Rhett Bought a Bible - Rhett’s Deconstruction 2 Years Later

[@LynnyM]

Watching Good Mythical Morning: two guys eat bugs & hit each other in the nuts Listening to Ear Biscuits: what's the difference between searching for meaning and searching for truth

[@Efmims]

The duality of boys

[@motherj1208]

Truth might not have meaning attached. The truth is just the truth, not negative or positive. Meaning is what emotions and possibilities we attach to truths (and even attach to untruths)

[@gheraldinetaping4389]

I really would like know what a conversation like this would be like between Rhett and Link and John and Hank Green

[@felipew6716]

John would be the odd man out in that situation, wouldn’t he?

[@vlogbrothers]

I love learning from Rhett and Link, and talking with them is always a joy and an encouragement. I am a huge fan of Ear Biscuits, too. -John

[@MattCraftDotDerp]

Year 3? 👀

[@tyler_pleconis9529]

@@vlogbrothers The four of you guys combined have so much ability to bring joy, different perspectives, and knowledge to your viewers; whether it be based on literature and history, science and curiosity, or comedy and life experiences. You guys are amazing!

[@pineapplepapercrafts]

I'd have that podcast on loop lol

[@MP_heehee]

As an evangelical Christian turned agnostic, these are my absolute favourite episodes of Ear Biscuits. Thank you both for your vulnerability and for sharing your thoughts and experiences!

[@h3fan725]

What's agnostic? ☺️

[@MP_heehee]

@@h3fan725 put simply, someone who does not necessarily believe there is a god/higher power, but does not believe they can absolutely rule out the possibility either. According to Wikipedia: Agnosticism is the view or belief that the existence of God, of the divine, or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable. Another definition provided is the view that "human reason is incapable of providing sufficient rational grounds to justify either the belief that God exists or the belief that God does not exist." Hope that helps :)

[@h3fan725]

@@MP_heehee thanks for explaining, I feel the same tbh, I hope there's a god, but you don't believe in the Bible's god from what I've read as there are so many contradictions and things which logically make no sence

[@smokeydevine]

So do you still think you know everything and ur the center of attention or did that leave w the christianity

[@h3fan725]

@@smokeydevine ?

[@FootlessJo]

I can't convey how helpful and hopeful listening to your deconstruction stories over the years has been for me. I hope you know how impactful and important to so many people it is. Truly, thank you.

[@FootlessJo]

Also, if you start a religion based on the LotR writings, I'm in.

[@CodedBlue]

woah didn't expect to see you here Jo! totally agree with you, these deconstructions have been monumentally helpful and useful, even to someone like me who comes from a radically different background than Rhett and Link.

[@iSkulk]

I cant agree more. Such an impactful series for me and my family.

[@clairebear2741]

rhett: "i have found that not being afraid of whatever's around the corner is the best way to live" link's face: *wait, you can do that?*

[@pedestrian_0]

This summarizes who Rhett and link are lol. Link is more honest whereas Rhett puts on a bravado mask. Love them both.

[@breannanorthrup5498]

"I've found that not being afraid of whatever's around the corner is the best way to live." That is profound and captures a thought I've had for many years. This series genuinely excites me and I could listen to this stuff for a long time.

[@PSmith5194681153]

That's interesting. I appreciate that quote, but possibly not for the same reason it sounds like you do. My faith in God, specifically the God of the Bible, allows me to live without fear. I used to be afraid of dying, and now I can live in peace knowing I have eternity to live. Life can still be difficult, and everything doesn't always go my way, but I'm appreciative of my faith. What in particular drew you to this quote?

[@ashleymcj2829]

This comes at such a big time for me this year. I was a cradle Catholic. My dad was so devout, it's the first thing I think of when remembering him. He died a month ago. I've always struggled with faith and have identified as an atheist for almost 10 years now. Now that my dad is gone, I so desperately want to believe in something just so I can feel like a piece of him is still with me, so I have some way to keep in touch with him. I've been picking up and putting down the bible for the past few weeks, reflecting on what I really want from it. I don't believe in it, but I really want to read it just to have a better understanding of my father's heart. Thanks for this.

[@murata.9847]

First you rationally have to come to a conclusion that there is A god. Next step is to look back to the 3 big Abrahamic religion. I'd advice to check out the last one.

[@samueljackson315]

@@murata.9847 No they do not HAVE to do any of that. Just leave people alone.

[@murata.9847]

@@samueljackson315 Just advising ... Ignorance has (sadly) consequences. We are all sitting in the train of existance towards an end station. Just looking outside the window will not explain why you are in the train and where it's heading.

[@brittanycoryea5677]

I relate to this so much!! Just because you don’t believe doesn’t mean you can’t take something away from religious text.

[@geraltofrivia4651]

@@murata.9847 ignorant and elitist of you to think you have all the answers

[@GenericaQwerty]

I hope you guys keep doing this annual update. Your deconstruction stories have been immensely helpful to me and my own deconstruction journey. Thank you for being so candid and open. ❤️

[@samibrockway1366]

Not gonna lie I used to hate these episodes when I was a true believer Mormon but ever since I have left the church I love this.

[@AleisterAuspex]

Well being a mormon is kinda stupid so dont blame you.

[@isaacwilliams7493]

Their original “Rhett’s deconstruction video” allowed me to feel well enough to leave Mormonism. Happy someone else eventually found their way

[@TheTinaBelcher]

Why did you hate them? Just asking for perspective.

[@marmotarchivist]

From what I know of how the Mormon church is structured, it is really hard to leave the system. Good for you to have been brave enough to expand your world view and I wish you all the best on your future journey.

[@dacrazyone88]

As an LDS I love listening to these because I know there is soooo much more in the world and universe that is all apart of our journey and gods plan even if it doesn’t fit in my religious beliefs!!!

[@thomasr8074]

‘My experience with the world is not that there is no meaning’ Simple but really resonated with me

[@tacticalteager7920]

We create our own meanings in life.

