Real Or Not, Is Religion Useful? (Feat. GM Skeptic)

When discussing religion, it's important to distinguish between existential and political arguments. This video isn't an attempt to disprove the existence of any god in any way, but rather to show that religion isn't as utilitarian as is often claimed.
@CosmicSkeptic
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[@CosmicSkeptic]

Be sure to watch the second half (GMS's video, and I talk about morality): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKGkpIaMi7ifga8

[@alfredogonzalez8735]

Cosmic Skeptic ive found myself in an ethical dilemma with the consumption of animal products, I'd like to hear you go into the morality and see if you come to the same conclusion I have

[@fullup91]

On GMS.. His speech is a little too fast paced and not clear enough to be fully coherent. He is making some wonderful points, but I'm surely not the only one who needs 10 cups of coffee to follow along. Slow down, buddy. Use some pauses to allow us space to acknowledge and evaluate your points. Maybe a better mic and camera and a less distracting background would help, too.

[@lucianolatouche6776]

You're a very articulate person but It's absolutely stunning to see how inconsistent your views are. I remember you arguing that homosexuality is right because it is seen throughout all the animal kingdom- and now you're arguing that just because something is natural doesn't make it right. Why don't you use the same argument for homosexuality? Oh, wait a minute! I see... Your reasoning is limited by the frontiers of your worldview. Anyway, I still like your videos. Blessings!

[@fullup91]

Luciano Latouche ... He has never argued that homosexuality is "right". Nor that, because it is something that's natural, it is therefore inherently good. He uses further systems of reasoning to reach his conclusions.

[@iwilldi]

On might ask ask What is the evolutionary benefit of drugs? We have a long history of drug abuse. There must be some benefit to it.

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

Thanks for collabing with me, Alex! It was a pleasure working with you!

[@smegmalasagna]

Genetically Modified Skeptic Hey look another youtuber with sense. Subbed

[@smegmalasagna]

Genetically Modified Skeptic But people should indeed also look into religious channels when you like to watch video’s on a subject like this. Even when you “know” that you are right and the other sides are full of bullshit you should still look into it. Don’t just eat up whatever your favourite youtubers say but think about it instead. This is what many people lack

[@fullup91]

WHY YOU ARE AN IDIOT WHY ARE *YOU* AN IDIOT???

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

Productive discourse: F Grammatical accuracy: D Comedic value: A+

[@nicholaspoling9691]

+WHY YOU ARE AN IDIOT The last 4 words of your KZbin monicker describe you perfectly.

[@chris-ws7fb]

I love how I’m sitting in church and I got a CosmicSkeptic notification

[@Born2EditHD]

The Jôkër why are you sitting in church🤔

[@lucymelight4865]

The Jôkër looooool

[@informationyes]

A message from above

[@swordstrafe]

Daniel rogers yes and joker..... why are you in a church?

[@2987ms]

pyro light He's probably a kid.

[@homosapien7217]

Thx Alex. I was atheist from day one. The last 200 000 odd years have been very frustrating for me.

[@gabistef2799]

True though. Until you saw a lightning strike and attributed it to a higher power. Hmm bad Homo Sapien...

[@Gaeisok]

No homo bro

[@hrh2842]

Religion: the poor believe it; the rich don't; the rulers use it...……….. .The two worst curses ever visited upon Mankind: war and religion.

[@shinratensei3878]

Homo Sapien same :(

[@martinsilenus4647]

You are one weak creature and your spawn collectively are even worse.

[@phileas007]

All we need now is a new 100% organic skeptic

[@KookiesNolly]

exactly! I can't stand GMO's, because they just can't be trusted. Organic yay!

[@MylesdaMullet]

+Eli N.S You know what GMO's are and the reason they are used, right? They are not bad for you and probably more "trustworthy" than organic food...

[@crazymovieguy2]

This channel generally promotes logic over unfounded fears. It's well documented that GMO are better for ecosystems and human health. Lower residuals of glyphosate compared to non-GMO herbicides means they have less ongoing effects. Additionally, glyphosate resistant crops require less applications of herbicides. BT crops also enable farmers to use less or no pesticides which is great for soils and surrounding landscapes. Higher yields in GMO crops allow more efficient farming meaning that there is an opportunity to use spare land as a corridor for natural landscapes. As for human health, GMO crops have been used for 15 years in most of the world with no proven GMO associated health issues.

[@Alessandro-B]

And I can't stand how organic is just a scam that cannot be trusted. More use of land (bad), more use of water (bad), and more money paid by simpletons that cannot figure out they're being scammed (bad for them). GMO yay!

[@toryslapper69]

By heck I like my skeptics as gawd intended

[@Tylerthety]

I think Alex is going to be one of this generation's great and famous skeptics. He is one of the most articulate and thoughtful KZbinrs I know of. He is good at arguing against even the most silly arguments without coming off as condescending, and his writing skills are great too. He certainly has the skills necessary to influence many people. Cosmic Skeptic: Keep up the good work bro! You are going to achieve great things. By the way, you should write books one day. I would definitely buy them.

[@azuregriffin1116]

Tyler Mauldin SECONDED! HERE HERE!

[@Tylerthety]

Everything you just said is empty drivel. You need to back up your claims with evidence if you expect anyone to take you seriously.

