The Will To Save Discrepancy: A Divine Problem!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

This is an important one for me. Thank you for being here!

[@patrickthorpe422]

Love the content Brandon! Your videos have really been helping me with my deconstruction process. Thank you for that. - Former Catholic

[@MindShift-Brandon]

@@patrickthorpe422glad to help!

[@shelhawke7206]

I look forward to your videos, I have left Christianity after learning more and reading the Bible. Reading the Bible then questioning it, you soon learn that it fails logically. Your videos solidify these facts

[@carlasmith9093]

Another excellent breakdown!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

@@carlasmith9093thank you, Carla!

[@suicune2001]

Don't forget WHY they're praying for you. Because they think you'll now to go hell. It always always comes back to the threat of "believe and worship me OR ELSE."

[@kerishannon775]

They also pray to show how good and righteous they are.

[@user95395]

they're praying for him to feel better than him.

[@onedaya_martian1238]

Worse for Brandon is that they may have to consider they are WRONG about the mythical stories being real !! So off they go to their books, con-men and gatherings to affirm their ingrown faith in a book is "Truth(tm)".

[@davidrexford586]

Not true.. Brandon could turn back to God in his final moments. No ONE knows ultimately , ahead of time where someone ultimately ends up.. later. I don’t believe in God because I fear going to Hell , I believe in God because he loves me enough to not separate himself from me after I came to God willingly and on my own and without being coerced and manipulated into doing so.

[@EdwardHowton]

I call that the casual sadism of Faith. It's why I have absolutely no respect for the religious. They sicken me.

[@akulagepard9510]

my parents, my family, my former friends have been praying and praying for me to not be a lesbian for 10 years now. I prayed and begged for god to “fix” me with all my will and yet, here I am.

[@DadamWrites]

And one of the horrors of this religion is that you were made to feel you needed to be fixed. Thanks for sharing your story. Hope you've found peace.

[@rokkitserjun]

Luckily you have us, your current Atheist family, who merely accept you for who you are. Cant fix what isn't broken.

[@tylertucker2608]

Now that you know you are fine. Pray for all those who can’t see that you are fine❤️

[@lizhoward9754]

⁠@@tylertucker2608bingo!

[@merbst]

maybe all the other lesbians love you so much that they pray even harder?

[@brianknox3778]

I didn't realize your wife wasn't with you on this -- wow, that is extremely difficult. When I fell away in 1999 (got kicked out church for declaring my firm doubts), my wife came with me, and so there was very little contention in the marriage... other than re-finding our ground apart from Jesus/Bible. I can't imagine the difficulty of your situation. You have my empathy, sympathy, and moral support. You are a hero.

[@Nokky258]

That's my situation for more than 10 years. My other half passionately attends church and I'm vemently against so it has been incredibly hard. Because of religion it tore my family apart.

[@CarmellaMulroy]

​@@Nokky258that's awful. My husband is into religion and I think it's harmful. I just try to schedule work on Sundays.

[@Nokky258]

@@CarmellaMulroy yes I've been working on Sundays for the past 10 years but our sons suffers the most.

[@SydBodeker]

"Until next time, keep praying" was a banger of an ending 😂 loved this one dude, as always

[@rhythmoflove2]

The one thing I look forward to, “keep thinking” and he switched it up. 🤣. Love you B!

[@ThisIsJustAUsername]

Man, I feel this one. I tried hard to make Christianity work. I tried hard to "be a good Christian" and prayed a lot for my salvation. I believed that God would surely lead me to greater love for him and a sincere belief. But it never happened. Then the cognitive dissonance and mental gymnastics finally got the better of me. I'll never forget that moment when my mind shifted (no pun intended) and I suddenly realized it might all be fake.

[@Justas399]

You didn’t understand what Christianity is about. It’s not about trying harder but accepting God’s forgiveness through Christ and then living for Christ by putting sin out of your life and pursuing righteousness. It’s not perfection but direction that matters.

[@gusgrizzel8397]

@@Justas399 It's all illogical. Any religion, any god, oould be true, because there is absolutely NO evidence of any of them.

[@ThisIsJustAUsername]

@@Justas399 - If I didn't understand, it wasn't for lack of effort. What prayer did I not say? What scripture did I not read? Did I read all the verses in the bible except the ONE that would have saved me? Did I not fast enough? Did I not sacrifice enough worldly pleasures in my pursuit of truth and righteousness? I gave up everything and broke myself in pursuit of God and he didn't respond. Indeed, it's about direction. And how do we move ourselves in the right direction? It's a movement of the heart, yes, but you can't move the heart like you can move your legs. I put myself out there in the belief that God would catch me and direct me to the truth. But my experience doesn't bear out the idea that there's an all-powerful entity who is trying to guide me to the truth. In fact, seems like there's nothing.

[@Justas399]

@@ThisIsJustAUsername are you saying that not one prayer you prayed in your life was never answered? Why would you expect "an all-powerful entity who is trying to guide you to the truth"? What was God supposed to "catch" you from?

[@marvinmallette6795]

​@@Justas399 Where is the direction, but perfection? Putting sin out of your life, and pursuing righteousness is speaking of perfection. Pursuing is the race that Paul speaks of, case off everything that hinders you (Hebrews 12:1), that is to say try harder. Purity Culture focuses on the concept of "Purity". Paul's teachings on purity are to not be concerned about physical exercise as it profits little. Instead he uses physical exercise as a metaphor for self-control. The direction one is pursuing is an Iron Man triathlon of celibacy, celibacy is perfection. Widows turn wanton against Christ and marry. It is good for a man to not touch a woman. Star Trek Discovery Season 5 Episode 6, "Whistlespeak" uses a lot of visual language which seems directly drawn from the Bible. A character "Tilly" pursues this direction given by Christians, and at the end of the race she remarks in surprise "sacrifice??". Her companion "Rava", and Rava's father are likewise deceived by Christianity. The Apostle Paul says of them that they will forbid marriage. Judges 11:29-40 expresses that Israel, and those who have read the chapter with empathy, have mourned this direction towards sacrificing the innocent for vain Christianity. The movie Noah starring Russell Crowe further explores this concept. The character of Noah determines that the world must be drowned in a flood, to cleanse the world of sin. To course correct the direction. Even his own children must be sacrificed. After Noah is unable to sacrifice his own children, and suffers from the trauma of witnessing the end of the world in vain, he can no longer function and becomes an alcoholic. There is a well of art and culture which seems to draw from Christian immorality. James Cameron's "The Terminator" is a horror movie, it appeals on a carnal level. We don't see technology ultimately win, as if it was a retelling of the Legend of John Henry, at least not without incorporating "The Matrix" into the same universe. The father with a shotgun becomes a Terminator chasing a virile young man who impregnates a woman out of wedlock. The Terminator is a machine, uncaring, following programming. We can reflect on the film Noah, that the titular character is becoming a Terminator. Terminators are Puritans, and all who are not Pure are the resistance. Anakin Skywalker's fall to the Dark Side is the toxic fruit of Purity Culture. The male dependent of the Widow is burdened with responsibility, and is taught to pursue One More Day with his Aunt, change "Widow" to "Black Widow" and you start to a concept for see Spider-Man. Kal-El is from the house of "El", which has a direct and intentional connection to "Elohim". Kal means flight. El means God. This translates to the Superman who can fly. One who is above the law, and can change their clothes in a phone booth, they are invincible... Perfect...

