Religion Reverses Everything

This was my speech at Imagine_No_Religion_3 in Kamloops British Columbia on 2013/05/19.

[@Weaseldog2001]

My grandmother insisted that our AD&D nights would take place at her house. She baked cakes and pies, and provided plenty of chips and soft drinks. My friends couldn't wait for the next AD&D night. My grandmother told her friends at her Southern Baptist Church what she was doingm, and they lambasted her. Didn't she know that D&D was the path to eternal damnation they asked? She responded, "I know where all of my boys are on Friday and Saturday Nights. Do you?"

[@MrErgenta]

OMG, thats hilarious. I can't thumb up comments. I'm being censored by the NSA.

[@adamthaxton3157]

I had a similar experience when I was a puny AD&Der. My first group was all women (except for me) and one of them was the pastor's daughter and he insisted we use one of the side rooms because it had all the props they used for plays in it, and shepherd's crooks made awesome wizard staffs to hold at the table.

[@Refining1]

What is "AD&D"??

[@Weaseldog2001]

D Rock Advanced Dungeons and Dragons

[@RuSosan]

Bwaahahahahaha! :'D That's one awesome grannie, and perfectly on point!

[@vestafreyja]

As an Atheist the first time I heard the term Christian Apologetics for a very brief moment I thought it would be Christians going around and apologizing for all the harm that Christianity had caused in the world.

[@swornxeno6723]

Lol

[@flerfbusters3022]

I wish!

[@eileendover3938]

That would be nice.

[@Thraxraganharapollyus]

Good guess, but actually no.

[@red2theelectricboogaloo961]

how naive you were.

[@willowwisp357]

I’m still shocked that the homophobic Abrahamic religions haven’t changed the angel Gabriel to Notgaybriel.

[@saintouija6403]

The archangels seemed to have a very specific interest with men in the bible ;)

[@0x8badf00d]

Straightbriel

[@leonarddement4058]

Um question. Why do you think a non existent angel hates homosexuals?

[@davidh6300]

I love your sense of humour. Keep the comments coming.

[@danielconnell4890]

Ha!

[@pop5678eye]

Fun fact: the Puritans outlawed the celebration of Christmas because they recognized it as just a thinly veiled replication of pagan rituals celebrating the Winter Solstice.

[@leonarddement4058]

Um you think puritans allowed fun in the first place. They banned free thought. You had to obey god or die.

[@flatearth9140]

SO THEY THINK !! BUT IS CHRISTS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION !!

[@patkearney9320]

I'm Irish a Celt and the Christmas tree would represent Winter. The Christian folk told us the tree represents God the father Son and holy Spirit? They stole are culture and sold it back as there's. Same with the native American.

[@patkearney9320]

I don't think the puritans where mutch fun they only enjoyed witch burning drinking flem and picking scabs.

[@Jrez]

​@Pat Kearney Puritans were English Protestants who sought to "purify" the English Church of residues of Roman Catholicism. So the protestant "trinity" and the catholic "trinity" were not the same thing. They moved here to the US more to practice their own form of religious persecution. They would have been fine with religious persecution in England if they were the majority group, their problem was not persecution itself, it was simply they wanted to be in the persecuter role.

[@dough1951]

"Before you assure yourself what your country would never do, find out what it has already done and pay close attention to what it’s trying to do next." Great line!

[@aturchomicz821]

Ok so let's look at Austrian history, We were in a shitty situation after WW1 because we didn't really know what we were supposed to do without our Kaiser or our massive land. Thankfully we created a fascist party wich was supposed to fix all of our problems, but theyre work was only mediocre. Then at one point a wise president from the Deutschen Reich proposed that austria should just become the west front of the Deutschen reich. And after one suprresd vote we dissapeared from the world, now we were one bigger country and everything looked great until WW2 began, we were attacked by the evil Allies but we fought back and everything was great until we realised we were losing. Our friend Italy just left us alone and our other friend Japan was hit with nuclear bombs and so was forced to surrender. We were invated quickly but fought till the end. We had lost the war and were denied the acces of nuclear bombs and then the splitting began. The Deutsches Reich was split into the DDR and the other one that no one cared for. Also the west front was now Austria, again. We switched to a democracy this time because most countries were going it so why not the west fro I mean Austria too. We also at one point just joined this new faction called the EU because, again everybody around us was going it. So yeah that was baisicly our history. And hey, we atleast now own the highest living standards a city can have in the whole Milky way so I guess that's victory

[@thinboxdictator6720]

@@aturchomicz821 "highest living standards a city can have in the whole Milky way" did Zaphod Beeblebrox tell you?

[@mikepublic111]

Oh, Christ. Here in the USA, we "elected" Donald Trump as president.

[@aturchomicz821]

@@thinboxdictator6720 yes

[@seangarvey8232]

@@aturchomicz821 Japan surrendered after you not before

[@jeanettecook1088]

That bit about "never cracking open a Bible" but promoting it at every pass, is quite a phenomenon. It dumbfounded me as a child. I was surrounded by adults who hated atheists to the point of trying to deny them citizenship, and threatening to hang them without trial. This mindset presumes that members of their own family could never be non believers. I'm glad things are changing.

[@flatearth9140]

atheists teach homosexuality, pedophilia, trans, etc !! That's just immoral !! sex before marriage isnt supposed to be taught.

[@pineapplepenumbra]

Oh, I've just discovered that Pat Robertson said that Scotland was "a dark land" overrun by gays. I suggest he goes into a pub in Glasgow and explains this to them in person.

[@crystalheart9]

Oh yes! I would love to see the response he would get.

[@worfoz]

don't get fooled by those mini skirts....

[@remandstimpy]

I suspect he would quickly learn that the 'Glasgow Kiss' is not actually a gay thing.

[@Irishmule169]

pineapplepenumbra Pat Robertson is a closet gay...just like Ted Haggard !!!!

[@davidroberts1689]

I would buy tickets to see Pat Robertson explain anything to a pub in Glasgow.

[@MegaChickenfish]

If there was ever a modern miracle, it was that you managed to get away from that upbringing with your brain intact.

[@flatearth9140]

WHAT ABOUT THIS !!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/laKWY4yAqbR9a7M

[@KlavierMenn]

@@flatearth9140 Go away with your agenda, you flatto. Also, whoever the fuck build the pyramids they were damn fine engineers and skin color do not matter for that.

[@flatearth9140]

@@KlavierMenn THE BLACKS BUILT THEM !! JUST LIKE THE POOR INDIANS BUILD HUGE BUILDINGS IN INDIA !! THEY MIXED THE CEMENT AND LIFTED ROCKS ECT !! BUT THE WHITE MAN DESIGNED THEM !!

[@KlavierMenn]

@@flatearth9140 Your point?