[@ThisisKyle]

HELENO HENZO God your life makes me sad

[@azuregriffin1116]

He supports homosexuality? Yes. The Bible opposes homosexuality? Yes. I don't see your point. I notice you used "ism" instead of "ality," telling me you completely misunderstand homosexuality. It is not a religion, but an attraction to the same sex as yourself. Nothing else. Women should have equal rights?! The horror! That nonsense is supported by enough research papers and stuff like, oh idk, FOSSILS... And no, my mother is strictly against Christianity and did not abort me. Many people do actually PLAN for childeren. You are either a Poe or the poster-boy for the abortion movement you so clearly despise. I'm sorry to reduce to insults but your argument is stunningly poor. Go home.

[@vampyricon7026]

Look guys, he's clearly starting an argument so this comment gets bumped to the top. We should thank him.

[@GodlessCranium]

Excellent video and I've been a fan of GMS since he began his channel. It's nice to see you two work together. 😊

[@GeneticallyModifiedSkeptic]

GC: The hipster king of atheist youtube. 😉

[@GodlessCranium]

Genetically Modified Skeptic Haha! You know it brother!

[@dan_imate]

ابو ليث الخطيب Sorry, but the video lacks a convincing argument, and is just the usual Islam lecture that I keep hearing.

[@larsthurgood811]

“It seems to me a fundamental dishonesty, and a fundamental treachery to intellectual integrity to hold a belief because you think it's useful and not because you think it's true.“ - Bertrand Russell

[@larsthurgood811]

@David Lenz Yes?

[@larsthurgood811]

@David Lenz Well, then it seems like Russell didn't. So what?

[@AmberyTear]

I have a friend who got out of deep depression thanks to religion and I lived in nations which managed to survive through attempted genocides and HUNDREDS of years of persecution thanks to religion. In drastic cases like this I acknowledge that religion is indeed useful. However in both cases I also noticed that there is a point at which it is healthier to progress beyond religion and just move on with healthier solutions. It can be more complicated process that JUST THIS or JUST THAT. Moreover the question shouldn't be whether religion helps us but whether belief in magic, pseudoscience or conspiracies helps us. These 3 things ultimately fall into the same category of coping mechanisms in social creatures with unusually advanced intellect and thus capable of very creative abstract thinking. What non-believers of all kinds should do is to study what these coping mechanisms deal with at the very core and propose better solutions, easy to access and understand for everyone, no matter how intelligent or well educated. This is how we winn and help the world move on.

[@alexanderofrhodes9622]

Religion is a trauma response. When an intelligent creature is placed in a world wherein there are phenomena it cannot yet comprehend, it must rationalize their existence sufficiently well as to not be constantly riddled with the anxiety of it. Religion is the 'good enough' answer to the questions of the universe.

[@darkacadpresenceinblood]

@@alexanderofrhodes9622 i've been calling religion a collective trauma response too, glad i'm not the only one who sees it that way.

[@connorsmith3282]

@@alexanderofrhodes9622 What phenomena are being rationalized?

[@alexanderofrhodes9622]

@@connorsmith3282 Death, war, storms, floods, plagues, slavery, pregnancy, humanity, day, night, seasons, cold, warm, crops, flowers Etc , etc , etc

[@Roedygr]

Religion always fights change. They have scripture to describe reality. The scripture is never modified. Religion blocks equality, social change, science, innovation....

[@johnhooyer3101]

This isn't necessarily true. There's revelation religion and then philosophical religion. Revelation religion has unmodified scripture from a divine source. Philosophical religion is religions that is "discovered" and that can be built upon through further philosophical tracts. For example, Buddhism. Buddha is not the god of Buddhism, just the person who began the outlook. The religion has developed as time went on. The same goes for Taoism, Hinduism, and many other Eastern religions. And especially for Wiccanism. In fact, religions overall don't tend toward having unifying and definitive scripture. Most tend to evolve in a very naturalistic way. Abrahamic religions are the most familiar to people worldwide and have had the strongest effects on history, but they also buck the trend within most religions. Even then, there's some debate within Islam over whether or not any prophets might come after Muhammad. I also can't say that religion necessarily blocks equality. It depends on the doctrines of the religion. If the religion is built around advancing equality, then its practitioners will likely fight to advance equality. There are religious outlooks that codify the scientific method. Again, it all depends on the religion. Religion is a sign of mankind's attempts to find wisdom and describe the world. I think that it stands to reason that there have been many sages who advocated for innovation, since humankind has always desired innovation. It's just a matter of what innovations people prioritize. A lot of astronomical advancements came about because religions tended to ascribe high priority to understanding the nighttime sky. The same goes for writing systems and teaching systems. It all depends, and I can't really make generalizations.

[@Ergeniz]

@@johnhooyer3101 You would have a better point if Buddhism was developed from the outset like any other religion but it was in fact a philosophy and Buddha explicitly did not want it to become a religion. Modern day Buddhism has been perverted from its original source. If anything you are reinforcing Roedy's point.

[@johnhooyer3101]

@@Ergeniz Buddha wasn't divine, though, and his wisdom wasn't held to be infallible. That's the point I'm making. He didn't divinely reveal the truth of the universe so much as start a discussion, and that discussion led to a public school of thought. It began with him, but it wasn't defined by him because schools of thought are more democratic than revelation-based belief systems.

[@Ergeniz]

@@johnhooyer3101 Isn't that the entire point? That's exactly why the current Buddhism is such an perversion of what he originally created, as he never claimed to be divine nor was infallible. Contrast this with say, Christianity which is also changed from how it was originally implemented and doesn't quite resemble its origins anymore, but for different reasons. Anyway, that's exactly why it shouldn't have become a religion like it is today but should be closer to a philosophy (to be fair many still consider it as such).

