Psalms: A Warlord's Dirty Little Diary | Secular Bible Study (Episode 19)

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Happy SBS Day! Thanks for watching!

[@NOMAD-qp3dd]

Brandon, If you had to pick the singular most offensive verse in all of the bible, what would it be? A lady at work sent a broadcast email and at the bottom of her signature was Psalms 9:1 CSB... I would never do this but I WANTED to send one back to her with the nastiest bible verse I could think of at the bottom of my signature 🤣

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Oh man. Its such a hard choice. One could go the most obscene about how much sperm came out of the dudes that were hung like donkeys. One could go absurd with bears killing children for a prophet who couldn’t take a joke. Then theres the genocide and rape at the command of god. But i think one of the most obvious verses for this kind of thing is Leviticus 25:44-46 where god himself allows chattel slavery of non Israelites and instructs how they are indeed just property snd can be handed down as inheritance forever.

[@ready1fire1aim1]

Jeremiah 48:10 Cursed are those who neglect doing Yahweh’s work. Cursed are those who keep their swords from killing. Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his faithful ones.

[@michaelsbeverly]

@@MindShift-Brandon When I first read about the bears (in a Robert Heinlien sci-fi novel) I thought he was making it up or that it was in a non-canonical book, like from the Catholic Bible or something. I think the bears is the best story to prove that God is evil (if the story is true) as it's impossible to argue that these kids were part of a pagan tribe that needed to be genocided or that they deserved it or something like that.

[@randommemeaddict249]

​@@ready1fire1aim1ah yes, glorifying murder and death in the name of a possibly not real being.

[@DannyS177]

When you said that in our modern morality we are against attacking women and children, it reminded me about what is going on in the middle east right now. Without getting too political, I think it's a good example of the terrible things people are capable of doing because their gods tell them to do it.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes! I may or may not have been thinking of the same thing. I also dont want to detract from the goal of this channel by getting to political but there is a real overlap.

[@zombies4evadude24]

@@MindShift-Brandon​​⁠ not to mention that since then Netanyahu heavily implied 1 Samuel 15:3 when he said in reference to Palestine, “You must remember what Amalek has done to you, says our Holy Bible…” A literal call for genocide; a waking call that these words still inspire *mass murders* to this day.

[@OublietteTight]

​@MindShift-Brandon , maybe this is political? But it is not modern only. Back when psalms were recorded, people were definitely separating their tribes, source locations, language groupings, shared traditions... same thing as now. "We follow Moses, you follow pharoah" Maybe that is only labeled as politics now, but it is clearly a core element of the entire bible. It seems natural. Not just human nature, but all of nature, to see the other as a threat? Psalms gets to add... and feel righteous to justify your suspicions.

[@marcolugo2475]

I feel ur anger brother. I too felt robbed of my youth and and early adulthood wasting time on all this. Even after 10 years I still feel angry about being exploited in that way. Fear and ignorance are their tools.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

It is a shame to lose so much time to something so false but i am content and have a wonderful life that i was able to build despite this religion. I just wish the same for everyone else which is really why this channel is here. Thanks for watching!

[@christahewitt2758]

I feel such a solidarity with this comment. I’m the only one I know in my family deconverted or deconstructed, so it’s nice to feel connected to others who share the rage of knowing we were tricked and indoctrinated as children. How can they do this to kids? With my own kids now I could never do this to them. Part of my deconstruction was the realization I don’t want to teach Christianity to my kids.

[@Bossman21D]

What were you afraid of though? Being punished for doing wrong?

[@kunjimoncm1501]

I thought you are on right way. But now I see you a fool. I think may be you heard about know the David, but definitely you don't know the son of David. His story is Bible. Isaiah 42,53 and the Psalms without the half of 22 all are speaking his story. You are nothing man .I 'm coming to stop stupidities about Bible

[@kathryngeeslin9509]

Only if rejecting Christ is "wrong". Only that is punished; all else is forgiven.​@Bossman21D

[@AngPoe]

I recently made mention of a verse in Psalms (137:9) that I find to be abhorrent and was told by a Christian that I was cherry-picking. Yeah… I’m the one who is cherry-picking…🙄

[@193colossus]

I have been devouring these videos, realizing how much of the Bible my Lutheran upbringing left out every Sunday has been deeply fascinating.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Glad to shine the light! Thanks for being here

[@merbst]

Me too, but in my case, replace Lutheran with Catholic, except when I was staying with my Lutheran Oma.

[@wolkenstrahl]

Same. Even though I had the luck of not having brought up in a religious home, religion is everywhere and I was allowed to venture into religion to figure out what works for me. We NEVER were confronted with what I saw until now in these videos, it's all completely watered down, all shown through a soft focus. I would bet that 99% of believers have no fucking clue about the actual content of their "holy" book. And also, it sadly explains so much about current politics all around the globe. It's so frustrating!

