Sam Harris: Considering a Creator | Big Think

Sam Harris: Considering a Creator
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Sam Harris refutes the notion of an intelligent creator.
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SAM HARRIS:
Sam Harris is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction.
Mr. Harris' writing has been published in over ten languages. He and his work have been discussed in Newsweek, TIME, The New York Times, Scientific American, Rolling Stone, and many other journals. His writing has appeared in Newsweek, The Los Angeles Times, The Times (London), The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, Nature, The Annals of Neurology, and elsewhere.
Mr. Harris is a graduate in philosophy from Stanford University and holds a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA, where he studied the neural basis of belief with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). He is also a Co-Founder and CEO of Project Reason.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Question: Is there a possibility of a creator?
Sam Harris: Well there are many problems with this idea that . . . I mean first of all, that’s an unfalsifiable thesis. And there are infinite numbers of unfalsifiable theses that you’re not tempted to believe. And we could believe that we’re in the matrix. I mean you could go down that path. And there’s a lot that could be asserted by people who are sure we’re in the matrix, and some alien civilization is simulating us on their hard drive. One problem is that we have many holy books authored by the creator of the universe and they’re in conflict. You know, they’re not . . . The New Testament makes it perfectly clear that Jesus is the Son of God - really the Son of God - and you have to believe this. Otherwise you’re gonna spend eternity in hell. The Koran says twice that Jesus was not the Son of God. And anyone who believes he’s the Son of God will spend eternity in hell. I mean this leaves as much room or compromise as a coin toss. So let’s say we just knew that one of those claims was right. You know, we have a universe . . . Now we’ve eliminated all the other possibilities. We’re living in this challenging universe where God has given us a highly imperfect book and asked us to grapple with it. But now we have the biblical claim - the New Testament claim to the divinity of Jesus - the necessity of believing in that. And the Koranic claim that belief in Jesus’ identity leads to damnation. Now which is more likely? That one of those is right and the other is wrong? Or that we have these competing tribes that were toiling in the context of just abysmal ignorance about the world, and the birth of the cosmos, and the destiny of any individual soul after death. You know I would put my lot in with a wider view of the circumstance. But even if we granted your premise that, “No, no. There’s a good reason to believe that one of these books is perfect,” we’re still with a coin toss situation. We don’t know whether to be a Christian or a Muslim. And we’re noticing that people are . . . are choosing basically on the basis of accidents of birth. I mean you’re just accidentally born in Afghanistan and you choose to be a Muslim. And likewise with Christianity elsewhere. It is a . . . it’s a very strange sort of loving God who would have created these circumstances. By mere accident of birth, you are raised to believe that a certain book was . . . And let’s say rightly raised to believe that this book was the perfect book. But if you happen to be born in China, you know, you go for centuries without hearing about this. It’s a strange . . . a . . . for I think obvious reasons, a totally provincial and implausible scenario. And yet it’s the scenario that most people believe in the 21st century.
Recorded on: Jul 4 2007

[@bigthink]

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[@user-qp1jh5vm8m]

Scripture has measage of there beign a creator @ creation .genesis 1:1-31 romans. All Scripture.

[@DLFfitness1]

When life gets tough, people turn to fantasy.

[@maxrossen2369]

Faxxx😤 just like the sim hypothesis. When people have fucked there life they r going to believe in sim cause they believe that there lives do not matter and so they feel better

[@izzulakmal7750]

Yes because where else are people would to turn to. Rationality?. Maybe it is more rational to just kill ourselves now because it wouldn't even matter in a million years anyway

[@alexdrake8079]

Fantasy is when people turn to man made science with no evidence to explain it.

[@alexdrake8079]

@Alex Perez Well not all of science is reliable, a lot of the time it completely changes and never stays the same. For something to be proven it has to stay consistent, tested, and observed to be proven as a fact.

[@alexdrake8079]

@Alex Perez yeah and I rely on the Bible for truth because it has scientific evidence in it as well

[@brucecook502]

This is a thought I had shortly after I lost faith in Christianity almost 3 years ago. After I watched a documentary about Hinduism, and found out for the first time that those folks in India believed in their theologies just as fervently as I and my fellow Christians believed in ours, I realized how foolish it was for anyone 2k yrs ago to say that if you werent born again/saved through Jesus you weren't going to heaven, instead burn in hell forever. How foolish it was to believe that there was a god who created souls, and injected souls into human babies that were born into cultures that, by no fault of their own, were raised to believe something other than Christian doctrine, and would one day die and find themselves standing in front of a strange god that they knew nothing about, and be told they were going to hell for rejecting the "truth" of Christianity. Christians who assert that this is what will happen, who also claim that this god is "Just" in everything he does, should really try a mental exercise and trying reversing the roles. They should imagine, if they believed and practice Christianity as was taught to them their whole lives, and expected to go to heaven after death, of how they would feel if they suddenly found themselves in the Islamic version of their own god, or even aanother wrathful god they had never heard of, and the god told them that they were going to burn forever for rejecting a truth that they were unfamiliar with.. Would these Christians believe that this strange god that they knew little or nothing about was merciful for placing them in bad circumstances during life where they couldn't learn and/or accept the "REAL TRUTH"? I highly doubt they would think of this strange god as merciful, good, moral, and Just in all it does if they were placed in the same shoes of the other folks in the world who they think are going to hell. Pure HYPOCRISY!!!!!

[@pngfowl]

Thanks. Very helpful to someone like me who is from a different culture and religion. Many of our people convert to be a fundamental Christians and turn around to curse and burn all our religious practices and symbols as Devil, causing bitter divisions in nearly every family, relatives and friends. They inspired me to read and study the bible, which I found no god but old bronze-age philosophy of absolute power and control of their subjects and wiping out of their enemies. OT writers animated their deities to control ancient Israel but failed. NT writers began to do the same but also failed so they switched the aim to other nations and cultures and succeed till nowadays. So obvious and ridiculous but no one seems to see what I see.

[@brucecook502]

@@pngfowl Anyone can't help but notice that every single activity that the Abrahamic god was ever up to, coincidentally was lways within the same region of the middle east that these early monotheists resided in, and seemed to never bother with the rest of human cultures around the world, except when he flooded it. Even before the jews became "god's chosen people" when the promise was made to Abraham that yahweh would bless his descendants, it still always seemed that this god was picking favorites from tribes in those areas and ignoring the rest of the world Thats exactly what to expect when folks, who had no clue about the rest of the world creates mythology and attributes it to their invisible sky daddy, they pretend that it favors them since they seem to be the only ones having the delusion of the god they believed in. You find this trend in most ancient religious mythologies, the invisible gods always favors them. Anyways, I give you my best wishes, and hope you have a wonderful life Make the most of it because this is all that we know that we have for sure, and be a blessing to others around you. :-)

[@pngfowl]

@@brucecook502 Thanks again

[@brucecook502]

@Greg right lol

[@davinci8024]

@Greg America stole them

[@sngscratcher]

If there is a creator, I doubt that man made religions have much to do with what "it" actually is.

[@carlprudeiii5024]

also its clear that it would not want anyone to easily know about it since no religious groups can seem to agree with each other. There are tons of variations of Christianity, Lutheran, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist, Methodist, etc that disagree on core tenants, even the mechanics of salvation

[@Faylasuf57]

Luke Macleran Jr. Tomlinson I agree with you. But all evidence states that th e universe did not come by chance or random events.

