Sam Harris - Respecting Religious Beliefs

[@th3dudeabides1]

Christopher Hitchens had it correct "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence."

[@theoskeptomai2535]

Christopher Hitchens was quoting Carl Sagan. Such a truthful quote.

[@theoskeptomai2535]

@@gluttonousmachina2961 The Mountain from GoT?

[@th3dudeabides1]

@Natty Fatty it does not require evidence to dismiss religious claims without evidence backing them up. The assertion here is not founding a theology rather a logical way to handle irrational claims.

[@ossiedunstan4419]

What about when some arab has sword to the back of your neck demanding you believe in his god. religion is extinction.

[@th3dudeabides1]

@@ossiedunstan4419 i think you missed the point

[@thedankatheist3466]

If you can’t handle your religion being criticized, maybe it needs to be criticized.

[@thedankatheist3466]

@@analoguedragon7438 I mean, not for lack of trying lol

[@jasonh.8754]

Exactly.

[@jgage2344]

Wrong ….please remove that maybe …

[@thedankatheist3466]

@@jgage2344 Huh?

[@damianedwards8827]

It's a Shame. God is simply the Existence of Love. Everybody Believes Love exists. Atheists Unnecessarily Overcomplicate it. Its Unfortunate.

[@gerryfromthevoid8986]

Respecting people's rights to have beliefs = yes Respecting the beliefs themselves or their resulting actions/choices = no

[@kenwittlief255]

beliefs do not exist apart from a person who holds them what a person believes defines the person you are dancing around the issue, the problem IS the person who has chosen to base their life on things that are not real

[@gerryfromthevoid8986]

@@kenwittlief255 Respecting people's rights to have beliefs just means i'm not about to throw them into a gulag, it doesn't mean I lack desire for change.

[@kenwittlief255]

@@gerryfromthevoid8986 the beliefs they hold give them the right to end your life if you do not share them and they did murder non believers for the last 3000 years or more they have no respect for YOUR rights, how do they deserve respect from you?

[@gerryfromthevoid8986]

@@kenwittlief255 i don't respect religions, i simply stated i believe that people have the right to HAVE beliefs, if they are benign for example my grandmother who seems to just hope there is a god so she can see my father again in an afterlife, i don't sit around trying to slap sense into her

[@Gobackto4chan]

@@kenwittlief255 While i agree we tend to act as if beliefs can’t be separated from ourselves, i think it’s important that we view ourselves moreso as the consciousness which houses certain beliefs. This opens the door to more critical thinking and willingness to change those beliefs in favor of better evidence. A belief may inform your habits and therefore a behavior, but taking an extra second to consider whether it’s a worthy belief to act out in the first place is something i see as a virtue. This is why i actively try to reinforce in people i know that they are not their thoughts.

[@mrclean5095]

“The fundamentalists have actually read the books and they are right about them!” That line is so powerful and so true!

[@lostfan5054]

Hitchens explained it similarly. We see religious folks who don't hurt people, and don't hate and don't try and take over our society. And we point out they're such good people they're barely religious at all. If less religion is better, as it seems to be, then zero religion would be best.

[@busylivingnotdying]

That is SOMETIMES true. But you can't tell me that the fundamentalists (usually) are experts on text analysis of thoughts and language originating thousands of years ago. Many of them read the bible as if it's a member of their family telling the story NOW ... hell, some of them think the bible is written in english

[@matthewkopp2391]

In my experience this is largely not true. I went to the UCC which was a very liberal progressive non-literal Christianity. I thought that other religions especially those with private education would be more educated. What I found was a complete ignorance of Biblical and Christian Historical knowledge. How can any one believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, when you understand that there were 60 different contradictory Gospels in early Christianity all written in ancient foreign languages, not to mention hundreds of apostolic texts thrown away. And hundreds of early interpretations and thousands upon thousands of interpretations since then. As far as inerrancy in the actual Bible, there are actual a „thousand“ more recorded errors than there are words in the Bible. Refer to Bart Erhman for the exact number. And the multiple meanings in Aramaic, Hebrew, Latin, Coptic, Greek and modern language. How is it even morally justifiable to claim the canonical text is the only legitimate text which came about by continually burning heretics and their books resulting in a book endorsed by the Roman Empire after which they committed a Genocide against the Manichaeans (who believed Mani, Christ, Buddha, Zoroaster as prophets). I do think there are great aspects of the canonical texts. And deeply admire certain ancient writers like Origen and modern writers like Tillich. But I found a profound ignorance of the Bible, doctrine, history from fundamentalists. What really is happening is a completely selective reading based on their own prejudices and calling it the ultimate Truth. The more moderate church’s certainly have selective reading, but without the claim of absolute truth.

[@busylivingnotdying]

@@matthewkopp2391 Yeah, I think it is more a sentimental and childish wish for "simple answers" than a thorough reading of the text that leads them to fundamentalism ...

[@matthewkopp2391]

@@robertjsmith Being that Jesus did not write anything we can’t say for certain. I think the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, and Luke show dualism and determinism. The Gospel of John is more non-dual it presents Jesus as the Logos. The most striking example of non-dualism is the Gospel of Thomas. Which is non-canonical. It has 80% parallel with canon text but says things slightly differently: Jesus said, "It will not come by waiting for it. It will not be a matter of saying 'Here it is' or 'There it is. ' Rather, the Kingdom of the Father is spread out upon the earth, and men do not see it." And there are certain traditions that are non-dual like Origen of Alexandria which is very interesting to read. Early Neo-Platonist and Neo-Pythagorean Christian traditions focus on mystical union with God or henosis which is union with what is fundamental in reality.

[@claudes.whitacre1241]

One of a handful of bright lights in a world of dark. I feel smart just being able to keep up with him.

[@havenbastion]

Respect must be earned, and respect for beliefs must be earned by way of evidence, not faith.

[@Nat88123]

You have faith in science?