[@robertmoore2049]

Wouldn’t a narcissist tell people to worship and honor him and have them bow down and tell him how great he is?

[@rickdavies4801]

Yes

[@chrishollandsworth6700]

Point #8: When Bradon says he has 'rambled' or 'gone off the rails', it means he was talking about the core issue that concerns all of us the most. Great work,bro!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ha! Thank you much

[@kenhoover1639]

Like so many other books in the Bible, there is some good to be found in Psalms and there are some horrific things to be found in Psalms. The problem always is that Christians cherry pick out the good parts and ignore the rest. Thank you for this video!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Indeed! Thanks for watching

[@johnmanzanaseed]

Yeah the book of psalms offers another way to achieve "imputed righteousness," besides the imputed righteousness Abraham received through faith. In Psalms 106: 30-31 Phineas stood up in righteous anger and speared through a mixed couple having sex and it was credited to him as righteousness to all generations. That must have taken place on Friday the 13th. 😀

[@cindyforish8081]

I think they cherry pick to avoid the cognitive dissonance. I know I avoided thinking about all the horrific versus while I was a Christian. However, my doubts and discomfort would not allow me to ignore them any longer. I was in my middle 40s and had to face them head on. At first it was difficult because I knew, even then, that those versus either meant that the god of the Bible didn't exist OR he was a monster. I was fearful of living without the hope of a divine being and even more fearful to think he was a monster. BUT, I'm glad I went through that fearful time and broke free from religion and any religious based fear. I now am in a peaceful place of being okay not knowing everything. I take life as it is more.

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@cindyforish8081 Cherry picking is cognitive dissonance in motion.

[@alanhyland5697]

Anyone remember for daily bible readings having to read one psalm and one proverb daily? Along with whatever else you're studying. Very poetic book.

[@anita10674]

Yes, LOL... It's so funny to me how there are things we had to do b/c I was told we were special, "set apart", we were IFB not Southern Baptist or JW or SDA or like any of those "other" groups. As it turns out, everyone else was doing this too! 😂

[@josephcollins6033]

I guess my comments are always emotional. I tell you I only worshipped/worship one entity, The Big Austrian I married. People would say, "Oh, how can you talk about him that way?! That's not healthy! You sound like you live in the 19th C.!" Yep. I was that way because HE worshipped me, and he praised me. It was unusual; I get that. And, he didn't dash any babies on rocks. This is wonderful, Brandon!

[@christahewitt2758]

My mom LOVES Psalms and Proverbs. She used to force us to read it and memorize it when we were kids.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So sad. So much better wisdom literature out there!

[@26beegee]

Love it when you “go off the rails”! Totally justified. Thank you for pointing out the inconsistency of God. That always troubled me and I couldn’t ignore it. Really enjoying your series. 👍🥰

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Youre the best. Thanks!

[@smilefrownupdown]

Yes!! Rant! Rant! Rant!

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

I did notice that the Psalms seemed to me to be mostly "kill my enemies, O God!" Pretty horrible.

[@Fourwindsofsuccess]

Psalms was filled with trauma bonding, vindictiveness, & psychopathic manifestos.

[@Tijaxtolan]

In my country people love to have the bible acumulating dust opened in psalm 91, it's like a lucky charm

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Which country?

[@altyrrell3088]

Psalm 91 also figures into north American hoodoo practice.

[@Tijaxtolan]

@@MindShift-Brandon guatemala/latin america

[@cringeLoop]

Same . I am from Trinidad and people like to keep it open on their bed.

[@duanethompson8770]

Again, thanks for the detailed analysis of this book of the Bible. As a Christian for many years, I was mainly presented with the “good “ verses of the Psalms. I didn’t hear about the problematic verses. Like many Christians, I mainly learned about the Bible from the pastors of the churches I attended.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

It really atrocious how much they have to bend the bible to make it mass appealing.

[@Fourwindsofsuccess]

Yes there’s really toxic parts in there and just disgusting/disturbing. I found out when I did research on a atheist website that points out all of the chapters, passages, and books that plainly points it out. Psalms is filled with psychopathic stuff. They mainly always quote the 23rd chapter or any other nice chapter or the other ones about strength.

[@Cesaryeyo]

Episode 19 already?! I'm starting to think this is gonna be done way too soon, I really like these.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ha! After the Protestant cannon, we can still do the catholic and then the gnostics etc. then we can do deep dives of certain parts or verses. Thanks for being here for it!

[@OldMotherLogo]

I would love that!

[@TonyLambregts]

@MindShiftSkeptic I grew up next to a Mennonite family and Catholic family. They both had daughters close to the same age as me. My sister and I could play with them, but the daughters weren't allowed to play with each other. It was really weird. They were both Christians, and both were using the Bible, but they couldn't get along. It wasn't until I was older that I realized there were different versions of the Bible, and this animosity was pretty much the norm.