[@yerobalogun6896]

FLAT EARTH if the whites designed the pyramids how come the same whites claim the aliens built the pyramids stfu dickhead Lmfao

[@ghostpaladin1213]

War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, and Ignorance is Strength" from the book "1984" By George Orwell, somehow it seems appropriate

[@Noname72105]

+shlomo dines Well, I mean... IngSoc kind of WAS a religion. There's a magic brother that lives in the walls and judges your every action. The only difference I can see is the threats weren't empty in Oceania.

[@PAVANZYL]

Now we have Trump - 1984? Piece of pie.

[@scooby194]

1984 is modern day governments playbook. It's like these fuckers legitimately read it like a guide on how to oppress the shit out of people.

[@worfoz]

and internet is privacy

[@Lady8D]

Scooby I've been saying that about Trump since 2016...in -otherwords- in otherword: Agreed!

[@duanebidoux6087]

I remember watching a video about "critical thinking" and my mom passed through the room and apparently heard that phrase and said "why would you want to be "critical of everything."

[@Doriesep6622]

Sounds exactly like my mom.

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Compelled to comment again: I was raised in a private Christian school in Texas, and had the rare experience of having an *outstanding* teacher that fought tooth and nail with the administration to give us a REAL sex education. And she changed all our lives for the better. She knew damn well how the education system in Texas works, and how abstinence only ed is basically nothing more than a life sentence handed down to kids via ignorance. This amazing teacher was gonna go down in flames before she let us traipse up the garden path and ruin our futures. Spoiler alert: Not a single member of our class ended up with kids before they were ready. Kids we knew from other schools in Texas taught abstinence only were not so lucky. They were kids one day, then the next thing they knew, they were the ones changing diapers.

[@flatearth9140]

SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE IS WHY THE WORLD IS LIKE IT IS TODAY !! KIDS IN THE STREETS WITHOUT PROPER PARENTING !! KIDS WITH GENDER CONFUSION !! KIDS WITH NO MORALS !! KIDS GROWING UP CONFUSED ABOUT SEX !! KIDS GROWING UP WITH ONE PARENT ECT !! WE NEED TO TAKE OUR MORALS BACK !!

[@RSAgility]

@@flatearth9140 Hey, take your keyboard, and smash the caps lock button, just break it off so you're not compelled to use it. Besides, you're just a bad troll, you have no life, you should find yourself a partner or a purpose... You're wasting away

[@flatearth9140]

@@RSAgility YOU SILLY SNOWFLAKE !! LMAO !!!

[@TheBwaap]

@@flatearth9140 you don't even know what the meaning of that is it seems

[@flatearth9140]

@@TheBwaap nope! please enlighten me

[@ZacharyAlexanderGoh]

I wasn’t allowed to read Harry Potter till I was 17 because of sorcery, had cable tv cancelled when I was 11 because it’s ungodly and got threatened to get kicked out of the house when I explained to my younger brother why Noah’s ark is literally impossible. My dad isn’t a bad person, he really isn’t. He’s kind and he’s genuine but sadly, he’s a fundamentalist baptist and it’s really unfortunate. Sort of made worse by the fact that I’m gay but you know, there’s always the hope he’ll realise how ridiculous the things his church teaches is. My ex Sunday school teacher texted me the other day telling me how she wished me well and prays that I realise I’m a proud rebel denying God. I’m telling you, they’re fundamentalist. It’s scary.

[@waynedrake6172]

My issue is not with God, just the three Abrahamic religions and the bible. "Of all the Tyrannies that affects mankind, Tyranny in Religion is the Worst." Thomas Paine, "The Age of Reason."

[@flatearth9140]

YOU DIDNT LEARN WHAT THEY WERE TRYING TO TELL YOU !! DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW WHAT THEY WERE TRYING TO TEACH YOU ? LOOK AT ALL THE KIDS ADDICTED TO VIDEO GAMES !! TO THE COMPUTER SCREEN!! KIDS DONT GET OUTSIDE ANYMORE !! ECT !! KIDS WITH SEXUAL ISSUES !! GENDER CONFUSION !! HOMOSEXUALITY !! KIDS GROWING UP NOT UNDERSTANDING THE MESSGAES THE GREAT WISE PEOPLE OF THE PAST TRIED TO PASS DOWN SO WE DIDNT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES THEY DID ECT !! IS NOAHS ARK REALLY IMPOSSIBLE ? IF WE WERE TO FIND OUT TODAY THAT THE EARTH WAS GOING TO BE DESTROYED WOULD WE NOT TAKE EVERY DNA SAMPLE FROM EVERY ANIMAL WITH US AND STORE IT UNTIL THE STORM WAS OVER ? WOULD WE NOT BRING THE BEST OF US AND LEAVE THE WORST ? BRING THE BRIGHTEST AND STRONGEST ECT !! THESE SHALLOW THINKERS ARE JUST THAT !! SHALLOW THINKERS !!

[@flatearth9140]

@@najacolumba6161 JESUS SAID FOR US TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOUR, DONT KILL OR LIE, DONT STEAL, FORGIVE PEOPLE ECT !! SO YA JUST TRY A FEW OF THOSE THINGS AND YOU WONT BE SO ANGRY , PEACE

[@AlphaGarg]

@@flatearth9140 Is this parody?

[@flatearth9140]

@@AlphaGarg A PARODY? TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AND DON'T KILL ECT? WHAT HAVE YOU PEOPLE COME TO ?

[@YukonHexsun]

...Fucking brutal. Seriously, that's a beautifully put take down of conservative America.

[@bryanbradley6871]

The left is not much better... Also I wouldn't be surprised if those Christians accept Islam just for the fact by your own logic criticizing them being Muslim would both be racist and Islamicphobic.... I guarantee you will say you support them.... That's what happening in Europe right now, the white conservatives are becoming Muslim and the librarian mistakes them for being Arab or Palestinian and agree with them and would be fine with a Islamic Europe and wouldn't criticize it

[@ohlsen1987]

Great comment!

[@TheSenecaHighlander]

In a very strong field with names like Hitchens, Dawkins, and Krauss, this is one of the most brilliant speeches I have seen. Share and spread this video as wide as possible!

[@wallacesousuke1433]

lol Are atheists also used to PREACH things nowadays?

[@KaVeMaN632]

Wall BS Betel While I cannot chalk up AronRa's evidence- and experience-founded presentation preaching (preaching implies religion, which is little more than blind assertion made on the basis of a fairy tale), the emotions generated by preachers, whether positive or negative, make their medium an effective way to get any message across. This was powerful, it was backed by evidence from both history and current events, and left little to the imagination. Very good stuff Aron, if I am ever in Houston I wish I could be able to hit you up and buy you a beer. Not sure if you live in Houston (even though I have seen your Lakewood Church video, which leads me to believe you do), but you are an awesome public speaker.