[@amadexi]

@Luke Macleran Jr. Tomlinson Why would you assume that's 'it' is a 'him', like a mere person. Why would it care to announce himself to a funny species of primate. If there is an entity or a group of entities that created the universe, maybe our ways of communicating and what we think are completely irrelevant to them.

[@amadexi]

@Luke Macleran Jr. Tomlinson So you worship this bloodthirsty maniac who is obsessed with our sex lives, deals in plagues and fireballs and created a place to torture souls for eternity?

[@JonathanAllen0379]

@Luke Macleran Jr. Tomlinson You look like a stereotypical believer who flushed his brains down the toilet a long time ago, or else, much more likely, you were never born with any at all. You keep using the word 'evidence' repeatedly, and yet the only 'proof' you can offer is a book that claims to be right... because it says so?? If that's all it takes to convince you, and if that's what you call 'evidence', you never should have been allowed to leave elementary school, let alone high-school, unless of course you were home-schooled, which wouldn't surprise me.

[@oscardelarosapineda]

it's safe to say the dislikers are believers

[@kurtwarner1718]

I sincerely dislike the twilight saga, but I dont accept a word of it as fact.

[@joseph_b319]

Ya think?

[@AustinTexas6thStreet]

I didn't click anything but I dislike the video (because it's pointless) and I'm not a "believer." Next question...

[@Devilnero1991]

No.

[@SlydeChaplain]

It depends on one’s understanding of the “thumb system”😉 I’m a believer in Christ, but I think it’s a very fair topic, which raises very good questions.

[@stevestyles559]

Give me one example of a phenomenon that used to have a religious explanation, and now has a scientific one. A seemingly endless stream of examples come to mind. But to come up with just one example of a phenomenon that used to have a scientific explanation, and now has a religious one, is a riddle that even the most sophisticated theologian will undoubtedly fail to solve. Religion has given us nothing and asks for everything in return, while science has given us everything and asks us for nothing. Science has provided us with knowledge that allow us to live longer, healthier, more comfortable, and most important of all, more enjoyable lives. The only things wrong with fundamentalist religion, are the fundamentals of religion.

[@kurtwarner1718]

(silent clap)

[@jessebaker3099]

Steve mc But maybe the purpose of religious faith never involved explaining physical phenomena to begin with. Nor is it true that science asks for nothing: It is a multibillion dollar enterprise supported by tax money while religion in western countries is now completely voluntary.

[@inboundmoose2349]

"But maybe the purpose of religious faith never involved explaining physical phenomena to begin with." But of course it did. Every culture created mythologies around nature: the sun rising and setting being a god, storms/earthquakes/other disasters as the result of gods being angry... humans with epilepsy being mistaken for demon possession... everything that ancient humans encountered and feared, religious ideas were used as explanations. Religious faith was the only explanation for the world that humans found themselves in. Ancient humans had no idea how to explain their world or their mere existence and what makes it possible. "Nor is it true that science asks for nothing" "Science" (the principal of science) asks for nothing. It is strictly a set of logical precepts that can be used to deduce facts about the universe. The "enterprise" that seeks to use science needs to have money in order to conduct such research. No religious person would equate the "church" (and all of the corruption and evil within) as the religion itself. Likewise, "science" is not the multibillion dollar enterprise. But honestly, it's foolish to think that science can be done without the funding or incentive. Ask a microbiologist to do their work without the necessary tools, and then re-evaluate your statement.

[@stevestyles559]

Jamal Jewell did anyone say that?.. I know I didn't. That would not only be false, it would be absurd. I'm not sure who's comment you're responding to.

[@Drderp-hd5bb]

much not all

[@leak6729]

i was born into a raising based upon christianity. i decided to stop practicing 6 years ago. i am 25 now. it still makes me question every decision i make. makes me feel unsure and ashamed, even if i am not hurting anyone within the decision at hand. i can’t really enjoy life. i get angry and vocally tell god that i hate him. i feel trapped. when i get depressed god’s presence is conjured more than ever. so i pray really hard on my hands and knees; asking for forgiveness, faith, my submission, and whatever else i was raised to ask for. for a second i am calm just to focus and see if i have been at all relieved. but then i realize nothing stirring in me and i feel even more hopeless than ever. i wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. i envy those who weren’t raised to believe in a hell. i wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. if you are in my position, i am sorry

[@LOwens-xf8yo]

That’s a very sad story. I’m so sorry you are struggling. I only recently admitted to myself I’m an atheist, even though I lost my faith 40 years ago. I missed church. The poetic, inspiring language, the singing, the rituals, and especially my long talks with god and the feeling that I was a good person. I attended the Unitarian Universalist organization, which gave me all of these, without the dogma or forced beliefs. They are an interfaith or non-denominational group. Belief in god is not required, but often discussed. It’s a great place to hear words of gratitude, and to meet people who like to be active in their community. My favorite saying from there is that each of us holds a piece of the truth. I like that, no one person has all the answers, but each of us has value and perspectives that are valid. If you’re still sad, and need a laugh, try video cartoons by DarkMatter2525. Laughter heals. It helped me to laugh along at familiar Bible stories. Church taught me not to ask questions. Now I quite delight in hearing other people ask those same questions, without the gaslighting or bullying. I also recommend The Bible Reloaded, they read directly from the Bible, while making silly commentary. Some days I think I’m completely over it, then I see the numbers 666 and I realize how I still retain superstitious fears from childhood religious training. Many atheists see their religious indoctrination to have been crippling. If you are still depressed a month later reach out. To me, to other KZbin video makers and commenters, or the UU church. There is a whole community to help support people in your position, without judging you. Hope you’re feeling better now.

[@MizzouRah78]

This is a shining example of the toxicity of religion. The true horror it puts people through. Something that helped me early on was not only the realization that it's irrational to believe in a god, but that if one does exist, then they are of such a monstrous, immoral quality that they are undeserving of my time or worship.

[@chamicels]

hope you made it to the light of reason

[@scholaroftheworldalternatehist]

You have time. Focus on improving your life situation you sound like you're in a tough spot. There's a reason 80% of the world is religious...as you age and your days grow fewer you need some hope that all the sum of your hopes, works, dreams turns into more than worm sh*t.

[@scottdrotos8525]

As a Christian man, I do not agree with that, but I do understand what you went through. I do not know your life and for that I will not assume anything. I used to be scared as well, but then i thought about the alternative. Heaven also exists for those that wish to repent and turn to a holy life. I have faith in God that He will judge my fate fairly and just as He will for you too. Its not something to be scared of because He is merciful.. God is merciful and He wishes to take all of our fears away through prayer, worship, but most importantly relationship. You may not notice it, but He could be doing wonders more than you realize. Either way we have a long life ahead to see it through. I hope you find your fulfillment through life and death with all of my heart.

[@vamshik]

If only there are more people who can articulate their thoughts as clearly as Sam and teach their wisdom, then world have been in better place.

[@mangeybum1443]

Sam Harris articulates his thoughts so well.

[@jeredlittle1996]

"Purposeful function in any sense must start from a planned idea for it to work." - Why do you think the universe has a purposeful function? One of the flaws of human thinking is assigning purpose or meaning when it isn't there.

[@Draeka]

I hope years from now humans will look back on this age of ignorance and mark it as the dawn of reason. When men like Sam Harris were finally safe enough to spread logic and meaningful doubt. I'm sure in that future they'll be even bigger heroes then they are now.