[@reedcason9107]

I've read these passages over and over and heard in church before, but these problematic passages really shocked me when framed this way

[@JDrocks4ever]

I’ve heard some people say that the portions of the Psalms where they speak of destroying one’s enemies are for prayers against spiritual demonic forces. They’re trying to reconcile Ephesians 6:12 with Psalm essentially. I don’t see how you get around the fact that these writers were specifically targeting physical people in their prayers

[@MindShift-Brandon]

What stupid and horrendous excuses

[@mr.goldenproductions_0143]

You find psalms heavily featured in the Catholic tradition as well through the liturgy of the hours, which are set selection of prayers every Catholic priest/monk/nun has to pray at least five times a day. It's very beautiful and it's one of the parts of religion that I do miss tbh. Thanks for another great video Brandon! :)

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you. Yes i can see that being very appealing. Even now i appreciate the concept of ritual.

[@sundayoliver3147]

There are actually many traditions that use chants or prayers five times a day. Maybe you could find-- or even be inspired to make-- some that would work for you now? Ritual doesn't have to be Christian, or told to you by someone else.

[@festeringboils3205]

My church used to sing a hymn of praise for God’s murder (Psalm 139:19) “ I will praise Him, I will praise Him, praise the Lamb for sinners slain!” I’ll bet my mom still sings this hymn often, even though now it’s referring to me. Seems pretty awful, but I guess god deserves the praise

[@MindShift-Brandon]

The sad part is how the vast majority of the people who will sing it have never read that psalm themselves or looked into the context etc.

[@Fourwindsofsuccess]

Most gospel is toxic. Those particular hymns in that book is toxic or psychopathic rants.

[@jons4678]

Brandon, you have knocked it out of the park with this one, you've returned with a whole bunch of power and enthusiasm from your time in the mountains lol.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ha! Just like moses lol. Thank you very much

[@mrwallace1059]

This is why you are the best. You are knowledgeable, have common sense and most of all are Passionate about this subject and getting people to critically think!!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So encouraging and kind. Thank you! All i want is to help others see this bible and religion for what they really are and be free of their hold and harm. Thank you

[@marcbernard1744]

I remember I was always told when I was considering becoming a Christian that the Psalms and Proverbs are full of the wisdom of David and Solomon. When I read them I thought this is horrible. Like you said mostly about revenge and vengeance and nothing that I read when it came to the “good” passages were life changing or earth shattering. Mostly common sense stuff. Is this really how little Christians think of themselves when it comes to their own wisdom and reasoning?

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Unfortunately i think most christians just haven’t read good wisdom literature so some pretty words (compared to the previous books at least) and bam…seems like gold to them. Its so sad

[@TonyLambregts]

Once again, thank you for your dedication to reality.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Always. Thanks, Tony!

[@carlasmith9093]

That is such a concise, poetic, and truthful way to phrase it!

[@TonyLambregts]

@carlasmith9093 Thank you for your affirmation. You're very articulate yourself, and I am grateful that you are here.

[@marsrii4372]

I won’t be happy until you hit 200k followers! You deserve them…

[@MindShift-Brandon]

That is very kind. Thank you! Long way to go!

[@theinternetman1]

Brandon, I really need you to know how incredible your channel is. Please keep it up and I hope everything in your life, and with your family is going well.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thats very kind! Life is wonderful. I am just beyond lucky and so happy to be able to help in the least bit with this channel. Thank you!

[@lesliemccann628]

Just went back and watched the “confusion” video. I don’t know how I missed it but it was excellent. Thanks for another great lesson.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Hey thanks for that! Theres a few from the first month that just never got traction which is fine but this one lined up with psalms. Anyways. Appreciate you being here

[@trythelight8319]

This month of October, the pastor at the church my family attends has been going over demons, supernatural forces that he claims “are still at work and just as subtle and deadly” as today. Listening to him preach with fervor and conviction, whelming the congregation with the fear that the devil’s got a hold of people in those seats, that they are Judas Iscariots… I spoke with my grandpa over lunch post-service and asked for his general thoughts on the matter. How strongly he believes God is at work against Satan and the demons and how it’s “very real…” and how there are a lot of hurting and misled people. To think I - a closeted skeptic - am a perfect example of someone who fits every bullet of the afflicted, of the enemy. This is why I’m closeted. That’s not to say my family or pastor are bad people…just bad ideas and unfortunate understanding. If you’re curious, I can send you an email, linking the KZbin channel containing my church’s sermons. They are well put together for what they are and could make for something like Tuesday Takedowns…if I ever get to a state of public (enough) renouncement.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Send them on over! I have sooo much to day on demons that i have almost avoided the topic so far because i really want to go deep with it.

[@FaithIsNotEvidence]

I am so excited ! God - An Anatomy is one of my favorite books as well. ❤ We the viewers are in for a treat. That book breaks it down Barney S-I-M-P-L-E that the concept of a bronze age deity morphed as time marched on from the image of man to what we have today.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Only hope to do it justice!