[@johnhooyer3101]

I'd say that a philosophy can be a religion. Anyway, I'm just saying that religions don't all have scriptures or claims to infallibility and it's an anthropological crime to make generalizations like that. Not all religions are scriptural, not all are philosophical, not all centralized, not all theistic, and so forth.Also, I'd say that Buddhism would be a perversion according to Buddha, but since Buddha also didn't claim to be infallible, he doesn't necessarily have the final say. Ask Buddhists who have a more religious view of their Buddhism (I'd say that modern Buddhist religious beliefs are an infusion of Buddhist philosophy with older Hindu suppositions about reality), and they wouldn't say that their Buddhism is perverted, so much as a development upon things that Buddha taught. Where modern Buddhists believe Buddha was wrong, they are basically free to disagree with him and alter things.What I'd compare it to would be if there was, say, a nation based on George Washington as opposed to a religion based on Kim Jong-Un. George Washington supported a constitution that could be amended, so that today Americans can all believe that slavery is immoral while still claiming to be the descendants of the ideals of a slave owner. George Washington considered nature higher than himself and acknowledged that there were things that he believed that he might one day be proven wrong on (I think of the Ninth Amendment as being something of an indication of this mindset). People who worship Kim Jong-Un, however, cannot be good citizens and disagree with Kim. There can be no solidarity or kinship without absolute conformity to the source of national doctrine.Both are nations. One nation is open to change because it's "scriptural" origins are subject to reevaluation. The other is based on a present-day cult of personality and absolute power. Very different ways of forming national identity, but they are both valid nations. The same goes, in my mind, with religions. They don't all claim to be absolute in their wisdom from their founding, and I think that if a religion is based off of someone like Buddha, it can diverge a bit from his original ideas and still have continuity, if it can defend its intellectual history.

[@scottbeard9603]

: “people should worship rocks” A geologist

[@Be-rh2ls]

I love you, Alex! You always talk about the topics I'm thinking about!

[@penghuiing]

Every time Alex uploads, it feels like Christmas. Top quality video as usual!

[@edgepleb8516]

I really appreciate how you speak and phrase things. Just wanted to let you know.

[@erberlon]

Bluemonsoon you need to get yourself a life dude, this is getting very sad and pathetic

[@edgepleb8516]

Bluemonsoon I want you to think about how much you gained by writing what you wrote. Now, I want you to think about all the things you could have gotten. Do you feel motivated yet?

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Both you guys are right on point. Thanks for the collaboration. I found both of you guys independently and was very pleased to see the collaboration. Smile on my face.

[@aislygncovante7524]

I love it when my favourite KZbinrs get together to do a thing! So exciting! Will be headed over to GMSkeptic to make sure he gets a view and like for his work!

[@arri2493]

Alex, YOU DESERVE MORE VIEWS! you are such an underated skeptic my bro

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

I'm glad people have great resources like this video and your channels. 30+ years ago, we had to find like minds and struggle with incredible ignorance. We're making progress!

[@2fast2block]

Bill, I agree there are tons to bitch about in religions. This channel though is for the dumbasses who don't think but can just bitch. Do you really think this channel has a good answer to the creation of the universe, how we got order in the universe, how we got the laws of nature, life and much that followed life? Bitching about religions does not give answers to such things. These clowns attempting to appear smart with such answers makes this a comedy channel. "We're making progress!" Great, start out by giving your best answer how creation came about by natural means.

[@Wysiwyg43]

THIS is wonderful! Two brilliant young men collaborating on a subject that needs to be addressed. Makes my middle-aged heart beat just a little bit faster from joy. I realized (years ago) that belief has a purpose for some and I respected it. Still do. And because of my realization, it made me more mature in terms of knowing myself. Thumbs up, Alex and thank you.

[@JesterAzazel]

I was wondering when I'd see a colab video between ya'll. Definitely looking forward to this.

[@guytheincognito4186]

Two things. Firstly. Dogmatic religion stems from a psychological need for group identity and belonging, together with a need for certainty and meaning. There is a strong impulse in human beings to define ourselves, whether it’s as a Christian, a Muslim, a socialist, an American, a Republican, or as a fan of a sports club. This urge is closely connected to the impulse to be part of a group, to feel that you belong, and share the same beliefs and principles as others. And these impulses work together with the need for certainty-the feeling that you "know," that you possess the truth, that you are right and others are wrong. At the root of these impulses is a fundamental anxiety and sense of lack, caused by our sense of being distinct individuals, existing in separation to other people, and a world "out there." This generates a sense of being "cut off," like fragments that were once part of a whole. There is also a sense of vulnerability and insecurity, caused by our insignificance in the face of the world. As a result, we need to "bolster" our sense of self, to strengthen our identity. Secondly. Dogmatic religion is dangerous because it creates an in-out group mentality. It encourages people to withdraw empathy and morality from other groups, to see them as inferior and ignorant. Other groups can be seen as general entities, rather than as collections of different individuals. And when two groups are thrown together, with their different beliefs clashing, different beliefs that are an affront because they suggest that their own beliefs may be wrong, conflict and warfare are always close at hand.

[@wombat3635]

DUDE I LITERALLY JUST FINISHED THIS CHAPTER IN “The God Delusion”

[@helenohenzo2239]

now u r deceived. did u finished the last chapter of the Bible?

