong by not getting super angry that my kids sometimes focus on things other than flattering me?

[@Johnmhatheist]

I look forward to that video. ​@@MindShift-Brandon

[@Johnmhatheist]

​@@berkah6240Just the fact that an omnipresent God needs his house built first instead of letting his people recover first mindboggles me.

[@maddiehupp5693]

Your videos capture the very problems I’ve always felt but could never put into words. Your breakdowns and takedowns are so well done it’s like I’m taking a professional “deconstruction class.” 😅

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Very glad to hear you are finding it so helpful. Thanks for the kind words.

[@Sara-kc2dk]

Thank you so much for these videos. Because of them, I’ve finally been able to let go of the fear of unbelief. It’s such a relief to realize I don’t have to burn in hell! 😂 Feels like Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Hey Sara, so glad to hear the series has been helpful! Thanks for being here and letting me know

[@kenhoover1639]

Like many other people who follow your channel, I was not familiar with this book of the Bible. Thank you for continuing to educate me. The more I learn about this God of the Bible, the less I like him.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Always my pleasure. It really is amazing how much was right here under our noses the whole time.

[@cookieguy1770]

I would encourage you to also take in content from the other side aswell ie apologetic videos. Mike Winger has some good stuff, aswell as Frank Turek.

[@sundayoliver3147]

@@cookieguy1770I think most of us here have taken in plenty from the other side, thank you. And that's why we're here, to balance that out.

[@SalvyMic]

Thank you as always for putting out another Bible study. Once again, I've never heard of this book before. So I appreciate you educating us on this.

[@Johnmhatheist]

I recommend reading the Bible. Not to convert to a false religion called Christianity, but to understand Christians. The best way to refute Christians is using their own holy book to contradict their thoughts and to also show how outdated it is compared to modern science and modern understanding. Also, some old Testament stories from a literary standpoint are fascinating and entertaining. Especially in judges, the books of Samuel and Kings, and a few others.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

My pleasure!

[@peterhughes8699]

Brandon - your Secular Bible Studies continue to inform and entertain - thanks again :)

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So glad to hear it. Thanks for being here for them!

[@DannyS177]

I think it's interesting that in the early old testament "God" is doing so much and there are miracles everywhere, but by the end of the old testament "God" does very little. Christians often say it's because humans sin so "God" doesn't act. But it seems to me that it's because in the earlier books they were talking about things so far in the past they can add or invent miracles, but if they were writing about their modern times they couldn't do that as easily because there would have been people who could point out the lies. We can also see this in the new testament, the books that were written closer to the event had less miracles and involvement from "God" but the books written farther away from the events had more supernatural stuff in them.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

you nailed it! its hard to create lore as real time catches up to you.

[@michaelhenry1763]

Excellent point! It reminds me of the 2 Kings story of the foreign god defeating the Israelites with a human sacrifice. Another way to look at it, a fantasy way, is YHWH used up his last bit of strength defending Jerusalem against the Assyrians . After the exilic period, YHWH is weak and can only promise better days. Then after the New Testament he dies. Maybe he was “killed” by the Romans in 70 CE.

[@smilefrownupdown]

I have to say your beard game is ON POINT!!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you! I have a business trip coming up and probably should take it down, but I'm hesitant ha.

[@ObjectiveEthics]

2:00 The Persians were venerated often in the OT. Cyrus the Great was called God's Messiah in Isaiah (although most Bibles have retranslated that verse to say "God's annointed one" with an * next to it). In fact if it wasn't for the Persian's religious tolerance, Judaism would have died out and there never would have been any subsequent Christianity. Brandon's SBS is the best thing on youtube in this genre 👍

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Isn't that an absolutely wild thought. How much would a few more decades/centuries under Babylonian have rule have changed the world?

[@harveywabbit9541]

Cyrus (Persian for Sun), king of Persia (fire-land = summer). Cyrus, like Syria, is derived from Surya (the sun).

[@guzmablack8220]

Class is in session! SBS!

[@jon.skeptischism]

Funny how Yahweh straight up peaced out for 70 years between the exile and now, with no temple at all, but as soon as they return he’s so impatient to get his temple back that he curses his own people.