[@01Aigul]

Divine hiddenness violates free will. You can't freely choose to follow someone you don't have any real knowledge of.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Well said!

[@Nexus-jg7ev]

On point!

[@SlyPearTree]

And God showing himself would not violate free will. If any god were shown to be true then I'd stop being an Atheist but would not necessarily follow or worship that god.

[@IFYOUWANTITGOGETIT]

@@SlyPearTree and certainly not the god as described in the Bible. 💯

[@Theleaver5088]

Funny how Christians argue otherwise

[@robbyroba]

God would know what would lead people back to him should he exist. Either he is incapable of it, or, the more disgusting alternative, he does have the power to, but he chooses not to.

[@Eyesopeningheartrealigning]

Fully agree

[@CorbinB-Rax]

I keep telling yall that physics, quantum mechanics, history, linguistics, and psychology all converge as synchronistic properties of this teliology. They, together, prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that there IS a higher.. something. Now, trying to say what that is for certain, is hubris. But there is undeniably something else and something higher. There is no science that DOESNT point in this direction, harmoniously, with all other sciences. The problem I suffer with, especially bc of revelation and these events, is that my life has evidenced that THIS god is real, and that, therefore, evil, by his own description of the word.

[@Justas399]

God will not save everyone because there is hell. God does not owe His salvation to anyone. The fact that He saves some shows His mercy.

[@CorbinB-Rax]

@Justas399 You can't be more hopeless. 1.) "Because there is hell" Be-cause means "caused by" Yet, gods omni-benevolence PRE-DATES this creation, hell. Therefore, that's the first wrong thing you said. 2.) The fact that there is hell, is therefore insufficient reason, because REASON is PREDICATED ON SOMETHING. If the benevolence pre-dates the punishment, then it is NOT the reasoning. 3.) "Mercy" A god who takes you from a ONE HUNDRED PERCENT chance of NEVER suffering. Never even POSSIBLY suffering, and then literally FLIPS IT to a ONE HUNDRED PERCENT chance that you WILL suffer, and a 99.9% chance, that you will literally suffer FOREVER, and IMMEASURABLY, is NOT merciful. 4.) "Salvation" If this evil god had made literally any other means of punishment, there would be no need for salvation. Dude is literally saving us from HIMSELF, who we were perfectly fine never knowing in the first place, pre-creation. You have no brain cells in your entire head.

[@robbyroba]

And that's the other thing: predestination. If some were created for Hell, what is the point of sending people to evangelize? Before you say it's because people have free will, in that scenario, they do not since God had their whole life predetermined.

[@PhilChandlerArts]

There’s an old saying, “The only thing worse than being hated is being ignored”. When I walked away, I expected my Christian friends to reach out, be angry, come talk to me, question me.... something... anything. And all I got was silence from them. Even when I told them outright, all I got was a shrug of the shoulders. I was prepared in my head for an argument, even a (verbal) fight... but nothing. I was so angry. Even when I went back again to try to explain, they didn't care. Friends I knew for YEARS! I was angry and hurt but at that point it just further solidified my realization that this "religion" had no basis. I figured, if this God exists, and if HE apparently really cared about me, then he will do something. And the silence I've experienced since then matched that of my Christian friends. I never went through a... deep quest for truth as you did. I think I was just hurt and angry by it all. I had a lot of questions towards the end that no one would address, and when I walked away, no one cared. But looking back, it was probably for the best. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@pansepot1490]

Consciously or subconsciously they know that they have neither evidence nor good answers and the only way to preserve their soap bubble thin faith is to stay away from doubters poking at it with their reasonable questions. I am no psychologist but it’s easy to see that it’s some sort of defense mechanism. At least judging from the stories that get shared online, plenty of atheists have experienced the same reluctance to engage and/or straight out lack of curiosity about the reasons for leaving the faith from friends and family.

[@FoursWithin]

People here care that you left your religion . And we congratulate you 🎉

[@PhilChandlerArts]

@@pansepot1490 Exactly. Very well said. 👍

[@PhilChandlerArts]

@@FoursWithin Thank you so much! 🥹 I appreciate that.

[@Jon45678]

The New Testament teaches them to avoid you. It’s easier than listening to you and really caring about what you’re going through. You create a disturbance in the echo chamber.

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

THIS!! You nailed every reason why I am no longer a believer. Lack of answer to Prayer was a main one...lack of answers for ANYONE I knew as a Christian. I chased God for these for years (Promise Keepers, Wednesday Home Group Bible Studies, Men's conferences, Marriage retreats, healing rallies, other groups designed for healing through prayer)...CRICKETS. We raised our kids in Christianity (neither are believers since they were teens, despite my prayers). Nicely done.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for sharing. Right there with you!

[@onedaya_martian1238]

There's too much money in explaining "The Truth(tm)". Ironic that the character in the book they beLIEve in, and name themselves after, died penniless.

[@Justas399]

How do you deal with the millions of answered prayers? Are they lying?

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

@@Justas399 yes. Do you have proof of these "answered prayers"? What "prayers" are you talking about? The coincidental kind of "oh god please gimme a parking place" at the mall? Or healing of disease type? Because neither have ABSOLUTELY NO evidence to prove it, including the YEARS I spent taking my wife to healing ministries (chronic pain). If you can show me evidence, I'll gladly reconsider, but don't insult me with remarks without evidence or some logic behind it.

[@Justas399]

@@CatDaddyGuitar I have personal experiences of answered prayers as do many of my family and Christian friends. A good book to read is Miracles by Keener who documents dozens of answered prayers. Sometimes God does not heal. I have lost loved ones to death but I know I will see them again and God has given me strength to go on. I don’t know how atheists deal with this kind of pain because there is no hope, no strength in atheism. If atheism is true you might as well get drunk and do drugs because each day you live brings you closer to oblivion.

[@hamobu]

Brandon: "Dear Lord, please lead me to the truth" God: "Atheism is the truth!"

[@temporarilyimmortal795]

🤔

[@monochromicornthetuna4256]

I often like to joke that God told me not to believe in him😂 A lot of factors led to my deconstruction but I was holding on so tightly to what I knew, told myself I was just agnostic etc. Then one evening, I was praying with my mum (we have evening prayers in my household) and it hit me like a brick to the skull that no one was listening.

[@AlexiusScholius]

God: "I have already led you here, end of the road! Stop bothering me, will ye? Leave me alone, I try to rest a bit in this chaotic ocean of collective consciousness! *a few Disney-Yoda stick slaps*

[@chameleonx9253]

I know this is a joke, but I'm wondering how this could work? It would imply that the figure we know as "God" exists, and can communicate telepathically with us, but that atheism is simultaneously true. As atheism entails no gods exist, that in turn implies that the entity we call "God" is not in fact a god, but some other sort of entity. So, then, what is it? A ghost? An ancestor or some other shamanic spirit? An alien?