[@LordLambertius]

HELENO HENZO what nigga

[@helenohenzo2239]

pell, thats why the God's judgment and him treating u as temporary is just. u have this 2000 pages book which claim to be from the creator which has two covenants, information about origin meaning morality and God;s plan for u, if u live to be 100 thats is 36500 days and 5000 weeks, but didnt spend not even one day a week to read a chapter, u r not interested, God has all the reason to treat as vapor (temporary). i am on my 30's i have read the whole bible three times and i am on four times, cant wait to start the 5th, 6th, 7th... bible is the only book worth reading, at least it claim to be beyond humans. how many books/textbooks of humans who dont even claim to be divine inspired have u read? how many chapters all those books/textbooks combined have?

[@wombat3635]

HELENO HENZO i have read the entire bible. Old and new. Twice. Once when I was catholic and once when I was atheist

[@miguelpadeiro762]

HELENO HENZO Read a huge book 6 times? Man, you should get some rest and but the book in a bookshelf, reading a book one or twice is fine but six times? Just because skydaddy wants you to read it or else you'll suffer enternal punishment

[@markandersh]

My thanks to both of you gentlemen, Alex and Drew. This video really resonates with me and I'll be sure to watch the second half. I am coming from a background of religion and finding for myself that I don't need it anymore.

[@pepitopapata9763]

Amazing video as always very insightful and well spoken. Thank you Alex! Keep it up

[@pennclick]

Well now I feel bad about turning on lights thanks to moths killing themselves

[@bundleofperceptions1397]

Not to mention all the adventures you're missing out on by NOT walking around the house in total darkness. Watch out for the stairs!

[@5ime0n98]

It should be clarified that we do not consider 'moth suicide' as an example of _conscious_ behaviour. The moth 'brain' responds automatically to light sources; information enters the eye and triggers more of a neurological reaction than a behaviour, with the wings responding as evolution dictates. Quite a salient example of an evolutionary backfire; amusing to consider how cogent it is to Alex's thesis.

[@MegaMiir]

Ad Lockhorst are those the moths bears love to munch down?.. They be fly yo'

[@ilaias_]

They deserve death for being so annoying. God I hate moths

[@mattressmccabe1686]

ابو ليث الخطيب I watched it. I'm still not convinced. Stop following Islam, it's bad kzbin.info/aero/PLaT8qr1YOSM2lmn5EywNrQMlXUUCCa7yK

[@darkgreninja8349]

Hey Alex! Was just thinking maybe add captions? Or better enable community captions so we can add them :)

[@LogicAndReason2025]

You and GMS are much needed today with prevalence of gullibility at epidemic levels.

[@ryanleman7380]

Lol I love the wooden KZbin button. I seriously hope you still have it. Priceless background & subtle sarcasm.

[@lrcdlc9446]

I love new videos from you Thanks

[@GalileoSmith]

It does not have to be a purely black and white thing. I have said for years that religion, or at least _some_ religions, can be beneficial to _some_ people. I also am of the opinion that overall, when all is considered, religion is harmful to mankind.

[@kathyheyne8610]

Martin_Teboski We broadly agree, Martin, but I'd put it a little differently: ALL religions have SOME aspects that are beneficial to mankind- all teach the Golden Rule, for instance- but overall, I'm of the opinion that religion overall is harmful because 1. it fosters in group/out group behaviour and worse- by divine sanction 2. it allows human beings of the fight for justice in this life and this world- it's left up to god and the next life.

[@magnocratbaker6719]

Mankind is the most harmful thing to itself and may well prove its own downfall. The Black Death was very devastating and who knows what nature may unleash.

[@johnhooyer3101]

@Kathy Heyne -- Not all religions actually teach the Golden Rule. Common misconception. There's this perception that all religions are somehow the same, but there's quite a bit of diversity if you actually study the different systems. Not all religions believe in an afterlife, either. You're conflating them all with Christianity, but many sects of Judaism believe that justice is entirely in this world. Then there are more Eastern religions and kharmic belief systems. Many systems that believe in an afterlife also hold strong moral convictions for justice in the present life, so overall I just don't really see the second argument really landing. Generally, I often see the first point, though. It goes both ways, though. It often gives people a very strong sense of unity, which can be both beneficial and non-beneficial. It isn't necessarily always by divine sanction. After all, there is no god in Buddhism. In such a case, it fosters an in group through a spiritual science/philosophy.

[@lumossk3657]

I don't think it's religion that's harmful. Religion is an excuse. If we take it away people will find other excuses for oppression.

[@MrKit9]

Nazism is also beneficial to some people. The KKK is also beneficial to some people.

[@TheCraftersDiarybyKelyana]

Thanks for giving him a shout out. I love his channel and I'm subscribed to both of you. 😁

[@ahmadjamalmughal47]

Dude you are answering every question that pops into my head honestly. There I am wondering about something, and suddenly I see your video about it. And it is happening all the time.

[@aaronpolinati]

You two are my favorite atheists on KZbin, I like your arguments which I think are genuine and targeted at get answers I love the way you two are open to receive every point of view which includes Christian point of view as well. I just love you two and I desire whole heartedly that you get more and more subscribers and even do another collaboration if possible

[@ScootaReader]

"If you want to see more of Genetically Modified Skeptic--and you do..." Did you just tell me what to think? You're using religion on me, aren't you?

[@nikolademitri731]

Great work, as always, Alex, and thanks for introducing us to GM Skeptic! As I said in the comment section on his video, I have one point of, not so much criticism, but feedback: this video would have been a perfect place to feature more of the points that Daniel Dennett made in, "Breaking The Spell", as it's pretty much, imo, the greatest book written on the subject that you guys are covering here! Granted, it's still a great video. I'm just making the point that his feature, in the "4 horsemen books", was/is a goldmine of quotes/data for the topic at hand. Great work, my friends!