[@Oddthority]

@@Nat88123 he says on the internet

[@melkor9121]

@@Nat88123 we don't have FAITH in Science. Science works and has the best explanation and basis of our current understanding of basically almost everything. Science has evidence, religion and faith does not.

[@ronytheronin7439]

@@Nat88123 Science is not a belief that requires faith. It’s a process by which you can determine what is verifiable and works. Belief is not part of the process. In fact, belief would be considered a bias that would alter the scientific results. You acknowledge the efficiency of science, you don’t have faith in it.

[@rick7424]

@@Nat88123 Nobody needs faith in science. Science works regardless of belief. We understand science. Do you understand science?

[@belatoth1446]

Acknowledge people's beliefs is fine. Respecting them depends on logic and reasoning.

[@puppetsock]

That, by the way, applies to leftist dogmatists every bit as much as religious dogmatists. Maybe more, recently, considering the number of murders committed by communists in the 20th century exceeded 100 million.

[@Graeme_Lastname]

Respect is earned not demanded.

[@conn0rth]

and there is no logic in religious belief

[@fpcoleman57]

Why would I want to respect other people's beliefs? Being interested on an academic level in people's beliefs doesn't lead me to respecting them. Crap is crap even when it doesn't have an odor.

[@devilsadvocacy]

I’ll respect religious beliefs when believers respect my non-beliefs. But I think it is pretty fucking arrogant of them to knock on my door at dinner time, to tell me I’m living my life all wrong, that I need to “repent” and fork over 10% of my income (or however much more they think they can extract) and all the other fuckery that goes with being a part of their cult that they want to subject me to

[@weavethehawk]

I love to watch these debates and lectures by Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins etc. because as a dyed in the wool atheist living in the USA, I sometimes feel that I am stuck in a vast ocean of stifling religion. Listening to sophisticated people such as the ones I mentioned, and realizing that I am not alone, and realizing also that my opinions are shared by some very clever people actually helps me cope with the rank stupidity with which I am surrounded.

[@jjjpetersen]

Very… very well said 😊

[@damarideadass8305]

religion is dying in america anyway.

[@weavethehawk]

@@damarideadass8305 Not before time.

[@julianwaugh8221]

You are not alone. Fight fire with fire. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more.

[@damehal]

These guys are the precisely the reason why I have a hard time reconciling being atheist. The reason why atheism has no following is because the leaders ie. The three you mention are dicks. literal assholes who are not likeable to the point people will get behind them.

[@mayms9181]

‏I left Islam when I read the Qur’an and the biography of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam ‏Now I live in Iraq and I can't talk about it even with my family I might be killed, and society will reject me, it's very difficult for me ‏and many Arabs leave Islam every day, but they cannot announce that because they may be killed and of course society rejects them.

[@filipe.sm31]

In Brazil is the same. I'm an atheist and is hard to be an open atheist. Here most of the people are catholics and not believe im God is considered a sin. It's not like Iraq that you might be killed (althought it may hapen), but is going to be very hard to be accepted. You might be kicked out of your house and be disinherited. I'm a teenager and not have the power to say anything about it sucks. (Sorry if something is mispelled)

[@erhan1255]

It's the same everywhere, even holland, as an ex-muslim. Religion poisons everything.

[@jdcaughman4598]

As a 59 year old American living in the Bible belt, I understand. If I shared this stuff with my wife and family I expect I would be shunned. I'm not ready for that yet, but hopefully someday

[@waverider8549]

Stay strong my friend.

[@alvaroq2024]

Not believing in religion, and going about life as if religion interferes with my existence, then I cannot have strong beliefs in religion.

[@zentravel1515]

Sam Harris is one of the most important free thinkers of this generation.

[@analoguedragon7438]

Since when militant atheism is free thinking?

[@zentravel1515]

@@analoguedragon7438 by definition a free thinker is one who rejects accepted opinions, especially those concerning religious belief. You come across as an ignorant, garden variety religious crackpot of which there are many here on KZbin, sadly.

[@Dennis-66]

@@zentravel1515 Exactly, well said. I am an atheist but I am also extremely open minded. Give me evidence of ANY god, strong evidence, and I will most likely believe. Strangely that seems impossible. "but, but, there is a book!" I'm going to guess that any christian person who watches the documentary on scientology would laugh at the end, it's crazy how similar it is to their own religion though.

[@proculusjulius7035]

@@Dennis-66 the flying spaghetti monster is real. Evidence? Spaghetti exists therefore he exists. I'm waiting for you to convert now 😂

[@Dennis-66]

@@proculusjulius7035 lol, let me go cook some spaghetti, if I throw it and it flies across the room I'm 100% on board! Talk to you in about 20 minutes!

[@ahyaok100]

We look back at the execution of Socrates as an evil injustice just for questioning the religion of the time (for other reasons too, yes, but it was one of the main ones) by those "ignorant ancient" people. And yet not all that much has changed if you think about it. It's very disturbing.

[@theboombody]

I agree with you, but how do we decide what's good and what's evil? Consensus doesn't seem right, but right and wrong is something created by man.

[@devilsadvocacy]

At least in the West, the influence of religion has waned to the extent that we no longer put people on the Judas chair for heresy. Which does represent progress, albeit much slower progress than one might wish for

[@kassios]

Well, Socrates was the teacher of many of the 30 tyrants which were enforced upon Athens by the Spartans, when the Athenians lost the Peloponnesean war. His trial was a political one against the atrocities of oligarchs over democrats. He was accused of instilling "new daemons" spartan ones against the city. It was never about religion.

[@rick7424]

Socrates was not killed due to ignorance but because he challanged state authority which was seen as disruptive. Amcient Athens was far more dictorial than any modern democracy.

[@mongo1228]

For a highly intelligent man he can really explain things in a simple, easy to understand way

[@Nat88123]

Not smart. Thinks all muslims are extremists and then says respect religion. Lol, atheists are so confused.

[@1982craigyboy]

@@Nat88123 he doesn’t say that at all

[@Nat88123]

@@1982craigyboy he doesn't say what?