[@LARADEKA]

Quoting that Psalm thing after searching on the Bible to amuse me: *_"Do I not hate those who hate you? And do I abhor those in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them, I count them my enemies." (New International Version, but I have New American, oof.)_* That stuck to me until I isolated myself and reflected on this. Then it came to a realization that harboring the said "decades-grudge" will not fix the past and all the horrors done on people like myself. Psalms has a lot of atrocities more than good things. Yes, there's a little good stuff (Courage in the face of death), but then... Two wrongs never make a right. The only way to rebuke this is to not stoop so low as how the Psalms wanted. Don't know about anyone, everyone can still harbor a grudge until they get "justice". Will it grant peace? I don't know. Trauma is difficult. Speaking of the stuff, it DOES sound like only a War God can do such things... something like Athena (War and Wisdom).

[@momentswithyahya4239]

My sister’s husband blew his stack when I told him the Bible is no better than the Quran. 😂. I got a real kick out of pissing him off. He still can’t see the hypocrisy, til this day.

[@auroraasleep]

Wait till you tell him Jesus is a prophet in Islam.

[@MatthewsLivingAdventures]

I wonder how this book relates to and was thought up based on the actual historical context that they worshiped a Storm/War god? Like, if they even knew at this time what man-made god they were worshiping and how they related these songs, prayers, etc to praising an ultimately evil wacky god.

[@actionpoker7C2H]

A guilty pleasure of mine is definitely watching Tjump's shorts where he joins bible reading livestreams and requests Psalm 137:9 😂 Also agree with other's sentiment. I rewatched the series a couple weeks ago, and probably will again!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Lol! And thank you very much

[@actionpoker7C2H]

​@@MindShift-Brandon My memory can be hazy, but sometime last month I seem to recall you talking about doing an interview with Trent Horn - is that coming soon?

[@MindShift-Brandon]

We just filmed it tuesday! I think it will be on his channel this monday and then for anyone that doesnt go there. I will post it two weeks after that.

[@davidbudge8359]

By the rivers of Babylon where we sat down and bash in babies heads on the rocks. Not sure Boney M would have had a hit with that verse.

[@thegametroll6264]

I appreciate that you actually reading the bible and doing the study so that those formerly of faith don't have to.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

My pleasure!

[@ToddJSpencer]

I finally got around to this one…had some catchup to do. Also, I guess I was holding out on psalms as they used to be a source of comfort. I remember so many bible teachers always deferred to god’s omniscience when it came to violent genocide-“god knew they were going to do great acts of evil, collectively…” Once you stop glossing over the violence, or the inconsistencies, the Judeo Christian god becomes as bipolar and fickle as the Greek gods, or their Roman counterparts (I was big on Bullfinch’s mythology in my youth) Once you open that box, though,it’s impossible to close it. It’s a bit of a grieving process.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I understand! Cant unsee the reality. But worth understanding also.

[@wolkenstrahl]

Totally feel your rant. Yup, that's it. "Wrong" religion, "right" religion, same hateful bs.

[@carl7674]

Idiot! What religion (right or wrong) is being promoted in this video?

[@Kattlarv]

While I can't talk about the topic here, I CAN say: Something I recently realized with ALL communities, fandoms and etc. (Going a bit broad terms for simplicity.) We treat EVERYTHING that is "normalized", in this "Eh, who cares?" overton window. That allows more and more escalation. In both directions. For example: If you HATE minoritets. That IS allowed, but ONLY if you do so, because of a religion. Since then it's socially acceptable. As, it's wrong to criticize you for your faith. But if you hate minorities WITHOUT a "reason", you are seen as bad. Same if you are a non-functional alcoholic. People will *bend over backwards*, to make excuses for you. Since: Alcohol is legal, part of our culture, etc. "That's just how they are!" etc. But if you are a functional drug addict of ANY "illegal" drug. You are scorned for being a horrible person. Those things are "normal", therefore: Okay. But the SECOND we step out of line, it's weird and wrong. Like you have mentioned in other videos: Someone can be an objectively AWFUL person. And there is this "You HAVE to forgive them! They are a good christian!" or "faaamily" or "just did a mistake", as long as its "acceptable" mistakes. Yet, I've noticed people who have been wronged, or are 100 % in the right, get UTTERLY curb stomped. Because they went against the status quo, and didn't have a free pass. Again: Not allowed to give specific examples. But the hypocrisy is staggering, of what is and isn't allowed. In a place that SUPPOSEDLY: Uses the same rules. For example: How many stories do we have, where Christians steal, assault or worse on family? And the victim HAS to forgive them: Or be exiled. OR: If the victim was a minority. The abuser is welcomed with open arms, already forgiven. While the victim is discarded. Like: Who cares if alcoholic uncle Bob killed your child? You're a filthy atheist, you *deserve* it. Bob accepts Jebus.