[@xXSoupbubbleXx]

Really interesting to see how religion / christianity has traumatized Link. I get the feeling that he is afraid to lose Rhett to christianity again. He has a hard time to understand Rhett's point of view to look at religion/the bible purely through critical eyes and becomes uneasy with him dabbling so much with religion. Really powerful episode! Thank you from Finland (which may or may not exist)

[@kroneexe]

Understanding their perspectives as Nordic people is hard because we're all so atheistic as a people. It's also natural for people like Rhett to race ahead of people around them intellectually, it might make him lonely.

[@georgebee3090]

I was thinking he didn’t want Rhett to waste more hours of his life 😅 I get it though looking at the cults book after you’ve left it’ll look totally different

[@pdfbanana]

no, i don't think Link is afraid to lose Rhett to Christianity. Rhett was clearly the one to first spark serious, self-reflective doubt in Link. i think Link is just uncomfortable with biblical analysis because he is still attached to his past and is uncomfortable with studying what he used to deeply believe but now sees as false

[@cuppscraps]

Link is afraid Rhett will discover Finland is real

[@chasingdharmaify]

He has so many reasons to be skeptical. Allow him some grace. White christianity in the US is a disaster zone that steals people and families.

[@TheChillennial]

Earbiscuits is my favorite thing you do. And, the deconstruction episodes are so raw, honest, thoughtful, insightful. I typically don't even watch podcasts, but every Sunday morning the first thing I do is listen to yours. I live in NC, western part. Born and raised around fundamentalist folks. My parents never went to church, and God was only used as a threat. In high school after 9/11 I literally read every religious thing from every religion I could. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Mythology, the occult, magic, and stuff from ancient Greek philosophers. I took world religions in college, Anthropology, Sociology, and Psychology. Your thoughts and ideas resonate with me coming from a similar area with a truth seeking personality. 10/10 episode. Can't wait to hear Link's next week.

[@Nooticus]

Same

[@Sanctifires]

this is all for naught until Christ is taken seriously. until then you will stumble in the dark as you inch closer to hell's precipice. wake tf up

[@21centdregs]

@@Sanctifires hell's precipice is the door to a church. hail satan.

[@HoHhoch]

@@Sanctifires You're part of the problem.

[@jamestaylor3805]

@@Sanctifires and your behavior is why religion is dying.

[@gretchenbadger3158]

The realization you had that your inner longing for meaning and your need for truth don't have to be at odds, but can compliment each other is really sticking with me....thank you for sharing yet again. This series is like a soft, warm blanket for me. I'm in the middle of the "stormy seas" of the deconstruction process, and these eps are so comforting for me.

[@life_of_i_]

I’m typing this prior to listening and as I’ve gone about my own journey of walking away from extreme group ideologies these conversations from just two guys helps me not feel alone, especially when you know you have a worldview that attracts the worst out of people so Thank you for talking 😌 no punctuation needed

[@beccagrace5925]

I know these talks can sometimes feel daunting to you, but please keep them coming. As a younger person (not that you're old, I'm just 25) who deconstructed last year and is still processing, it's so comforting to see your journeys, especially since I can't talk about it with my parents. It's nice to have my Internet Dads to join this convo with :)

[@carsontaylor3017]

I absolutely love these episodes. They also really made me think. They are what kicked off my faith transition from Mormonism. When I heard how you guys spoke about your faith and how it was just a huge part of your lives and just how prevelent it was in all your decisions. It really spoke to me as a Mormon I voulentered for 2 years to be a missionary and it was the basis for most of my relationships. Now two years later I have decided to walk away from Mormonism. I am so much happier and have grown so much as a person. It is incredible when you have to look everything you have ever known. Your whole narrative. You look it in the face and say "this isn't right, this is not for me" it is the most painful and beautiful thing. Rhett and Link I know you most likely won't see this comment but from the bottom of my heart thank you for having the courage and the elegance to present your faith transition. It has helped me move from a harmful way of thinking and I really just could not appreciate more what you have done.

[@ksparks689]

Ex-Mo here, I found last year Mormon Stories Podcats and Radio Free Mormon on KZbin. They helped me put some things to rest about leaving the LDS church years ago. I don’t feel conflicted about that choice anymore. Best wishes going forward!

[@carsontaylor3017]

@@ksparks689 thanks Kelly! I’ve been binging Mormon stories for the better part of 8 months now. It has helped a ton.

[@ZandoFox]

Proud of you

[@edwardocariter99]

What or how was it not for you?

[@edwardocariter99]

@@ksparks689 Ah yes after listening to an anti LDS podcast left the church...baha!

[@keithhamburger5235]

I grew up in agnostic and Buddhist so though I can’t relate to your experiences with the church but I love these episodes because it gives me a new perspective on life and finding meaning that I didn’t think of before

[@natedill9180]

You make your own meaning. Stop looking

[@because-strudels]

This resonated with me. It was difficult admitting my loss of faith to not just my family, but to myself; and it was difficult to explain that it wasn't an arbitrary decision, but the result of a long and often painful searching over time. I like Rhett's comparison to deconstructing the building. The process can be harrowing, but you hold onto the belief that it's worth it. I still don't know if I'm right, and maybe I'll never truly know -- but I think a life spent searching for truth, or at least making the deliberate effort to forging your own path and being your own person, is a life well-lived, whether you arrive at a spiritual angle or a non-spiritual one. It helps you realize everyone is experiencing their own journey. Suffice to say I'm very grateful my religious family understands and accepts me. Whoever is reading this, I wish you happiness and courage. Life is short, and even if it feels without purpose, that just means we can find/make our own. Happy hunting.

[@Norundithus]

Spot on! You've summarized the position that I hope everyone could arrive at, religious or otherwise. The world would be a much better place

[@melissahammer6267]

I can't believe it's already been 2 years since you first publicly shared your deconstruction. Time flies! I can't tell you how much your stories of deconstruction have helped me and encouraged me on my own deconstruction. Thank you so much for being honest and open and vulnerable! I really look up to you and appreciate all that you do!