[@wallacesousuke1433]

***** Yes, most of what he "preached" is based in facts, and I don't dispute that "religions" mess with everything... But, I assure you, Christianity doesn't follow this same trend ;) It makes everything BETTER, as we can see on many aspects of western society, many laws and customs of which are based on a Christian ground, which makes these nations a better place to live in. And do not forget that the secularism has poisoned much of these societies, ruling out many of these customs and some laws.. So, what if the gospels were 100% followed by people? I bet we would have been living in a paradise right now lol

[@KaVeMaN632]

Wall BS Betel If fundamentalist Christians had their way, it would be legal to discriminate against or be illegal, either on penalty of imprisonment or death, to be a homosexual. Is this better? If Christians had their way, creationist lore would be taught alongside evolutionary biology on taxpayer's money. Is this conducive to giving future generations a better understanding of the natural world? Some might argue that, but those people have actually shown to have NO true understanding of science or the scientific method. Just those two examples are affecting this country in modern times, and are holding us back from true progress. Other countries are pulling ahead of us in every aspect (education, economy, etc.) because they refuse to allow religious followers to have an ounce of influence in their government beyond giving a higher moral standard to live by. And to say that Christianity makes everything better shows you really haven't done your research. Christianity has been the justification for some of the most horrifying atrocities in human history, and there is no learning from these historical events because the Bible doesn't change. Some Christians have learned how to coexist, but there are just as many in this country and abroad that would see their way of life pollute the lives and freedoms of everyone around them. I used to be a Christian, and I am glad to say that I am no longer one. I hold myself to a high moral standard because I want to, not because some god told me to. I choose to do what is right for the greatest number of people in the world, regardless of who they are, not just for god's will. I seriously suggest you consider reading your own bible and looking into Christianity's history. You might learn just how much of a dead weight it has been on human progress, just like the majority of deistic religions in the world.

[@wallacesousuke1433]

***** Define "fundamentalist Christian" :) The bible condemns homosexuality (it would be incorrect and immoral otherwise..) but Jesus Christ never ever commanded His church to kill or harm people; all Christians shall do is to point out the wrong acts, sins, and that's all! Whether the people repent or not is their own business ;) Man, I don't have idea how teaching evolution can help a society to progress... This harmful pseudoscience actually brought nothing but distress, chaos and helped fomenting sick ideologies, such as the Nazi cleansing of "non-Aryan" folks, eugenics (ironically created by Darwin's cousin, Galton....), social Darwinism, and it deludes many people into thinking that human beings are descended from primates, instead of being created by God... Look, Darwin's filthy pseudoscience is so sick and dangerous, that even RAPE can get a "good", "beneficial" connotation! Just check out the book "A Natural History of Rape: Biological Bases of Sexual Coercion" and links such as www.mta.ca/~ogould/FLIPS/Flips5McKibbin.pdf and www.academia.edu/291597/Human_rape_revising_evolutionary_perspectives (authored by a WOMAN!!!)... All of these "works" try to find an evolutionary explanation for men raping... Well, it's simple: if a "scientific theory" states that rape was good and justifiable in the past, then, there's no reason why it cannot become "good" again... As such, a rapist (can allege that he) is just doing what our ancestors had done very often, for the sake of our species, of his "selfish" genes, etc! And so it goes... "Christianity has been the justification for some of the most horrifying atrocities in human history, and there is no learning from these historical events because the Bible doesn't change. " Sorry? O.o " I choose to do what is right for the greatest number of people in the world, regardless of who they are" Well, this just favors my words :) All in all, you're putting some of the commandments of Christ into practice, and that's a good thing for you and everyone around you... How much better the world can be if people started to genuinely live according to the gospels.... " I seriously suggest you consider reading your own bible and looking into Christianity's history" Have read it entirely, from Gen to Rev, thank you for you nice suggestion though! The bible is wonderful beyond words... Sad that sceptics keep distorting and twisting it dishonestly.. kudos

[@sharkamov]

Now, _this _ is what an _intelligent, reflected and honest_ American patriot sounds like! Aron Ra is carrying the torch after the late Hitch held high & proud - and rightly so! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@lexymimir.2887]

To think that I used to hate this man speeches back in the old days when I was a religious ignorant person. Now, I listen and see how wrong and blind I was. Religion is a poison. Thank you for helping me open my eyes.

[@patkearney9320]

I was a sick English Flem drinker in the 80s I drank Flem wore flares and once cursed at a priest who couldn't hear me. Since reading Paul c3p9 I never drank Flem again and no cussing. Now I don't even spit!

[@stevejeffery3112]

@@patkearney9320 'Flem drinker'?

[@B-B-W-Engel]

@@patkearney9320 It's a bit late but I guess I can still gratulate you on giving up those nasty habits of Flem drinking and spitting ?

[@NightNinja540]

I have been an atheist for a long time, and this video still changed my life:) bravo Aron; you are in my humble opinion one of the greatest people to ever walk this earth.

[@Planet5555]

He is the real Jesus

[@ivanbraginsky8224]

+Planet5555 He has the real hair for it. That's ALL that counts.

[@kingkobra1978]

Replying too late but i am sure Aron will not appreciate pandering.Thats how religions start don't you know?

[@riamus7258]

I agree! Best person to ever walk the earth.

[@worfoz]

Read Kim Jong Uns biography. AronRa comes fourth, right after the Three Great Leaders

[@Roedygr]

The Puritans left England for America not because they couldn't be Puritans in their mother country, but because they were not allowed to force others to become Puritans; in the New World, of course, they could and did. ~Gore Vidal 1925-10-03 2012-07-30

[@carbon1255]

+Roedy Green or in the Netherlands, where they tried for years before deciding New England is where they should be. It was great for England that they left, as opposed to exacerbating the religious conflict between CE (Church of England) and RC (Roman Catholic).

[@neilbreward5440]

Always thought it was a disaster for the US that the 'Mayflower' didn't sink mid-Atlantic ....

[@rs72098]

It is pretty interesting that the US also became the most powerful and prosperous nation on Earth too right? US GDP is 20 trillion. Perhaps you can tell us about the great things Atheism has brought us such as Communism in North Korea.

[@robertstewart4953]

@@rs72098 How is North Korea Atheist? They believe that Kim Il-Sung is literally a god...

[@juanvelez8564]

@@rs72098 Atheism has existed for centuries (for example in the ancient Mediterranean world) without bringing Communism to anyone. In the U. S. atheists are the leaders of the struggle for freedom of conscience and freedom of speech. You can thank Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao for the blessings of Communism. “On Human Suffering and the Concept of God” - the psychological basis of religious belief neomodernistpoetry.blogspot.com/2018/11/on-human-suffering-and-concept-of-god.html

[@AeonAxisProductions]

"Trying to criminalize abortion and end planned parenthood" Well, he was right about that I just never thought they would succeed

[@piecrumbs9951]

Planned parenthood hasn't ended, and it's only unconstitutional to ban laws against abortion. Abortion isn't federally illegal, and last I heard most states are legal (pretty much everywhere but the Bible belt, unsurprisingly).

[@kinglyzard]

18:55 What is a reverse exorcism? The Devil telling the priest to get out of the boy.