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

I have already subscribed to GMS, and I love his videos too. Thanks once again Alex!

[@giabea.]

Another awesome video!

[@giabea.]

Bluemonsoon If that is your opinion, I can't really change it. All I can do is ask why you think that.

[@TheFunGun5]

@Bluemonsoon "This account doesn't have any content" So your full of shit then.

[@TheFunGun5]

@Bluemonsoon Projecting? Im not the one linking "my video that totally refutes this one" and then theres no actual video. That would be you. Nice completely fake non existent argument...not.

[@TheFunGun5]

@Bluemonsoon Aww, what happened? Did youtube delete your video becasue it was fake? Or did you do it out of shame? Either way your just a troll with no real excuse for your asinine beliefs. Your complete lack of tact prooves this. Have fun not going to heaven, because it doesn't exist.

[@belladonna70]

glad there are young intelligent guys like you covering this

[@nickaudio]

Thank you expanding the community to Include GM. Now I shall tap subscribe.

[@drewstillexists]

Well said, both of you! A worthy collaboration.

[@aleksandartheprodigy9039]

A brilliant video

[@timmya4000]

religion being like a penis is the best analogy ever in my opinion - Religion is like a penis. it's okay to have one. it's okay to be proud of it. HOWEVER, don't pull it out in public. do not push it on children. do not write laws with it. do not think with it.

[@timmya4000]

i think one flew over the cuckoo's nest.

[@KookiesNolly]

hahaha this is so funny but because I've just watched a video about the heroes from the young justice, and they said that Richard Grayson, Batman's protege, has literally banged most girls in the show. It's funny because his nickname is Dick! In the Lego Batman movie, when he tells Bruce Wayne that the kids at the orphanage calls him Dick, Bruce says "well kids can be awful". He just didn't know that's because the guy is a fuckboy!! hahahah I have just realized how dumb my comment is and I will log off the internet. Sorry for wasting your time.

[@tristanblackmore9772]

HELENO HENZO you don't choose your sexual orientation

[@jeffthompson9622]

I have just discovered and subscribed to both of you . I applaud the reasoning and presentations that both of you offer.

[@wolfrinemen4464]

Thanks again Alex for this brilliant analyse

[@kaylamuza421]

I identify as a pagan, and consider myself religious. But I have a very open mind and I love your videos. You take a very civil point of view to these topics, and I agree with quite a few, if not most, of your points. Awesome job!

[@Garonen]

I just realized your eyes keep looking right of the camera xd

[@beautyellacarolmkuma5533]

Wow, two of my favorite people. Great video. Thanks you two.

[@nordic06]

Content is getting better and better Alex, the collaboration videos are particularly interesting. Any chance of doing a podcast? I think the format would suit you and your content really well.

[@ichbinben.]

The thing about evolution is (English is not my native language, so sorry if I phrase things in a weird way): There are not only traits that are useful and ones that are harmful, there are also traits that are irrelevant. They exist, maybe as a byproduct of something else, and they are not causing those with this trait to go extinct, so the trait continues existing. Saying that something must be beneficial, because it still exists, is nowhere near the truth. I don't think I have brown eyes because it was beneficial to my ancestors, it was and is simply irrelevant.

[@kalidor2299]

Survival of the fittest doesnt really apply to us humans.. No matter how fucked up we humans are, we still get to reproduce.

[@ichbinben.]

I don't know for sure, but I don't think that eyecolour is such a big deal. Other animals that rely a lot more on blending in with their surroundings also have eyecolours that kinda stand out.

[@xBINARYGODx]

Something does not to be an evolutionary advantage in order to stick around.

[@pranavlimaye]

True. You just need to brainwash millions of people (and their children) for it to stick around

[@laurajarrell6187]

Cosmic Skeptic Alex, Great video as usual. Now I'm off to GMS to finish. I think I'm already subbed to him, too. Love and Peace

[@tommytheomeganerd5665]

FINALLY A COLLAB BETWEEN TWO OF MY FAVOURITE KZbinRS THAT COVER TOPICS LIKE THIS

[@daymanfighterofthenightman]

Can't stand this argument, it gets thrown in my face a lot. Thank you very much guys

[@user-uz9wc6dn5s]

'God is obsolete' - Andrew Jackson jihad

[@biovations]

I am proud of you! I think you are great and we need to hear your voice! That said, I humbly suggest that you may want to make more videos that are in the 5-10 min range. I want to hear from you more often, but I can't always commit to a 15-30 min video.

[@candycrusher6921]

Not to take anything away from the videos topic - I just want to say GMS is a brilliant channel. I am so glad you collaborated with him Alex, I wouldn't have known about him otherwise!

[@tristanblackmore9772]

Two reasons come to mind...wealth and power. In earlier ages, physical confrontation was a way to achieve these things, but in religion the battleground is the mind and controlling behavior via thoughts. Two different paths to the same objective.

[@azuregriffin1116]

Tristan Blackmore you reminded me of Jungle Jargon, the profile pic is similar.

[@tristanblackmore9772]

HELENO HENZO I pity you and your delusions.

[@azuregriffin1116]

HELENO HENZO indeed it does teach homosexuality is perversion. Additionally, the fact you use "-ism" instead of "-ality" tells me that you think of it as some kind of doctrine, which isn't the case as homosexuality is simply the attraction to the same sex. Additionally, your scare tactics are shallow. Some people want kids, some aren't gay etc.