[@whitneystreethouse]

Too simply and clearly, if you ask me. If only things were as simple as his mind perceives them to be.

[@mongo1228]

@@whitneystreethouse Things should be

[@ElCID40000]

There is only ever a very fine line between a moderate and an extemist when what both claim to believe, by definition, requires the suspension of rational thought, the denial of logic, the refusal to accept reality and the rejection of reason.

[@Graeme_Lastname]

You mean religion?

[@shinobi-no-bueno]

Diamonds move in mysterious ways

[@78bezza]

Respect is earned and all religion has earned from me is scorn

[@someguy559]

The difference between believing a diamond is buried in my backyard and believing God exists is that the later belief can't be proven wrong...this is crucial to religious systems ..and makes all the difference.

[@user-bw8yn3zr1s]

Exactly, that is such a dead end, one can only say they are agnostic and that every action, individual or mass level, should have reason to back it, not some belief which can't be proven right or wrong.

[@tomellis4750]

The diamond is invisible, without form, nor can it be detected by any instrument - just like gods

[@melkor9121]

A teapot circles at the edge of the universe. It can't be proven wrong, so it's true. Unfortunately for you, the claim is your's and so naturally the burden of proof is yours too, not ours.

[@60-second-HACKS]

Ten minutes of simple, brilliant THOUGHT.

[@marcusonesimus3400]

terencelaoshi On the contrary, he's very emotion-driven and is putting on a pseudo-intellectual front. They all do that, and people like you slobber all over them like untrained dogs. The man is a certified fool. See Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1. The point bears repeating.

[@HughJaxident67]

@@marcusonesimus3400 *On the contrary, he's very emotion-driven and is putting on a pseudo-intellectual front* That's just a baseless claim - substantiate it or retract it. *They all do that, and people like you slobber all over them like untrained dogs* Personal insults and vitriol won't win you any brownie points in an intellectual debate *The man is a certified fool* Is he? Then you won't mind citing the formal psychological assessment that came to this conclusion right? *See Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1. The point bears repeating* Who cares what's written in the bible when no theist can present a single shred of demonstrable evidence any of its supernatural claims are true? Of course, Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 53:1 simply employs some of the most basic reverse psychology, a tool often used by religious scribes in an attempt to protect religious claims. More accurately, only a fool would be credulous and gullible enough to believe the wholly unsubstantiated claims an ancient book makes.

[@kasdcomoa5567]

@@marcusonesimus3400 LOL

[@warrior_of_liberation]

@@marcusonesimus3400 Quoting Bible yourself while calling someone stupid? ...Nice. I came here to laugh at you too. 😂😂😂

[@bellezavudd]

@@marcusonesimus3400 People like you urgently need to further your education. Ignorance is not entertaining. Come back when you have a grasp on the actual meanings of the words you use.

[@erolsoyer76]

No-one automatically deserves respect for their feelings or beliefs. That respect should only be accorded just up to the point where my own disinclination to buy into any form of organised religion or systemic faith is respected in turn. Then it's a fair exchange.

[@Graeme_Lastname]

The value of unsubstantiated beliefs is readily noted when you observe, the well known fact, that you can't exceed 30mph in a locomotive because, as everyone knows, you can't exceed that speed because all the air would be ejected from the carriage causing the death of all passengers not equipped with breathing apparatus.

[@fpcoleman57]

Sam Harris! A special plea! Please return to the public forum! We need you!

[@guerillametafysic]

Funny that Sam gets introduced by a presenter named Moses. 'As Moses just said...' How biblical 😄

[@tomellis4750]

He parted the sea of faces for him.

[@zehtroid]

Lol fr. I skipped the intro so I really thought he was starting off with talking about something Moses of the bah-ble had said 😅

[@mega4171]

I find that the most common argument for religion is it’s utility of morality and the claim that without religion, there would be no morals. This is an extraordinary claim to make considering all of the war and harm that religion has caused in the past and even the present turmoil it creates. I find it hard to believe that if we just based our morals from the natural world, that we would in turn be in worse shape than we were before

[@JayandSarah]

You should do a youtube presentation because you are just repeating this one quite nicely.

[@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole]

Go Biden.

[@mega4171]

@@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole who

[@anghusmorgenholz1060]

Have your beliefs. Share them with others who believe as you do. I do not care. I'm happy that you have something in your life that helps you and brings you comfort. You may not legislate your religious beliefs on others. Your beliefs are not mine. I will not follow your religious laws. You are not allowed to force others to follow your laws. As a wise man named Christopher said " enough of clerical bullying and intolerance".

[@RobertStambaugh-l5r]

Madalyn Murray O'Hair legislated her beliefs on all of us by using the government , and attempted to control all of our lives . She even stooped so low to take away our children's right to pray . We are now going to take that right back . Prayer never harmed anyone . It has only helped people . All moral Americans should vote to ban evil things like , Alcohol Tobacco Porn , which have harmed many lives . How many kids have to be killed by drunk drivers before we ban alcohol ? How many people have to die from lung cancer before we ban tobacco ? How many women have to be beaten and murdered before we ban perverted , extreme , x rated porn ? America is a Christian nation !

[@smallstudiodesign]

We live in a free democracy wherein we are free to debate each other’s views and beliefs ...

[@hammalammadingdong6244]

Unless religious fundamentalists run your nation.

[@smallstudiodesign]

@@gluttonousmachina2961 close enough ... I live in a way more democratic country than the freakin’ USA ... I live in Canada.

[@TeddyKrimsony]

Canada doesn't have free speech

[@robadams1645]

@@smallstudiodesign Where our national anthem contains the line "God keep our land". If you don't think Christianity dominates our culture too, you're not paying attention. It's not as bad as the States but it's here too.

[@oldschoolman1444]

Religion and ignorance, it's a match made in heaven.

[@lepidoptera9337]

That match often comes way too close to the powder kegs, too.

[@cnault3244]

"Respecting Religious Beliefs" I respect religious beliefs as much as I respect belief in astrology or belief in reincarnation.