[@orendungan3455]

I'm splitting my time between watching your newest vids and catching up on what you uploaded before I discovered your channel. You've very quickly shot to the top of the creators I click on as soon as I see a new video. Top notch content, and I am a big fan of these 'by the book' videos, especially now that Hemant Mehta had to stop his chapter-by-chapter bible reading. No shade on Hemant; he has his sanity to protect, but you're filling a void, my friend. Keep up the Great Work.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thats very lovely to hear. Thank you for all the support and kindness!

[@Tomahawk_choppa]

This series is brilliant, really have been enjoying your work Brandon. I am hyped up for your thoughts on Ecclesiastes coming up! I find that to be the most intriguing book in the bible.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I too am intrigued by that one and thanks so much for following along!

[@tomsenior7405]

Oh Yes. I still like to read Psalms from time to time. There is some genuinely beautiful language in the KJV. Psalm 46:9 seemed to be written for me, when I left the Army. A pity that the Cold War loomed over the rest of the 1980s. A pity that conflict has raged across the globe since time immemorial. Shame that it will continue without end in sight. Thank you for nothing Oh Lord of War.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

God needs to hurry up on that whole stopping war part! Thank you for sharing. I agree there is much lovely language in some verses

[@theflarpus]

30 min. The who are you mini rant. Was the voice in my head. It hurts so much to realize how much cognitive dissonance I suffered for so long. Because once you're in. You're in. No matter what or your faith was never real to begin with. I can tell you are a man on a mission and it's a good one. ❤✌️

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that! Yes i can relate for sure

[@Chuck-se5hh]

Truly you deserve a major award for your work, your intelligent critical analysis against the Bible, your honesty and fairness in doing it, your accuracy and sincerity in it, everything that you have said here in honest criticism of God and the Bible is correct. I am particularly blown away by your numerous clear illustrations of the hypocrisy and moral inversion of God in the second half of this presentation, hypocrisies and inversions that I myself have privately noted in the last 20 years of my study of the Bible but felt compelled to put them to the back of my mind thinking that I simply didn't see the whole picture as God sees things. You truly have caught God and the Bible with their pants down, and the sight is not at all pretty. ******** My own personal singular MAJOR criticism of the God of the Bible as it has crystalized in my mind in the last 3 years is that the Bible nowhere acknowledges parental neglect and abuse and parental abandonment of children, and similarly God (incorrectly) views all parents as righteous and good and holy and and that children are to obey and honor them under pain of death, that God views children as disobedient and rebellious and nowhere does God acknowledge the sinfulness or incompetence of bad parents; nowhere does the Bible acknowledge or describe the horrific mental and emotional terrors and injuries children suffer when neglected and abused by their parents, and nowhere does God provide instruction as to what parental responsibilities are towards their children to avoid neglect and abuse of them, and nowhere does the Bible provide any direct help or instructions to parents for them to successfully become adequate and beneficial parents to their children. Nowhere does God list or acknowledge parental neglect and abuse of children as a reality or as a sin. For these reasons I logically and honestly conclude that the the God of the Bible does NOT deserve the title of 'Father', similarly he is NOT a God of love, and similarly his 'understanding' is NOT 'beyond measure' (Ps. 147:5) - because he clearly has NO CLUE about the reality and horrific plight of children who are neglected and abused and abandoned and mistreated by their parents and primary care-givers. The Bible similarly is TOTALLY unaware that many sins and sinful compulsions people commit as adults are directly the result of injuries of neglect and abuse they suffered as children under their parents, and yet the Bible is extremely gleeful to gleefully accuse those people of being free-willed 'sinners' and of mercilessly deserving Hell and shame and contempt.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful and kind comment! And youll be happy to know i have an episode coming out in a bit about “the good father” that covers much of this. I couldn’t agree more!

[@thomasc2680]

As an INFP personality type, supposedly the same as “David”, I can totally relate to the bitching and moaning and griping about always finding trouble in life and wishing recompense on ppl who are my enemies. I wouldn’t say I go as dark as David goes w my thoughts, but I can relate.

[@marcolugo2475]

Another amazing ep. I know I sound like a broken record but are you going to be doing an episode on the Nicene creed/council and how the Bible was literally “stitched together”? That would be awesome especially how you do it. Thanks.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks so much and not at all. I 100% will be getting to that topic!

[@20july1944]

The Bible wasn't stitched together at Nicaea, Dan Brown is a novelist.

[@alanhyland5697]

It's the second or third Council that I want to see you do. I forget which number it was, but it was the one with all the murder.@@MindShift-Brandon

[@TonyLambregts]

@@20july1944 thank you for all your contributions to the algorithm. You really have done a lot to help out. Are you Brandon's sock puppet?

[@20july1944]

@@TonyLambregts I think my method doesn't feed BrandonDouchebag's algorithm wut I don't know for sure. I'm getting free entertainment regardless.