[@verfed]

I like Sam Harris but this clip dissapointed me as he didn't seem to consider a creator. He considered the competing god claims of Christianity and Islam and came to the right conclusion, in my opinion. But I wanted to see him consider a creator philosophically, mathematically, etc. and then see how he explains the problems with concluding that there is a god philosophically etc...

[@kaibe5241]

schitlipz most atheist intellectuals are agnostics, or at least - atheist agnostics. That is, they do not believe but cannot disprove the existence. It's a very honest approach, imho.

[@sh0werp0wer]

Nothing fruitful can emerge from that endeavour. There is no way to calculate the possibility of a creator mathematically. To prove something's existence we first need to know *what* that is. That's why Sam Harris goes by whence we got the idea of a creator, that's the only way to even entertain this calculation. You can't possibly ask for someone to evaluate the possibility of something you can't even explain what is.

[@verfed]

Julian Nikolay Krogh-Fredriksen I meant I hoped he would have considered it more philosophically than theologically. ie. teleological, cosmological, ontological, moral etc. And by mathematically I meant fine tuning.

[@sh0werp0wer]

verfed The very idea of a creator comes from these specific religious concepts. To evaluate the possibility of something we need to know *what* that is. Religious scripture is the only sources that claim to know *what* that is. Hence, the only logical discourse Harris can possibly make on this question is to go by the supposed creators we do "know" of. Asking for the possibility of "a creator" is like asking for the possibility of "a sound." It's a nonsensical question untill you can define what a creator is. The Bible gives us specific details of this supposed creator that can help us determine the possibility of his existence. These details are crucial to even be able to begin an evaluation of possibility. We can't talk about the possibility of something we don't know what is.

[@kaibe5241]

verfed all the arguments you just presented, have already been falsified numerous times over - including by Harris, Hitchens, Dawkins, Dennett, Tyson and others. Why rehash arguments that have already been proven to be false?

[@Steven-wv3qm]

God is not all that bad. It's not like he sent his only son to be tortured and crucified on the cross - o..wait a minute...

[@MegaJoshgibson]

+Bob Whackett According to Christianity, God was made into human form so that he could suffer like us and thus sympathize with our condition. To be fair this is quite different from simply sacrificing his only son.

[@lawnfarmr399]

+Keith Turner So an all knowing entity requires his son to be tortured so he can learn about things he does not know (i.e. what its like to be a human being)? Right...

[@MegaJoshgibson]

Ya isnt it unbelievable

[@lawnfarmr399]

Keith Turner It certainly is.

[@MegaJoshgibson]

+CuiusRegio Yeah. The father, son and holy ghost are all considered to be aspects of the godhead.

[@foofighting101]

The Mormon commercial converted me before I could get to the Sam Harris video. So close!

[@qiiqamalmalka8050]

Good but if you become Muslim you wil be in paradise

[@genmama1955]

Does anyone know what the outro music is ?

[@jonathanharbin6333]

The accident of birth concept is one of the best explanations to religion i have ever heard.

[@trumpsahead]

No matter where we are born we must learn to think for ourselves. The average person goes through life guided by what has been foisted upon him. When we find ourselves at mid-life having the values of what has been handed us, it only means that we have been indoctrinated, not educated, we may even be enslaved as so many over-educated college graduates are today. They are not taught but programmed, and often it's the final blow to the Self because of the utmost respect these schools garner.

[@namusmotorola8075]

The question I thought was about a deistic god.

[@rayz639]

Namus Motorola I did to. I wouldn’t even say that he refuted religion all together tbh. I thought it was to messy of a actual response

[@Christian-mn8dh]

same. But I shouldn’t be surprised, it’s Sam Harris after all and he always resorts to thinking about the unlikelness of the existence of Gods from man-made religions. It’s not dumb to think that there is a creator, actually I think based on current info that it’s the most intelligent position to take l. Even if we’re living in a simulation, then we have a God because we have a creator. Even if aliens made us in a basement, we have a God, because we have a creator. Etc etc

[@John_Doe742]

@@Christian-mn8dh creator = god. Bruh

[@Christian-mn8dh]

@@John_Doe742 exactly.

[@oluwolechaviro9937]

@@crbobbyconstance He isn’t doing it wrong tho🤔. Cos answer this question honestly now, if there weren’t holy books nor religions, would the idea of God still be peddled as much?🤔

[@dmoney9285]

WHAT'S MORE LIKLEY? Perfectly put! It's amazing to watch the mental gymnastics religious people have to do to try and make their religion seem perfectly logical lol it's actually impressive to watch at times lol

[@qiiqamalmalka8050]

What is better to be Muslim or athiest

[@qiiqamalmalka8050]

To believe in reason or blind faith.

[@qiiqamalmalka8050]

That everything is from nothing

[@chamicels]

@@qiiqamalmalka8050 that everything is vile in a human violence and ignorance deluded to the truth ...that's muslim

[@SonLastName]

Irrelevant: I can't stop looking at how different his left eyelid is to his right eyelid

[@ghada6763]

Thanks now i can't unsee it

[@heathenfire]

Thanks for spoiling a series of nice videos for me

[@drhxa]

You hit the nail right on the head! 100% agreed

[@durrr123]

Debating the logic of organized religion has nothing to do with the existence or non-existence of a God.

[@KalCraig]

Thank you. This gets mixed up so often. He started talking about his view on the logic of the possibility of A creator, but then he focused entirely on religion. I find that frustrating in these types of discussions because religions can have it mostly wrong with the details, the dogma, etc, but yet still be right in the larger picture, that there is a designer. There is a difference between a discussion on religion and a discussion on the possibility of a creator/designer/architect, whatever the traits of said intelligence might be.

[@KalCraig]

@Hal Landy Have you ever read "Conversations with God"? It's a great read without any dogma.

[@kault324]

He completely failed at making an argument about the existence of a creator as the title suggests is the topic.

[@Christian-mn8dh]

@@kault324 yep

[@onsenguy]

It is still widely believed because humans will cling to anything that flatters their self-esteem and vanity. They are given (some) added courage by believing the universe is controlled by a being who shares their tastes and prejudices.

[@jimchase3601]

What an ignorant god they do worship...he made this flat, fixed in space earths first day on the second day. He created matter believing that light didn't 'already' exist at this point. He created a vial to hold the water up in the skies as not to flood the four legged insects and spiders, cud chewing rabbits. You would have thought the creator of the universe could have gotten at least one of these things right?

[@hjalmar.poelzig]

Fascinating. You should write these experiences into a book.

[@RollingRollies]

religion is a particularly hefty example of cognitive dissonance, something we all are culprites of through life whether we like it or not

[@robindro1961]

Seeing the title of the video, I had the same idea many already commented about (that Sam Harris will actually consider a God) and felt some disappointment. But the more I think about it, the more I find "considering" a God/creator a difficult (impossible?) task to manage rationally, cause by doing so you actually conceptualize your own religion. Your guesses what the creator's plan is, how there may be lines between life and death, a soul, that we don't understand, wether the creator is to be worshipped or ignored... all of them are exactly that: guesses.