[@Myke_thehuman]

Holy crap in 1960 my parents would have been thrown in jail for interracial marriage. Amazing how I never put that together before. Somehow it's never come up in my 26 years of life.

[@Mrgruffy44]

"In religion and politics, peoples beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue, but have taken them at second hand from other non-examiners whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing"--Mark Twain

[@barbaranecker5719]

Ah, the wisdom of Mark Twain. He should have written the bible, then it wouldn't be such babbel!

[@michaeljechon6139]

Also known as “A treatise on the early church fathers”. Ok...I made that up. But it fits.

[@Appleblade]

In light of the reproducibility crisis, you can add science to that list.

[@JFrazer4303]

10 years later, 2023, it's only gotten worse.

[@blseddie]

If loving Heavy Metal,wearing long hair, riding a bike, rejecting gods and religion etc, means beeing a Satanist, yes, I am guilty as charged.I love having a real life,

[@TranscendTheSun]

Ironically Satanists are much more spiritual and have a very tight bond with their gods. But like he said, religion reverses everything.

[@johnmulhern2833]

How has this comment not got more likes....so true

[@bindaredundat-uv6wz]

riding a bike or long hair !! there is nothing wrong with that unless your a jew !!

[@joeygentry1400]

Me too! Priest! AC/DC! Ozzy/Black Sabbath/Dio, Lemmy! ....I love Haggard too! Possible?

[@qwertydog9795]

@@joeygentry1400 same but with Johnny cash 😂

[@thegreatnorth9080]

He's very good at public speaking

[@davidhatcher7016]

true

[@a.randomjack6661]

And quite good at singing too. That was a surprise :)

[@lidad8950]

He said that hes 50 wow he looks older n ugly

[@reclusiarch6524]

@@lidad8950 why would you even say that?

[@I_Am_Warden]

@@reclusiarch6524 its a bigot

[@chigong980]

I'm about your age, Aron, just a few years older, and this is a nostalgic roll down memory lane for me. I remember all of it, including my disdain for Merle Haggard, and everybody's assumptions that I must have been a drug user. I'll be sharing the video with everybody who shares this history with me. Got to get some popcorn!

[@PenneyThoughts]

Starting at 44:40, Aron makes a series of predictions that have been nauseatingly accurate. This man is a genius.

[@SadisticSenpai61]

Correction: *Most* states did not have interracial marriage until 1967 when the Supreme Court struck it down. My home state, Iowa, has had interracial marriage since 1851.

[@nicholashernandez4611]

Tensai55 You were always allowed to legally marry interracially, as long as the races marrying were of common types. All Asians were allowed to marry any other Asians but were not allowed to marry blacks. All whites could marry other whites regardless of nationality. Blacks could marry any other blacks, which meant black Americans were allowed to marry black Hispanics or Caribbeans if they so chose. The disgusting part of American culture in the past was that people immediately measured each other’s worth by their melanin. Work ethic, intelligence, patriotism, culture, wealth, none were considered before skin color. I just hope we can reach a day when the person is considered before the race.

[@barbaranecker5719]

@@nicholashernandez4611 Right on, Nick. Unfortunately it won't happen with our current so-called president. The SOB is racist inside & out!

[@nicholashernandez4611]

Barbara Necker How is Trump racist? Dude only cares about money and making the country ‘better’ to boost his own ego. We got a narcissist in chief that wants USA to be considered the gold standard with a small ‘Trump’ near that standard so everyone knows who fixed the nation. Even his supporters are trying to clear out the infestation that is still seen in the land, clearing out the literal trash in the cities that need it. Trump makes fast friends with anyone that might help him make America great for the first time. As a nation, we have had moments and situations of greatness. We have never been great. We had moments and instances of violence, decadence, instability, hatred, and even flat out evil. We have never been those things. Trump is trying to make this country great the only way he knows how, the same way he imagines himself to be great. He’s not racist, just a narcissist in the highest seat in the land. I see how the two can be conflated.

[@onecalledchuck1664]

Nicholas Hernandez - it’s called noticing a pattern... www.vox.com/2016/7/25/12270880/donald-trump-racist-racism-history

[@amandarios448]

@@barbaranecker5719 and he validades & encourages closeted assholes to come out of closet themselves with no penalty and OUTDO trump many times. It's a bad time for democracy's all around the world.

[@metatron478]

The worst thing about all this is that when one of those fundie despots finally kicks the bucket, we wont be able to hear him say "oh shit, this isnt heaven!".

[@MrAllenCrown]

Let's give a standing ovation to this man.

[@ernestdoucette6891]

I was Born in 1941 and Remember Airplanes, Before they had Jets, I rode to Visit My Grandma On A Steam Train, Many Still Ran. We listened to our Favorite Shows on the Radio, The Ice Cream Man was "Pony Boy Ice Cream" and Had a Horse Drawn Cooler. Although I miss some aspects, I would Not call that the "Good Old Days"!

[@turbochargedsports6327]

One of the best talks in your series, Mr. Ra. You totally nailed it. It's frightening that since you gave this lecture SEVEN YEARS AGO -- just how much has come to pass EXACTLY as you described. I'm glad I found you & your outstanding series, and am grateful to hear a voice of reason & sanity during the current chaos. Many thanks!!

[@brandonthesteele]

This video pops in my head every time I hear the slogan "Make America Great Again"

[@LogicAndReason2025]

If crime-fighters fight crime, and fire-fighters fight fire, what do freedom-fighters fight? - George Carlin

[@gj9157]

Nice

[@jasondean88888]

"This about how stupid an average person is....and then realize half of them are stupider than that." -George Carlin

[@TheRealNintendoKid]

"Religion has actually convinced people that there's an invisible man living in the clouds who watches you every second of every day. And he has a list of ten things he does not want you to do. And if you do any, ANY of them, he has a special place filled with fire, and smoke, and agony, where you will burn, and choke, and scream, and cry, until the END OF TIME... but he loves you. He loves you, and he NEEDS MONEY! God is all powerful and all knowing, but somehow... just can't handle money. You wanna talk about a good bullshit story: HO-LYYYY SHIT!" --George Carlin

[@youtubenatan]

Great stuff man. Once you grasp what George Carlin was talking about, you are entirely with reality.

[@leonarddement4058]

Ironically freedom fighters don't fight FOR freedom for EVERYONE. They fight like Republicans do to keep the country the way it should be. Non changing because they know cultural bs makes the world worse.

[@pantslizard]

Holy Shit. I knew AronRa was intelligent, but hearing where he came from it's a MIRACLE he's come soooo far... Respect AronRa. Respect.

[@wickederebus]

We should avoid using Miracle Maybe statistical improbability?

[@miked2125]

He is the most inquisitive, intelligent, fair and respectable man i have ever seen! A standing ovation is in order.

[@Doriesep6622]

I had no idea he came from such humble beginnings. i assumed his parents were college professors or such.

[@spykosdee7308]

How come i see this guy for the first time now... we need more like these

[@jimrussell8720]

***** Eloquently explains his position, provides examples, and supports his case with verifiable data. Please explain how he is jumping to conclusions and misappropriating data??