[@jeffknetzer856]

As you said in the beginning, yes, do start at Genesis and catch up. Every single one of these Bible books or amazing to contemplate through a secular or critical eye. Intensely enjoyable!

[@josephcollins6033]

You are so damned funny I just spewed my popcorn! Have a blessed day!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ha. Cheers, Joseph!

[@aprilbryant8641]

You present the bible the way I can understand & be enthralled, whereas the presentation in church was so overwhelming, contradictory, hypocritical & full of fear I would space out, go along & forget about it as soon as I was out the door. TY 😄📖💩

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ill take that compliment any day. Thanks, April!

[@giri.goyo_yt]

This is the first of any video I've watched from your channel and you knocked it out of the park. Concise, mindful, factual and well taught. So .. I guess I'm gonna start at the beginning of your series .. SUBBED.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Oh thats an awesome set if compliments. Thanks so much for being here! Hope you enjoy the rest of my work!

[@sundayoliver3147]

I think you'll be glad you did!

[@josephcollins6033]

Oh! Thursday!!! Can't wait.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for being here!

[@smilefrownupdown]

Again, every video is my favorite video!!

[@robertmoore2049]

I appreciate all the hard work and diligence you put into each video you do, Brandon, and the quality of each one. We watch the finished product. I can’t imagine all the work you put into each video that we will never see. Thank you!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

That is really kind. So glad it’s appreciated! Thanks

[@mariavaleriagiacaglia8974]

Another great episode! You are an amazing teacher! I hope your videos will spread like fire in no time so, hopefully, more and more people will run away from their indoctrinating religions.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So very kind. Thank you!

[@loriw2661]

I’m enjoying this playlist so much. Thank you for all the effort you put into this. I’m learning about the book I could never bring myself to read.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So glad tyo hear it, Lori!

[@alexmclaughlin2189]

Great video, congrats on the 20k there is going to be many more. Your videos are thoughtful but still easy to digest. It’s always a pleasure getting to watch a new one.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks, Alex! Appreciate that very much.

[@DarqueSyde66]

Outstanding, once again! WOW!

[@Abmusic8623]

I could listen to long form versions of these studies. This is incredible work my friend!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you. Thats so gokd to hear!

[@greg-op2jh]

I definitely have loved these. I have listened to each of them at least 3 times. Thank you Brandon! You are doing the Lord's work 😉

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Oh wow. I owe you then. Thank you!

[@Moon-Marie]

Keep up the great work with these secular bible studies! 👏🏾

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Will try! Thanks so much!

[@AngPoe]

Mic drop at the end! 🎤

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ha! Thanks for watching that far

[@beeblesheep]

Thanks for the video! I always look forward to these each week. I have a pretty grueling job that requires repetitive tasks so these videos help me get through it without losing my mind. I have a question about the production of these videos: how do you read these so quickly? Do you listen to an audio book, or did you prepare by reading the bible before making this series and write notes? You may have answered this before, but I’m really curious. Thanks!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that very much! Sure. Each week, i read the book I’m going to cover and make a couple notes of verses i want to highlight for point 7. Ill do some research to check myself on things like historical context or scholarship on authorship but 90% of this is just me talking about the book which makes things easier. Unfortunately, i know this bible very well. So a quick reread and I’m ready to talk for the most part.

[@ButtercupBerry1234]

absolutely brilliant video...thanks so much 🙂 👍

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that so much!

[@stephenbailey9969]

The Tanakh is the most honest ancient text describing who human beings are and what is truly in their hearts. Even the 'heroes' are deeply flawed. From end to end, it is the description of a broken humanity.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I wonder how many other ancient texts you have read to make this statement. There are so many other, non scriptural, works of the past that compete or win outright without claiming divine authority and endorsing ethnic cleansing, genocide, rape, and slavery.

[@stephenbailey9969]

@@MindShift-Brandon Iliad and Odyssey, Greek histories, Roman texts, Gilgamesh, some Chinese folk stories, Ramayana and Mahabharata, Buddhist writings, folk tales from indigenous peoples, myths and folktales from all over the world, such as the Arabian Nights, etc. These were always interesting to me from the time I was a child. My university degrees were in history, so I have a general background in these things. War, oppression, and enslavement are found in all of these early texts. But the Tanakh delves into the psychology of human beings, including the non-powerful people, in a very honest and straightforward way that is unique. Rarely do you find the 'heroes' of such ancient texts as depicted other than supremely wise and heroic (except in comedies). Not the case with the Tanakh.

[@GaryHudsonsMusic]

Excellent!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you!

[@kettei7743]

Was waiting to hear what think hear of the book

[@MindShift-Brandon]

What a unique book

[@ReasonQuest]

I'm caught up! This one was great. I keep hearing from Christians that whatever God does is good (even if it isn't). The Psalms propagate this idea--that all of God's behavior is good, regardless. So inconsistent.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Inconsistent should be the name of this whole bible. Thank you so much for following along.

[@dawnalawrence6584]

Excellent video!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you much!