[@bohemiia]

Hey guys! Rhett, when you said, "I can't believe that, I'm incapable of believing that." It resonates with me whenever people want an explanation for why I'm not religious. It's coming internally, something I can't explain. I can say I believe in whatever I want, but I do not believe it or feel it deep in my being, which isn't that what faith is supposed to be? You can't force or explain these things. It is just part of who I am. Likewise, my search for purpose and meaning has never gone away. I've been reading into Buddhism because it provides guidance for personal spiritual journey of finding acceptance for pain and suffering in human existence. There are mystical elements that are far-fetched, but the core elements are appealing to me as a reminder for how to be a good person. We cannot control anyone or anything except ourselves.

[@KrausHaus0]

I recommend almost any Carl Sagan book for Rhett because he is an amazing prose writer, a skeptic, yet still thinks deeply spiritually about the world. Specifically Cosmos, The Demon-Haunted World, and Pale Blue Dot have all helped me a lot and have great audio books (the latter being partially narrated by the butter-voiced man himself)

[@bonnieclayton2311]

I agree. I think he'd love Demon Haunted World.

[@abbyk5196]

Yes!!!! It's why I adore Carl Sagan.

[@toxthexxgallows]

The table analogy really hit home for me. Made a lot of sense. I really enjoy these epis and you guys telling your truth. Thank you Rhett.

[@servingcant]

I was raised by Christian parents and the one thing they taught me and I’m glad they did is to question what you believe. Throughout my teen years I searched and questioned my faith. And I can’t say I found all the answers but I worship God in a healthy way. My parents leaving the church definitely helped in that journey.

[@juanitad736]

That’s great! My parents didn’t directly teach me much about Christianity, but i was raised Christian and they put me in a Christian school for high school. While I was there they taught us to question what we believe and look at other religions so we will really know the truth. Happy to say I’ve found truth in Christianity.

[@WisdomThumbs]

@Isaac Cohen Nah, it looked like they said (summarized) “Seeing my parents question and leave a church helped me grow closer to God, not farther apart.” The same thing happened in my family. My mom had to leave the church to show us what it actually means to follow Christ. Churches can be hollow places of idolatry and hypocrisy, especially when they hold worldly doctrines and traditions higher than God. Seeing my mom go out and *be* the Church, instead of using church as a proxy, helped me turn away from a seriously destructive ideology that almost cost my sanity and testicles.

[@Ner0Rev0lver]

Listening to you guys is so comforting, Im also from North Carolina and your lives reflect with me so much that its uncanny at times. Thank you for doing what you do. When religion is so deep rooted into your family for so long and in return it being apart of your entire being, its hard to convince yourself to talk about this, knowing how the ones you care about most may feel about you. I hope to have your courage one day, thats for sure.

[@elizabethhaverstick2539]

My mom has been trying to get my sister and me to read "Before You Lose Your Faith" and I refused because I imagined it would be problematic, but boy was I surprised to hear about what is actually in it. I've recently begun hardcore deconstructing and very recently left the church and I've binged all these deconstruction videos in three days. They have been so helpful and I relate to both of your stories SO MUCH. I love this series and will definitely be following in the coming years as you continue sharing your stories. Thank you both for your vulnerability.

[@TheRexisFern]

Rhett has the best view I've ever heard I think. A person with an open mind trying to gleam perspective in a different way with a familiar tool. I hope the things he learns broadens his love for everything he does, and deepens his own sense of purpose.

[@wh0aheavy]

These episodes really mean the world to me. Your original deconstruction stories were how I originally found you guys. I was raised southern Baptist but am now agnostic. It's not something I can talk about with my family. Hearing your experiences really helps give me understanding and context to some of the things I've experienced. So thank you for sharing so much with us.

[@chloemo3681]

I really love hearing your deconstruction updates. never been religious myself, but i always find hearing about others' experiences fascinating. thank you for sharing!!

[@KiritoYager]

This episode just coming out is a crazy coincidence. I've been bored and haven't watched Rhett and Link for a while, and I randomly remembered that they did a podcast where they addresses their deconstruction. I've binged them all over these last few days and now this one is made 😅

[@ijustliketosmile__smilingi5733]

Bless you both for continuing to be open and vulnerable and sharing your journeys. My husband and I both walked away from our conservative Christian upbringings and it brought monumental peace and openness into our lives. Whatever lies in store for you both and your families, I wish you only that...peace of heart, peace of mind, and joyful openness to the world around you.

[@samu-chan]

praying for u

[@braedenstorkersen7498]

Love this series of podcasts! If you’re going to read “Before You Lose Your Faith” then I would also recommend reading “Before You Lose Your Mind: Deconstructing Bad Theology in the Church.” Which was a pretty helpful book written in response about the helpfulness of deconstruction in becoming more healthy people.

[@alienpilled]

A former Southern Baptist pastor's kid here. A childhood interest in science ultimately led me away from Christianity in my mid-20s. I have since realized that what once felt like religious conviction was essentially just concern for the wellbeing of humanity. Now at 35 I find a great deal of purpose in doing my part for the greater good via socialist politics. As far as spirituality goes, I would call myself an agnostic. I'm comfortable accepting that things beyond our understanding can exist without feeling the urge to give it an ideology. I mostly just care about being a principled and empathetic human being.

[@JCW7100]

This describes my situation perfectly!

[@deep_fried_midget]

So you just switched to a new cult.

[@michaelfroese1067]

Greater good? Socialism? 😏 mmk

[@BetaCuckAlpha]

That must be heartbreaking for your father

[@LifeofDayy]

That sounds so similar to my experience! Wasn’t a pastor’s kid but my dad was a deacon and my mom was a Sunday school teacher (we were also Southern Baptist). We were one of those families that went to church twice a week at bare minimum. My life is so different now than how I’d imagined it when I was a teenager/young adult and I’m so grateful for that. I feel like the same person at my core but I know myself so much more now. My concern for humanity is still here, and it comes from an even deeper place than I had previously thought.