[@michaelhenry1763]

Excellent point! The prophet is expressing the ancient point of view of gods being worshipped only in their land.

[@ziploc2000]

Haggai 2:17 has to be a contender for the funniest verse in the buybull. (modern translation) I shat all over you, but that didn't convince you to love me? What's wrong with you?

[@jeffbenelli6999]

Great show Brandon. I so wish a Christian would do a similar series with the same level of detail and documentation as you do. A side-by-side comparison would be so interesting. Side Note. Watch a video of a 'Takedown of People, Not of ideas' where you were the person. It was Braxton Hunter of Christian Radio. Of couse, he chose your Deconversion Story to tear down. Why not chose one of your Bible Book videos and point out where you were wrong? Nope...just kept picking at your story. He his demeanor was a facade of a person with the notorious 'Christian Values', yet he kept tearing down your personal story. Christian Values at it's finest. Thanks Brandon!

[@Johnmhatheist]

I think I speak for everyone here, at least everyone here who is an atheist, if you make an hour long videos for the New Testament, especially Matthew, Acts, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and even Revelation, we won't mind at all.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

It might just simply require it. I mean Matthew alone could be a month long series. I am not sure exactly how I am going to tackle it yet.

[@Johnmhatheist]

@@MindShift-Brandon If you need to make a part two, I'm sure we'd understand.

[@Rhewin]

@@MindShift-Brandon I hope you really get to cover how each gospel author has their own message. I legitimately didn’t realize how in opposition they were with each other until just this last year. Evangelicals are really good at implanting the idea of univocality.

[@michaelhenry1763]

I cannot what for Matthew’s proof texts for “ Prophesies”.

[@berkah6240]

I can't wait to see a graphic of the zombies who came out of their graves in only one of the gospel accounts. Because it wasn't important enough for the others to mention.

[@1aundulxaldin]

Good morning, everyone.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Morning!

[@tahllaz]

SBS the best series on KZbin right now 🔥🔥🔥well presented thank you Brandon 🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Too kind, my friend. Glad you are enjoying!

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

Yay! I have something to listen to on my long drive!! 🎉

[@MindShift-Brandon]

ha! bummer this is a short one then. Thanks for being here. Enjoy the drive.

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

@@MindShift-Brandon thanks 👍🏼 I'll just have to triple up on your other videos then 😃👊🏼

[@JimmyTuxTv]

That’s my conclusion too, things beyond my control happen and people suck. No god required, great art as always!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you much!

[@cosmicqt9647]

BTW, I have noticed this book being used a fair bit within churches to compel their congregation to give more.... more of their time, money, energy. That the church has to be top priority in order for God to release his magical blessing. It's so coercive and slimey.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Another commenter mentioned the same. This is a great callout and I wish I had covered it.

[@FoursWithin]

🎶🎶🎶Give me that "Coercive and slimey " old timey religion . 🎶🎶🎶

[@jamespcrown128]

Malachi 3:10 was the biggest money verse when I was Evangelical.

[@GameTimeWhy]

I remember reading this part and asking about their needs and shelter and was told that the people got all they needed and that this life is short. Trust in god and its forever for some short toiling. So much yuck.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So much yuck indeed!

[@rachelmann7488]

It's always fun when I recognize verses from Handel's Messiah. Today we have Movement 5, Haggai 2:6-7, "Thus saith the Lord of Hosts; yet once, a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations; and the Desire of All Nations shall come." It's a baritone solo with lots of fast, big jumps to imitate shaking. I guess I was always a better chorister than Christian!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

ha! love that. It would be fun to break that whole piece down and show where each is coming from. Good idea!

[@fishinthesea3454]

You go young man! Thank you!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that!

[@duanethompson8770]

Thanks for yet again sharing your thoughts about a very minor book in the Bible.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks, Duane!

[@chrispysaid]

Brandon, your set deco and shot comp and color grading are all so on point. Your videos are looking great! Appropriate given the quality of your content. Keep it up!