[@dimpledpirate]

Yay, I love your videos

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Many thanks!

[@lindareese4579]

Thank you mind shift for sharing this information with us ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Walton-F-Ramp]

I remember working my way through the Old Testament and having all these red flags popping up in my mind, and then thinking once I got to Psalms, it would be easy sledding for awhile. That did not last long LOL.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Lol no doubt!

[@RiannaNicole]

I’m coming back to Psalms as it’s a recommended reading for grief, for your videos. We lost our dog yesterday (12/22/23) due to a terminal illness, and wanted a refresh on what would be something for grief, so if anyone can point me into a good secular grief video or link, as I want to explore this route more.

[@theflarpus]

Awesome

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you!

[@tussk.]

I never read the Psalms when I was part of the Catholic church, because the language always put me off. Almost every one of them, to my memory at least, was a self hating mantra, to be repeating over and over again. I am not worthy, God is great and I'm a lowly worm before him etc. I was reading the fables of Aesop and the Celtic myths at the time, and they were much more interesting than the dreary dirges that the priest would drone out every Sunday, and, importantly, they didn't constantly tell me that I was a worthless sinner.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes. They have an unfair standing in the lineup of ancient literature. So many other pieces more beautiful and less harmful.

[@denzilbelgium]

Excellent content as always, thanks a ton.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks so much!

[@tahllaz]

Thank you bro for this SBS I’ve been watching and following all the books with you from day one . First time studying the bible from outside my belief system and man! I’d say..l had no idea how EVIL this god is . I encourage everyone to start from Genesis His videos are not long ,straight to the point and so intriguing and clear how he presents them . Thanks again Brandon 👊🏿👊🏿🙏🏿

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Super kind! So glad to have you going through the series. Thank you!

[@Fourwindsofsuccess]

Yes I love his channel. I’ll be watching for life ❤👍🏾.

[@Iusedtosing]

This was the book (besides job) that made me start to question… which is ironic since it’s the book that brings the most people in. My parents AND god did not follow what love is.. so how could I accept that double contradiction?

[@danman3542]

Question for you, if you where in my shoes would you come out as an atheist and get disowned by your entire family and all your church friends or remain in the church do the bare minimum to pass as a Christian but keep the peace?

[@MindShift-Brandon]

It really depends. Theres a lot of variables. Depends on your country, your age, if you are dependent on these people etc. I offer some more specific help on my video called, how to come out. Its really a very personal choice and again i think depends on so many factors. Feel free to reach out if you need more help!

[@20july1944]

If you love your family you might as well float along. God will know you're His enemy, but your family don't need to.

[@20july1944]

@leob3447 Meaningless statement

[@ziploc2000]

All depends on your age and situation. If you are financially independent, master of your own home if you will, then I see no reason you need to keep bowing down to this nonsense. Sounds like you aren't though, so I'd use this grace period to do the bare minimum, while preparing for the day you can escape. You could even show your "devotion" by bringing up problematic bible passages, and asking people to explain them. As a Brit, we all just paid lip service when required, but I think at least 80% of "Christians" don't believe a word of it. It's just a tradition, like not bad-mouthing the Royal family unless you really feel the need.

[@KeanuReevesIsMyJesus]

@@20july1944I like how your God has automatically deemed this person an ‘enemy’, instead of just someone who’s lost and needs to be found. Very telling about your benevolent God 😉

[@misterlau5246]

Hey, I thought you were going to Job. Before continuing... Psalms... Parts.. and I think there's a typo of numbering there, I don't remember. Usually addressed at the prologue. It's a nice book after the disturbing things in other books. Now I press play again .. Yeah.. I see about the inconsistencies and the prologue which tells obviously not everything is done by David if any. David had that issue with Bethsabe and what he did... 🤔 😬 That was Nasty

[@AshleyCartwright-op3cj]

Hi . Consider reading The Remedy in regards to the book of Psalms by Dr Tim Jennings of Come and Reason ministries and also other materials ....

[@tobymartin2137]

As a perpetually anxious individual, when I was a Christian, I did enjoy the Psalms as devotional literature more than the more difficult books...or, to be more accurate, a select few Psalms, particularly 91 and 139. Figures that the former would be used by Satan in order to tempt Jesus. There is doubtless some nice poetry in the Psalms, but what a waste if you, a) have to believe it's the absolute word of God and therefore can't take it piecemeal, and b) you neglect other beautiful works both ancient and modern with the same poetic or wisdom-esque ring. Sure, read the Psalms, but also read the Iliad and Odyssey, the Mahabharata, the Tao Te Ching, the Metamorphoses, the love poems of Sappho and Catullus, the existential poems of Horace, the Socratic dialogues of Plato and Xenophon, the wisdom of the Stoics, Epicureans, and Confucians, and so on. Just listing that reminds me of all the reading I should get done... I respect your decision to dedicate an episode to every separate book in the canon, though I am curious to see how much you can get out of a video dedicated to 3 John. That's not so much an epistle as a scrap of whining gossip.