[@qiiqamalmalka8050]

We know it for sure.islam is the truth.if you read the first pages.the second page you wil. Find there.this is the book from god.wich are no doubts

[@allanliang9072]

I'm proud of you brother, debating through different ideas and sorting through them in terms of plausibility. I will however, say that many implausible theses were shown to be true when more evidences and supporting ideas emerged, so an idea should not be rejected simply on the basis of low probability or high incomprehensibility. I would say that the very fact that we have a tendency to move towards the truth and away from the false indicates that the truth does indeed exist and if there ever were a person of truth we would move towards him and not apart from him, that is, if we have ever had any disposition towards truth at all. And the truth will liberate us from coin toss situation because the truth is never probabilistically determined but always certainly derived.

[@allanliang9072]

@Greg adults with friends imaginary or real are better off than adults with no friends. I mean this sincerely.

[@adtc]

I'm glad this got more than 15 times more likes than dislikes! My hope in humanity is increasing :)

[@PoetlaureateNFDL]

Great job Sam.

[@badi19901]

its weird how for any argument and topic of controversy in life people are ready to indulge and come up with reasons for why they think a specific aspect is the right one however, when it comes to religion , the cognitive argument is why to even discuss the merits of any of the religions, as if it is assured that the right way to go about it is to just have this downward view of all believers and religions rather than examining them

[@MJack2255]

Having ‘faith’ in only one way to ‘heaven’ is the easy route. People are are so brainwashed they are terrified to question anything in fear of ‘hell’. Questioning everything and searching for answers is the only way. Life is an individual experience not to be dictated by someone else. How much knowledge you gain is up to you alone. If you want to stop at one book and one belief...that’s on you.

[@juanvelizpena6556]

As a devout Catholic, some of my favorite people to follow are Sam Harris, Bill Maher, and Richard Dawkings. They just seem to be very intelligent people and make some very good points. I grapple with my religion all the time as well, but have never lost my faith. I'm not a good christian apologist, so I won't try to defend my faith, there are religious people more knowledgeable who can do that. I guess I can just say that I don't believe the bible should be taken literally, to me, it never has. It's an oligarchical book of parables and stories designed to illustrate human nature and the ways that we may live our lives. We also need to understand the context that it's a 2000 year old library of books written by different people who were inspired by God. Perhaps I'm a more moderate Catholic, and more conservative Catholics will have other opinions. Either way, I think that basically if you do well in life and are a good person, you won't go to Hell or anything like that. So, in my book, people like Sam Harris and Bill Maher and Richard Dawkings are not going to Hell to suffer any punishment, I think they are just misguided, and I hope God understands it as such. They are good people.

[@smokinjoe4684]

+Juan Veliz one of the biggest things for me is Evolution. If all the evidence toward evolution is true and I find it quite believable, then religion then doesn't quite work for me.

[@AustinTexas6thStreet]

Your belief in Evolution is just another Belief based largely on Blind Faith!! So why arbitrarily choose to denounce one faith-based ideology only to believe another?!? I always saw the flaws of evolution and it is now being strongly challenged by Biology!! Most of you won't know this because it's at the forefront of science but evolution is in really big trouble at the moment and is under threat of being utterly annihilated as a belief!! And it's super funny that the thing threatening it is another field of science Lol

[@AustinTexas6thStreet]

Above all, I just want you to realize that your belief in evolution is really nothing more than a belief based almost entirely on Blind Faith!! Maybe ask yourself "why" you CHoSE to have faith in one over the other... And it is just a matter of faith and nothing more!! You are simply taking someone else's word for truth with evolution and that's No different than being religious!! And For some reason, most people don't seem to realize that Materialism was thoroughly Debunked long ago!!

[@miamix24]

+Clint Eastwood Evolution is apart of the process. You need to question farther. Where did each species come from and trace it back and back and back. Eventually, you'll find it comes back to the Big Bang. What caused the Big Bang? In my opinion, God did. Not God in the sense that most people view "him" for he isn't a person at all. Think of God as a great over flowing energy that never is full of himself. Not in a narcissistic sense either. A literal sense. God is the orgin, the source of everything created in the universe, and God never stops flowing out.

[@miamix24]

+miamix24 Question everything you have heard before. Find out for yourself. Question your own beliefs and even the one I just wrote out. Find out and experience it for yourself, you'll see the truth. It has a funny way of revealing itself. Best of luck

[@ultrage4]

I can tell you're very exited to get to spaghetti heaven. :D

[@Kudown]

This is The best video i’ve found yet about religion and its short af thank you sam

[@GnosticAtheist]

Thank you. I do my best.

[@ourbulwarkisjesuschrist9435]

It's truly obvious that the Qur'an is manmade. An honest Christian would never be convinced by the Qur'an, whereas any honest Muslim will be convinced by the Bible. It becomes truly obvious to those who study both books.

[@ourbulwarkisjesuschrist9435]

The Qur'an claims to be a continuation but it conflicts with the Bible to such an extent that, in the 11th century, the Muslim scholar Ibn Hazm argued that the Bible was corrupted (because he believed the Qur'an's claim that it can't be corrupted, although the Qur'an also claims that the Bible cannot be corrupted, but I digress). Nowadays, many Muslims are taught Ibn Hazm's idea simply because they have to believe this to believe that the Qur'an isn't false, but the Qur'an still claims that the Bible cannot be corrupted. This results in the conclusion that the Qur'an is false for opposing the Bible it claims to be perfectly preserved. Also, Ibn Hazm claimed that the Bible must have been corrupted after the 7th century because Muhammad and the Qur'an claim that the Bible was perfectly preserved during Muhammad's time, but we know what the Bible said way before that time. Biblical manuscripts are the most numerous manuscripts in existence. In fact, they are so numerous that they many times outnumber all of the world's next 10 manuscripts combined. For example, just the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament alone already outnumber the next 10 manuscripts combined by two to one, and all of the manuscripts of the New Testament are four to five times as numerous as that. We know that the Bible was the same before Muhammad's time, so Muhammad was a false prophet who did not know what the Bible taught, which is the real reason why the Qur'an opposes the Bible, because the Bible never changed.

[@georgelux126]

Unknown Brother, you seem to have a bit of confirmation bias. I've read the Bible, it lead me directly to atheism.

[@garybryant4293]

Idiot.

[@TestMeatDollSteak]

"Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of pure imagination. Take a look, and you'll see into your imagination. We'll begin, with a spin, traveling in the world of my creation...There is no, life I know, to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you'll be free, if you truly wish to be..." --Willy Wonka

[@muzigwayi3306]

Wrong timing mate!😂

[@esotericcleric7287]

I was looking forward to him speaking on this topic without a religious foundation. He totally redirected the question which was not presented as a religious belief. Gatekeeping at it's finest.

[@jacobnathanielbutler]

I agree that the creation of the universe doesn't really matter in a daily applicable sense but it is something to consider. Until science can come up with some logical explanation for existence, the concept of a creator cannot be disregarded entirely. And your right, science is a fascinating subject, without science we would still be living in caves and dying at 30, but the belief in a creator does not hinder scientific development. Any applicable science needs not cross path with religion.

[@uiliumpowell4684]

Who REALLY thinks holy books are perfect? Where they agree is a good place to look for real truth, real wisdom and common sense.

[@qiiqamalmalka8050]

Some books are not good but the quran is prefect and you will see god.and you wil live forever

[@Opethfullcovers]

What is the virgin Mary wasn't a virgin =0! What if she had an affair and was ashamed to tell Joseph!

[@AustinTexas6thStreet]

Have you never heard the tale that she was raped by a Roman soldier named "Panthera" (who really existed for certain) and invented the immaculate conception story to cover it up?!? Not saying I believe it, just wanted you to know that the idea you mentioned has been around pretty much since the beginning of Christianity!! Check into it...