[@maxxkarma]

That is not a very revealing and thus an otiose statement.

[@cnault3244]

@@maxxkarma It is a very straightforward statement. It informs the people reading it that I place belief in astrology, belief in reincarnation and religious beliefs as being equally valid & as such I accord each of those beliefs an equal amount of respect. ( Hint: that amount of respect is zero)

[@maxxkarma]

Zero respect is a problem. Zero respect for religious or any other kind of extremism I can understand, but zero respect for the majority of people that find solace in their faith is an issue. But we can disagree on that. I think lack of tolerance(what an odd word/concept though) is problematic and on both sides there are guilty parties.

[@tedkaye9080]

@@maxxkarma he said he doesn’t respect religious beliefs, not that he does not respect those who hold religious beliefs. It’s an important difference. I agree with him. Many religious beliefs are ridiculous and literally worthy of ridicule, and many are totally backwards and counter to societal betterment. I can respect a person yet not respect their beliefs, though I may certainly respect them less for holding that belief. The problem is because beliefs inform our actions and our actions have real consequences.

[@slawssson9447]

reincarnation is a fundamental religious belief of several world religions lol, i get the astrology example but not really the reincarnation one, you’re just comparing a religious belief to another religious belief. either way i get what you’re saying lol and i agree with it

[@mephistophelean]

Respect has to be earned, it is not a bag of sweets that one just dishes out willy-nilly! We can be tolerant to other people's beliefs so long as they are benign.

[@ctdieselnut]

I agree, unfortunately very few religions are truly benign. (For example hindering stem cell research, as mentioned in vid.) If we are satisfied with the wrong answers, looking for the right ones makes you evil and devious according to them. This slows/stops progress.

[@mephistophelean]

@@ctdieselnut I agree, and I will never respect beliefs that keep people dumb, or slow medical and scientific advancements which most religions are guilty of doing.

[@LowenKM]

Nuthin' should be immune to 'critique'.... regardless whether based on religious 'belief', or even 'Scientific Rationalism'.

[@theboombody]

That's a good philosophy. The US Constitution says that even the government should not be immune from critique.

[@matonmongo]

Except for maybe the kinda 'critiques' just seeking an excuse to impose their _own_ wack-a-doodle 'beliefs' (aka, 'ideology').

[@theboombody]

@@matonmongo I'm not sure those fit the definition of genuine critiques so those don't count.

[@tonycottingham169]

Mark Twain said " Faith is believing what you know ain't so." .

[@IdiotEarthworm]

Wow, my respect for Sam has just gone up one notch. So wonderfully articulated.

[@marcusonesimus3400]

Uday Shastri You are completely deceived by a fraudulent poseur and a fraudulent movement. Harris the 'missionary' has convinced himself that he matters greatly, when what really matters is his repentance. (1st Timothy 2:5) 'For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.' These atheist types love to pin their hopes on Science, but are remarkably ignorant in historical matters. Historical facts matter.

[@IdiotEarthworm]

@@marcusonesimus3400 How can you be so sure. Sam never forces anything, he is putting things logically. In fact I will urge you to listen to him with open mind and see what effect it has on you.

[@marcusonesimus3400]

@@IdiotEarthworm I am sure because I have experienced the transforming power of Christ in my own life and seen it in others. This is not a matter of self-hypnosis, brainwashing, or psychological manipulation. I have a fairly good idea of what those things look like. I also know what it is like to be outside the faith. From the outside, the inside looks strange and bewildering. it is tempting to mock what one does not understand. Therefore Sam Harris speaks and acts just as one would expect him to speak and act. People who wish to stay away from Christ may find his message comforting and reassuring. Christ, by demanding that one 'die to oneself'. can be a very disruptive force in a person's life. I wonder whether Sam senses this instinctively. Surely no human being is ALL cold logic, without an iota of intuitive or emotional capacity. Such a person would be little more than a living robot after all.

[@IdiotEarthworm]

@@marcusonesimus3400 I respect what you are saying but would like to point out that belief by nature has a tremendous healing power regardless of the object of belief. That is the reason when new drugs are released, randomised trials always include Placebo where patient is told that he or she is given new drug to fix the problem but actually given a blank. Because patient believes that it is a drug which would cure him, there is an effect on home to cure himself. The trial needs to correct for that effect to really see how the new drug is performing. Having a belief provides comfort and solace. That is just how human nature is. But if we want truth, we need to be cold and logical.

[@lyankhaute7217]

Indians and level headed respect. No wonder they worship anyone, anything and everything

[@zigababnik8780]

Bravo, outstanding!

[@charlescoryn9614]

Religions and belief systems are the essence of the evolution of societies and cultures. Religions exist not because they are true, or that they accurately represent reality, but because they function anthropologically identically in every society. They are part of the structural core of a society, and only members of a particular society can know and have intimate knowledge of their god, and of their beliefs. But they can exist only until science, and specifically the scientific method, have been discovered and established within a society. We have now moved into this era of scientific rigor and we see all belief brought into question....... Religions are implanted into our brains from birth, by all around us, by parents and preachers and neighbors, and it is accepted for that reason...... But our reason only begins many years later, as part of our education, as if it were 'added' later to the fundamental story. And that is changing also I think, as the concept of science and truth become more widely accepted and more widely known.

[@ossiedunstan4419]

Sorry but it was the increasing size of populations' that lead to the formation of first some 10,000 years ago priests, then came religions. The oldest living civilisation and culture on earth dated at 65,000 + years, Genocide rape and taking next doors shit cause of god, Never existed in the oldest living civilisation and culture on earth. 65,000 years with out 1 middle eastern death cult diety. Your a racist fucking imbecile which means you are god botherer and in denial about reality

[@charlescoryn9614]

@@ossiedunstan4419 ....... Hardly, religions evolved from the earliest wishful thinking, from 'spirits' of the wind and the rain, as human evolution progressed and humans became aware of what and who they were. Earliest human groups were always small, because of hunting and gathering restrictions and the inability of feeding more than a limited number. You're guessing........ You wish there was a god and that he'll save your sorry ass....... save your insults for yourself, idiot........