[@jimrussell8720]

***** Sure you can argue that the Old Testament is no longer valid, but you need to carefully cherry pick the verses to support that argument. How do you explain away John 5:45-47, Luke 4:16-21, Luke 24:25-27, Matthew 12:38-40? Plenty more verses that support the case that almost all that Jesus preached was bases on Old Testament scriptures. I assume you are of the opinion that the Ten Commandments, like not eating shrimp, are no longer valid? If the bible(s) is the word of God, how is it that He couldn’t patch together a book that delivered His message with clarity? Just about very human comes up with a different interpretation. Or is it that God enjoys watching his creations bicker amongst themselves over what He meant? It can be argued that Hitler in his later years was no longer a Catholic, mostly because he saw the church as a challenge to his political control. He continued to profess belief the God of the Christian Bible. The references to his Christian beliefs are throughout his writings and speeches. Here is a good one out of Mein Kampf that make it pretty clear: “Hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fight for the work of the Lord”. No doubt the murder rate is effected by many factors, none more so that the insane war on drugs, and the American love affair with guns. Regardless, if religion is to claim to provide a moral compass then highly religious societies should have the lowest murder rates. This is just not the case. Let’s not stop using the historical data just back to 1900s. The fall in murder rates tracks inversely to the rise in secular governments. I know correlation does not equal causation, but it does support the case that societies of 100% believers getting their morals from a confusing archaic book(s) isn’t a recipe for a civil society. Yes, many Christians fought to reform society, but other Christians used the same scriptures to support injustice. Yes, Christians supported the end of slavery in Europe, but when 100% of the population is Christian that is hardly a surprise. Such reforms, as with the murder rate, track well with the rise of secularism and the reigning in of the Church - not to some positive force of Christianity.

[@jimrussell8720]

***** So it was a council of humans that decided what laws of God were to be followed and which were to be ignored? I get an image of these men sitting around deciding that, well we rather like shrimp so we will scratch that rule, but slavery is a good thing and is rather handy so we’ll keep that rule. As far as I am aware the point of the Council was to decide that circumcision was no longer required - a political decision, as the requirement of male circumcision was proving to be deterrent to the Cults expansion into Europe. This is how an omnipresent, omnipotent God needs to spread his word? Sorry, but that is very weak. Your discounting of other branches/cults as non-Christian is so typical of believers of all stripes. We are right and they are wrong. There was a time in tribal human history when religion was a force to unify people, but in the modern world it is now a tool to divide. I am fascinated by the story of Jesus, and the formation of the Christian cult (as well as the cult of Islam with its equally absurd claims of the truth). I can assure you I have done my fair share of research on Jesus, not from the perspective of an indoctrinated believer, but as someone interested in history and evidence. And the evidence for the actual existence of an individual names Jesus is at best very weak. All the evidence outside the scriptures (which are hardly unbiased, and all written after the death of Jesus), and historical accounts popping up decades after his death which are hardly more that accounts provided by believers. There are zero contemporary writings mentioning Jesus and zero physical evidence. For my enlightenment I would greatly appreciate if you could provide me with any references that supports a historical Jesus (please, not the scriptures which are not evidence). The events from the time of Jesus have faded into antiquity, but based on the evidence available I have to go with Jesus being a character of fiction. To believe Jesus actually existed takes faith, and as Aron Ra said in one of his videos, faith means believing something you know isn’t true.

[@jimrussell8720]

***** Sorry you feel that I have slighted you by questioning the ideas you hold as sacred. All I can say is, you opened yourself up to a challenge by your initial provocative, and condescending post. If you are going to dish it out you have to be ready to get it back. You put a lot of effort into responding to me, but I’m afraid sighting a webpage that suffers from severe confirmation bias, listing historical figures that at best (at best) were young children at the time of the supposed death of Jesus, and claiming the bible is the best source of proof isn’t doing much to influence my opinion. Claiming Jesus was real just because of the impact he has made is not a reasonable argument (I suggest reading up on the Cargo Cult and John Frum for a modern day example of how a religion can have a non-existent messiah). I am afraid you have not managed to debunk Aron Ra, and you haven’t done anything to change my mind, as I am sure I have done nothing to change yours.

[@jimrussell8720]

***** I was referring to your first post of “jumping to conclusions and misappropriating data” comment as condescending. I’m going to have to devalue the opinions of Mykytiuk. An Associate Professor of Library science, who dabbles in bible studies isn’t someone I going to put much “faith” into providing unbiased information. Personal accounts are NOT good evidence. In fact personal accounts are wholly unreliable. If you read up on John Frum you will see you easy it is for personal accounts to make a fictional person real when faith is involved. If you haven’t found many reputable historians that don’t believe in the historical Jesus then you are not looking very hard. By agreeing with Aron Ra regarding absolutism you have not helped your case. You might be pointing out a flaw in his argument, but you’ve also validated his claim. You can keep trying to disavow Hitler as a Christian, but the evidence doesn’t support that position. Whether or not Hitler was Christian is almost irrelevant. What is relevant is by invoking Christian dogma he was able to motivate his people to acts of evil. Things like marriage statistics are irrelevant. They say nothing about happiness. You need to know if people are staying together because they want to, or because their faith forces them to. It is basically the same argument that I hear from Muslims regarding suicide rates. They claim suicide rates in Islamic countries is lower than in Christian or secular countries, thereby providing Islam is a better way to live. The same problem - they ignore questions of happiness.

[@sefcakjames8254]

AronRa is fantastic, he is the epitome' of logic and sane rationality.

[@DanielBrownsan]

Not to take away from the content, but I want to thank and salute whoever edited this video. Not many people would recognize what you did, but I got it.

[@Nekulturny]

My grandmother never had more than an 8th grade education, she worked 90 hours a week waiting tables before she managed to save up enough to run her own restaurant for 30 years. And she read all the time for entertainment. She loved Danielle Steele novels in particular. She was never an intellectual woman, but you could definitely talk with her about things and she would listen with interest even if she didn't have the curiosity to seek to learn new things on her own. I think it was more that she just didn't know where to start, and needed someone to bring something new up.

[@Drugaddict22]

Aron Ra singing cured my cancer.

[@okieyoshimd9817]

What kills me though is no matter how eloquent or precise his speeches are, I still behold and hear those who won't let go of superstitions and irrational logic.

[@flatearth9140]

SUPERSTITION IS JUST SOMETHING WE DONT YET UNDERSTAND ! MANY HANG ON TO THEM BECAUSE THERE IS TRUTH BEHIND THEM !! JUST BECAUSE WE DONT UNDERSTAND THEM DOESNT MEAN WE JUST THROW THEM AWAY !! WE USED TO THINK UFO,S WERE SUPERSTITION ! BUT THE HANGER-ONS NOW KNOW THE TRUTH !! WE CANT DISMISS WHAT WE DONT UNDERSTAND SON !!