[@scottsmith9455]

@Opethfullcovers: What's even better is the bible confirms she wasn't a virgin.

[@willagerfairzack8130]

Just curious but where did it say that

[@ThisIDig]

You're totally right, Sam. There are several books in conflict. Now, a scientific approach would TEST the validity of each of the books. Why don't more people take the time to actually read the books so they actually know what they are rejecting? Instead, most cherry-pick verses to fit within their ideology. Real, true comparative analysis takes time and effort, and no one wants to do that. The main reason is most people are not actually looking for answers, but for excuses.

[@minimee9508]

Why would be important from which religion we are or from which relion we are NOT ??? let's just spread love and kindness and make everyone feel better ,let's do what doesn't harm us and what doesn't harm others , let's appreciate what we have in our lives and make great goals for our lives that worth workking for ,after all we all live once on earth ,so let's just make it simple ,And so WHAT if we are different from each other and we don't all believe in the same stuff ,let's live and let othets live!! Peace :)

[@lenseofficial]

Okay let's do that, except you have a variety of problems, some of which include: - Christians want everyone to believe what they believe - Muslims want everyone to believe what they believe, they also kill themselves and others for their god - Religions, especially christianity, want to unconstitutionally force their beliefs on society via public displays and through the public school system.

[@lenseofficial]

And before you say "scientists want to convert everyone to atheism" or something like that, scientists of course would "prefer" people to abandon their tribal myths, but they aren't forcing anyone. The only time they feel the need to fight back is when they are being force fed religion themselves

[@minimee9508]

But most of the religions share the same values , they all somehow are I mean they must be kind and they must not harm others or themselves ,I don't know about christianity but I know in Islam they can't it's forbidden for them to force people to convert to their religion

[@lenseofficial]

Mini Mee Okay, but why do we need religion? Why can't we all just unite under the same good values without the superstitious myth to go along with it? You can still have spiritual experiences being non-religious, even more so because what they are experiencing would be real!

[@minimee9508]

Joseph Price Well I agree with you ,I wish everyone would atlest feel the same way :) ,but I also think we should respect religions too ,I think it's not just about religions , I believe we should respect people for their values and manners regardless of their religion or not religion.

[@bzztblrg]

I LOOOOOOVE how he refered to the matrix instead of unicorns, fairies or the flying spaghetti monster. I've steadily grown to hate hearing those in argument.

[@willagerfairzack8130]

Indeed, simulation hypothesis and a higher power causing the Big Bang sound less ridiculous than the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the Invisible Pink Unicorn, or Russell’s Teapot

[@fernandodosa2964]

God is impossible for this reason Who or what made God? If you say he always existed, In what reality or non reality did he exist , there must be no time before God , time and space must be created by God , if there is no time before God , there is no time for God to exist in. Conclusion there is no God. , notice I have given God a human nature which can not be as he would have existed before time and space .this leads ultimately to an infinite regression which is a logical fallacy.

[@Zurthos]

Fernando Dosa I think the thing you have to consider when thinking about who or what made God is you would have to factor in the fact that He is a superior being(/race or whatever you would like to insert here); which means that He has a elevated level of knowledge and wisdom that we do not have. Think of it this way; if an advanced alien species were to visit Earth and tell us that they created a time machine and told us how they made one, it probably wouldn't make sense (or at least not at first). So, if God were to tell us how He is able to alter time and space, and how He is here, we probably wouldn't be able to comprehend it with our limited abilities. In other words, God is a higher, more intelligent and great being than we are in every way, shape, and form; thus meaning Him telling us how He is here, how He was able to create us, and how He is able to, for lack of better words, bend space and time, would probably overload our brain capacity and would render it unable to comprehend by us.

[@fernandodosa2964]

If we can not comprihend or even imagine such a consept. That is why I am an atheist and so should you that is to say I am not convinced such a thing exits. You have failed to provide any imperical evidence to warrant a guilty verdict. the only verdict is to find god not guilty.

[@Zurthos]

Fernando Dosa First of all, you assume that I am religious and try to convince me of things which you do not know if I believe in or not. I was not trying to convince you of anything, nor was I stating any evidence to support religion of any kind. I was merely stating, while being unbiased of this topic, why these things are unknown if you go ahead and assume God is real. I was trying to provide an unbiased opinion on these things and am not trying to entice or provoke any sort of argument regarding religion. You have your beliefs and I have mine, and regardless of what I think is true, I will not judge you for your beliefs and I will not try to convince you of anything, so I would expect the same courtesy from you. Now if you wish to choose to continue to try and convince me of one thing, while you do not even know what my beliefs are, then by all means go ahead; however you will be the only one in the conversation. If you wish to continue with this discussion with me included, then I would ask you to be respectful and I will as well. So let's be professional about this and not act like children fighting over which car is better.

[@fernandodosa2964]

I have not used any durogatory language , as far as my beliefs , I believe a lot of things for witch I have good reason , you can believe things for bad reasons or good reasons , I try to believe as many true things and less false things as possible. My atheism is a question on does a god exist , for that question it is not a belief but rather a lack of a belief , example, I don't believe in Santa, fairies leprechauns big foot ,Zeus, Thor, put an A in front of those examples and you are expressing non beliefs.

[@Zurthos]

I know you were not using any obscene language and I understand your grounds to constitute a lack of belief. I've gotten us off course of my original statement/topic and I apologize.

[@andrewmiller8402]

Instead of 2 beliefs now raise that to a much higher number. It's like closing your eyes and picking a ball from 1 to 10,000 ( 10,000 for simplicity. Replace 10,000 with how ever many religions there are ) It's just impossible to pick the right one. If any are even correct.

[@lccmayo]

It’s strange that so many religions are historically ethnocentric, such that people from certain locales have grown up practicing the religion of that region. Christianity, by contrast, appears to permeate all kinds of people groups and cultures.

[@PHEIWULF]

Amen, brother (pun absolutely intended). I could not have put it better myself.

[@lizichell2]

Sam Harris is just wonderful!!

[@IndigoesMoroot]

And what about the people who see designs in nature and knows there always is a designer if there is a design created?

[@nihonbunka]

We have a model of the world, such as "I'm typing now," "Sam Harris lives in California," and "I am sitting at home in Yamaguchi." All these are hypotheses which more or less correctly describe the world but the are only a model. Furthermore we are ourselves part of the model. But what of the reality? There is something outside of the model doing the modelling, where the model takes place. It is not "the brain." Brains too are part of the model. So, some people give that place a special name...

[@martinprocter2955]

If I were a religious person, I'd like to think I would be able to see the literal unquestionable logic in Sam Harris when he discusses such subjects and revaluate my beliefs. Sadly the religious people are so offended by his contrast of beliefs they ridicule these views other than consider them first.

[@ToastFrench24]

I dunno, the way Sam Harris talks is very convincing. He convinced me :)

[@adamrath7095]

"Sam Harris refutes the notion of an intelligent creator." Um no, one of the first things he said was that it's an unfalsifiable claim. This is why we can't have nice things...

[@AustinTexas6thStreet]

Lol... Yeah, I didn't see where he refuted Anything at ALL except the idea that he is actually open-minded and doesn't adhere to arbitrary faith-based beliefs!! You can't falsify the existence of God... Exactly!!!!

[@scottsmith9455]

@Adam Rath: An unfalsifiable claim means you cannot prove a creator exists. Nor could there be a possibility of one, as then you would have a proof, which could be falsified.