[@Badficwriter]

Its not just the warlords. The prophets all feel like crazed narcissists. I pity those who lived close to these people.

[@mrwensveen]

Can I coin the term "Mindslapped" for when you go off the rails? Looking forward to compilation videos of the best Mindslaps in about 10 years 🙂

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Ha! Brought me a big smile. Love that. Thanks!

[@Viky.A.V.]

Recently I've heard a priest from Ukraine explaining the psalms in a way that made some sense. He said that the book contains the whole spectrum of human emotions -- from the kindest to the most evil ones, since it's our nature. Well, okay. But I still deny to curse someone so that I could "bath my feet in their blood". The book is too obsolete, we, modern humans, don't feel this horrible urge to curse anyone's children and nxt generations (or at least should Not). What is interesting, in my country it's a rule that when a person reads those dark psalms s\he has to do it in very dim light and without crossing oneself (e.g. putting the cross sign of one's body). I guess, priests do understand that the darkest psalms are very unwelcome.

[@mtmoonan]

Well said!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks!

[@jamiegallier2106]

❤❤❤

[@mainaime2566]

Recently deconverted after deep diving into atheist content After solidifying my position, I actually heavily lost interest in the theism/atheism debate (why would you be interested in debating something obvious) I do like your channel specifically, though. I feel as though you’re not arguing a position necessarily. Rather, it simply feels like you’re explaining facts as they are. I don’t get the feeling I’m being convinced - I feel like I’m being educated. Maybe it’s your delivery or the way you articulate yourself but that’s the impression I get. Okay - long winded comment over. Back to finishing the video 😹

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that. The goal of this series is to show the bible objectively for what it really is. I get a little more heavy handed in point 7. I appreciate your comments but also dont want to dupe you. I believe religion is harmful and that we could and should do better. The main goal of this channel is to help people who are doubting or recently dexonverted.

[@mainaime2566]

@@MindShift-Brandon Hey! To be honest you did help me a lot with my deconversion, so you're doing a great job. I guess one way to think about it is that you're also still engaging for those of us who are already convinced. Keep it up bro💯

[@rainyfeathers9148]

'God bless America and nowhere else' I've heard that people say that kind of thing. I was going to leave it alone and hope it wasn't true but here come the old good book😩

[@littleredpony6868]

Psalms 82 does have remnants of when the Jews were monolatry

[@zacharylehocki]

Psalms might be the most poetic book in the Bible and that`s still not saying a lot, interesting how Christians need to be selective even with the best books in they`re Bible. Thank you for looking at both sides Brandon.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

You got it! Thank you

[@Truth-Be-Told-USA]

Random events for sure

[@nathanober4091]

I'd love to talk to you! I responded once...I'm the youngest son of a fundamentalist pastor ...I followed dad impeccably...have 4 adult sons...I'm divorced and confused as all get out

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Sorry if i missed a response. Shoot me an email and lets have you on one of my first call in episodes that will be designed for those in your situation to call in (anonymously if you want) and ask away.

[@MrToad-fs4jq]

Please stop apologizing for your rants. That’s why we’re here.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Lol! Noted. Thank you.

[@wolfos420]

Nice.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks!

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

even poetically, dashing babies on the rocks should make Christians stop and say what now?

[@wargriffin5]

If we're going in order, I can't wait to see your breakdown of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Even a non-religious person can benefit from being familiar with the wisdom traditions of these two books.

[@lifefindsaway7875]

What would be a good strategy for getting the wisdom from these books?

[@wargriffin5]

​@@lifefindsaway7875 Reading them; and maybe looking past the religious language to find bits of advice that both coincide with other schools of thought from the ancient world, and that we'd still give today.

[@lifefindsaway7875]

@@wargriffin5 I feel that good advice can be found anywhere; from religious scriptures to fortune cookies. However, if I need to exert my own personal judgment to separate the wheat from the chaff, can I really say I’m getting advice from the book? I’m still relying on my personal judgement, which I had in the first place.

[@scrider5493]

Speaking up against your God? Brandon, I work with some people who are OK with whatever God does, b/c He is God, holds all the cards, gatekeeper to Heaven. You better be OK b/c He has the absolute power to hurt you even more, sent you to hell. Best to figure out how to placate, worship and grovel, b/c maybe then you will escape judgment. Wow! This is like an abused spouse.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes its such a disgusting thing!

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

The Jewish put the Hebrew books in a different order than the Christians do. Any insight into that?

[@brandenharvey9817]

We're a couple of books away from the horniest book of the Bible.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Indeed we are! Gonna have to turn the lights down low for that one

[@bigbusiness3000]

Give it enough time and there will be people that never sin and thats a threat to God where he has to intervene manipulate and hurt them.

[@theunholinesswithin70]

So, YT doesn't even allow other YT video links...