[@chrisgreen8803]

Comment for the omniscient, omnipotent KZbin algorithm god 🎉🎉

[@jaycahuenga6416]

Don't disrespect the algorithm...or it will shadow ban your comments 🙃🙃

[@thegametroll6264]

​@jaycahuenga6416 boy don't I know it. Some Christian can talk dehumanizing trash to me all they want but I can't get a shot in edge wise.

[@GameTimeWhy]

​@@thegametroll6264same for me! Calling out their disgusting mindset or that they relish the thought of us being punished for eternity gets shadowed.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Always appreciated!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

yes, its a lot like god in that way@@jaycahuenga6416

[@mkrafts8519]

Thank you for your quality content and scrutiny in areas that atheists are not knowledgeable to bring up.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Glad to fill in any gaps i can. Thanks for the kind words.

[@mkrafts8519]

12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. - 2 Samuel 7 Haggai is maybe speaking above his pay grade. It's important to note however that David complained that he was living in a house of cedar (male and exalted domain) while God lived in a tent (female and subservient domain). God reminded David that He is use to being in a tent. But the subtext is that God remains close to the people while the king is exalted in isolation. This is a kind of tragedy in that kings which are usually associated with greatness, are imprisoned by God's craftiness. God later promises that His house will be built by David's son who will be mistreated by men but whom God will be abnormally kind to. The dialectic between a house of cedar and a tent is showing in kabbalah a dialectic between a male and female relationship. By saying "I live in cedar while God lives in a tent" David is sad that his "wife" is not elevated to his level. The tent being associated with God's presence in the form of submission to the husband. Such as Esther being unallowed to approach Xerxes unless Xerxes call her, so too, God's presence cannot elevate without the permission of the king/priest.

[@mkrafts8519]

KZbin just deletes my comments. Such a bad faith society.

[@NightmareRex6]

it could be rephrased as "I DEMAND that you love or ELs be prepaired to deal with eternal pain! that is love??? - chrion last

[@DavidRichardson153]

This reads like religious leaders trying to reassert their positions of wealth and power - in other words, business as usual for religion. It is like the Pharisees (or whatever their equivalent at this point was) were going, "Oh yeah!? Well, We'll just get our own house of worship! With blackjack! And hookers! You know what, forget the worship!" Yes, all of the OT (and the NT, but we are not there yet, so I am omitting it here) does this, but it feels really blatant and brazen with Haggai.

[@dougt7580]

This exactly. And a house of worship with hookers and blackjack and without the worship sounds like most Catholic Social Halls I've been to.

[@NightmareRex6]

why is blastphammy a funny word? why when think of word blastphammy i think of a gluttonus fat ass priest who is holier than thou and tells everyone they are a PoS for being gluttonus when he eats 2 cows a day?

[@FamilyNightBytes]

Let’s go Brandon! (In a good way) love your channel.

[@michaelhenry1763]

Nice quick video! One thing I kept thinking while reading this book was why would anyone worship YHWH. He destroys his people, destroys their land, punishes without end, and finally overpromises and never delivers.

[@berkah6240]

The final thoughts were priceless. Thank you again!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks, Berkah!

[@cosmicqt9647]

Love this! Thank you for all the added historical context. It was the book of Haggai that was the straw that broke the camels back for me. I lead a bible study on this just over a year ago. I was already on my way out the door of Christianity, but God's character (at least the biblical God) in this book finally had me RUNNING away. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but from my understanding, leading up to this time, King Artaxerxes believed temple building efforts to be a threat to the security of his kingdom, so he ordered work to stop. The people had been compelled by FORCE to stop building. So there had been conflict primarily between the people & the government... to build again would be to do so against the king and would have physical implications/punishments. I'm not sure if that mental association would have been easily broken by the time King Darius came on the scene (building = unsafe)? I feel like it still would have been at play mentally, at least. I'm looking at my bible right now, and all the notes I wrote down in the margin......... "not fair!.... turn to God by threat of force??.... punishment vs. blessing: is there really a choice??"