[@gothboschincarnate3931]

Atheism isn't the truth. your arrogance disgust....are you proud of acting like a christian?

[@billguthrie2218]

When people say they'll pray for me I say something like.... "Do you think your prayers will be more effectual than my 33 years of prayer as a believer ,.. even while I was studying to be a minister?"

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Right?!

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

But it;ll be different this time LOL

[@user95395]

the more expert your position on anything, the more people will deny you. People get mad when they're wrong.

[@ObaTo-us9qp]

Were you fasting too? Were you praying on your knees and face the whole time 33 years? Have you ever fasted and pray for 40 days+? Did you wake up at 2:30 am every night like Walter Beuttler for a whole year to pray? Did you pray Ephesians 1 17-21 and 3-14 to 21 more than one thousand times on your knees? You can go to the gym for 33 years and not have a six pack because you trained incorrectly or the wrong body part.

[@user95395]

@@ObaTo-us9qp I can't tell if this is a troll or not, but if you went to the gym for 33 years you'd be in peak physical condition. If you have low body fat you can get a six pack in a few months, even if you don't focus on abs.

[@loganpops4487]

If anyone could deny your sincerity after this video they have scales in their eyes

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you. I am glad i was able to better convey my situation.

[@tahllaz]

100% completely blind

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

They are righteous scales though

[@bigburrito308]

Yeah but Christianity always poises you too Just go right back to the excuse that you weren't a true Christian for everything if it didn't work out 😅 When you tried to tell them you were more Christian than they are that's when they totally freak out 😅

[@sciencesaves]

It’s a long game for them. My parents believe I will turn back to the lord on my death bed one day 😂 I ask them “will you all of a sudden believe in Santa claus again even though you know he doesn’t exist? It’s like that, once I know shit is fake I can’t believe in it ever again”

[@lizhoward9754]

Perfect analogy with Santa Claus and God.

[@imjustsayingthough2261]

Do they respond or just come to a conclusion that you are completely gone

[@onedaya_martian1238]

It's fear of living...hoping there is "something better than this"... that beLIEvers follow. Living well and with integrity freaks the heck out of such folks.

[@sciencesaves]

@@imjustsayingthough2261 I’m gone, but “god will bring me back”. They fully believe it

[@lizhoward9754]

@@onedaya_martian1238 that is an excellent point! And I love how you spell “believers” like “beLIEvers”

[@gusgrizzel8397]

They say, "Seek and you'll find", but we find nothing. One of your best videos!!

[@FoursWithin]

It's great when you "seek and find" your way out of their mental maze of smoke & mirrors .

[@gusgrizzel8397]

@@FoursWithin Yes, the continual mental craziness of always trying to beleve harder, have more faith, etc.

[@XalpeN16]

⁠@@FoursWithinYou described it perfectly.

[@XalpeN16]

It requires an unhinged level of defenses, and mental gymnastics to keep somewhat coherent until eventually you realize it’s false, and the contradictions have been there all along.

[@tc8073]

Brandon, I just discovered your channel 3 weeks ago after finally giving myself permission to question God. Raised a fundament Baptist, father a pastor my whole life, I didn’t dare question. I can’t continue this way. Nothing adds up, nothing makes sense. This video articulated EVERYTHING I have secretly thought over the years but refused to acknowledge. To a T. I haven’t de-converted, I’m in the baby stages of deconstructing, but I started that because I finally recognized how much harm has been done in my life over these beliefs and I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I’m questioning everything. I really appreciate how sensitive you are to us Christians who are on this journey and how truly terrifying it is to have to face that maybe it’s all a lie. Thank you for what you’re doing

[@Justas399]

What questions do you have that can’t be asked?

[@FoursWithin]

Pretty soon that maybe in "maybe it's a lie" will float away like the memory of a strange nightmare.

[@tc8073]

@@Justas399 Questions like why God doesn’t answer prayers, why it seems he plays favorites, why he lets bad things happen to good people, why he allows all the suffering in the world to continue, why he doesn’t heal, why I’ve begged for him to give me a sign that he’s there and nothing ever came, begged for intervention in terrible circumstances and nothing, why after dedicating my ENTIRE life from the age of 5 years old to now, and I’m 45, and I’ve done everything I can think to follow his word, pray, believe, trust, rely, evangelize, etc etc, and I have seen nothing but harm come from it. I can’t turn a blind eye to it any longer. I want the truth, whatever that may be.

[@artemis_studios6555]

@@tc8073 Hey man, hope you're doing well. I recommend you watch Dan Barker from FFRF. He's awesome

[@crassbusinessman3122]

The more you read your bible without the presupposition that its true, the less it will make sense. Keep in mind, you dont have to lose your entire identity just because you found flaws in one aspect of your life. You have healthy skepticism. Great! Now instead of blindly following stuff, you evaluat3 things based on their independent merit. Ive found it to be incredibly liberating and helps me sift through terrible ideas, especially ones that are religious, political, or socially motivated.

[@rocketi05]

This was a cathartic video. I was a JW from brith and after 30 years I left, but I want sure why but I knew I had to. That was a year ago. But after finding your channel, I finally know why and I appreciate it.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for sharing! So glad to have been helpful

[@aliasfakename3159]

My mom raised 4 kids and none of them are Christian. My older sister goes to church as a cultural thing, my second older sister is openly queer, and I'm just autistic and jaded. Recently, I asked her for my Bible, not so I could get back into the religion but to read the discrepancies for myself.

[@jackwhite8238]

I keep a Bible on hand. Nowadays it’s so that I can reference certain things. I find theology fascinating but at the same time I know it’s all nonsense. I was a youth minister when I dropped the faith. I started actually reading the Bible. All of it. Not just the parts I was told to read. It completely ruined the whole thing for me.

[@susangraham1203]

Boy, as a struggling 65 year old Christian, I resonate with this. I have prayed for many things over the years, never receiving what I prayed for and just simply brushing it off. Now, I live with excruciating, intractable pain that painkillers won't even touch. I have been anointed with oil, listened to healing ministries, done everything I can think of scripturally, and I am still in pain. I struggle with suicidal ideation every day. I'm a preacher's kid, and I truly wonder where God is. My husband still believes and thinks I am pushing God away. I think it's the other way around, and either God is pushing me away or doesn't exist.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So sorry to hear about your situation. Chronic pain is one of the worst things on this earth.

[@susangraham1203]

@MindShift-Brandon Thank you. It really is.

[@DCox87]

This video was emotionally brutal to watch. What a crazy and hurtful predicament to be in. I’m horribly sorry, Mr. B. “Until next time, keep praying.” Once you spoke that line, I lost my shit-sobbing.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for the love, my man!

[@ladyaj7784]

Great video. People don't understand the pain of LOSS that most deconstructors feel. I had a magical paradise waiting for me with my family, and now I don't. 🥺

[@jaydennguyen-xk1yo]

On the flip side there are people suffering in hell so i guess its not too bad that it doesnt exist

[@ShyyGaladriel]

I have such a weird relationship with prayer. I wanted to regularly pray but could not physically remember to do so. I prayed as often as I could remember and asked god to help me but nothing happened. Now it turns out I’m neurodivergent. I wasn’t wicked, I was different.