[@2l84me8]

If you could reason with religious people, then they wouldn’t be religious.

[@RodMiller-cw8zr]

Yeah, apologists are always right, especially when they are wrong! Heads they win and tails everybody else loses.

[@browneyedbitch62]

AronRa My transgender grandson invited me to go to Pride with him. I had a T-shirt made with your saying about sexual orientation is not a choice but your religion is. There were quite a few people who wanted to have a picture of my grandson an d me. Also I was wearing a to to that he made for me and a unicorn head piece we enjoyed ourselves immensely. So thanks for the saying. I am 70 years old but I never discriminated against LGBTQ people. I think part of it was working in the health field and my parents not forcing religion on us. I love your programs and I enjoy everyone that I have listened to. Thank you

[@jannellecox3202]

I think that is really cool of you , the stuff about your family member and lgtb people .I was born with both sexes . I know ...... it's odd . but hearing someone say what you did makes me feel ok ...... Thank you for your positive comment . Oh.....my mother was on some experimental drug while she was PG with me ......in case you wondered .

[@miked2125]

Best speech ive EVER heard. The truth is what the facts are and he just laid it all out. Aron Ra, you ROCK !

[@IanAtkinson555]

Religion Reverses Everything.

[@katiedotson704]

I return here every few months and watch or sometimes listen while my hands are otherwise occupied, (i,e, sweeping, doing dishes, etc. Not uh... er... more pleasurable activities.) Sometimes I just need to hear a voice of reason rising above the cacophany of madness. As last night was the SOTU, I really needed to hear this today. Thank you, Aron Ra.

[@blackswan8653]

The reason that religious people are more likely to commit acts of "sin" more often is that when they are on the precipice of deciding whether or not to do the misdeed, they believe that all they have to do is just go to confession and "wash away" their sin the next Sunday. So, basically they can do whatever "bad" thing they want and be forgiven by their god and that was all that mattered. They could literally get away with murder.

[@blackswan8653]

Khaine's Lair They need not beg from a non-responsive god. Such a god can not say no. The fool goes on with life believing the lack of response and punishment is the response to allow so many misdeeds. First they believe in a god that is ruthless and unforgiving, but for some reason, doesn't punish the fool and so the fool believes that he is on the side of the god because of the lack of retribution by the so-called all knowing all powerful creator. The god knows of his misdeeds but must be okay with it to the point that he allows it. The fool with such beliefs requires no conscience to stop him from doing wrong all the time if he wants to.

[@blackswan8653]

The religious are trying to elect Trump. That should tell you a lot.

[@BitterSweetAerith]

This comment chain is funny given the election results

[@louistournas120]

+Stewie Griffin: I think the "forgive me for my sins" part makes the christian feel good and believe that he is going to go to heaven. If the rule was "one sin and I will never forgive you", then the christian would not be happy that he will be going to hell and will continually commit crimes during his lifetime. It is a broken system. It does not stop christians from committing "sins". It is better to teach kids to be logical and to improve society instead of scaring them with threats of eternal torture and bullshit stories about a god that forgives.

[@jinkisaragi874]

@@louistournas120 Yeah it's all really strange, i mean why even have these sins if all you have to do is say sorry to god and all is forgiven? There is just no point to them , they have no consequence at all when they can be forgiven instantly which again renders them pointless.

[@loriw2661]

Aron: This is one of the most brilliant speeches I’ve EVER heard. I’ve listened to Hitch, Dawkins, Harris, etc , and still stand by that statement. Well done!

[@stephaniemitchell8509]

I have so much respect for this man. Such a powerful, yet calm voice of reason. I hope theists that are questioning everything they've ever held dear find this man and listen to him with an open mind. There are so many atheists on youtube that use insults to convey messages, which backlashes by deterring curious theists from actually listening and learning.

[@Refining1]

Stephanie Mitchell I agree 100%!

[@debbiehenri7170]

Yes, I agree too. His comments are calm and well-considered, and rarely without the wealth of foul language that a few seem to find necessary. A true tonic on the ears. This, along with most of his videos, comes up with yet more new food for thought too.

[@TheGreatZombieJesus]

Excellent, just excellent. Possibly the best piece of public speaking I've heard from you AronRa. Heartfelt without being sappy, honest without being preachy, concise without prejudice, personal without irrelevance, and above all eloquent and truthful. You simultaneously give me hope for a better future but remind me how hateful and spiteful fundamentalists can be, not only when they have freedom to do as they wish but also when they are backed into a corner. Thank you sir.

[@animorph17]

Worth noting ... The cross is just an upside down sword. So point to you Aron.

[@studio-flash]

This video should be played in schools...WE MUST ALL REMEMBER ONE THING THAT THIS VIDEO EXPLAINS BUT DOESN'T SAY ABOUT RELIGION AND THAT IS.... THAT ALL RELIGION IS FASCISM.

[@MrGoatflakes]

The quote fundamentalist, creationist, Christians take from this talk: 13:24 _"Honey, get back in the kitchen and make me a sammich"_ -- AronRa xD

[@WilbertLek]

Ok, they're really stupid, but not that stupid. They are not _actually_ strawberries... It's just a figure of speech. And it's actually an insult to strawberries... ;-)

[@neodymiumaecium5459]

***** It's funny because he's a feminist, that'd be the last thing he'd be saying. I guess they missed that time he said "If you're not a feminist, you're sexist", or they're just horribly intellectually dishonest.

[@MrGoatflakes]

NeodymiumAecium5 It was a joke about how some people, particularly creationists, like to quote mine.

[@EarlFaulk]

49:11 My wife is just like that, unfortunately. She wants the world to end.....never understood that even when I was a believer. You are basically admitting life has no value and nothing has any value except JESUS! Yet I am the one who is confused and misled.

[@Shifticek]

well if your life is entirely filled with lies and hatred and your whole life you are threatened with eternal damnation if you are not obidient you will be miserable

[@louistournas120]

+EarlFaulk: My guess is that life was very difficult for ancient people. There was almost no medicine, no dentistry except for pulling teeth. If you get a small cut, it might develop into an infection and kill you. So, they had a need for "gods" and heaven. So, I think a lot of people, including your wife, want to go to "heaven" where you don't work and don't feel pain. I had heard that at some point, christians from the middle ages were committing suicide so the catholic church said that suicide gets you to hell. Christianity is a pretty dangerous religion.

[@sarahhardy8649]

That’s why the Catholic Church had to make suicide a sin. Too many were too happy to leave this world to go to the next.

[@TheRealNintendoKid]

@@sarahhardy8649 Even if they didn't believe in the afterlife, had you been living at those times, you'd probably wanna kill yourself too. Most people were practically slaves to the church and the king and his court.

[@MrChristerj]

And when the world ends and no Jesus is coming?

[@FaithReconstructed91]

The stormtroopers of death part was the funniest part of the video!😅😂

[@deademail6725]

I hope a lot of people see this

[@RedddShirt]

I like most of what aronra says but this one seems like it deserves a lot more attention.