[@joshuavd5194]

@@ossiedunstan4419 I didn't see Charles mention anything about race mate. please read the comment you reply to.

[@tomellis4750]

@@ossiedunstan4419 Pleased you are sorry.

[@martinwilliams2556]

Well said Charles.

[@stephencopeland571]

I've just coming in from digging up the back yard, and I just couldn't find it. Cannot believe after all these years some has moved my diamond....

[@abrum8869]

So, he is calling for a higher level of unity. Religion is at it's core, a movement toward unity. I would imagine most traditional theists would balk at this video as sacrilegious.

[@ramon6567]

I can respect someone’s beliefs up until the point where their beliefs reject basic science and knowledge

[@reubenmanzo2054]

I recently had someone demonstrate God's power by asking if I can make an animal and bring it to life. She was genuinely surprised with my response, "Yes. Give me a partner and 9 months, but yes."

[@tharikrasheed]

Then you will be disappointed

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

No, you can _tolerate_ or _accept_ their beliefs. If you actually _respected_ them, you would admire them so much that you would do your best to adopt them yourself. It's in the very definition of "respect". Seeing actually "strong" terms like this used for such "weak" concepts drives me crazy. It's like christian "love" (even ignoring the cases where it's actually tribalism-fueled hatred) - it's practically never actually _love,_ but something far "weaker".

[@mememan2344]

@@Wolf-ln1ml And I personally have no plans to respect or tolerate beliefs which look upon me as a dirty lesser-than simply for not allowing their mind virus into my life.

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

@@mememan2344 Oh, that too, yep.

[@kerryburns6041]

Any belief makes us selective regarding new data.

[@davidfitnesstech]

5:26: It might be the last question the journalist ever asked, but it will be so worth it.

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

It also _should_ actually get that journalist's career to skyrocket... if only media outlets weren't so damn afraid of stepping out of line and even just _risking_ losing views/subscribers/...

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

Speaking of respect, when was the last time an atheist knocked on your door and tried to convert you? The religious expect to be respected, but tell the atheists that we are wrong and going to hell. My reply will be, ‘You aren’t going anywhere.’

[@MrBjoern91]

You haven't encountered people of different political and philosophical convictions that have tried to "convert" you? There are secular ideologies that are deeply dogmatic and much worse than many religions. Say Jainism, as Sam Harris brought us here.

[@Marc010]

I've said that many times to people who think atheists are "militant". I don't knock on doors and say, "Have you heard the good news about Christopher Hitchens?"

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

@@Marc010 The "militant atheist" thing is blatantly deceptive propaganda anyway. In _every_ other case, the qualifier "militant" brings actual aspects of physical violence with it (AK-47-swinging Muslims, bombed abortion clinics, ...), but when it comes to "militant atheists", all they can point to are people who "dare to" argue and question.

[@seang4222]

Never saw this before. Great talk.

[@dungteller367]

Belief itself is idiocy without even naming the belief. If you know something is true there is no reason to believe in it. We don't believe the sun shines we know the sun shines. Belief is rooted in not knowing!

[@magnemmar4869]

You’ve gotta respect everyone’s beliefs. No, you don’t. That’s what gets us in trouble. Look, you have to acknowledge everyone’s beliefs, and then you have to reserve the right to go: "That is fucking stupid. Are you kidding me?" -- Patton Oswalt

[@ThalionElendil]

Can I ask why is this video hidden? I've been searching for it to share it

[@ideacity]

Thanks for letting us know! We have made it public. Share away! :)

[@ThalionElendil]

You're wlecome :) And thanks, it is great!

[@FactStorm]

@@ideacity No wonder the views are so low lol, more people need to see this - especially superstitious religious gremlins.

[@travishofer8051]

@@FactStorm watched it and doesn't change a thing.

[@derykschudy837]

One thing that is often missed when staistics are given like "40% of the electorate believes Jesus will return in the next 50 years" is that 40% SAY they believe that, in a survey for instance or maybe in casual conversation. 40% of the American population does not act consistent with that belief though. Their behavior would be much different if so. They are just saying what they think their beliefs are supposed to be, or maybe making some perverse prediction as people like to do so they can say "told you so" someday

[@Merdock19]

This is more of what same talks about often, where people claim that these individuals don't actually believe this stuff. They say they do, but they don't actually believe it. In what way would you expect these people to act if they actually believed that jesus was coming back in 50 years. They don't know when it's going to happen, they don't have a specific date, and 50 years for many if these people is equal to or greater than the rest of their remaining life expectancy. So they continue working, they continue praying. When people think there is a specific date (this has happened several times), then there are plenty of instances where people drop their entire life savings cause they think they won't need it anymore. So again, how would you expect for these people to act differently. I live in a heavily secular area where most people are not super religious, so I forgot how they can tend to think. But then my boss, who is otherwise a smart and rational man, will say something like, "I can't support a 2-state solution in israel, the jews need to have total control of the land before jesus can come back." And when given the hypothetical scenario of voting for someone who has radically different political opinions than him but is christian vs someone who has exactly the same political opinions but is atheist, has said he would vote for the christian, cause at least he has morals. Let's say that he didn't really believe those things, not really, what does that matter when he thinks he believes those things and votes in accordance to those beliefs. Are we hoping that he's voting for someone who also doesn't really believe those things?

[@fredarroyo7429]

So everyone knows God of the bible exists. Some only say they dont, but belief is not just what you think you know about what you think but its rather how you act, and everybody acts as if God of the bible exists

[@gixelz]

@@fredarroyo7429 no, we don't. Because we don't kill people for nonsensical reasons or decrees. The bible is also vastly inaccurate and filled with historical errors - not to mention 3rd hand accounts by anonymous authors of people who lived hundreds of years before, if at all. I'm sorry you haven't the time to research a book you base your life on. It's sad, but even more sad is that it's not totally uncommon. Yet.