[@kenhoover1639]

Your last point about your supposed insincerity somehow handcuffing the most powerful being in the universe was spot-on.

[@edave9406]

I have to share that for over forty years I have suffered chronic grief and pain from trauma that I experienced from unbelievable acts of criminal brutality from a fundamental religion that I was serving with from my childhood. The clergy screaming at me that I had no right to called the police or seek medical attention after I was physically raped and beaten since they suspected I was gay. The DA refused to press charges saying that the group stated I was lying and threw a blow to start a fight when I was fighting to push these religious thugs away and off myself I never recovered from the pain or devastating shock of trusting religion again. Your studies are more than a therapeutic healing process but a grounded unbiased intellectual foundation of truth that has open my mind to what is genuinely meant to be trusted--scientific research based on empirical evidence... And not to ignore a big dose of rational reasoning. Thank you for all your efforts and work in your secular studies along with important topics in deconstruction from religion organizations for me they are a life saver.

[@billguthrie2218]

Thank you for what you do, Brandon. Watching your Sunday morning talks has become my Sunday morning habit that I look forward to every Sunday morning. I'm 32 years free from the cult, but still love well-articulated dismantling of Christianity. I'm still learning and rewiring my brain even after 32 years free from Christian delusion Thanks for your contribution.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that! I get it. Me too. It’s always such a continuing work.

[@BluStarGalaxy]

You came to the conclusion with a sincere heart. It is so very hard when others claim otherwise and say that you just want to follow the wrong path and be disobedient. The hurt in your voice and eyes is evident at certain points and I’m very sorry to hear what you are going through on a daily basis. Sending a virtual hug your way, friend.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you for the kind love!

[@BluStarGalaxy]

@@MindShift-Brandon You are very welcome. We are all in this together. Supporting and encouraging each other is so very important.

[@maggienewton8518]

for those who argue we can't know the mind of God, the will of God, the plan of God because our limited understanding makes it impossible, that doesn't just apply to prayer. That would also apply to our over all understanding of God's entire being, including what is sin, what is sinful. Since we cannot be responsible for actions unless we know they are wrong and can act to change them, well we can't possibly be held responsible for sin.

[@pansepot1490]

We can’t know the mind of god but we know perfectly well that he hates what two consenting adults of the same sex do in the bedroom. ;)

[@gothboschincarnate3931]

their is no plan....other then for you to complete the lessons for this lifetime.

[@jamespcrown128]

The ten commandments? Otherwise, nice premise 😊

[@kathrynyoung3362]

The problem is that faith is not rational. No matter how obviously true or rational the points you make are, there are so many Christian’s that just don’t care. They have a mental block and will not hear it. It’s honestly infuriating. Thank you for your content. I know that it’s been helpful to me and many others who have already left the church, and to those still in with the willingness to listen. I’m genuinely sorry that your family and friends have not been among them. That has to be so difficult. Keep doing this good work , and hopefully those closest to you will join the rational.

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

Sunday class is now in session!

[@DreamMonster7X]

Nice!

[@quanticthinking1517]

"But Brandon, God gave you the wisdom to reject him!"

[@DreamMonster7X]

...has the free will to believe what he feels is true. One can't reject a story figure in a novel/book. One chooses not to believe in that story figure.

[@SeekingTruth2023]

I love the way you follow the arguments through to the end. Many arguments seem logical at first glance. But you know the Bible well, and so you also know the verses that invalidate these supposedly logical arguments. This helps me so much. For example, that God's ways are mysterious and we cannot know them. Yes, but it is also written that we have everything we need to know /recognize God. My former church even went so far as to say that now the sealed scroll of Rev 5 has been opened and all the truth is revealed to us now. I was very moved when you said that it is not a game for you, but your life. How much easier it would be in social life to not always be the black sheep, to raise children in a united way, etc. But the truth is important. I'm experiencing myself how hard it is to choose truth over hope and simplicity instead of the other way around. Thank you for your openness, also about your feelings and emotions that make everyday life difficult. Best wishes from Germany.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you for this level of thoughtful feedback and encouragement!

[@jjrodriguez6513]

Idk why, but I just assumed that your wife deconverted too. As someone who’s deconverted after they married a very devout believer. I just wanted to say you’re not alone, and I know it’s hard. You’re doing great man, you clearly care deeply about your family. Thank you for making videos, it’s made me feel like I’m not alone…. Going from feeling deeply connected with people around me to suddenly not was really scary, but your videos have made me feel seen. Just, thank you. I wish the best for you man.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for empathizing!

[@davidsellon4580]

I get a variety of responses when Christians learn that I once was a believer, from genuine concern and a promise to pray for me, to assuming that I never was truly saved (because they know better than I do what's in my head and my heart), to accusations that I just want to sin. I can accept all those reactions, except the last one. The irony of being told that I love sin, by a Christian for whom all sins have been forgiven *in advance*, is too much to let slide. I have to point out that, under Christianity, it is Christians who are free to sin without consequence, and they often do.

[@jamespcrown128]

People believe that Billy Graham's Sinner's Prayer is a get out of hell free card.

[@Emkamo-r1c]

Jesus died once for all sin, for all time, including for and especially for unbelievers, so they may turn to Him and believe. That's the work of the Cross. God gives grace, people often don't, especially many in Christianity. Unfortunately it is the religion that turns people off and rightly so.

[@Warrior-re5fn]

I love how you flipped the script to hold god and believers accountable. I feel you brother I totally get where you're coming from. It's not our fault for asking questions and truly studying the scriptures only to find it's doesn't line up. Love ya brother and I appreciate you. WARRIOR ON ⚔️

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you, friend!

[@deneb3525]

This was one of my last stages as a christian. "you made these promises. I've been searching, I've been knocking, if you don't provide the answers I need..... then that's your broken promise, not mine."

[@katedani6889]

I was exactly like you when I started questioning, starting to lose my faith, I spent hours begging God not to harden my heart. To kill me before I lost my faith. I did everything I could to hold on. But, like you, the more I tried to find reasons that God was real, the more I became disillusioned with what I found. The inconsistency, the meanness. I could go on. Then I found your channel, and you put into words all my thoughts and feelings. Thank you

[@JohnSpencer90]

A year ago I wrote a book highlighting the internal conflicts I experienced with my Christian upbringing, and the fact that I no longer trusted Christianity. The good news is that I found a new way to understand God which I have summarized in a few videos on my channel.

[@TheOriginalSupreme]

I just had a conversation with a friend about this yesterday. Lol. Crazy timing.

[@wisdomseeker3937]

I can absolutely and totally identify with you Brandon. I desire so much for God to show up and to show himself true... alas he hasn't.

[@SCP-SAM]

Boom! Keep praying, he said! Love it Brandon!