[@jwelda1]

Woah I just discovered the deconstruction series and watched them all. What a treat that a new one pops up! I was hoping this would continue being the last one was a year ago. Thanks, seeing someone else with a similar upbringing that got out is cathartic.

[@rolandwatts3218]

If you look up "Harmonic Atheist" you will find many more deconstruction testimonies. On podcasts there are titles like:- Voices of Deconversion exVangelical Deconversion Therapy The podcasts come up on platforms like Spotify, Apple, etc.

[@Reagoomba]

I went to Catholic school growing up and I still consider myself to be Catholic and in school we definitely talked about the Bible, especially the old testament, as being more just moral stories or tales of how people used to explain the world. Maybe my Catholic school was more progressive than your average one and that has helped me to still believe in science (and become a geologist) while not totally losing my faith.

[@brokeneggshells]

Ex-evangelical, current Catholic here: One of my favorite aspects of Catholicism is how comfortable so many Catholics that I’ve met are with asking questions and truly understanding what the Bible is and also what it is not. I hope Rhett (and possibly Link) eventually looks into Catholicism. I find so much meaning and spiritual satisfaction in my Catholicism without feeling the pressure to accept everything unflinchingly that I felt as an evangelical.

[@bailee7696]

@@brokeneggshells what do u and don’t believe now

[@CornPopWasABadDude]

Good for you. I often hear that a reason people leave Christianity/Catholicism is a belief in science. And I’ve always found that as an odd argument. A belief in God does not negate a belief in science, you don’t have to choose one or the other. Because if you believe in God, and believe God created the universe and the world as we know it, then it’s not a stretch to believe that God also created science. And if God created science, then why wouldn’t he use his own creation? That’s how I view it. When people try to debunk events in the Bible through science, I think they miss the mark. Not because they’re wrong, but because they believe that the existence of science negates the existence of God, when it is likely that God uses science as a tool for his miracles.

[@zanethurman6330]

I am religious, but I don't take that as a "I can never question anything that I don't understand" stance. The search for truth is the ultimate search and one worth every moment of time spent.

[@samueldixon8421]

That’s never been Christianity. Not true Christianity.

[@zanethurman6330]

@@samueldixon8421 ask and ye shall receive?

[@growingandflowing]

I've been a listener/watcher of you guys for 10 years or more & I am absolutely loving hearing this type of conscious and intellectual conversation out of you both! Keep it going guys! 😌🙏

[@tomcuthbert-sayers1451]

yo, Rhett: 1) Nietzsche's perspectivism (r.e. Truth); 2) Camus' positive nihilism (r.e. meaning/purpose); 3) de Beauvoir's ethics of ambiguity (r.e. being). 'nuff said. (bonus: 4) Zizek's ideology (r.e. stories we tell ourselves about ourselves))

[@AllTheArtsy]

Rhett is too entrenched in Enlightment-adjacent thinkers. If he just branched to post modernism, or even phenomenology, this whole need to hold on to religion crumbles easily.

[@caitlinweiss8801]

I really appreciate these podcasts, I left the church about 10 years ago and its hard to describe to people what that feels like. Funnily enough, I also recently bought a bible and have been reading it to revisit my upbring and also to understand the bible as a whole instead of in the select parts my church chose to teach me to reinforce their beliefs.

[@mandyprice5735]

I am also often caught between hope and skepticism with Christianity. Most of the time I’m just skeptical but it is interesting to hear your views on it.

[@stellamantikou4978]

Thank you for sharing your story in such a manner. It is so brave,respectful ,human and true. Truly moved. Thank you.

[@hdfizz6700]

I was very heavily involved with Assembly's of God church and now am Agnostic. It still feels scary sometimes when I have to say I'm not a Christian, especially now that I've moved to the deep south. It was really comforting to see this, so I thank you! So many people seem to equate not being a Christian with being some evil person that has no moral code. It's so unbelievably narrow minded.

[@mscalistone]

I am so grateful to y'all for sharing this. I started questioning my faith when I was twelve and somewhere down the line my faith continued to be in flux until I was in my 20s. I rarely get to have conversations with people about this because of so many of the people in my life are still in some order of religion. Where as I decided I was agnostic sometime before I was 26. I share so many similar thoughts and feelings to the both of you. Thank you for sharing and continuing to bring this conversation back to the table.

[@tinaneely4103]

I love these episodes. I started my deconstruction right before the pandemic hit, You both have given me words that I couldn’t get to myself. I so appreciated Rhett’s comment about his DNA being impacted by this set of beliefs. Looking forward to Link’s update next week ‘

[@milky1234123]

This is one of my favorite "series" from you guys. I've never been religious nor anything related but hearing about your journey yo this point leaves me awe

[@sharons9221]

Yes!!! I love your spiritual deconstruction stories because I can relate with them so much! Thank you for opening this up to your Beasties! 🖤

[@HeroOS43]

Thank you guys so much for being vocal about this topic. It means a lot to hear people talk who have been on the same journey as me. Deconstruction takes a long time, especially if you still live in the Bible Belt.

[@lukeaaron2884]

As someone who never grew up with religion, I find these kinds of stories extremely fascinating. Probably some of my favorite episodes :)

[@AlexS2816]

I’ve been a fan for a while but I found these deconstruction videos when I needed to. Thanks for giving people a place to explore their religion and place in the world with no judgement.

[@jessicasenbetu2905]

My favorite episodes. Rhett i completely know what you mean when talking about finding an author that resonates with you so much. It feels like finding your own words you never had and it’s so magical. Thanks for sharing the book along with your heart and journey!

[@zjjhnson]

As someone who is new to you two who has a very similar progression through faith and the subsequent lack thereof, these videos/podcasts have been some of the most therapeutic and impactful pieces of media I’ve consumed connected to the idea of religious deconstruction. Thank you.

[@FelineK91]

When I was deconstructing and moving away from Christianity, my psychologist recommended "A Religion of One's Own" by Thomas Moore and "Dynamics of Faith" by Paul Tillich. Those books moved mountains for me, and could for you guys too. Love these episodes, content straight from the heart.