[@MindShift-Brandon]

How interesting to look back from a year and see those notes and the breaking points. Your facts on Artaxerses are new for me, thanks for pointing out. I'll have to go check it out. What I did mean to cover is the irony of at this same time the grand palace that Darius was credited for building.

[@cosmicqt9647]

@@MindShift-Brandon check out Ezra chapter 4. That's where I got the reference from.

[@ObjectiveEthics]

It seems like you have the two timelines mixed together where they shouldn't be. Haggai is talking about the rebuilding of the temple being stalled during the reign of Darius not the reign of his grandson Artexerxes. As often happens in the Bible we have two contradictory stories, neither of which are historically accurate. That book you referenced 'Ezra' is full of mistakes but that's a topic for a previous video.

[@cosmicqt9647]

@ObjectiveEthics I could very well be mixed up! And like you said as well... how accurate are some of these historical details in these books to begin with? Regardless, the takeaway is the same.... why does the biblical God think punishing people is the best way to get them to turn to him?? And how "fair" is this God really?

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

Silly atheist, All those prophecies regarding the hebrew temple in the time of the babylonians somehow secretly refers to the modern church twenty five hundred years in the future, Somehow. And it's all your fault.

[@JimmyTuxTv]

I’m proud silly!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

lol! so simple.

[@uncleanunicorn4571]

@MindShift-Brandon my preacher dad really taught this.

[@stevewebber707]

I find it interesting, that modern Christians, tend to give their God credit for everything they think good, and then point fingers anywhere else for the bad. But in the old testament, God is throwing curses around almost casually. To the extent of attacking his own people for prioritizing their health and welfare over his pride and glory. I struggle to grasp how some Christians claim they can can harmonize such issues, and then even have a loving personal relationship with that God.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

It is bewildering when one takes the time to see gods real character and not just church sermons.

[@sundayoliver3147]

Ah well, self-sacrifice is a Christian tenet, isn't it? So this fits just fine, you're being like Jesus when you give up your own needs for god. (And just ignore all that cognitive dissonance behind the curtain. Just concentrate on how GOOD you're being, and how you'll be rewarded for it.)

[@CheknoEternity]

I’m not gonna lie. I barely remember this book. I forgot it even existed. Appreciate the refreshing though!

[@jenna2431]

I had a video pop up by a young guy, who was parroting Turek, Habermas, Knechtle for why he believes in Christianity. I pointed him to you, Brandon.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

The next generation!

[@thegametroll6264]

The other day I was at work and someone showed someone a video about my little pony and said "wow it's a lot like how we're oppressed ain't it?" I thought "wow i guess they'll indirectly make a religious soliloquy with anything these days." He's clearly a Christian person. He wears a red shirt with a white cross that says something I haven't bothered to read yet. If one bothered to read the history books they might catch all the times that civilization litterally broke it's back bending over backwards to accommodate that religion. They've just had a really long time to practice being the victim. Maybe they learned it all from the ones they victimized. 🤔 another great one brandon. Keep thinking.

[@yacaattwood2421]

In the past, when Haggai has been brought up at all, I heard sermons linking it to tithing, to giving - exhortations to “put God first, give to God before everything else” or “you won’t be blessed”

[@MindShift-Brandon]

how gross. but a good find for the preachers

[@Nkosi766]

I’m on time today

[@kevinvaters2526]

Tardiness is a sin. Good to see Brandon is making you a better person😂.

[@Nkosi766]

@@kevinvaters2526 😂 I’m born again 😂

[@MindShift-Brandon]

ha, and I was the late one. Thanks for watching!

[@Nkosi766]

@@MindShift-Brandon . Ok. Now we even 😂

[@Betttty]

Easter is coming up soon 🙃 and I once used to truly believe in the resurrection story now I feel like Plato stepping out of that cave

[@kaceesnow]

So after Zachariah and Malachi are you next focusing on the New testament? If so I can't wait

[@Johnmhatheist]

I think he meant when he said "we'll be done," he was referring to finishing the Old Testament. There's so much to study and refute in the New Testament.

[@Lancefh_ENV]

In following with biblical traditions, he's going to take a 20 year break to show the time gap between the old and slightly less old testaments. But seriously, he's probably gonna just keep chugging along.