[@adamrath7095]

+Scott Smith It means that the idea of a sentient god either existing or not existing can only be based on speculative belief, as any "evidence" of either view is actually arguable for both sides, nullifying it. Just a merry-go-round with words...

[@scottsmith9455]

@Adam Rath: That's what I said. :)

[@scottsmith9455]

@Adam Rath: After re-reading your comment, I meant to say I agree with the first part of your statement - that the existence of god is speculative belief. However, the second part of your statement doesn't follow. If any evidence of either view is arguable for both sides, then you have a falsifiable claim. A contradiction is still evidence.

[@vigirlioblanco6217]

The existence of a "Supreme Being" don't depend on beliefs, once can't but use the faculties He equiped us with, including life itself, that is the totality of what is or would ever be. The laws of compensation function naturally, like everything else.

[@gracesorenson335]

Why are people so opposed to the idea of a spiritual entity being the creator? Of course we cannot go back in time to scientifically PROVE there is a creator.. this is why many religions say "have faith". A lot of religions on the Earth, DO conflict each other. Each one says that it is correct, so how would one know which is correct (if spirituality exists)? Here is my argument for why Christianity is not the "correct religion" but the one true religion. There is most certainly a spiritual war happening right now, of course in the spiritual realm. However, although life as we know it and the spiritual realm are not directly intertwined, there is evidence of the spiritual realm being demonstrated on Earth, that science has not been able to explain. Science cannot explain everything, no matter how advanced STEM gets. Now I am not saying the Islamic religion is a hate religion, I know many kind loving Muslims, even if our beliefs in spirituality differ. Yet, their holy book rejects Christianity, and rejects Jesus, encouraging the opposite of what the true God says. In addition, Judaism, which believes in the same God as Christianity, is considered the first monotheistic religion, meaning that Islam stemmed from Judaism in a way. A lot of research has been done on how the three religions are related to each other, and the timeline of when these religions were developed and expanded. Now progressive society today is big on the concept of "treating everyone equal" regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc. However, there are countless attacks on Christianity. Now one may argue and state that people have hated on the Islamic religion and made derogatory terms against Muslims labeling them as "terrorists" etc. Well, if that is to happen publicly or on social media platforms, it is instantly shut down by members of society rejecting these comments, and the individual who said that is made out to be a horrible person who judges others because they do not agree with the Islam religion. But the countless attacks on Christianity are not spoken on, except by Christians. The Holy Bible says that "You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). There are numerous implications in the Bible that state the world will HATE Christianity, Jesus, and the idea that God is the true God. People are always opposed to the Christian religion, labeling Christians as conspiracy theorists and calling God the "sky daddy". Yet society does not stand up for Christianity the way they do for Islam, although the Quran specifically has hateful scriptures, and encourages death among others (which is often why Islamic extremists commit terrorist attacks in the name of Allah). Whereas, Christians encourage love, forgiveness, and repentance... believing that Jesus died on the cross for humanities sins, and all who believed are promised eternity in Heaven. The true God will be hated and denied by many across the Earth. The attacks on Christianity support this.

[@boonestead4812]

hes so friggin hot and that voice soothing aas all get out

[@BlackCroLong]

You are mantally ill

[@erberjayhawk6069]

we have tiny critters by the trillions inside of us, but do we know them? are we their god? no.. but if they are smart enough to know about us, they may worship us. and actually think we can hear them. Thats what i think everything is, i think our entire universe is just inside something living, and it is inside something living, an endless up and down cycle. and maybe even intertwined. who knows the very large may just be a representation of the very small. and size is just relative to your surroundings.

[@johnellis7614]

Sam Harris is like the 8th grader who asked my music class, "Can God create a rock so big he can't lift it?" The height of arrogance, to live surrounded by an infinity of perfections and yet, to belittle the reality of it by an all-knowing exceptionalism. For if God choose to never give the boy an answer, would he ever know the answer?

[@johnellis7614]

GOD --- COMMON HORSE SENSE Without God, life would have no logic, meaning, hope or purpose. Try and rationalize an existence without God, an exercise in futility. Without God, life would be immoral, wrong, unjust, unfair, unequal, full of sin and evil. With God, someday life will be moral, right, just, fair, equal, free of sin and good. Without God, planet earth would have no purpose, for to overcome evil is it's only purpose.

[@jessegandy7039]

He could hardly get through this w/o laughing.

[@tankdempsey8824]

Die Atheists. Allah yah bah! (BOOM)

[@1971SuperLead]

I thought he was going to talk about the possibility of a creator. Instead he rambles on about religions. He's stuck in small box.

[@LocoZiLLo]

+1971SuperLead you only have to prove there is a creator. Since he can't prove a negative, he will refer to religious inconcistencies

[@1971SuperLead]

LocoZiLLo Nothing in science is proven. It's why there's so much debate in science. All theories and facts are held as tentative. Nothing is beyond question. The evidence for a creator is strong. But instantly turning to religion for the answer is not scientific. It's childish and even possibly dishonest. Does Sam have an atheistic bias or agenda? Religion has little to nothing to do with a scientific approach to researching the possibility of an intelligent creator behind the universe.

[@princeofruins3287]

+1971SuperLead okay i'll bite , lets say there is a creator of the universe, what else are you willing to add to this notion...

[@1971SuperLead]

the chikmiester Think about your nightly dreams. Is not your mind the Creator of the Universe you believe you are in when you are dreaming? Are not all the laws of physics in your dream simply caused by your own mind? Are not the walls solid simply due to your own mind? Is it not clear to you that the mind is quite capable of being a Creator? Can you see that it does this naturally, effortlessly and without your slightest awareness? Maybe it even enjoys imagining universes? Maybe you like to imagine universes and believing you are trapped inside them? The next question should be, What makes you believe you aren't doing it right now? Or maybe, What makes you think you're not maybe in a collective dream, the Creator then being a collective of minds? What makes you so sure you're not dreaming right now?

[@princeofruins3287]

1971SuperLead A lot maybe's , nothing that functional in reality and i choose to live in reality.. I can ask thousands of these kinds of questions but my time is valuable.. Okay just one , what if you are a dumb person in delusion thinking you are smart...

[@Adjuni]

I forgot to mention that some people were completely bonkers. :P Point is that they where written over one and a half millennia ago and should be treated as such. Language has evolved a lot since then. What means something now meant something else back then. People are entitled to their opinions and I'm not out to persuade anyone. Just to let them see that the world and its issues are not always so black and white as they believe.

[@hjalmar.poelzig]

Do you ever hear voices? Sometimes telling you what to do?

[@MKFingerstyleAcademy]

also I am not a student of Arabic, I am a native speaker. born and raised. and I have studied it enough to know what Kaffaro means.

[@invino1475]

Sound arguments do well to jettison every iota of sneering judgement - they're easier to swallow

[@wades2132]

I don’t really like this argument because it is more about the contradiction of two religions which would thus prove no creator because how can they both be correct yet different. It’s not only too simplistic with regard to how believers think about this, but it also doesn’t address the issue of a creator if you don’t adhere to a religion. It’s all predicated on an assumption that doesn’t matter for the question at hand.

[@jamesbob6359]

There is hope for anyone, no matter how kind or evil they are, if they ask God to forgive them. There is nothing to lose, God's grace is a gift. So if when you die you have not asked God for His forgiveness, then your chance is up. But there is always hope no matter at what point in your life you are at.