[@fredarroyo7429]

@@gixelz Back up your unsubstantied claims 1. Name me one historical error in bible. 2. One peice of evidence that any gospel is 3rd hand peice of evidence by anonymous author. No, dont get mad at people who dont accept random claims backed up by ZERO evidence to be true like the claims you just made. You might be an uncritical thinker and accept claims with no evidence, but that would actually correlate to the fact that you know the bible is true and you have to resort to espouse anti critical thinking to suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Its not gonna work. Put up or shut up

[@damianedwards8827]

It's a Shame. God is simply the Existence of Love. Everybody Believes Love exists. Atheists Unnecessarily Overcomplicate it. Its Unfortunate.

[@stiofanofirghil1916]

I believe we may be in the last days.. Of religion hopefully!!

[@jimcarr8605]

Slowly disappearing

[@TagSpamCop]

Respecting beliefs means sacrificing truth. It means that truth is relative, subjective, and whatever anyone claims to be true, rather than what's actually true.

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

What I also find rather disturbing is this watering down of the word "respect" itself. As far as I can tell, there are basically three "levels" of how to deal with anything like viewpoints/beliefs or behaviour (in a "positive" manner): There is tolerance, which is basically, "I don't like this at all, but I won't do anything to stop it" (which may extend to not even criticizing it, openly or not). Then there is acceptance, which is more, "I may or may not actually like this, but I'm at least willing to go along with it" (which definitely means not criticizing it). And lastly, there is respect, which is, "I admire this view/belief/behaviour very much" - which _automatically_ includes either a begrudging acceptance that one _can't_ for whatever reason hold the same view/belief or behave the same way, or will actively strive to do so. When people demand to "respect their beliefs", they aren't actually demanding that we admire their beliefs and strive to hold them, too (with some obvious exceptions, but I'm talking about the "average person") - they are demanding that we don't criticize their beliefs, i.e that we accept (or at least tolerate) them. It's the same watering down of language as with religious "love", and it just drives me _crazy..._

[@FactStorm]

It sucks that this video has 11k views as the time of this comment, yet religious videos have millions: that precisely sums up the problem. Seriously, look it up yourself. Find Quranic readings and Christian blogs and such on KZbin.

[@Anicius_]

People love the wrong things

[@maxxkarma]

Nonsense. At best it just indicates that there are more believers than non believers.

[@FactStorm]

@@maxxkarma So what? You think numbers equals truth? Lmao..that's a bandwagon fallacy..but I don't expect any less of apologists: ya'll have been employing the same logical fallacies for centuries and the only reason you never learn is due to indoctrination, generation-after-generation.

[@maxxkarma]

@@FactStorm It does not imply truth, it implies reality. And who are y’all? I think you made an incorrect assumption and with that you kind of prove my other point.

[@FactStorm]

@@maxxkarma Ok, if it doesn't determine truth then wth are we doing? Does truth not matter? Only truth matters when discussing religion - not utility.

[@maekong2010]

Hey, KZbin! It is high time that we be able to like something more than once.

[@florincoter1988]

Can anyone explain to me why one should respect religious beliefs while they are: irrational, based on stories not facts, they have absolutely no real and positive role in life, cannot be reasoned with. What is different from respecting the belief that a black cat is bad luck, Respect the person, not one's irrational acts.

[@davidsheriff9274]

You don't have to respect someone's religious beliefs or any other kind of believe. I like what Richard Dawkins said"I don't care what people believe, I only care what they can prove"

[@florincoter1988]

@@davidsheriff9274 I don't, but there is general behavior resulting from a request to respect religious beliefs. Isked the question in the hope that someone who does, will explain it.

[@richardhedd3080]

What a brilliant man. I can't get enough of Sam's Logic.

[@mr.d.8121]

Religion allows tax avoidance and access to the vulnerable

[@kelixrblx7762]

what type of religion is that?

[@Ex_christian]

@@kelixrblx7762all of them!

[@sirriffsalot4158]

07:04 that lady on the lower left corner be shooting Dr. Harris some serious daggers! 6:45 After that last one I was expecting him to wittily say something like "Or another one of their most prevalent favourites: 'It makes me more charitable because I always know I could avail myself of these great riches buried in my back-yard, if I ever were to run into trouble."

[@davidroache8655]

Awwwww....did Dr. Harris hurt her feelings? Then I sincerely hope someone gave a cup of warm milk and a place to lie down after his talk.😂🙄🙄😂

[@Smithpolly]

Or she's just remembered that she forgot to send an important e-mail

[@kosys5338]

Respect religious beliefs!? I think not, religion has done nothing to earn my respect. On the contrary. Religious moderates enable the fanatical fundamentalists.The time for silent respect is over when it comes to religion.

[@jasonh.8754]

Some people believe that smoking is not bad for you, even though all the evidence suggests otherwise. It's very hard to change some people's beliefs, even though it might kill them. Beliefs are very powerful.

[@chrismathis4162]

How is that religion has carved out for itself this special privilege of being free from ridicule. If I tell you I worship a head of lettuce, I would be a laughing stock, yet shroud the same ridiculous belief in history and ancient writings, it becomes respectable. Give me a break.

[@jasonbarton9352]

I learned a life altering tip "If it is true ethically , if it is true spiritually" I never thought of it like that, I mean in some way I guess I have, but not as direct as that. Like there are certain things that transcend all cultures. That is a good way of approaching something......yeah i dig that

[@MorallyDerogatoryCA]

The only thing less believable about faith was that awkward hug at the end... Sam always delivers, great job!

[@LithicMetals]

Horrible ad placement

[@krisbest6405]

What scares me is the amount of people committing crimes today that think a god exists, this baffles me............. nasty family killings while a cross dangles somewhere in there home....