[@Jo-mj7bu]

I went through a major spiritual journey, one incredibly similar to Rhett’s, while simultaneously getting a degree in astrophysics. Studying both has made me very open minded to the metaphysical stuff like crystals and astrology. My education in quantum and particle physics has taught me that everything at its basic level is energy (particles) and everything is interacting. Taoism teaches that every thing is connected. So is it really that far fetched that the energy of astronomical bodies could affect us, who at our basic level are also energy? And people talk of the soul and auras and such. Energy. It’s just fun to ponder the possibility, and the more I learn about the universe the more I learn that it is not what it seems. “Everything is waves and simple harmonic motion.” - my favorite professor

[@kerflop]

its interesting how subconsciously resistant link is to things that are analytical of the bible. I grew up in an atheist home and am now agnostic and have def seen this behavior when anyone has to question their view of reality.

[@vin2164]

I think it’s just human nature. Our brain makes a lot of assumptions to interpret the reality around us and it’s jarring, no matter what belief is being challenged.

[@lordsuji]

If y'all ever were to see this comment. I escaped the clutches of deeply engrained religion from age 12 into teen years where I could actually be free and not under someone else roof. And I loved you guys even when I believed you were highly religious. But knowing you have found a similar-ish path into life where you aren't being lead down such a dictated line. And having you share that journey, is great. I enjoy it so much and just want to say that anyone being negative or commanding toward your life path and truth... Has some personal stuff they need to work out. As I started with. Likeness in belief or not, it's always been obvious that you guys are nice dudes and good friends. And that's what we are here for.

[@francoisbolduc444]

As a pure atheist it is interesting to see the point of view of a fundamentally religious person struggle with the absence of higher truth or spirituality. I don’t see the point of the search but you doing it with a septic mindset and not trying to fill that need with some other random religion is refreshing to see.

[@Peyton1218]

Agreed on all counts. I don't personally get the need for spirituality but glad they didn't just immediately fill that void with another religion.

[@brooklynnwhite3074]

I feel the same. I think some of it is the fact that I was not raised in the church at all and so it was never part of my identity, but I feel no absence at all. The idea of trying to fill it personally doesn't interest me, but I also hate the idea. Like now living in the south, the idea of dating someone religious is not something I am even really ok with because I fundamentally believe so differently and I don't want any part of it for me or my family, but I also don't think it's going to be an easy task. I'm not against other people being religious, but I want no part in it.

[@bnhalemon7098]

Same. I’m an atheist and I don’t have any reason to believe in meaning beyond whatever meaning intelligent creatures project onto life. Which is fine, it’s great that we give our lives meaning, but it doesn’t point to a bigger ‘why’ for us being here. We just are

[@higglybiggly1174]

Pure atheism is just as silly as fanatical religion. You're saying with certainty you know the secrets of the entire universe by saying, without proof of certainty, that there is nothing higher then our intelligence out there. It's absurd.

[@brooklynnwhite3074]

@@higglybiggly1174 that’s a sweeping statement, but also not at all what the word atheism means. It’s also something I have heard numerous evangelicals try to use to put additional meaning on being atheistic. Theism means you subscribe to a religion and atheism means without religion. That’s it. Nothing more. The letter a as a root word means without. No one is claiming to have all the answers. The whole point of being atheist is that we don’t claim to have all the answers, and we don’t believe your specific religion is the answer either. Only one of us claims that our specific “knowledge” or belief is the truth. Atheism and Agnosticism does not mean we believe we know the truth or the full truth, it literally just means we don’t believe any of the specific 100+ religions out there is the full truth, or even the truth at all. Yes most atheists don’t necessarily believe in a higher all-knowing being, but that does not mean we claim to know the answers.

[@juliehogan8964]

Your religious deconstructions jump started mine. I remember listening to Rhett’s on the way home from a young adult group meeting at my church. I was feeling a lot of the feelings he described. I have a similar background of being heavily involved in church in my college years. I recently decided I am agnostic, I feel a lot happier and feel I’m living more truthfully. I think without you guys coming out with your stories I would have held on to Christianity a lot longer and would have been very unhappy. So thank you for continuing to talk about something so personal

[@kaalvoetpanda932]

Mythical book club is something I would love to be a part of...

[@misschelseawilkinson]

Rhett I have so much respect for your willingness to call into question the "obvious truths" on all sides, and your heart and search for the truth is clear. And I think it is so cool that you are looking at the Bible in this part of the journey that you are in despite how anyone may percieve your deconstruction. Because at the end of the day it's about you, and your walk, and honestly it's an example to all of us. :)

[@ToxicVenom131]

There's something so comforting starting my Sundays with this podcast 🤗

[@h7opolo]

fatherly love. were you raised with it? i wasnt

[@ToxicVenom131]

@@h7opolo damn didn't think I'd figure something out about myself.. lmfao

[@cmp6008]

I resonate a lot with Rhett's journey. For me, meaning is applied truth. When your understanding of the truth changes, the meaning changes with it. The meaning is re-contextualized under your new understanding of truth.