[@Johnmhatheist]

@@Lancefh_ENV lol

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

I think so. He's said that in the past. And he's also said other extra biblical things. Apocrypha, even the gnostics. He's going to do it all.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

@@Lancefh_ENV And it'll be your fault because you didn't praise him enough.

[@FoursWithin]

One day in the near future we'll all be shedding many tears knowing " The End Is Near" . And then Brandon's AWESOME Bible studies will be finished. 😭😭😭😭.

[@FoursWithin]

Maybe then hell start on the apocrypha,

[@taboo_echoes]

Why would anyone worship such a God. This God deserves nothing but contempt

[@toeeater199]

Precisely. I will never understand how anyone can worshipp such a petulant dictator of a god.

[@amy_pieterse]

Agreed

[@bloodbadger5332]

I think a mixture of societal gaslighting into thinking god is "good", early indoctrination and cognitive dissonance.

[@betzib8021]

We did it bec the people we most loved and trusted when we were children told us that all the good things came from a loving God who was our father in heaven. Then we were fed Bible stories and shown pictures of Jesus surrounded by little children. Then we were taken to Sunday school and children's church for further indoctrination where we were taught that faith was the most important element in our lives. We were spoon fed cherry picked bible verses that taught devotional messages. Doubts were discouraged...and as we got older we participated in Bible studies to grow closer to this loving God. If we actually wanted to try reading the Bible we pretty much gave up when we hit all the begats....( who wouldnt)...not exactly gripping content...so we ...by that time...had bought the message and we had become part of the culture. But for a few of us...questions began to niggle....and fester...and they wouldn't go away. So we went back to the book...we suffered through the begats....and we finally saw...and we finally understood...we felt betrayed...our friends and family felt that WE were the betrayers...it is a sticky...messy...slope to climb...and...even now...loved ones want us to "come back"...and they have NO idea what they are asking of us...because to "go back"..would be the greatest betrayal of all... it would mean betrayal of ourselves.

[@toeeater199]

@@betzib8021 its really unfortunate how many poor children are indocrinated by this cult, glad you managed to get out.

[@dougt7580]

Weird, this sounds familiar. God has never asked me to give it any riches. But a lot of people have for "safekeeping" on God's behalf.

[@Dragoon803]

It's fascinating to me how the people would attribute natural phenomena and war to God's wrath. It tells me a lot about us. We don't like not knowing something so we use our imagination to come up with answers. It also shows how self conscious and critical man is about himself. It's very interesting.

[@freethinker--]

The god character really is a control freak. Like a terrible boss or parent.

[@michaelhenry1763]

Absentee landlord

[@FoursWithin]

Narcissist psycho dictator is the closest real life analogy. A Hitler, a Mao , a Pope Urban VI...

[@ABLovescrafting]

I just wanted to drop a note saying I heard how you were frustrated that Derek of Mythvision dropped a whole bunch of stuff on the body of God just when you started your chapter by chapter reading. And I want to say don't worry, Even if someone watches the both channels, each presenter brings something new to the table, and a 3hr video is definitely different than a chapter by chapter attack. I just wish, if you are able to, that there was a way to put the notification for those videos so I can go back and read (listen to) that chapter before the video comes out. The book was so good I had to read ahead!! Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention!!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Lol no that was 100% a joke! Not actually frustrated with Derek. Just pointing out the funny timing. But regardless. Thank you. Thats very kind!

[@FoursWithin]

Love Derek's channel lots of great videos there. But I prefer your particular straighhtforward way of communicating your points. 👍

[@ABLovescrafting]

@@MindShift-Brandon Gosh darn it, I missed it, again. I think I got that it was that much of a thing, just a bit frustrating. I do hope you can fit in the notification :D

[@wolfos420]

Nice.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks!

[@James-wv3hx]

I'm in class 😊

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate you being here!

[@ladyeowyn42]

This is a great video.

[@luizr.5599]

Hey the beard is getting fabulous. Great content as usual. This deity is just a bully really!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ha! Thanks so much!