[@Back2Basics_PlusAI]

If anyone thought this channel was purely an intellectual exercise for you, this one shows how much you really are invested in every word you say. Man, I'm an atheist, and when I hear how much continuing like this could cost you, even I want you to be saved. Love the honesty, the sincerity, the bravery here. If anyone doubts you after this, they are being deliberately ignorant. I hope you find the wisdom and the kind of patience that empowers your words to keep your house in order. That's one hell of a cross you're carrying.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thats all incredibly kind of you. Thanks so much for the supportive words.

[@markconnors3751]

I appreciate this post very much. Like you, I was devout in my faith for 25 years. Teaching Sunday school, interim pastor at three different churches for two years. All the while repressing the ever increasing contrasts between Yahweh and Jesus, the brutality of the one, the gentleness of the other, the inconsistent teachings on prayer, and as you know full well many other problems with the whole biblical proposition. My wife also still believes, but is a naturally liberal person despite her fundamentalist up bringing. The one thing I learned through the whole ordeal is that in the end "I am the master of my fate , I am the captain of my soul." (W.E. Henley) Whatever fate might bring, whatever path I choose, only I can make it work for good. "Amor Fati" Carry on Captain!

[@betzib8021]

I am so impressed by you that you can hold on to your reason and clear thinking in the face of all that loving high intensity and long lasting pressure. It would be like being in a societal pressure cooker.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for saying that! Many people have many reasons why leaving this god is beneficial. My particular situation would only be improved by being able to come back to this god. Thats why it drives me nuts when i am accused of just wanting to sin or go enjoy pleasure lol.

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

You're absolutely correct that there's pressure...and this just made me think of someone I briefly befriended from Pakistan who wasn't a believer. He absolutely cannot disclose his atheism and has to play the part or he will literly lose everything, possibly his life, because of it being a Muslim country. We're the lucky ones, and that's scary.

[@betzib8021]

@@CatDaddyGuitar we ARE lucky...as long as we have our democracy...and the Christian nationalists don't

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

@@betzib8021 agreed 💯%

[@rokkitserjun]

This was one of Tour-de-Force videos that comes at you like Mike Tyson on meth. Wham - Wham - Wham. Nailed it!

[@CatDaddyGuitar]

hahaha that's a vision right there! Mike on meth means lots of ears go missing LOL

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Haha! Thank you

[@stevenpike7857]

It's funny people would question your sincerity. It's your sincerity and devotion to the truth that has lead you here. It would be a lot easier for you to be insincere, and claim you believe again, and regain the closeness to the people you lost by embracing the real truth.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Exactly!

[@QuestionThingsUseLogic]

​@@MindShift-Brandonand to add to @stevenpike7857's comment, it's your sincerity that has caused such rapid growth on your channel!! About to hit 45k 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@montanahelton1272]

That ending 😂 “until next time, keep praying!” It is so good to hear my thoughts and frustrations, hurt expressed through your words, you’re truly gifted and articulate. Thanks Brandon 🙌🏼

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I'm so glad to help vocalize!

[@dasbus9834]

Hey WLC, this is how a proper syllogism looks like 👍

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ha! I am no professional. I am sure someone could poke a hole in my structure, but i do hope the main theme can cone across clearly.

[@dasbus9834]

@@MindShift-Brandon When it comes to apologists, being a professional seems more like an obstacle to logic 😉

[@FoursWithin]

To all the people just emerging from the smoke & mirrors labyrinth of religious confusion. Congratulations!!! Heres a virtual hug. (( )) Dont take your life for granted !

[@breannakay9829]

Your life doesn’t matter in the long run without meaning of this universe. Take it for granted with that attitude

[@FoursWithin]

@@breannakay9829 I'm not sure what you're implying and I don't want to make any assumptions, so I'm going to toss these thoughts out there anyway. Which may be related to yours but they also may not . 😁 A person's life matters, at least to them, IF they want it to. If they find value in it. Because just what matters comes down to an individuals choices, Mattering and meaning are choices. And for the most part always have been. Significance has never been an objective universal. It's an ideal for most societies though it's never been objective except as a claim. A claim made by choice and belief. Theists often choose to attach meaningful connections to ancient dogma . Nevertheless it's not innate, but a choice. To take something for granted is to expect it to just be around whenever you want it. It is to devalue it and view it as common , run of the mill. While Humans are definitely common at 8 + billion living ATM , to take a single one for granted is a narcissistic game. Taking your own life for granted is a life wasted to a poor mentality with a very limited view. There's numerous definitions for nihilism, making a nihilistic spectrum. Where a nihilist places themselves on that spectrum is also a choice.

[@jaydennguyen-xk1yo]

@@breannakay9829objectively it doesnt matter but subjectivity we can all make meaning if we want it all depends on how you want to live and if you need a god to tell you how to live i cant help you

[@breannakay9829]

@@jaydennguyen-xk1yo yeah but it doesn’t really matter in the long run bc nothing matters that way. Why even make meaning then

[@jaydennguyen-xk1yo]

@@breannakay9829 because i want to, there doesnt have to be a good reason as long as its good enough for me then thats all i need.

[@lilym_p]

i very rarely comment on videos, so know that when i say this, i mean it sincerely: thank you. thank you so much for what you do on this channel. each of your videos, the mini mind shifts and the deep dives, has educated me in my conversion to agnosticism. i honestly teared up a bit when you were mentioning how life would be so much easier if you held the knowledge that god has been allegedly "withholding". sometimes i really do wish i never got curious because it has cost me many relationships, but i know that my intentions are pure and no one can take my sincerity away from me. again, thank you so much internet stranger 🙏🏻

[@MindShift-Brandon]

That was really sweet and encouraging. Thanks for taking the time to comment this

[@howardareington3210]

Dude, I was raised as a Pastors kid from South Africa... im listening to you and I've had the same conversations with myself..and It started with "if any person is in Christ..." but I never saw the "divide nature" - I would not call myself an atheist..but I am questioning- thanks for sharing, I thought I was going insane

[@mattirealm]

Brandon, I am like you man. I did the same thing you did for the past few years. I found that I couldn't believe anymore. I was also very honest in how I conducted my "faith" and "belief" and it led me out! There was no other logical or rational way to go but out the door. I hate to blanket statement things, but I have yet to find any Theist that is truly honest about how prayer works, how science works, how the world works and all that. I always hated dishonesty and always was left with major questions that have no answers. BTW, sorry to hear about your wife and sending prayers off for you all the time. That would be horrible IMO. I am divorced now, but when I was married, I was with a strong Agnostic person that didn't believe in all that, so at least that part wasn't an issue. It would literally drive me insane if I had to hear someone say they are "praying for me" on a daily basis. I have strong boundaries around that thing with my Mom (for example) and others as well. Love the honesty in these videos!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for sharing all this. Very similar paths indeed.

[@mattirealm]

@@MindShift-Brandon You have my sympathies about your immediate family circumstances. As I said, I don't know how that feels as my marriage was different from yours and my partner was not an active church goer at all. Please keep up the good work! These videos are so helpful to me and many others.

[@jezzaroddy]

"Keep praying." Wow. This is easily my favorite video.