[@marmotarchivist]

Love this content. I’m glad you’re getting more comfortable in a somewhat ambiguous but also liberating philosophy. I was raised protestant, but in Europe and specifically in my country that is the most laid-back church and the Catholics are the serious ones and US evangelical Christian would be considered a cult in my country. So with the scientific education in school it didn’t take much to become completely agnostic. I fondly remember in Latin classes examining the history of religion, e.g. Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythology, Mithraism and Christianity and the history of the biblical texts and their cultural significance at the time. I even made a thesis about the recurrence of flood myths in different cultures, e.g. in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the bible, North mythology and in religions all around the world. I think these texts say much about humans and how they viewed the world. Interestingly Tolkien, who was a catholic, also had a similar view on mythology and the truth and meaning you could see in different mythological texts. So your example with the Fellowship religion was especially funny, because his works are imbued with his Christian worldview, so you would of course find these values in his texts. In conclusion, I think that Christianity has some good core values when separated from the literal belief that everything happened exactly as it is written in the bible and also if you disregard the distortions, interpretations and rules that the churches have tacked onto it through history with their own agenda. But I also think you don’t need Christianity or any religion to lead a good live. As you said, it’s so self-centred, egoistic and presumptuous to think that the earth is the centre of the universe and everything was made for humans to rule over. And while I agree that it is natural for humans to assign meaning to everything and search for meaning and truth, I would go further and say that therefore there is no deeper meaning or truth in all things. That doesn’t mean that things don’t have a meaning to you personally. But I can say that I’m comfortable with the idea that there is no greater meaning out there. You just live life for lifes sake, on this tiny rock hurtling though the vastness of space. And I don’t think that's depressing. It is a humbling and beautiful experience. I don’t say this to change anybody’s mind. Unless you are hurting somebody, I think it’s fine to have your own believes and keep them or change them as it benefits your life.

[@Jencoop164]

I think I am closer to the spirit of the Creator now more than ever. I no longer live in guilt and fear and in its place is Love. Thank you both for sharing your experiences. It is truly impactful.❤

[@olliejilliangil8382]

Shout out to the other Christians who enjoy Rhett and Link and respect their views. I’ve gone through some tough times this past year and have never felt closer to God. It works for me.

[@sockshistorychanel7715]

they don’t even make good vids anymore

[@Userhandle7384]

I’m glad you said it works for YOU. Please don’t force it upon others or your views on others…. Thank you for keeping it to yourself :)

[@angelface7776]

@@Userhandle7384 god shut up. Lol

[@angelface7776]

@@Userhandle7384 stop trying to be passive aggressive

[@dianer5793]

Yep, totally respect their views. If I’ve had the experiences they’ve had, I may have fallen out of my faith as well. As it is, mine has grown stronger through my 30s. It does make me sad to hear them talk about how toxic that Christian Legalism culture is, it’s really heartbreaking. Im glad they’re happier now.

[@mrtherat8736]

This episode briefly touches upon an idea I hope to mature in some formal essay: truth and love diverge, often opposing each other in nature, and this reality horrified me during my final years of Christian faith. From the perspective of another truth-obsessed, overly binary meaning-searcher, I resonated with Rhett's bridge in the cynicism vs. hope dichotomy and find the addition of "meaning" enlightening to the conversation of spirit. Those book recommendations also sound superb - as soon as I realized that truth/cynicism can lead to despair, I decided that I would have to compose a new lie which will help me walk this life, and I feel glad this Richard Holloway advises I call such lies "stories." I looked forward to hearing Link's (possibly more tender) update next week.

[@TacTar]

You guys should leave a plate of biscuits on the table

[@Wickedlove263]

No

[@goreyboyz8564]

Why 😂

[@butwhytho4858]

A plate of ears too lol 👂

[@theskilz00]

Ear shaped biscuits

[@beeceedub]

I am so thankful for your willingness to publicly share this process. I got my bachelor's in youth ministry, and still believe a lot of traditional Christian beliefs, but have also been deconstructing a lot of the past 10 or 12 years. I am thankful to know that I am not alone in this journey, and will be checking out the Richard Holloway book and the Harper Collins Study Bible!

[@CaReBeAr73109]

I love these episodes. Rhett is so entertaining to listen to as he discusses his journey and what he is learning along the way. Gotta love an inquisitive mind ☺️

[@parvatiyuhas7853]

Thank you for doing this. It helps a lot of us. I appreciate you making yourself vulnerable to the world and sharing your story. You are an inspiration. Can't thank you enough.

[@EmrysEnergy]

This is so interesting. I remember being in Sunday school at 4/5 years old and having the thought that the Bible was Aesop's Fables for adults, so I've never prescribed to any type of religion. I would say that I'm a sceptical spiritualist though. I've had many experiences that can't be explained by rationality so I'm constantly looking for answers - everywhere.

[@MrLightstudios]

What do you mean by experiences though, you mean you did drugs? because thats called chemicals altering your brain, and if not then what do you mean? Im sure they can easily be explained.

[@EmrysEnergy]

@@MrLightstudios Lol! No, not drugs. Spiritual experiences. 'Knowings' about the future. Being able to heal with my hands. Stuff like that.

[@vaprex]

@@EmrysEnergy Check back here when you can heal an amputee. Every "healing" claim I've ever seen is something that the body or modern medicine can do on its own.

[@EmrysEnergy]

@@vaprex I owe you nothing, dude. I also didn't say I was magic.

[@vaprex]

@@EmrysEnergy Didn't say you owed me anything, dude. You may not have used the word magic, but what do you mean *exactly* by "healing with your hands"? Or, "Knowings about the future"? Sounds like supernatural claims to me, which btw have never been proven. (Or, possibly just confirmation-bias when it comes to 'predicting the future'. I.e., Focusing on the hits, and ignoring the misses) So, if you *actually can* do such things, demonstrate it and reap your fame and fortune. Otherwise, this sounds like typical 'spiritualist woo' that dissolves into thin air like nothing more than a first-person experience.

[@tile-maker4962]

I like Alan Watts videos. He opens up a doorway to self understanding. I recently come into a similar realization as Rhett. I listened to a version of the Tao Te Ching by Wayne Dyer. With an immeasurable necessity to put myself into Lao Tzu's shoes when hearing it for the first time, it just felt ethereal to me. But I wasn't drawn toward it as "the way" either. I understood it as an insight to innate meaningfulness. Sense 8 months ago, I have never left the gravity of it's presents. What it taught me was being in the moment to impose "reflect this feeling" was and still is innately superfluous. "It" is all I need.

[@Goldi-Luc]

I'm a christian but i do enjoy hearing your thoughts. it's always interesting to hear different world views.

[@nateswan9527]

Just curious, what makes someone a "hardcore" Christian?