[@msq3762]

The Christchurch terrorist believed otherwise

[@devilsadvocacy]

You have to remember that the cross was the Roman empire's instrument of torture, execution, and sending a message to those who would dare defy its authority. Coincidence that Christianity adopted it as its universally recognized symbol? I think not

[@shawntalks2414]

Why is it wrong to kill people

[@devilsadvocacy]

@@shawntalks2414 Because no one wants to be killed

[@shawntalks2414]

@@devilsadvocacy who give af about feelings and a lot people especially atheists most of them nihilistic so again what’s wrong with killing as a atheist you should be consistent sir

[@DigitalMadrigal]

The worst aspect of humanity is all the narcissism. Seems very few want to face any truths about anything.

[@cottontop9276]

I have a right to believe in Santa Claus and you can not take that away from me, the tooth fairy is a staple in my life too!

[@sajitmohammad9168]

I am a muslim but I know santa and tooth fairy is not from Bible.

[@kenalls3518]

@@sajitmohammad9168 There's no reason to accept any holy book as authority, in any case. We cannot use the bible or quran, to disprove other myths....lol

[@tomellis4750]

You eat tooth fairies?

[@devilsadvocacy]

@@sajitmohammad9168 Logically speaking, all are equivalent and rest on the same plane. Santa Claus and the tooth fairy are no more (or less) based on objectively verifiable, empirical evidence than talking snakes, burning bushes, parting seas, seven-headed dragons, and so on. Same goes for any other religious dogma, regardless of its source

[@satyajitray5889]

All original Hindu text were never judgemental of its Character's , so there were no demons but only characters. Hence it teaches us not to be judgemental but to accept or to be away from it.

[@Vurbanowicz]

I just looked at a website offering a gloss on Matthew 26: "This is my blood of the new and eternal covenant..." It pointed out that in the Greek of the New Testament the word for blood could mean life or primary purpose. So Jesus may not have simply meant that the wine had become in some sense or other what was coursing through his blood vessels. He was enlisting his disciples to continue his mission and they were pledging to do so with wine. Perhaps he knew that the caper with the moneychangers in the Temple would get him into serious trouble and he was asking the others to keep his mission alive. "Shall we drink on it?" Now to me that makes sense. More than all that woo-woo about the Real Presence in the bread and wine.

[@TheYoungFactor]

He used the word vulcanized twice. I can't quite the hang of that word's definition in the way he used it. Could I get some help with that?

[@Brisippus]

I believe he is saying “balkanized”

[@TheYoungFactor]

@@Brisippus Okay awesome! That makes sense now. Thanks!

[@peterbartley9155]

Belief never deserve respect. When people hold really awful beliefs they also don’t deserve respect.

[@jmac6973]

oh, do you really believe that? haha you believe that belief never deserves respect. wow

[@ctdieselnut]

@@jmac6973 he meant belief in false prophets arnt worth respecting. the world would be chaos if you held your take of respecting others beliefs on everything outside the field of religion. Say a person 100% believes 2+2=5, says they are a better person for it, their people have believed this for thousands of years, and they don't want to live in a world where this isn't a truth. Are you also going to defend that belief? Why or why not? Dont tell me it's not comparable because religion isn't falsifiable or testable because that just makes the whole point moot. There's good reason why you should be innocent until proven guilty, and why scientific research hypotheses don't start from a place of belief. If you haven't figured out the motivations that brought us religions yet, my comment probably won't change your thoughts much.

[@jmac6973]

@@ctdieselnut umm, pretty sure I agree with you. Maybe you meant to respond to @peterbartley? I was just pointing out that it is a contradictory statement to say that they believe that beliefs don’t deserve respect since that is also a belief. Lol

[@peterbartley9155]

@@jmac6973 of course that’s common sense.

[@peterbartley9155]

@@jmac6973 no that’s not a belief. There is no truth claim. It’s just a opinion that is just common sense

[@adamleckius2253]

"Thank you for... very much"

[@kafikfishna8806]

Education and training are two different concepts. You can be TRAINED to be a doctor or engineer or a technician [which many robots can already be trained to be, at least to en extent], but that does not mean you are EDUCATED. It's true many doctors, engineers, computer techs, military officers, etc. are fairly common among published lists of modern and past terrorists--all trained in linear thinking. Maybe that is the problem, their minds are dry and linear like the desert days and nights--too hot or too cold, binary on or off. They die for the fuzzy causes of religion and seek concreteness in fuzzy concepts of religion, and cannot reconcile the contradiction between original paradigm of religious texts and the paradigm they are living through. Terrorism is a form of compensatory behaviour for these people.

[@Esmeralda-gt6uf]

Education is not knowledge

[@fredarroyo7429]

Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge

[@markwilson9935]

A belief is the same as thinking....comes from the same place....the brain. It involves no other organ of the body. Some say"I believe it in my heart' or "a gut feeling". But it is still the brain. The minute difference between thinking and believing which causes so much pain in the world is this.... Thinking= considering all relevant information to the issue being thought about. Believing=Thinking that information is TRUE....wether it is or not! Thinking is just thoughts and wonderings Believing is saying" What I have read or been told is TRUE. Thinking may not be true Believing is coupled with perceived truth

[@siobhansteisa9996]

Your comment is like a small therapeutic session.

[@markwilson9935]

@@siobhansteisa9996 👍🏼💜

[@jonathanjollimore7156]

I don't respect much of anything a lot of time but not going pretend I have answer when I know nothing but a belief I am right

[@bjrniversen9008]

Thank you for sharing😉

[@Kriby88]

"Where else in our discourse do we encounter this? When was the last time anyone in this room was admonished to respect another persons belief about history or biology?" -- Whoo this did not age well. Wonder if Sam would laugh or cry rewatching this

[@Nat88123]

Probably cry seeing how ridiculous he looks and sounds on video.

[@reubenmanzo2054]

How did this not age well. History and biology (and every science, for that matter) is rooted in fact.

[@Kriby88]

@@reubenmanzo2054 Certainly, but today it is far from unlikely to be accosted by flat earthers, holocaust deniers and wild uneducated speculation about alternate medicine, abortion and homosexuality. To say nothing of the conspiracy theories and madness that shatters families and civil discourse.