[@BlackEpyon]

The one problem that I have with Aron's presentation here is that fundamentalism is not as much of an issue up here in Canada as it is in the United States. I live in the same province. It sounds alarmist up here, even though his concerns are perfectly legitimate down in the red states. Not that we don't have fundamentalists up here - I can list several of those churches in my area alone - but they largely keep to themselves unless they aren't vaccinating their kids. However, where the tenancies of fundamentalism are concerned, he's right on the money.

[@MMDelta9]

BlackEpyon True. But as a fellow Canadian, it worries me. What happens when the American fundies win? Who do you think they'll set their sights on?

[@BlackEpyon]

M McQuarrie Religion threatens all.

[@WendyMcClelland]

+BlackEpyon I was thinking the same thing as I watched. But then I realized that many of the Canadian fundamentalists go to the US to observe how things are done there, and then attempt to recreate it here. So, it's good for us to know what is happening in the states.

[@BlackEpyon]

Wendy McClelland My former congregation is Evangelical Lutheran. Not as firebrand as the "fundamentalists," but they do take the Bible and Luther's Catechism literally.

[@GadgetAndKite]

It's a concern in Canada, my parents are JW and just as retarded as any fundy in US. Though I agree not nearly as numerous, but just as delusional.

[@adelairickman8157]

Scary how much Ra's family history reminds me of my own. LOL Amazing that such an enlightened mind as his could sprout from such meager soil.

[@chrismalcomson2824]

Wow! At the start of your talk, you described my upbringing! I was born in 1960, remember watching the moon landing and had a family that didn't want to know about my "fantasies". That was in Northern Ireland, so it looks like that mentality was worldwide back in those days. My first tattoo was a colorful family conversation, as was my joining a bike club, growing my hair and going to rock concerts!

[@JamesRichardWiley]

Two hundred years of scientific discoveries vs a Hebrew god named Yahweh did it.

[@aturchomicz821]

r/bossbattles

[@GEEKICIDALTENDENCIES]

you know your engaged in a lecture when 51 mins goes by and you want more!!

[@FL-Man78]

Aron you have a real gift..ur talks were instrumental in me leaving the church after 35yrs

[@utah133]

Fortunately, my family seemed to welcome progress even though they were also poor country folk in the 1950's but in Idaho. They encouraged me to study technology and science. They were "Jack Mormons." Not particularly pious. Oddly Aron and I share the rural Mormonism background and both of us are now non-theists who never get haircuts...

[@mephostopheles3752]

I just started watching Aron's stuff today and I have to say, he might be my favorite Internet atheist figure to date. This shit is not only super informative, but it's entertaining and interesting to watch. Hats off (even though I never wear hats), Aron.

[@laurajarrell6187]

Old now, but worth hearing over and over! Love and Peace

[@barryleehodges6168]

I love your lectures man. Keep up the good work. Just glad to even vaguely understand science but your work is paying off my friend because I'm learning! Stay the course please. we need you.

[@LividCreature]

Aron, you are a great and wise human being living on this spec of a rock floating through space orbiting a star which is orbiting a supermassive black hole which is the basis for our consciousness. You also seem like a great father, teaching your son true unabashed history so future generations don’t repeat it. Much love sir and keep up the great work (like you have been the passed 8 years since this video was posted).

[@Imightberiding]

@AronRa Nicely done. Perhaps it is because we are the same age & share a common past of memories or more probably it is because you very prolifically intertwine stories from your past & the realities of the subject matter you address in your talks, but I am always entertained by what you have to share. Thank you for pursuing your path & the truth with the passion & attention it deserves. You have much to say & share with the rest of us & I for one am great full for having discovered you on KZbin. Perhaps I will be fortunate enough some time to listen to you in person. Carry on my wayward son. Cheers!

[@2degucitas]

One of the most arrogant things I ever heard came from the lips of a young christian woman. She said, " Isn't it wonderful when god makes a beautiful sunset just for you?" I thought, that's weird we are ALL enjoying it. Her insistence it was all hers irked me. So selfish. Reminds me of another Jesus woman who said squirrels are gods secret message to her. Never mind it might be looking for food, or running away from her.

[@jannellecox3202]

Yeah he's really been makin some beautiful ones lately alright . People dropin like flys . I really wish there were a god that truly loved people .

[@stevenshumate3430]

Wow! Aron RA, what an insightful examination of the state of humanity. If only he could insert this on prime time television.

[@bobthabuilda1525]

Dude you're my hero. My family is so much like yours it's ridiculous.

[@x_gosie]

Yes. My family is also like that, they don't engage to learn anything and only want to have a life, they refute reasons and instead use superstitions and beliefs. It so disgusting on what they think about people who go to the university, they think they're just good at books.

[@YoursTrulyThe1Pony]

I now recently consider myself an atheist all because of Aaron said the thing most Christian fear most, he started to make sense. But i was not a full blown Christian, Christianity was a secondary religion(which indeed would piss off Christians if i said that) But I'm Native American that was my main thing in life and still is even though I don't believe in most of the spiritual stuff anymore. It will always be my life no matter if I'm an atheist. Right now most of my family don't know i am.

[@MrNothinguploaded]

Hitchens must endorse this.

[@MTD_1969]

Allan Tham Hitchens is dead.

[@davidhatcher7016]

Michael Dube shhhhh

[@MrxstGrssmnstMttckstPhlNelThot]

This video might get used against you in your run for Senate. Still hope you win, though. Your state could really use you.

[@fudgeweasel]

Used against him? It should be his main campaign video

[@everydaydubs1713]

He's never going to win TX, but Aron isnt a politician as much as a social advocate. I think its more about getting his message out there than actually winning. Like he really is trying to win and wants to be able to use a senatorial seat to keep helping people; but the real victory for him is simply getting these points prominently placed on the political table.

[@Spectra33]

I've experienced so much of what you've taught in this lecture. Thank you for this.

[@rosesprog1722]

Thank you brother, your words are warm and comforting, as truth should always be.

[@cheeple]

I've watched about a dozen aronra videos last night I felt all alone for the first time I really realized there is no god, no one to help me in my time of need except myself. This is a scary time for me.

[@ianalan4367]

+cheeple No need to be afraid. I agree that there is not a god as Aronra represents. There is a God. Aronra simply does not know Him nor can he understand. Only you can find God for yourself. No one can prove that God does indeed exist. He will reveal Himself to you if you only seek Him in humility and with a contrite heart. What gets dangerous is when men like Aronra use worldly logic and false depictions of God to attempt and prove there is no God. God is not of this world and will not be found with worldly reason and logic alone. God is of Spirit and only in spirit and truth can we realize this. The god Aronra portrays I don't believe in either. You are not alone my friend. "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10Peace be with you always!