[@leightonhornack5376]

@@nateswan9527 they listen to linkin park

[@northernlight8857]

Hardcore? When i hear hardcore in the religious sense my thoughts go to Taliban, christian nationalists and is. But since its christianity i am hoping that is towards the most important part of christianity that is the sermon on the mount . That you have forsaken all your earthly belongings, take no care about tomorrow and serve others. I am glad you are open to other perspectives. I an glad that you are open to listening

[@roems6396]

@@nateswan9527 They take the Bible literally and are the most judgmental people in the world.

[@ERNesbitt]

"If you're dumb, surround yourself with smart people; if you're smart, surround yourself with smart people who disagree with you."

[@erinidum]

Believe it or not, your first deconstruction episode came out the very week I left Christianity behind. This has been a wild couple years spiritually, but I've truly never been happier. And I'm so happy to have had these episodes to deconstruct alongside. The work you're doing is very validating and healing to people who are in very vulnerable places. Keep it up!

[@HunterM09]

So appreciative of these conversations. I personally derive meaning from questioning the world around me in ways much the same as you two have done. Please keep doing these and please stay curious. You guys are inspirations and allow me to not feel so alone in this world when some of these endeavors can become inherently isolating and depressing. I feel like deconstructing religion and accepting atheism was just the start for me in terms of questioning the many facets of my life. I’m curious to see where this will lead you guys next. Love you guys!

[@kaylahiggins1486]

This is such a breath of fresh air. I, too, am also going through my own spiritual deconstructivism from Christianity (have been for the last several years), and it was pleasantly validating and comforting to hear both of your thoughts and how close they are to mine. Thank you Rhett and Link for sharing your thoughts and being brave to do it for such a large audience and individuals, like me, who can also relate. Can't wait to hear where you're both at next year and see what else you've experienced and learned. Much love! :)

[@calissaacklie7756]

ive been listening to this podcast so long now. i first started listening in 7th grade while i practiced basketball at my neighbors house and now im a junior in college who listens to this when im practicing basketball at the gym lol

[@wishuponastar453]

Thank you for updating us on your dynamic and honest pursuit of the truth! As a Christian, I aspire to do the same and not be complacent. Love you both ❤️

[@STEAMduck72]

I love these videos they have really helped me through my own spiritual deconstruction, they have made me feel like I'm not alone and I can relate very much. After today's episode I realized I have just said I'm not a Christian anymore and closed the "book." But Rhett is right in that it is too easy to just say I don't believe and that's it. I am going to revisit what exactly it is I believe and just dabble into seeing what different religions about. I am definitely reading the two recommended books from today as well.

[@STEAMduck72]

Can't wait to see links update next week

[@MrSeanana]

The thing that Rhett said about the perfect picture of Christianity is such a profound thing to say. I love that perspective!

[@inlimboxyu]

Very interesting episode! I find, when I'm listening to Rhett's perspective on this topic, that I wish I was more philosophically minded as he tends to bring up so many things that I've considered but never really "thought" about. I wish I had this tendency to search out this information and to understand it from this point of view independently. As always, I cherish R&L for being so vulnerable and so candid in their conversations. I can honestly say that many of these podcasts have positively impacted my actions and the way I think about things. I am thankful I get to be a part of these in my own way.

[@roems6396]

Many theists never consider that what they were taught might be wrong, until they hear someone else speak logically on the subject. Don’t feel bad about not considering things on a deeper level. Sometimes realizing this is all you need to get started.

[@andreamaronn4510]

I've been quoting a Chris Rock character from Dogma for years: "I just think it's better to have an idea. You can change an idea; changing a belief is trickier. People die for it, people kill for it..." ❤️

[@IWantToRideMyBike]

I feel like this video actually highlights how different Link and Rhett’s beliefs are and how Link definitely has his own opinions that he doesn’t always have such delicate words for.

[@frogwithknives3749]

listening to this while doing my algebra work, really makes me relax. I love listening to you guys

[@bugsized]

“Reading the Bible Again for the First Time” by Marcus Borg was a great second step for me after I studied the Oxford Study bible, it brought back some healthy spirituality after learning all of the historical and literary context and seeing these characters and the bible for what it is; a historically-interesting book full of politically motivated tales.

[@bradypatterson8859]

Politically motivated?

[@bugsized]

@@bradypatterson8859 no lol

[@hydra1259]

@@bugsizedhe was asking for you to expand on the bible being politically motivated

[@wraith1977]

As a fellow North Carolinian of your age, and surrounded by fundamental christian ideology in my youth, I love you guys.

[@dwayne2080]

Heyyyy religious people, let’s not force religion(s) on the boys lol these comments are intense.

[@FatCatQueen]

I greatly appreciate every time you guys talk about your spiritual journeys. You do it in such a mindful way and not only is it incredibly interesting and inspiring in a way, but it is.. quite thoughtful. Thank you for sharing this with us, Rhett, and for being vulnerable and honest with how you think and feel. I think it's really important for many people to hear, just as it was important for you to read those books and find others you can relate to. I hope your journey continues and that you grow in your spirituality! Much love to you both.

[@cdorst08]

It's sad to see people that think that you can choose faith. I can't choose to believe in god anymore than a christian can choose to not believe. As a life long Atheist, it breaks my heart to hear stories like this. It must be so hard to live your entire life believing something and then to discover, on your own, that it's not true. Good luck in your journey

[@Daniel-lz9ps]

Oof except atheist still can't scientifically explain something coming from nothing 🤔

[@cdorst08]

@@Daniel-lz9ps no atheist ever said something came from nothing, you can't even describe nothing

[@Cshoda321]

@@Daniel-lz9ps you don't have to, remember? That's not something religion cares about. There was no beginning for God, as he's always been there right? You see the conflict here and you aren't applying it logically to both sides. It can't be a "gotcha" for only the side you don't agree with. It's a "gotcha" for both. If you're truly honest to yourself you know this is the responsible attitude to have.

[@SliverOfSilverStars]

for anyone wanting to read that book without spending money on it, check out your local libraries!