[@bluecrystal3900]

This one really hit close to home. Broken promises is the first reason I started my deconversion journey. That and all the contradictions that I was expected to believe. When I told my "only" Christian friend from the big church I had been attending that I was not a believer anymore she just looked at me with a disgusted look on her face and said sternly (like a mother) you know what's going to happen to you. Wow, it's almost like a switch that instantaneously turned off the loving, caring demeanor that all Christians are supposed to have. They have Jeckel and Hyde personalities..... Glad I'm out. Sorry Brandon,no prayer from me, ever! Lol

[@robertserrato3596]

I pray for a miracle when I was 15 years old. I'm older now and God never answered my prayer. I also prayed for family members who were very sick. They died. You hear about a baby that was found in a tree asleep after the house was hit by a tornado. They talked about how loving God is because he saved that baby. Then I thought what about all the children in Africa that are starving to death. What about the babies that are left in cars and cook to death. And the suffering continues to this day for thousands of years. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[@sbnwnc]

Thanks!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you for this!

[@Critical_Explorer-vw5hy]

This was one of my points of cognitive dissonance for me when I believed. I would discuss it with my christian friends, and the free will answer was always the answer. It never satisfied me. It was always, "God won't violate your free will." But also, "God can do whatever he wants!" Which is it??!! Thanks for covering it.

[@heavenbound7-7-7-7]

"Which is it?" Both, God is sovereign.

[@kahlilbt]

​@@heavenbound7-7-7-7illogical

[@Critical_Explorer-vw5hy]

If this is sarcasm, it's gold. If it's what you believe, do you hear yourself?

[@heavenbound7-7-7-7]

@@Critical_Explorer-vw5hy We have free will what comes to earthly things, we don't have free will what comes to spiritual things.

[@Critical_Explorer-vw5hy]

@@heavenbound7-7-7-7 ah, I see. So, we don't have free will to choose to believe. Calvinism. Got it.

[@BeccaYoley]

Wow, (just started the vid) the pressure to give in or to just pretend you believe for their short term satisfaction must be immense. Good for you for holding on to your perspective! Ultimately, they deserve to know who you really are and that you no longer put your stamp of approval on the Christian belief system.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you, Becca!

[@Johnmhatheist]

I remember when I was a Christian, I used to think that all atheists secretly believe in God, but don't admit because they hate God and love to sin. Now that I'm an atheist, I now know that we atheists truly don't believe due to a lack of evidence. Until I'm presented with actual irrefutable empirical evidence, I will not go back to believing, and I know you won't either.

[@BeccaYoley]

@Thedrunkape96 Yep! Requiring evidence and sound logic prior to belief is a simple, reasonable request which has the very good outcome of filtering out that which is very likely to be untrue. If the claims of Christianity were true, this simple request should be easily fulfilled. Instead, we get mental gymnastics and excuses as to why it's our fault we don't believe. Well, you don't understand how awful your sin is! You deserve what is coming to you for being so stubborn as to not believe us without evidence! If we don't cave in to such nonsensical pressure, then we get to reap the rewards of knowing more true things and fewer false things, and be able to pass on our knowledge to our kids.

[@BeccaYoley]

​@@Johnmhatheist it's ironic how so often our comments that are simply reiterating the beliefs of Christianity are deleted due to being inappropriate 😂

[@Johnmhatheist]

@@BeccaYoley and fallacious. Our Christian teachers made us think so fallaciously. I was the king of strawmaning when I was a Christian.

[@JDrocks4ever]

God being self contradictory with his Omni characteristics and desires, divine hiddenness, and the fact that general revelation doesn’t work or make any sense in context of the rest of the Bible all were major factors that led me to deconversion. What’s gonna keep me out is the problem of evil with divine hiddenness. Even if God shows up to me and the people around me, I wouldn’t be able to reconcile how that isn’t favoritism given that he’s not showing up and helping everyone. How can I be happy knowing that he’s blessing me with food every day, but not blessing the 9 million people that starve to death each year? According to the Bible, he can rain down manna from heaven to feed people if he wants. Plus he’s omnipresent, so he’s just watching as people get devastated by natural disasters, get sex trafficked, and starve, but does nothing to help. God is like Superman. He’s selectively weaker than he actually is so the story stays interesting. I just care too much now, and I don’t feel good about someone claiming to be a father to all, only choose to help some of his children. Not only is he not showing up for them, but he’s not even going to reveal that he’s the true God to so many people throughout history, leading them to millennia of idol worship that ultimately lands them in hell. And their only sin was being born in the wrong place and time? My empathy for other people, now that the blind spot that religion places on people has been removed, causes me to believe that this God cannot exist as written in the Bible. Help all your children equally or none of them🤷‍♂️

[@Witchoftheriver]

Oh man, I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of that Brandon. Most of my family are still believers but my husband and daughter deconstructed with me so we support each other and keep each other sane. I've been suspected of witchcraft in churches before (cause of the touch of tism, jokes on them I deconverted and bought a cute tarot set for the ✨ aesthetic ✨😋) and felt that distance and hostility. It's exhausting and I'm so sorry you're going through that.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that! So happy you get to do it with your husband and daughter!

[@Kirasfox]

A great video to start off the morning!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks!

[@Nkosi766]

Oh yeah, I got on my Sunday best , waiting on service to start. Happy Constantine sabbath, brother Brandon

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Cheers!

[@pinky9440]

Wow Brandon! This video is absolutely fantastic. For almost 8 years after I first started questioning all this, I was still searching and convinced He must be out there. Realising he isn't and accepting it and making peace with it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Just like you, I would give everything to find out I was wrong, but alas, it never happened.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you!

[@roc5291]

The Believer: “God gave you free will to choose”. Me: “I have zero evidence to believe in your God so I choose to NOT believe in something that can’t be proven”. The Believer: “I’ll pray for you……..(to change your mind)”. It’s all about “free will” until you choose something other than the approved script, then their fascist tendencies have a band habit to emerge. And that gets even worse when you get to try and decipher which of the 900 versions of the Bible is the “right” one and which of the 33,000 denominations of Christianity is the “correct” church to attend.

[@DavidRichardson153]

Cue Homer Simpson's Wager quote.

[@roc5291]

@@DavidRichardson153 “And what if we pick the wrong religion? Every week, we’re just making God madder and madder”.

[@DavidRichardson153]

​@@roc5291Sometimes the idiot is the genius. And just to give another of my favorite quotes from the show: Rev. Lovejoy: "How's that door coming, Willie?" Willie: "Miracles are your department, Reverend."

[@roc5291]

@@DavidRichardson153 90’s Simpsons was peak television in my opinion.

[@dasbus9834]

@@roc5291 Nothing ever got close 👍

[@juliebarks3195]

The one that got away. You are not alone. I could never worship a thing I had to be saved from.

[@MrRezillo]

Well, I don't pray for you, Brandon. I just wish you well and tell you how much I appreciate this channel, and I'm sure I'm not alone telling you I'm grateful for your hard work and honesty here. You've helped me get over my fear of hell (though that fear hasn't completely receded at this point) and that's huge. Mega thanks.