[@schoppepetzer9267]

If you accept the concept that there once was one singular creator, where did the creator come from? Religious argument is/was that something cannot come from nothing. So, who created the creator? (continuing the point that the creator is not nothing).

[@Scarr420]

the actual quote. ""A human being is part of the whole called by us universe , a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion..." - Albert Einstein

[@ChrisBandyJazz]

In a material world-where consciousness is an illusion, where everything is a chemical accident-how do you get absolute spiritual values such as goodness?

[@verticalhorizon4633]

Goodness is not a spiritual value; it is an actual behavior in reality.

[@ChrisBandyJazz]

***** Thanks for the thoughts! We need to make sure that we are staying consistent, however. You are saying that humans "must" adopt a world of relativity. Then you say that they should see the "magnificence." Then you bring up "love and compassion." Are saying that it is absolutely wrong to believe in absolute morality? Not to be critical, but if there is no absolute morality, your entire argument falls. The words "must," "magnificence," "love," and "compassion" have no meaning. Just as you said, "Who's definition of good is the right one?", I can respond, "Who says that we must all reject morality? Who says that a 'pure consciousness' is even possible, let alone the 'best' option? And what kind of 'pure consciousness' would allow killing random people?" I understand your point, but all I'm saying is that you run into a WHOLE lot of difficulties when you start trying to live as if there were no absolute morality. Thanks!

[@MrNckissfan]

What other choice do you have? Especially when survival depends on it. And why does it have to be spiritual?

[@cheekmeat6660]

love and compassion from murdering your neighbor?

[@k-3402]

If there is a creator, who created it? And how do we know this creator is benevolent? Why does everything we learn via the scientific method seem to deflate virtually every religious/metaphysical claim that has ever been made? If we have souls and are special, what were the dinosaurs doing here millions of years before us? Any "answer" to the question of a supernatural creator just spawns more questions

[@tokenspirit1548]

It's not a competition! Life is personal. Forget the darn books! We all have an inner knowing. Time to speak to a Spiritist, or anyone who has done the inner work, lived a long life, experienced life in all it's spaces. Making money and time is an earthly test.

[@stealthyf23]

He compared the principle behind these books, not the historical context surrounding them. It doesn't matter which book was written first and for how long, it doesn't change his point one bit.

[@jamesbob6359]

The main reason that I stand firm in my faith is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I pray all the time about anything. I talk to God like I would a friend. He answers back through the Spirit placed in my heart. He doesn't literally speak, but it is something that you should try because the experience is hard to explain.

[@cedarwest37]

Yes... so have I... but you seem to be a good person....I think I am also.... but please answer my questions... please...all my life... over 70 now....I believe... but I have questions that you may answer...I am serious.... #1... WHO/what created the earth... only the earth. .#2... where is the Who/what...m?

[@cedarwest37]

Again...

[@commentsdisabled9630]

Here's the argument in a nutshell. If you asked a gnome or dwarven archaeologist in Ironforge how old the World of Warcraft was, they would carbon date some relics or some bones and tell you that the World was billions of years old. But if you asked a Blizzard developer, he will tell you that it's approximately 18 years old. AND he will tell you that the land was created first. Then the Trees, Then the stars, then the moon and the sun, and then the NPC's and other sprites.

[@williamburts3114]

" God has given us this highly imperfect book and we are supposed to grapple with it" huh, considering it took many years to complete who did he give it to exactly"?

[@souljaboyisbad]

Video seems more about the Abrahamic religions and Pascals Wager than whether some creator exists.

[@jacobnathanielbutler]

That's usually the way these types of conversations go, in circles. It truly is a timeless debate that people have always and will always conduct. But just out of curiosity, how do you explain the existence of the universe? Not being a smart ass here, just curious.

[@nihonbunka]

Very interesting point. Since we are as you correctly say, we are "self-assembly" Since, unlinke machines, we can assemble ourselves, does that suggest to you, the OP or anyone, that we can model ourselves. It seems to me that science is great. But that some giants have been caught up in it. Worms, rabbits and chimps are very complex, but their world view is probably not. If they were to think they were any part of their world model, they'd be very wrong. How about us?

[@hieveryone.8508]

I think I understood his point about the China comment, but anyway, it's many christians in China and most of them knows and have heard about Islam.

[@jamesbob6359]

Many people say that God answers their prayers with a yes, no or maybe, which is true, but like other people say, it doesn't prove anything.God does answer prayers in the way that benefits Him and them the most.The time that God always fulfills my prayers is when I ask Him for things that will benefit Him, not me.I ask for wisdom about Him,I get it.I ask for opportunities to spread His word,more were given than before,I asked Him to help me play guitar better for church and I became much better

[@jacobnathanielbutler]

Good for you, keep up the intolerance. All I can say for sure is that this world is so full of evil and of hate that I HAVE to believe in something or I wouldn't be able to get up in the morning. This all has to be for something, all the bullshit we put up with on a daily basis and all the horrible things that happen to people makes me seek refuge in the possibility of something more, something greater.

[@Abyssionknight]

You're absolutely right. A creator cannot currently be disproved, but since there's also no evidence to prove it either, it's kind of a moot point. You also touched on a key point for Atheists, which is that science doesn't need to cross paths with religion. We can explain the world without Deities so we remove them from the EQ. The extremists of both groups make it seem like we hate each other, but most Atheists are tolerant of your beliefs, even if we don't personally agree with them.

[@j3cruz1]

As always, I love Sam Harris’ assessment and breakdown of these topics, but the question was about the possibility of the existence of a creator. While the claim that a creator exists is unfalsifiable, as he states, the answer to the question is still “yes.” There is a possibility that a god exists. Is it probable? That’s another question, which is what he seems to be addressing in this video.

[@willagerfairzack8130]

As stated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, if there is a God (which in my opinion is 50/50 either it exists or it doesn’t) it’s either all powerful but not all good, or all good but not all powerful

[@IndigoesMoroot]

I just realised that when it goes down in the USA, then you might remember what I wrote and what you should do to protect yourself and survive.. So I guess Im done now. Time to focus on myself and opening my third eye. Take care man and good luck

[@geokaplan59]

I agree with you, of course. But when you wrote, "They can't all be right" -- something widely espoused in our skeptical, logical community (notably by the late Christopher Hitchens) -- I stopped and pondered. Could they all be right? Is there a way? It's the kind of logic game that's as fun to play as it is exasperating. The concept of heavens filled with every god, each acting independently of the others, is amusing. Again, your remarks are smart and reasonable; I was just stirring the soup.

[@rickwyant]

To explain the unknown by the known is logical, to explain the known by the unknown is theological lunacy.

[@nihonbunka]

I am not sure what you mean by "fractal simulation" but, I think we model at different levels. As we, and chimps, move over rough ground we model the amazing complexity of that movement so as not to trip. But science, including fractals, is an exension of language. Sciences (including fractal modeling) is cool but it seems to me, only a evolutionary blip away from chimps that have been trained to use symbols. The "real world" of science is a myth, or hypothesis, light years away from 'truth.'

[@nihonbunka]

First of all, I admit that I am going to fall into contradiction. One can not speak of the limits of speaking without doing so. Nonetheless I think we can be communicative. I admit, I can't speak of the outside outside. I say that there something outside the model because of my experience of other model builders, e.g. video game machines, there is an outside that they can never see, model, or say. There is an unspeakable, no-thing, chaos, "mu", outside of the model, that we can perceive.