[@tristanblackmore9772]

HELENO HENZO Your Bible teaches that slavery is acceptable, it promotes murder as punishment for trivial offenses, it shows that child (human) sacrifice is pleasing to your God, it advocates physical & mental torture of people as "tests of faith", it promotes incest between family members and it finds the concept of global genocide pleasing to your evil, sadistic and insane God. There is the "morality" of your Bible/ God.

[@sK00mz]

Tristan Blackmore the bible does not promote slavery, incest, or any type of murderous punishment, although it does speak of these things because they were around. Common misconception. But as for the major genocide, you got it.

[@duderyandude9515]

Today I learnt to put out a candle whenever I see a moth.

[@michaelsands442]

390/1 Like /Dislike ratio. Well done sir. I like the back to basics videos. It speaks very highly of the integrity and quality of one's concept,content and delivery/production. It shows that while we may see more of Alex branching out; we still see videos in the original vein.

[@tomasbeha1645]

Congratulations on the new (?) camera, quality sure looks improved (y)

[@mrl9418]

I so hoped this video would be 4 seconds of a white "No" on a black background.

[@strumptavianroboclick5596]

evolution takes hundreds of thousands of years, religion isn't that old in comparison to evolution

[@helenohenzo2239]

thats why evolutionism is nonsense, for life to exist it has to be complete from the start and it cannot change, and plus theres not even one evidence earth is older than 6000

[@strumptavianroboclick5596]

HELENO HENZO sure thing bud.. solid logic there...

[@bundleofperceptions1397]

Maybe you should start with the easy stuff, like how to put a proper sentence together, before taking on something as complex as religion.

[@bundleofperceptions1397]

What's your point? Are we playing, "Here are a couple of facts I'm aware of"? That sentence may have made sense in your head, but it doesn't do us any good if you don't explain what it is you are trying to get at.

[@Kyo-uz1zi]

HELENO HENZO Evere heard of the internet? Search up anything and get feedback? You should try it out.

[@markharkey3279]

You both are awesome!

[@kirajacobs8310]

Awesome video you guys mad some really interesting points. My one question is what do you think was the evolutionary benefit of religion to begin with and why it was beneficial to us?

[@Alex-li5wg]

I believe that some people do believe in religion because if I where dying and someone told me that if I were to pray to a person however many times a day then survive I don't see why I wouldn't still believe in this person of whom I have prayed to. If someone who reads this disagrees with me pleas say I would love to have a conversation over the matter.

[@tristanblackmore9772]

Alex there is no control in that experiment. In other words, you have no way of knowing if you would have survived without praying. I'm sure almost everyone in Puerto Rico was praying their asses off but they still got nailed by 2 hurricanes...just sayin

[@ThisisKyle]

Alex Well in my opinion I wouldn't pray but that's also because I've came to terms with death, but I'm guessing my nihilism and my suicidal tendencies may have something to do with it

[@SalisburyKarateClub]

what if your praying to the wrong god. How would you know, what if the true god is krisna or vishnu?

[@mikesimonian990]

Derek Martin or there is no God at all

[@ThisisKyle]

Versal Mit Unterstrich Optimistic Nihilism?

[@QazwerDave]

Does religion separate or unite to a greater extent? Remove religion from the world: whould it lead to more or less war or other conflicts ?

[@cameliaionascu3094]

david orvik I love your name

[@QazwerDave]

OK? It means birchbay (the tree). It's Norwegian. Love yours.

[@alexandergayosso2203]

david orvik Honestly we'd just find another excuse to fight would we fight over relegion no but we would find something but anyways yeah love the name too

[@QazwerDave]

But police still fights crime even if they're not eradicating it. Let's fight to remove bad things allways !

[@jessp8238]

The problem isn’t religion per say..it’s our lack of personal awareness as human beings.

[@ash8329]

incredible work on the video, as a fellow skeptic myself id have to be fair and say i would have liked to have heard some more specific modern day examples of why religion isnt important and perhaps even harmful. Never the less brilliant video and i fully agree. love you guys

[@michaelbalfour3170]

My dad witnessed the same thing with migrating birds when he worked on the North Sea platforms; the birds would fly in circles around the flame and then go up in a puff of flame.

[@ocek2744]

Can I just say you guys look like Spock and Captain Kirk?

[@chilanya]

today i realized you two are not the same person. sorry!

[@chantellenutes5435]

Two great minds… going to be, and so far has been, interesting watching your careers develop.

[@michele8491]

Im a science student and I also like philosophy, so i totally love your channel :)

[@danshiba1498]

Emotionally religion is good as it helps numb pain and misunderstanding by giving a upside but thats it socially and realistically it doesn't help

[@danshiba1498]

HELENO HENZO yeah i do belive it helped us in the past to develop as a species but i feel at this point we nees to drop false truths to fully improve as a species

[@helenohenzo2239]

religion is the one who opposes who are trying to devalue humans, we even have man marrying man, abortion, lie of evolutionism which is creating a false reality...

[@ThisisKyle]

HELENO HENZO God I hope your kids are gay

[@danshiba1498]

HELENO HENZO devalue humans? Really if we still believed fully in religion us as a species would be so vain towards our disposition towards other animals which is ironic because the bible teaches in not being filled with vain the bible falsely teaches that god made us 'special' And no homosexuality,perversion,abortion,EVIL are not bad,they are subjective just like how i support homosexuality and abortion but dont suppory perversion and pedophilia but you obviously hate all of them Ask yourself this how am i ;a person made in the eyes of the 'lord' still excepting and understanding of homosexuality but i hate pedophilia it was not written to me by god I will admit that i use to be homophobic because not because of my parents,peers or god but because of my misunderstanding of their side i feel you can fix your homophobia if you looked at it without 'GOD' tinted glasses.