[@asshole9191]

+cheeple aron does not argue that there is no god. he argues that the god(s) of any known religion does not exist. and that he himself cannot belief in a god. but as long as you don't force your believes onto anyone you can belief whatever you want. religion itself is not bad. today's interpretations are bad. for example: i believe in destiny, meaning that everything we do is predetermined. no choice i have is a choice. thus every modern image of god's justice cannot apply. but i am still responsible for what i do, because the choices destiny made are according to my person and even if there was free will the world wouldn't look differently. this image of destiny simply states that our influence on the world and in the world are already determined. all my actions are determined. everything was determined the moment time was "created". created refers to the moment time came into existence after the big bang.

[@sagerider2]

+cheeple Don't be scared. When I realized at 9, that the bible was bullshit, I was scared for a while. I couldn't figure out why anything was even here. But, If I can have friends, being autistic, which is a huge burden, surely you have some. maybe relatives. my mother was a drunk, but my dad & granddad were great. I had also an aunt & 3 cousins. 1 of which was fucking cuckoo, but better than nothing.

[@kiaharper7172]

Well friend... Don't think about it as being g alone for the first time with no one you help you. Think about it like this: All this time you've been kicking a** and helping yourself out with out any divine intervention! You rock!

[@annagosciejew4208]

We have no idea if there is a god(s) or not, none of the religions presented as of yet have efficient evidence to prove that there is a god(s). But this is just the beginning! This is exciting because we can continue to do research through the scientific method to discover the unknown! :)

[@healurself6968]

I loved this well presented, personable insight into your life. Thankyou.

[@xxhellspawnedxx]

I love this presentation! That being said, I'd like to contend with one point being made: That of criminality and religion. While I'm sure there's some truth to it, I reckon a more powerful influence is the socio-economic one. Poor people are more likely to be deeply and stubbornly religious than wealthy people. They are also more likely to commit crime. The causation here is a whole other can of worms that I don't want to crack open here and now, but the net result is: More religious people commit crimes. There's also a fair bit of proselytisation going on in prisons, as well as in a number of related organizations (anger and impulse management, rehabs, etc.), all places and situations where being part of the group is of primary importance. This further contributes to this fact. No, what we should do is to prohibit church organizations from using public institutions (prisons, as much as courts and public offices) from being used as a recruitment tool by religious organizations. Replace them with education. It has worked to great effect in other countries, where the repeat offence rates are much much lower as a result.

[@stevephillips8083]

I remember when we got a colour TV. It was so cool! Pong lasted a while, but the next console just worked better in colour.

[@QutraLored]

I love how you take things I have long pondered and describe them so perfectly. You are one smart dude and I like how your outward appearance says to hell with the status quo!

[@Draegon-tk9dj]

Real monsters look like Dolores Umbridge.

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

Sadly no.... I mean, no doubt that Dolores Umbridge WAS written as a monster and made to look the part... a lot like Snape (Here's not the place to rant about it but i neve runderstood Rowling trying to "exonerate him" in the last book... nor do i get the people claiming he HAD to act like he did to keep his cover... he was meant to spy ON DUMBLEDORE so hiding as a "good Deatheater" would be an obvious sign that the good side had other ways to trust him than "good behavior") and the other DeathEaters, but that was not realistic, it was a conscious decision by JK Rowling to make it more black and white and easier to root for the good guys and boo the baddies. But in Real life the true Monsters look disappointingly normal, unsuspicious and bland... I'd suggest a look at the Netflix series "Mindhunter" which deals with a lot of the "famous" serial killers back in a time when that word was not yet really coined. They look like a post office worker or milkman or shelf restocker in the supermarket. Maybe not super attractive but seldom obviously, outwardly UGLY and monstrous. Even Charles Manson had at a time pretty average looks, then he let himself go a bit and had his insanity period with the swastika and all... but before that... you might never have guessed he was more than a hippie teacher you do not take serious but kind of like to spend time in the classes. Or maybe like the kind of country/western musician that plays at shop openings or city anniversaries. Nowhere famous, vanishing in the crowds if not on the stage.

[@spacecat6022]

Well there are the average guys like you say but the Dolores Umbridge kind also stand in the normal world (not the death eaters though) she truly looks like a good respectable woman from her religious congregation, ready to spit insults at gay funeral or cheer over a black person being hanged like all the other 'respectable' people of her group while seeing themselves as the good ones and going back home to bake a cake for her grandchildren after this.

[@allangow4746]

I've seen a lot of Aron Ra on the Internet. He's on top form here. How could any well balanced normal thinking person not agree and condone the sentiments expressed here. I truly believe religion will one day be obsolete, unfortunately it will be a long time coming.

[@EpicWinNoob]

My mind was completely blown when you described how Christians reverse the accountability for morals. Good on ya! :D

[@Anastasius12]

This is one of my favorite talks of yours, Aron. I listen to it over and over and share it with as many people as I think will give it a listen to the end. Thank you! Thank you! The work you do is amazing!

[@chriswalsh8567]

What an absolutely brilliant and important presentation!!

[@niconestra]

Here in July 2020 that lack of interest really shows.

[@peterbrazier7107]

"If you played D&D in 1981 you weren't a Nerd you were a Witch?" Nah I was always a Norse God worshiping Barbarian.

[@adamtzsch]

A really engaging lecture. All that AND Lyin’ Ted Haggard. Subscribed ! 😂👌🏼

[@CampingforCool41]

This was actually very interesting :)

[@davidhopkins917]

And very scary!

[@beachcomber2008]

You're an absolute treasure, AronRa. Please lose weight, live long, and get an electric bike.

[@juggalo184]

43:00 The Puritans did not come to America to escape religious persecution. They went to Holland to escape religious persecution. They came to America because there wasn't enough religious persecution in Holland.

[@mikkile0n]

Aron Ra just found religion in a dark alley and beat the ever living shit out of it.

[@Boomstickfan495]

See, I know this video is old, but when Aron was speaking of Merle Haggard, this is why I think Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings had it right: "Momma's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys, let 'em be doctors and lawyers and such" Merle wants to go back to the days when a Cowboy was considered just a good 'ol plain american. Willie and Waylon at least know that mindset doesn't build a good solid family structure. "Cowboys ain't easy to love, and they're harder to hold" how can you love a man that treats you like an overgrown child and treats your sons like a dog they need to rear. I know I'm looking too deep into a song, but its just so fucked in my opinion to go back and listen to merle compared to his peers. Some of it legit upsets me, and this is the era of country I love. Sidenote, #NeverFogetTheStatlerBrothers

[@sabin1166]

This should be broadcast, to all nations!

[@kasparhauser4472]

Probably one of the best speeches ever on this topic.

[@aaronbono4688]

Incredibly well thought out and presented, thank you for this video!

[@richardbruning]

Watched this many times. Always an eye opener. Thx, AronRa.

[@infiniteoctopaw]

Man... I keep coming back to this. And every time I do it becomes more and more relevant.

[@musicguy9299]

After watching your videos for years , I was very impressed by this one. I don't miss any.(that I know of)..and of course, I am very impressed by your body of work. Thank You AronRa.