[@pittbullking87]

If these prophecies in both the Old and New Testament are true then God is guilty of racketeering because he is basically running a protection racket. If you "pay" him in the form of belief, obedience and worship he will bless you. If you don't "pay" his protection fee he will cause natural disasters and let your enemies attack you. It is even worse in the New Testament because not only will he punish you in this life, in the next you will be tossed into his concentration camp called hell.

[@jerryhayes9497]

Matt Dilahunty called god a mafia boss. "Nice life you have there , be a shame if anything bad happens to it. But believe in my son and I will take care of you"

[@MindShift-Brandon]

yes, very good comparison.

[@jaycahuenga6416]

I expect a real god of love and justice. Not an evil teenage dictator.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

We were all sold such a lie!

[@christophergibson7155]

The Lord God determines what "Love" is and not you. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." (Romans 5:8-9)

[@cyphlone3306]

​@@christophergibson7155Amen, brother. It is difficult to find a christian in one of these anti-christian videos and Bible studies. I am glad that someone is also here to study the other side in order for us to learn so that we can strengthen our planting of seed and tilling of soil. God Bless. I will also pray for Brandon here.

[@jaycahuenga6416]

@@cyphlone3306 why are y'all on an atheist video spamming?? Y'all "cryptian" are funny as hell (pun intended)

[@jaycahuenga6416]

@@christophergibson7155 PFFT.. still spamming craziness 🤦🤦

[@cygnustsp]

Beard is looking fantastic!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Glad to hear it! Thanks

[@harveywabbit9541]

Zechariah (zechar, "to stick in, infigere, of the membrane virile. Another spelling of Zechariah is Jozachar (IO Zachar). Zakar (the male pointy thing) and the Nekebah (receiver of male pointy thing) are two busy characters.

[@istvansipos9940]

hm... you can create a universe, but you cannot build a house. Mortals build it, and then it becomes a part of... of the... universe? Weird. I am more and more convinced that this g0d b00k is not completely accurate :- )

[@johntiggleman4686]

If "god" wanted his Temple built first, why did he not say so to whomever the leader of the tribe was right after they were allowed to return, instead of waiting until they had started building their own homes? I would imagine they had tents to live in on the journey back, and they could have stayed in them while it was being built. And "god" could have said at the same time that he would bless them for their building of his Temple first, instead of getting all "het up" over them doing things bass-ackwards from what he wanted. Oy veh!

[@martin2289]

What does "God" need gold and silver for? Seems rather covetous, doesn't it?

[@MindShift-Brandon]

yup, a bit too telling of the manmade nature here.

[@Rhewin]

How exhausting must it have been to make that journey, toil away at just trying to live, and then some asshole comes by and tells you that you’re unclean and deserve punishment.

[@KelvinShadewing]

My brain keeps autocorrecting "Zerubbabel" with "Qrrbrbirlbel".

[@batmanbeyond1929]

Chosen ones videos i be seeing

[@franciswalsh8416]

Written by men, invented by men. No other possibility

[@okierat6414]

Always surprised this tactic doesn’t work. I kinda laughed out loud.

[@suicune2001]

My friend and I have this joke where we call the Lifetime channel the "wife-killing station." Lol. I'm getting Lifetime channel vibes from this story. Lol

[@MindShift-Brandon]

ha, big time!

[@FoursWithin]

And now we've got Brandon's God-killing channel. ⚡👻

[@suicune2001]

@@FoursWithin LOL! Yep!

[@kerishannon775]

I noticed you emphasized the High Priest as "Yeshua". This now makes three Yeshuas associated with the religion and saving the Jewish people. I wonder where this is headed😅. Also, it seems maybe the Jews that went into exile, might have had it better in Babylonia?

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Great catch! and yes it would be fascinating if we were able to compare the lives of jews that stayed in exile, those that scattered elsewhere (diaspora) and those that returned.