[@jacobcarlton2962]

My favorite parts of The God Delusion were the evolutionary by-product parts. I love this.

[@tobibello8420]

Lovely video fam. My mind is BLEWN!

[@KURO_ame]

Great video, thanks.

[@alfredogonzalez8735]

Can you talk about the ethics of veganism? Should we go vegan?

[@tinmanlobster]

if you want

[@megday9869]

You should!!

[@greenanubis]

There is no reason to. Going vegan feels beneficial because of that empathy circuit in your head which is designed to work with people but it also sometimes gets activated by animals exhibiting some human trait. No one goes vegan because of seashells for example, which have fewer human qualities. Its a byproduct of evolution like religion. Still largely pointless.

[@greenanubis]

markj6700 Ok. Semantics, doesnt change what it means.

[@alfredogonzalez8735]

i think theres plenty of reasons to go vegan, like for one's own health or the environment/resources... i dont find your argument very convincing either... that "empathy circuit" is probably in fact a by product of evolution, the same way that having empathy for each other is a by product of evolution, that doesnt mean it doesnt matter... from an evolutionary perspective we are also animals who have evolved side by side with these other beings in the struggle of life for millions of years... these animals are so much like us they can think and feel and i find that what we are doing is morally indefensible

[@4tniteborger936]

#NoNutNovember #staystrong

[@meowmeow9677]

Jet Andrade You’ll be sexually frustrated.

[@youwaisef]

Jet Andrade Oh we're doing that? Welp...

[@ElaborateTiger]

Nobody can take away the joys of a good nut.

[@williamfrohock145]

Jet Andrade I've been failing this everyday so far.

[@ThisisKyle]

Lol what?

[@Cybernaut551]

Thanks for discussing both sides of the arguments rather than one-argument-rules-all "direction."

[@dougvanderhoop8012]

You are off the scale brilliant. Sir. You are beyond your years wise. You have a very serious challenge in front of you. You now have to continue to the next level. You put yourself here by choice. I look forward to hearing from you and your thoughts.

[@lucymelight4865]

Can we talk about Buddhism

[@azuregriffin1116]

Being zen as fuuuuuck

[@KookiesNolly]

My sister turned into a huge buddhist recently. I personally like the Buddha's philosophy but if I can't use chakra to do some ninjutsu shit, it seems useless to me. Still, awesome dude, the Buddha, and all the stuff he says is great and I agree but ummm what's the point of chakra in all this stuff? Wait is chakra even that important in Buddhism? I guess I will never know. I've just realize my comment was dumb and I should log off the internet. Sorry for wasting your time.

[@abhijitborah]

It is the most atheistic religion.

[@bundleofperceptions1397]

I got involved with a Buddhist group in the 80s and what they did was to sit around visualizing what they wanted in life and chanted "Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō" over and over until they got what they wanted. Sounds too materialistic to me. Not that that's what all Buddhists do, but that's what this group did.

[@abhijitborah]

Spes Ultima : Rightly pointed out. Every religious instruction is plagued by cunning individuals taking as much as they can. And making hostages of the gullible.

[@gavsmith1980]

Alex you have conflated necessity with benefit around the 1:39 mark. Religion doesn't have to be necessary, just useful, for it to be argued as having utility.

[@ashwal4189]

HELENO HENZO huh ??

[@exiledfrommyself]

Youssef Ahmed He speaks incoherently because he's not educated.

[@pansepot1490]

HELENO HENZO, PLEASE STOP TROLLING THIS SECTION WITH YOUR COPIED PASTED COMMENTS.

[@helenohenzo2239]

incoherently based on what standard? some people are free thinkers, that means they create their own standard of coherence. are u saying u allow humans to create standard for u? are u inferior than them? to be educated u need God unless u think u r inferior than humans to be educated by them. dont tell me u think human to human is education? what is wrong w/ u?

[@jamo6079]

gavsmith1980, did you watch the whole video? Alex later argued that evolutionary necessity doesn't equal utility, as necessary byproducts of evolution can even be self-destructive.

[@terencechesney9098]

Thanks for the link, bud...

[@BrianHartman]

There's one argument for utility that I didn't hear you bring up: Cessation of existential anxiety. We're all going to die someday. Believing in a religion that teaches about an afterlife assuages the fear of death. That comfort may be a false comfort, but you don't have to worry about that when you're dead.

[@abigailrose]

Whats your opinion on the Book of Mormon musical?

[@bundleofperceptions1397]

Very entertaining.

[@oliversanders3406]

Hellllloooooooo!

[@TheDhammaHub]

I recently came to the conclusion that I am in-fact a Buddhist. That decision did not came lightly, as I only made it after countless personal benefits manifested themselves in me that are related to the practice. The benefit of meditation is undeniable in my opinion. And simply trying to avoid the benefit of Buddhism by not calling it a religion simply won't do. Buddhism is just as much a salvation philosophy as other religions. And just as you can ascribe some bad things to Buddhism, you too can do that with modern science. A lot in-fact.

[@origamiSnow]

woah that ending animation is so cool!!!