[@deb6252]

Wow. Your voice is drenched in earnestness. Brandon, it's heartbreaking. Lump in my throat...you are correct. I believe, you DO take all the scriptures more seriously than 90% or more of the apologists making YT vids and definitely the commenters who are worried "for your soul". I watch this channel, devotedly, because you respect it all enough to take it this wholeheartedly. Thank. You.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for being such a kind supporter!

[@temporarilyimmortal795]

This video made me very emotional. The thought of loved ones being damned to eternal suffering sounds like a debilitating burden, and I imagine it would be equally gut-wrenching if I was causing that pain for them. These are not relatable things for me, but it broke my heart hearing your personal journey.

[@robertwright6088]

You are amazing human being. I am fifty five years old, I've had exact same thoughts about the topics that you were talking about. The confusion within the scripture to articulate for our behalf or our spiritual growth. Is totally ridiculous. Thank you for speaking on the things that have been on my mind for a very long time, As I go through my deconstruction.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thats too kind. I really appreciate that!

[@Justas399]

Do you apply the same reasoning to science and history?

[@timothymulholland7905]

My missionary parents prayed fervently for me every day for 40 years until they passed away. No luck.

[@JJgoogleemail]

You don’t get what you want, you get what you need

[@ritakent5356]

I feel your burden and desire to know The Truth. The suffering you are experiencing resonates with me and is yet another example of the damage that comes with religion.

[@jeffbenelli6999]

Great episode Brandon. Your sincerity rivals your knowledge and that’s what draws me to your channel from day one thank you.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Many thanks for that, Jeff!

[@PiRobot314]

I resonate with this video a lot! Thanks Brandon for so eloquently putting it. I read a Christian book once called "Dangerous Prayers" by Craig Groeschel. It totally shifted my thinking about prayer, but not in the direction the author intended. Instead it lead me to about the conclusion that you found. I was fully willing for God to give me anything -- even just a scrap of evidence that he was real. I figured, well I can't really say that I want God to prove that he is real unless I am willing to sincerely pray for bad times so God could get me through (disgusting view of God, I now know) It talked about praying for God to change me from the inside out which would be painful. I prayed for that because I really wanted to be perfectly loving no matter how much it hurt, but nothing supernatural happened. I prayed to take the pain of others upon myself in very specific ways, but again... nothing. The ironic thing is that the most stressful thing I endured after praying dangerous prayers was that it really highlighted my doubts about God and pushed me further over the edge of losing my faith.

[@ShatteredWindowpane]

I really feel for you in this video. I can relate to the disconnect that comes from no longer subscribing to the belief system that your friends and family are a part of. In my experience, it feels like a wall has been put up between you and the people you care about. And yet, it feels like this wall is coming from their side and there's nothing you can do to tear it down, even if you desperately want to. It's one thing for people to believe what they believe when it comes to supernatural claims, religion, superstitions... But it's another thing when they treat you differently because you don't believe like they do. You both want the same thing, to have that connection, but there's nothing you can do, the ball is in their court.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

You described this perfectly!

[@markmckeen5124]

Hi Brandon, This was one of your best efforts. There can be no refuting your Undisputipal Truth today. Your preparation is unmatched, along with your delivery. And i totally agree with another viewer, who commented on your "keep praying" Finale. Master Stroke. Mark in Michigan

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Mark, so kind my friend. Thank you!

[@eyefightevol]

You said it exactly correctly, it’s not a game. To a lot of believers it is that. Not consciously necessarily, but it’s a space of wonder that adds value to their life, therefore bending the rules of the game is necessary to maintain it. It makes me sad. Keep it up, I appreciate you. Every time I watch one of your videos in this format, it makes me stronger because I hear myself all through it. We are not alone.

[@GarrettRHall]

Goodness is this my exact current life. Including the praying wife. I've also withheld my deconversion from other family members in the hopes of maintaining relationships. I'll be releasing my religious trauma content soon, where I have a section about how my wife will or will not reconcile my "damnation" while she rests in Heaven. This has been an exhausting and extremely difficult road for the past few years, and it will only get tougher with some things on the near horizon (I've emailed you about them). I so appreciate your honesty and conviction. I'm walking the same path as you, and I've played with these same realities re prayer/salvation. I've even prayed for extra-Biblical revelation, but we know how that will go. Thanks, Brandon, as always.

[@jmparker78]

I don't even have the words; you say it all so well. I love the response to the responses, especially the one about "you were testing God". I've been accused of that because I was begging God to do something to assure me he was there. I wasn't saying "do this or I walk" I was saying "I can't lose you, please don't let me go, please be real". But they just jump to the last excuse, the whole "you were asking in the wrong spirit" thing. You and I should team up and write a book. "Apologetics: How to Move Goalposts for God so that You Can Keep Believing."

[@gackdaddy]

This one hit hard. I am in the same place as you and would love to be on the same page as my wife. Love your videos and am watching for the outcome of the prayers as I would take it as confirmation and act accordingly myself. Wishing you well.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you for this!

[@healthyselfwithkristi7459]

Excellent again! I feel for you. My husband is a very devout southern baptist. But we went into our relationship knowing we had that difference. I’m sure there are so many more emotions that you are feeling.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks, Kristi!

[@9ja9ite]

This video is brilliant. Such a clear and obvious logical paradox. You lay it out and address the counter arguments masterfully. I’ve been saving your videos for when or if I ever get the chance show them to my family if they open that door but this video has such a simple and effective message that I think I can use this to open that door myself. Thanks Brandon. You are awesome!!!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I am so very glad to hear that. Thank you!

[@TerraStory225MYA]

Thanks for continuing to post content of this nature. I don't comment on all your videos, but they always let me know that I'm not alone and there are lots of non-believers out there.

[@Sological]

One of your best videos and I think you've backed up what your claiming very well!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you!

[@MaulBlast]

This man is a warrior.

[@charlesblerzbo1616]

This video is extremely relatable.

[@paper-chasepublications9433]

Thanks for this video! I'm glad I found your channel a couple of weeks ago. It's refreshing to see someone with a larger platform and a similar mindset and thought process sharing this information. I'm almost 42 and went through this process in my mid-20s when my (now) ex-wife/son's mother and I were dating and newly married. I was raised a JW since age 7. I studied the Bible and the organization's literature diligently. The more I did, the more inconsistencies I saw until I decided I couldn't follow it (or any organized religion) in good "faith." My family and people I were close to in the religion are still heartbroken I left. I'm "soft-shunned" since I'm not disfellowshipped. I'm not atheist or agnostic, but I have no desire to rack my brain about "who" is responsible for the Universe or to push my ideas down my son's or other's throats like religious or other groups (i.e: political groups) often do. There are too many social stratification tactics at play in this world as it is. I just do research, share information with my teenaged son and the few close associates I have,, and keep it moving. Keep up the great work.✊🏽 Your videos are 🔥🔥🔥

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you so much for this!

[@paper-chasepublications9433]

@@MindShift-Brandon You're welcome. Thank you!