[@OublietteTight]

Pragmatic questions... In ancient times did holy people lived within a Temple Complex? (Egyptian Temples for example.) Is this a case of the Priestley class getting the first, best, beyond fantastic house? Built by everyone else? AND the guys writing their version of the Word of God are the same guys who have soft hands and straight backs? Not sure... are there sacred spaces where only the elite may enter? Are the preachers back in a secret room feasting on the sacrifice that took a whole family a year to raise? Trying hard to not see the massive impractical logistical problems? Not even getting into debating the belief elements yet. Logic of followers?

[@cookieguy1770]

Question: Which version are you reading from, thanks.

[@MatthewsLivingAdventures]

Are you going to do the new testement?

[@MindShift-Brandon]

yes, might take a week off, but yes.

[@ziploc2000]

It's just so funny to think god needs humans to collect silver and gold for him here on Earth, when he has access to the rest of the universe to collect the loot from all the supernovae that create these elements - and why does he just happen to covet the same elements as humans (but no other animals), and not hydrogen, helium and lithium?

[@MindShift-Brandon]

love this point!

[@kettei7743]

Very short book, the conclusion at the end kinda irks me since it tosses away the historical value of the book, but is reasonable given the dogmas attached to it Happy sbs day

[@MindShift-Brandon]

What would you think are the historical values? I am not saying there are none. There is historical value in many ancient texts in general. But its easier to appreciate them when they remain historical and are not used to continue harmful ideas today.

[@kettei7743]

@@MindShift-Brandon According to commentaries found in sites like My Jewish learning, Haggai is one of the prophets credited for using their ministries to "...foster the transition of a people from national autonomy to an existence which transcended political definition and which centered upon a view of God and his moral demands." Seems like a more appropiate concluding note for literature like this. But I still get the conclusion you arrived at end

[@Daisymerrolin]

Have you considered debating Mike Winger? Also, are you planning on putting more episodes on Spotify? Are you planing on adding more episodes to Spotify in the near future?

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

I would feel so bad for Mike Winger. That would be the greatest debate ever.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

When I first started the channel, I was really interested in debates. I am open to them still, but less excited. So many of them become who had the best quip[ or gotcha moment. Theres still great benefit in them, but I have not put as much intent to get them as I thought. And someday, I will get back to turning each video to audio only and getting them uploaded. I need to hire someone to do this lol. I always mean to, but i am so far behind.

[@lifeofamanda1031]

you know that saying “ you can’t pour into other peoples cup unless yours is full “ ? god really expected these people to build a him a whole god damn temple when they didn’t even have basic shelter for themselves. i don’t know how he thought this would even be possible for them because they literally weren’t in a position to even do that. then he takes away their necessities even more as a punishment as if they already weren’t struggling with their basic necessities. make it make sense… am i understanding this correctly? because it seems kind of insane ..

[@Chuck-se5hh]

Your imminent upcoming analysis series of the New Testament books is truly going to be historic, everyone (including the New Testament) already agrees that the Old Testament is 'inferior' to the New Testament, I am expecting you to reveal my own ongoing discoveries that the New Testament has very serious fundamental faults as well. Most people are not aware of those New Testament faults but your analysis is surely going to properly show them. Your work in this will be historic.

[@01Aigul]

Given that God never seems to keep his promises, I'm wondering why people would trust the Bible, EVEN IF they believe it was authored by God. He just doesn't seem like a very reliable source of what he's going to do (and again, this is even if you believe that he's real and that the Bible is his holy book).

[@MindShift-Brandon]

all the blame always comes back to us in this religion.

[@shirleysw21]

I have a question and wondered if anyone ever asked or wondered how many times the Bible said Satan acted on his own aside the eden and war in heaven situation.

[@dantallman5345]

Haggai seems to be the fan boy of Zerubbabel and Joshua. I kind of liked the clean/unclean discourse….dirty spreads, clean takes work.. Fact! Haggai is all about comfort and prosperity in this life. 100%. Convenient for mega-hucksters. By this point in the OT, has heaven vs hell, ever been disclosed let alone overtly used as a motivator? I don’t think so but I could have missed it. If not, that is very interesting.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Lots to chew on. There really is no heaven/hell concept in the OT. super vague references to everlasting peace, but the context for that is more for the chosen people in the future of the earth. Then you have Sheol, which is where all the dead go. Very basic idea and neutral in most instances.