[@guitarslayer7751]

I need to buy that second book y’all talked abt. This series is what got me into gmm because i relate to Rhetts deconstruction a lot and i feel like reading that book that observes them can give me the same comfort that r&l might have felt reading it.

[@guitarslayer7751]

During my childhood the people in my life that i enjoyed talking to the most about how i understood the world were my youth ministers and N. E. T. team members and now that I’m older and stopped believing i never had someone like that to talk to about how i was feeling abt religion and Rhett really put this together in a way that made feel like i was talking to one of them again.

[@cagaming9724]

As someone who is not religious (and hasn't been for at least since the beginning of high school) but has lived with a religious mother all my life and has been searching for answers since I lost my faith, these episodes feel so validating even if I can't relate to certain parts in the slightest.

[@MattCraftDotDerp]

When Rhett started talking about what people believe about crystals I legit thought for a moment that he meant the tiny burgers

[@Ghoul597]

I grew up going to a baptist church in the south my whole my whole life. When I graduated I decided I was going to join the military to get away from home and do my own thing. Right before I left for basic I listened to the first episodes about y’all’s deconstruction and I related to everything that was talked about. I always had a lot of questions and when one of my friends asked questions that challenged what we were taught he was always shut down almost immediately so I knew it wouldn’t go anywhere so I kept them to myself. Going into basic I still considered myself and evangelistic christian I read my Bible whenever I got a chance to and I was praying a lot. After a few weeks was when I really started thinking “why do I do these things” and to be honest I didn’t have an answer that wasn’t because my parents or friends did. I wasn’t in a religion because I wanted to it was because everyone around me was. And this wasn’t a situation where I would go every once in a while I was in church for Sunday school Sunday morning service Sunday evening and Wednesday. I was very involved in church also I was in the choir and I played piano and keyboard. Never feeling any satisfaction for any of it just did it because I was told to. After about week 3 or 4 I decided I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life doing that and bow I consider myself agnostic and a bog reason for that is because I saw those episodes and got me to think. I am so grateful for you guys and I am so much happier now than I have ever been.

[@Chambers_90]

I really enjoy these episodes, I find it very interesting how much Rhett and Link want there to be meaning in things. 'Meaning' is a nebulous term, but my belief is that the only meaning there is to life, is what each individual perceives for their own existence. I do not believe there is any overarching meaning - simply because one experiences or feels 'meaning' in their life, does not mean that there exists a grand source of meaning. From a biological standpoint your meaning is to further your genes, beyond that it's just what we construct for ourselves.

[@mackenzie1845]

Totally agree. I guess I do understand why some people want a "larger" purpose, because (biologically speaking) being alive simply to procreate makes us just seem like any other animal. But i've just honestly never really cared. I mean, I don't even want kids so I guess i'm "failing" at my purpose. But the beautiful thing about this life and being human is that we can create our own purpose. I think thats special enough.

[@Chambers_90]

@@mackenzie1845 absolutely - the fact that we get to make the determination for ourselves is a wonderful thing. I'd put myself into the same category as you - I'm totally fine with the prospect of life not having 'meaning', but I appreciate why that viewpoint may not be very appealing to some.

[@jenna_bean0_137]

I love the way you put this, I agree wholeheartedly

[@galaxychar]

I agree with you. I think growing up as devout christians has made them view meaning differently and feel a gap in their lives others might not

[@tonys.5029]

However, that is take a one-sided view of a two-sided reality. To push any dynamic into the wholly objective or subjective is to ignore that the other exists. Consequently, this creates a very flat, very self-defeating view. Subjectivism alone, separated from objectivism, or, to put it another way, relativism devoid of absolutism, collapses in on itself. We can take your system and respond in numerous ways. For example, we could take the Nietzschean response and say that, therefore, the human τελοσ is to create values. We can run in DeBouvoire’s direction and say that humanity’s objective meaning is to be free - consequently, acts interfering with the self’s freedom are downright immoral - or we can point out the consequences we see if we apply subjectivism to the categorical imperative principles and see that the world cannot and will not function if we actually uphold sheer individualism and forget the other half of this dialectical tension - the group, objectivity, and absolutism respectively. This frustratingly common philosophy you’re espousing sounds nice - nicer after thinking about it for the length of a TikTok - but falls apart under legitimate scrutiny.

[@reggegg764]

rhett i loved how you spoke on the way you felt so in tune with that writer and the way he thinks and thought it may mean something to you when i say i feel that way very deeply listening to you speak on your deconstruction, it's incredible and makes me feel so much less alone

[@MocknozzieRiver]

Love these so much. This series + events happening in my life in the time were the spark to deconversion and radical political change. I went from this series to watching God Is Grey, to Jimmy Snow and Matt Dillahunty to actually becoming invested in politics and changing most of my views because certain thoughts were no longer "off limits."

[@marisaruiz2529]

These are so interesting. I grew up in the south surrounded by religion and hearing all of this is so refreshing

[@Brandyalla]

_Everybody_ should aspire to be Sam. Of the hundreds of books I've read in my life, he's probably in the top ten best characters I've ever met.

[@vickieevenson9309]

It takes strong courage, character, and integrity to be able to seek something out to understand on a greater level than those who just throw up one's arms and walk away. If something really isn't a part of you, there's not much of an issue to leaving something behind. There's got to be something there inside of us to make us go the distance in understanding before tossing it away permanently. It is also far easier to be a part of a secular group that you have affiliated yourselves. That group will give you all of the confirmation and support you could ever dream of.

[@nicolealbrecht4812]

Rhett, you speak like a true Unitarian Universalist! Our core belief is literally the interconnected web of life. Love that we are so like minded coming from SUCH drastically different backgrounds, so interesting to hear you share! Thank you!

[@hanoufismail]

As a Muslim woman this episode is why I started tuning into good Mythical morning. Rhett's reflections on spirituality vs logical reasoning helped me strengthen my own beliefs via reflection. Religion, spirituality and critical reasoning are all a part of the human experience - and it would be a shame to leave unexplored.