[@AgesofAges]

You know what I meant Shinedown. You can't tell me that you know what was going on in "that dimension from which the Big Bang emerged." I can't tell you what was going on either. Therefore, not one of us can say that the universe DEFINITELY emerged from nothing or DEFINITELY emerged from something. All we can do is speculate. But I THINK that it emerged from something and not nothing based on reasoning, logic and science NOT religion. This is my opinion and it is not wrong.

[@jamesbob6359]

I'm waiting. I'm not finding a difference in my life. Nothing is happening in my heart. I'm not changed.

[@joegoldberg2461]

So you are incurable?

[@rwmirch]

as i was reading his comment i was thinking literally exactly what you just said.

[@DanPrinMan]

Great point! I was a little surprised that Harris went that direction in the majority of this video. Perhaps there is disunity in the "record of the divine encounter with human history" (scripture), but this doesn't prove a negative. Is this elementary logic or I am some sort of genius logician?

[@ModestMousekateer]

How is it impossible? The interesting part is that Muhammad (blessings etc.) was illiterate, and missionaries taught him to read and write using the Bible for examples of when and where to apply certain grammatical rules etc. Muhammad's native tongue, of course, was Arabic, so it's only a matter of circumstance that in order to test himself, he would have translated the book he knew best. Whatever alterations there are, he probably made to take into account evolving social norms and problems.

[@TheShinedownfan21]

There is no "before" the Big Bang in the same sense that there is no north of the north pole, there is only another direction, which in the case of the Big Bang we cannot describe with our present vocabulary. Perhaps "beyond" the big Bang or "other than" the Big Bang would be a more accurate phrase, or "that dimension from which the Big Bang emerged."

[@70moparbaby]

for the purpose of dying on the cross to fulfill the law, pay for our sins, and break sins power over us.

[@kylealford23]

When Sam says, "they were toiling in ignorance about the birth of the cosmos," it seems much descriptive of a naturalistic atheist than of a person of faith.

[@Lonewolf---]

Faith, by definition, is ignorance!

[@kylealford23]

@@Lonewolf--- I would not deny faith or ignorance in either of our belief systems... regardless of your belief. I just don't possess enough faith to be an atheist.

[@Lonewolf---]

@@kylealford23 --- You seem to have a profound misunderstanding of what an atheist is. Atheism has no "belief system," and does not involve "faith" in any way whatsoever. It is, in fact, the very lack of both of those concepts. The key difference between the two parties, however, is that atheism is in line with science, which takes great pride in it's own ignorance, and continuously strives to overcome it with discovery of facts. Religion, on the other hand, is quite convinced that it already has all the answers, in spite of the fact that science continues to prove it wrong.

[@kylealford23]

@@Lonewolf--- Hey man or woman, I appreciate your response. I think, however, you are confused on one point. Though atheism has no belief system, atheists do! All atheists make great assumptions; and life necessitates that we fill in the gaps that lie between the evidence and the observable. By faith (in textbooks, in the secular scientific community, in their logic and reason) they form a narrative about what actually corresponds to reality. A majority of atheists (including myself in a previous life) hold the belief that there is nothing supernatural, that the world started from nothing and had no cause, that life came from non-life, that biological evolution explains the diversity in the animal and plant kingdom. If you, personally hold any or all of these beliefs in your “belief system” then you have made some great intellectual commitments of “faith”. And you have likely put your faith in people that have great incentive (be it professional, financial or social) to disavow religious belief. In regards to the scientific community… I love science. I have an advanced degree in science. And I will tell you unequivocally that the secular scientific world is anything but humble. They are politicized and will often fight tooth and nail for their doctrine. For example, if a new scientific discovery reveals a misconception about a long held evolutionary belief, removing it from a scientific textbook is nearly impossible (i.e. human gill slits in embryo). Your bold statements that science continues to prove religion wrong may have some truth in many specific instances. That is why it would be a fool’s errand to defend all “religion”. Certainly, not all “belief systems” have equal merit.

[@Lonewolf---]

@@kylealford23 --- Your assertion that atheism has no belief system, but atheists do, is illogical. Theism is the belief in the existence of a God or Gods. The prefix, "a," means "non." Therefore, an atheist is simply someone who does not belief in the existence of a God or Gods--nothing more, nothing less. Any interpretation beyond that simple definition is just a misrepresentation of the term. It does not involve a doctrine or belief of any kind, with regard to theism--it is the express lack of the same! That lack of belief stems from not being convinced that the theistic teachings are true--usually due to errors, contradictions, and a lack of supportive evidence in those teachings. Your assertion that atheism requires faith in textbooks, the secular scientific community, or their own logic and reason. is also flawed. You are confusing faith with trust. Faith is belief without evidence--period! Trust, on the other hand is a level of confidence in something or someone, based on evidence. We've all heard the expression, "trust has to be earned." That is the key difference between the two concepts--trust has to be earned, faith does not! With that in mind, atheists do indeed trust in certain people or things from time to time, but that trust is based on some form of evidence that those people or things are reliable--not blind faith. The assertions made in textbooks can be researched and verified. The findings of the scientific community are constantly subjected to peer revue, and are modified as needed, if new evidence dictates. The concepts of logic and reason are the very foundation of truth and reality, and as such, cannot be dismissed. Finally, your references to the origin of the earth, life, and biological evolution, are subjects of which no-one yet has all the answers, and may never have. That does not, however, make it logical and rational to resort to the "argument from ignorance" approach, by blindly accepting the explanations of ancient religious texts--particularly when those texts are filled with extraordinary claims, containing errors, contradictions, and a lack of supportive evidence. One must remember that belief in Gods was simply mankind's first attempt to explain all of the things that he could not possibly understand. As our species has progressed, we have learned to use scientific methodology to examine those mysteries and reach conclusions based on logic and reason, which comply with and verify what we observe to be reality. For those questions for which we still do not have answers, our correct response is, simply, we don't know--yet! Yes, there are those who would attempt to pervert science by subversive means, for their own personal gain, but that is why peer revue is used as a method of oversight, to minimize such behavior as much as possible. And most importantly--as previously mentioned--whenever mistakes or intentional misrepresentations are discovered in science, they are addressed and dealt with accordingly. The independent revue of such issues by scientists around the globe insures--even though it may take some time--that those errors are brought to light. Religious texts, on the other hand are closed systems, which--aside from some minor variations in interpretation--are considered to be indisputable truth, which in most cases cannot be altered. That is where blind faith becomes a very necessary, but unreliable commodity. Some of us simply find that reasoning unacceptable!

[@mofoga6638]

I dont think the pro creator argument has to rely soley on „divine“ scriptures. All of them could be wrong as a case of human fallacy, that doesnt mean however that there is not a godly entity. Especially just going by the most popular spiritual texts might be a fallacy on its own, in my opinion the best visualization of god comes from hermetic philosophy, where they say that everything is a thought in the mind of god, implying that we are all in the divine entity. About jesus, In the gospel of thomas, jesus says „in this generation of men, no one will truly understand who i really am“ and also saying „you are the sons of our holy father“ which is similar to the hermetic thesis, that not just jesus but everything that exists is the child of the creator.

[@okuzabi]

Apart from everything he says with such brilliance, Sam Harris reminds me of Ed Wasser, the guy who played Morden in Babylon 5, and that completely freaks me out :D