[@henryschmit3340]

Yes, it has been difficult to keep Israel on the right track.

[@IheartDogs55]

As you went through the book, I found myself getting irritated at God. He's petty & petulant.

[@mr.lavander7145]

Yeah the real good supernatural stuff always seems to be in the past or just beyond reach in the near-future. They happen here and there in the present time but it always seems to be happening to someone else

[@tussk.]

Haggai is the plural of Haggis.

[@maggienewton8518]

these accounts and prophesies are absolutely useless. Except for analysis of what a crap religion this is. Yet so many people still call it the good book, the word of god. I'm going to read some really good fiction to clean my mind. It may be fiction, what I select, but at least it's good.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

always enjoy a nice palate cleanser myself after these books.

[@akulagepard9510]

on a complete random ramble: when you said “again, god acting surprised that this tactic didn’t work “ made me wonder if this is how he always dealt with the angels, long before the creation of men, and it always work. to his fault, he doesn’t even understand the difference between us humans and the fact that without some sort of “higher knowledge”, yeah, we will continue making mistakes because that’s how you fucking made us. (note: am an atheist and i’m just doing some philosophical mental masturbation here)

[@johntiggleman4686]

@akulgepard9510 *mental masturbation* 🤣

[@MindShift-Brandon]

lol its fun to think about, but if revelation is to be believed a third of the angels left god, so maybe he just fails everywhere.

[@DLB-m3g]

What a selfish, self-centered god. He just doesn't get any better.

[@stephenbailey9969]

God is changing lives and giving new life, right now. One person at a time. But the first step to recovery is to admit you are broken and can't fix it yourself. 'God is not slow respecting his promise for true justice and a peaceful earth, but he is patient with us, because he does not desire anyone to reject and be condemned, but desires all to choose a new life.' (2 Peter 3:9) Many of us are truly thankful that he has been patient with us.

[@FoursWithin]

Many are truly deluded with wishful thinking , family traditions, and pressure from lying church leaders.

[@imjustsayingthough2261]

It puts to mind the Qanon future changes. Come to think about it a lot of the bible seem like Qanon guesses and changing of dates. We've all been had

[@LARADEKA]

When the self-care in this chapter is mistaken for "pride". In the old times, the primitive humans cared for themselves first, then placed traditions as second. Realistically, they would never put a temple in the first place if they will surely die from sheer exhaustion. My brain's jumping to Revelations and just reveals how pathetically written it was. Plus, there were 0 murders from Lucifer, just kicked out from Heaven and then pulled by the strings during the "war". And then yeah, God kills the "Old World" and makes a "New World"... and then no one questioned the aftermath. Seen the "Heaven Is Not Good" video, so that sums up. Again, it's a horrible tale of narcissism and false hope. Perhaps this is why I'm desperate to declare myself "Ex-Catholic" any second, because my imaginative brain just won't suck it up anymore. It's pissed.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Excellent points.

[@harveywabbit9541]

Judah (Spring) = Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. Cancer is where we find the mare and her foal (two stars) that Jesus rides on into Jerusalem (the summer solstice in Cancer). These signs are the last four labors of Hercules (9-12). The first four labors (Leo thru Scorpio) is the mythical Israel (Summer). The head of Israel is the royal/noble lion (Leo) aka the Nemean Lion that is slain with the sun's passage through this sign. Samson (from Shemesh/Shamash the Sun) repeats the labors of Hercules.

[@PT-fr7cq]

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declared the Lord of hosts. But isnt this antithetical to the teachings of Jesus? Weird.

[@exoplanet11]

Isn't Zerubabel a theophoric name honoring Ba'al, implying he and his family were originally Ba'al worshipers? I think I heard that in a Centre Place lecture by J. Hamer. "Jerubbaal" (an alt. name for Gidion) certainly honors Ba'al. Seem like a strange person to choose fo God's 'signet'. It could also honor Babylon, either way, strange.

[@TheBlahman3]

Christianity is the original "TRUST THE PLAN! TWO MORE WEEKS!"