[@claudia4578]

Wajoo deze guys man

[@ilikepizza123100]

Please mention or respond to Jordan Peterson. This video directly opposes his views on religion

[@ilikepizza123100]

+cosmicskeptic

[@ilikepizza123100]

@cosmicskeptic

[@theGADGETSplaylist]

+Garrett Hurt - Peterson is an example of how powerful indoctrinated religion can be. A courageous and critical thinker in other matters, he's totally messed up when it comes to religion. Sad to watch.

[@aaliyahkissick]

Jordan Peterson is one of the most brilliant secular-based minds there is. But sadly even the best of us can fall victim to doublethink if we aren't proactive.

[@AlessPlayingLikeaPro]

logical canuck how so? That's what he talks about and decomposes the most

[@fullup91]

On GMS: His speech is a little too fast paced and not clear enough to be fully coherent. He is making some wonderful points, but I'm surely not the only one who needs 10 cups of coffee to follow along. Slow down, buddy. Use some pauses to allow us space to acknowledge and evaluate your points. Maybe a better mic and camera and a less distracting background would help, too.

[@KookiesNolly]

that's the thing with GMO, they act in a weird unnatural way. This guy sounds good but he might give me cancer

[@gone2742]

Rembrandt put it on 0.75 speed

[@GreatBomb126]

If you didn't sound so condescending it'd also help.

[@fullup91]

GreatBomb126 ... I really am sorry if it came across that way. It wasn't intentional. I tried to make it as constructive as possible, and somewhat lighthearted, too. All the best.

[@elgoreloco3370]

English is not my mother tongue and I can follow along perfectly ._.

[@Fabluv23]

I wish you’d do more videos that intersect in politics. It would be very interesting to know your opinions in many political topics like immigration.

[@nateg4169]

Nice vid broskee

[@crazgamr6295]

666th like!

[@ABigMetalFan]

willistheminecraft Lucky!!

[@oldoldmeidanrrustemi8458]

👌

[@milopepper2559]

7:54 Actually, that's totally deniable! Backed up by evidence, and fact. According to the Encyclopedia of Wars by Charles Phillips, Alan Axelrod PH.D. Out of all 1,763 known/recorded historical conflicts, only 123 or 6.98%, had religion as their primary cause, and of that percentage, 66, or 53.66%, were related to Islam. Individual conflicts aside, you are far more likely to be killed under regimes like the Soviet Union, communist China, or North Korea. All of them led by people who were or are atheists, and have laws that prohibited religion. They have a body count greater than the population of the ancient world when religion held its sway! While atheism doesn't necessarily call for murder, it certainly does not prohibit it. Over 150 years ago Frederick Nietzsche predicted the bloodbath that would follow societies' embrace of atheism. And here we are in 2020, with well over 250 million murdered... and counting. And no religion in sight to blame it on!

[@VicCrisson]

Well said, the new opium for the masses is the rejection of objective morality and treating oneself as a personal god

[@EnriqueRegisPascalinRomo]

Love your style. Keep the good job Young Mr.Bean!

[@sign543]

I like how Dawkins discusses the by-product theory...and the suicidal moths. Awesome that you talked about this!

[@benlawrence309]

Cosmicskeptic is the new Religion

[@azuregriffin1116]

The religion if thinking critically and respectfully confronting opposing views. Sounds good.

[@azuregriffin1116]

markj6700 HAIL!

[@bundleofperceptions1397]

And I suppose you are the new Court Jester?

[@skepticalorganism7820]

Science = Body of Knowledge Religion = Way of Living Life *You cannot compare those two, it is like comparing comparing astronomy to literature*

[@mattw2396]

Disagree, both science and religion make truth claims about the same things, we can compare these claims and the evidence which backs them, astronomy and literature do not make truth claims about the same things, therefore false equivalence

[@skelskeleton]

Religion commonly uses it's "way of life" to hinder "bodies of knowledge". Both are at odds with each other because those extremely religious scientists would gladly sweep a lot of discoveries under the rug without even trying to debunk them. Why? Because religion.

[@skepticalorganism7820]

This is a gross misunderstanding by atheists, yes, religion and modern science have clashed but only on matters of astronomy, scientists also have contributed greatly to not only the benefit of man but also his destruction like the atom bomb formula, poison gas formula, genetically modifying foods, etc...Science without Wisdom is harmful, The wisdom comes from religion , *Fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom* . Many scientists were catholic, hindu and muslim, yes the church persecuted scientists for which it paid a heavy price and the church has mended its ways, The bible says *Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1 : 27* So the church and religions learnt their lessons, but the fact remains that Human spiritual thirst and the need to find meaning of life cannot be answered by science and evolution. Try saying to someone who just lost their loved one that they are just of bunch of cells and to not get worried as those cells will be taken up by grass and some shit, and then see what happens.

[@helenohenzo2239]

depend what u call science, now days everything is science include something like evolutionism. religion never separated from science, bible is the one who teaches for life to exist it has to be complete from the start and kind has its own kind and plus religious are responsible for 99.999999999999999999999999999999999999999999..% of science

[@skepticalorganism7820]

@heleno henzo, wrong the bible does not talk about uranium chemical properties or gravitational law, religion deals with a whole other set of human problems, evolutionism is not science, it is a concept and theory which still needs to be studied, I am not for evolution nor against it, the fact remains we dont know what really happened, I personally believe evolution must be true, but only to some extent, but no one knows for sure.

[@kitfell-clark1784]

Awesome video

[@dynamic9016]

Two brilliant minds like Rationality Rules( Stephen Woodford).