[@Eyesopeningheartrealigning]

So sincere, so beautiful 6:23 8:17 I believed that to be true because God’s word said it! 8:50 I went prayer meetings with those who agreed with each other sincerely. 10:02 ABSOLUTELY 💯 12:17 AGREED 18:17 Honestly this is a FANTASTIC CONCLUSION! 😅 He doesn’t exist and that’s what’s TRUE. 🎉😅 After 40 years ++ Glad you got out a decade earlier than me. Wish we both didn’t have to go through what we did to make this conclusion about this reality. 21:57 That’s the amazing part! I hear your heart cry about being on same page as loved ones. ❤

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for this feedback!

[@Eyesopeningheartrealigning]

I added extra as had more to share after I watched this in its entirety. Thank you So sad 😞 that your loved ones aren’t seeing it for what it is.

[@aubreyleonae4108]

Speaking right from my heart. Exactly what i wish my family understood.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I hope you can find a way to explain it to them but i fail there too

[@chrishollandsworth6700]

Yes and yes! Best video yet, brother! This is the one I can show believers to explain my position. Thank you for this.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Very glad to hear that!

[@festeringboils3205]

Holy cow, another great one. I felt like you summed up my thoughts on this subject WAY BETTER than I could have myself

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So glad to help vocalize what so many of us think

[@TonyLambregts]

That was wonderful. Sincerely, I thank you for sharing your thoughts. As a individual that has never had a belief in god, I appreciate a well thought out but different perspective.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you, Tony!

[@garymorton2876]

Wow, what an episode. My journey is si like yours. And my biggest frustration is pleading with my old Christian friends that I indeed didn't choose the leave 'the faith'. And that I remain earnestly open and dedicated to discovering truth.

[@djm1256]

Amazing video that struck extremely close to home for me. I could not argue with any of the points you made, yet I am so scared of having doubts and what finding no answers means. I - like probably a lot of people like me - am so terrified of being sent to hell for being "sinful", or not being "saved" enough or correctly. Christians say that God is not the author of confusion, but that's all I ever seem to feel.... confusion. Fear and confusion. I keep trying to find the truth, but it is elusive. Why would God make it so difficult for people who are only trying to find him, understand him, and live for him? The answer seems to always be the same ... "I don't know". THanks for this video.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Glad to help! And i promise the more you learn the more the fear goes away!

[@TheRatsintheWalls]

How are you doing with this confusion, discomfort, and doubt. Anything a stranger on the internet can do to help?

[@djm1256]

@@TheRatsintheWalls I don't think so, but thank you for the offer! I'm getting over carotid artery surgery (harder than I thought) and the procedure was scary wondering if God was with me.

[@TheRatsintheWalls]

@@djm1256 Oh fuck, I'm sorry. That's not a quick or easy recovery at all. Acknowledging that I am as certain as is reasonable that no gods exist, there is evidence that prayer helps believers recover. If you don't feel too silly, maybe pray for help despite your uncertainty? You might reaffirm your faltering faith; you might take advantage of the closest thing humans have to magic; you might just waste a bit of mental energy. I can't imagine it'd hurt, though.

[@djm1256]

@@TheRatsintheWalls Sound wisdom. Thank you. Interesting how a severe surgery and confronting one's own mortality colors thoughts and opinions.

[@Head5hot81]

Thank you for putting into words what I've been trying to say for 10+ years. It's not that I don't want to believe, but when I asked the questions, I never got answers; when I asked for help, none was given.

[@KenSketcher]

Brandon, you are saving people!! Saving people from years of believing in the nonsence and nastiness of the bible. Saving people from the lies of the jewish invented god, yhwh, who afer all is only for them.

[@sqirlgirl121]

Once again, you are covering a topic that I find so relatable! Thank-you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom about the bible, and also your personal life stuff too. I appreciate your channel so much.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

That’s so nice to hear. Thank you!

[@26beegee]

Your experience is exactly the same as mine and thousands of others. I was as obedient as I could be in seeking god. I blamed myself for not finding him. Guilt and rejection ate me up and caused me to be suicidal when my daughter tragically died. Even if god didn’t love me why had he allowed my little girl to suffer for so many years and to die such a sad death? FINALLY, I reached enlightenment when I wasn’t even looking for it - it is only make believe. It is just a cult like so many others. It has done more harm than good. No one’s prayers are answered, there are occasional coincidences, that is all. I am finally free! 🦋

[@gothboschincarnate3931]

Define "enlightenment" pls. Did you have a crises OBE?

[@katherineg9396]

I'm glad you've found your freedom, and I'm very sorry about your daughter. ❤

[@26beegee]

@@katherineg9396 Thank you so much.

[@tmrb7600]

Great video! I did the same. I wanted to be there for my kids and so I wanted to study hard and become motivated. I decided to start again with the basics and not ignore any questions and I would not push forward without working everything out so that by the end I would understand completely and honestly. I found out that it was not true at all. After honest study and research.

[@JDBarker2]

I want to thank you so much for everything you do. I know this comes from a place of love and a place of clarity. Just trying to help him Main use it’s fine and I really appreciate all your effort.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

You are so welcome. Thank you for that

[@graknight]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Brandon!

[@MrBBaron]

One of the most truthful phrases ever spoken was by the late great Christopher Hitchens. "Religion poisons everything" . Because I didn't believe in their religion's viewpoints It destroyed my friendships and long-time relationships. I'll never ever get involved with any woman that is a hard core religious believer. You absolutely will never be able to have rational discussions about the Bible. They said I was lost and they would pray for me because they know they are going to heaven but I was going to hell.

[@Daystar217]

I love your analogy about the cake recipe. ❤ I followed the recipe for my whole life, forty years of trying to figure out why I couldn't seem to get a cake that was palatable. And I kept looking around at everyone baking their own cakes and they were saying, "this cake is the best! I'm so glad i follow this recipe, it's the best recipe ever, all other ways of baking cake are futile and empty, if only the whole world had this cake recipe they would be as happy and fulfilled as me!" And I'm looking at my cake thinking, why can't I bake? Can they? are they just deceiving themselves? How could this possibly taste good to them? And how am i supposed to convince the world that this is the best recipe ever when it still leaves me feeling sick to my stomach and hungry? Maybe I'm taking the anology too far, but i still don't understand why it works for them but I had to look deeper, I needed truth, I needed it to make sense, and the more I studied it the more I realized it was a bad recipe. 🎂 💩 maybe they don't need truth rooted in reality like we do. I still really really want a tasty cake, and I'd love it if God would show me where i went wrong, why seeking him didn't work, but it's not happening here either.

[@DreamMonster7X]

I just commented this on another channel. Religion holds back one from their true potential. Religion (Christianity) Constricts, restricts, controls, obstructs, impedes... one's self from being their true self. Keeping one from seeking and discovering the truth in which one is seeking. Another Christian would tell you to do or be a certain way according to their Christian sect/cult. 'Do this/don't do that. Think this/don't think that...' Religion is like keeping a bird in a cage and keeping it from what it was meant to do, fly. We are meant to fly like Eagles, not be kept in cages. Believe or ELSE, is not a way to fly free like an Eagle in the skies. I love to fly free!