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

@@reubenmanzo2054 My guess would be the extremism in the "(gender) identity politics", which gets asserted to be _based on_ biology... (just to clarify - I do mean the extremes here; the majority of gender issues is definitely based on biology, neurology etc., but there are all too common extreme views that have zero basis in science)

[@MYRRHfamily]

I agree with Sam. This makes life pretty lonely as old friends one by one expose themselves as real lunatics. Their religion destroys my perception of their credibility, and makes real conversations with them nearly impossible.

[@fredarroyo7429]

Maybe your credibility is shot to them. There is nothing worse than speaking with a person who claims they have a higher ability to know things by trusting their empirical senses when they cant even give a justification for those abilities

[@vincyjoe4267]

The deep need for man not to feel lost and lonely in the world had, of course, been previously satisfied by the concept of a God who had created this world and was concerned with each creature…. But for many of those for whom God was dethroned, the need for a Godlike figure did not disappear, some proclaimed a new God, Evolution, and worshipped Darwin as his prophet.

[@filipe.sm31]

It is a interesting thought, but Darwin actually based his claims on evidence. He didn't ask someone to just believe what he said, he proved he was right

[@vincyjoe4267]

@@filipe.sm31 Can u send me or point me in the direction of the "evidence". Darwin himself in his own words was skeptical of his own findings. Secondly try to tell any authority in school or academia that you are skeptical about it, lets see how far you will reach with that.

[@patmorley4396]

​@@vincyjoe4267 The fact that you say "Darwin himself was skeptical of his own findings," doesn't seem at all coherent with your claim that people worship Darwin as a 'prophet of evolution'. Jesus wasn't skeptical of God. Mohammad wasn't skeptical of God either. So, seeing as you seem to be saying that Darwin was skeptical of evolution, then what are you saying is the reason Darwin came up with evolution? Clearly he can't have come up with evolution as a 'God' (as your analogy seems to suggest he did) because he was skeptical of it, and prophets don't tend to be skeptical of their gods. So why did Darwin come up with evolution then? Are you saying he was simply mistaken or what? If he was mistaken, then how come his theory makes perfect sense and has been accepted by so many people? How come we can literally see evolution happening? Bacteria evolve - that is why antibiotics do not work forever. Domestication is a very similar process to evolution, only it is controlled by humans rather than left to natural selection. Do you not believe in domestication, then? Where do dogs come from? Cats? e.t.c. Sorry to come across as aggressive, but saying stuff like "Evolution is a God for atheists," is inevitably going to irritate a lot of people. And to add insult to injury, you then go on to attempt an argument from authority, by saying: "Try to tell any authority in school or academia that you are skeptical about it, lets see how far you will reach with that." It is absolutely ridiculous.

[@johnbiggscr]

We need to get over this stupid idea that a religious belief is somehow more valid than a belief in fairies, magic or monsters. That it is considered valid enough that it gets constitutional protection is just bizarre.

[@4jgarner]

So you believe people with religious beliefs should be legally allowed to be discriminated against? For say jobs etc?

[@sibanought]

@@4jgarner Yes. An intrinsic part of religious belief is the belief that they have the right and moral duty to act on and spread the teachings of their religion in the public domain, and to disregard other people's (including childrens) right to not adhere to the teachings of their religion. So yes, it should absolutely be legal to discriminate against religious people in areas such as employment - or any other area where they can get an opportunity to force their beliefs onto others or onto society - as it should be legal to discriminate against anyone else who's indoctrinated into beliefs that are false, abhorrent, and dangerous, and who believes they have a right and a duty to force those beliefs on others.

[@4jgarner]

@@sibanought so how are religious people forcing their religious beliefs on others by being a Christian or Muslim or Buddhist in their workplace? Talking about it is not forcing it on them and most don't even do that. And as far as I'm aware actually forcing it on people is illegal and will lose you your job and quickly. But i welcome an example of a time when forcing your religious beliefs on people in the workplace is currently legal.

[@mikeymyers9617]

Being religious shows you're gullible and can't use your own thoughts to come to conclusions on your own.

[@tomfoolery333]

@@4jgarner There are a lot of cryptofascists in this comments section.

[@RezaRob3]

Sam Harris is just brilliant! He's funny, to the point, engaging, and arouses even my interest to listen to a subject that otherwise might be considered somewhat mundane for me at my stage.

[@RezaRob3]

Ok, now, having said that, and I am by no means an expert in the subject, but I'm a little surprised that he said the religious fundamentalists of Christianity burning people and hating homosexuals found a way to square their actions with the ministry of Jesus. I certainly would like to know how. Even Bill Maher has, I think, often commented about Jesus being a pacifist... But I'm not an expert on the subject!

[@thevibe1013]

@RezaRob3. What he meant was that people who believed strongly in the teachings of Christ, like Thomas Aquinas, were able keep to those beliefs and also support the inquisition and execution of heretics. Strange though that sounds, they were able to hold both of those beliefs simultaneously.

[@RezaRob3]

@@thevibe1013 thanks for the explanation, however here is a quote: "Aquinas’s thought sanctions neither an absolute acceptance nor an absolute rejection of the death penalty; for him, this is not a question that admits of absolutes. Like other punishments, the death penalty is a determination made by human reason. Its justification depends on specific historical and cultural circumstances and on the needs of the political community, as well as on the severity of the offense. Killing a guilty person is not intrinsically evil, in Aquinas’s view, but it is nonetheless a last resort, when nothing else can be done for the good of the community." From a document titled, "Saint Thomas Aquinas on the Death Penalty - eScholarship@BC - Boston College" You can find it on the web. Now, I gather that in practice he might have supported it, but that is still not exactly compatible with the impression that I got from Sam Harris.

[@thevibe1013]

@RezaRob3. Sorry? Aquinas supported the execution of heretics AND believed in the ministry of Jesus. I don't know exactly what other impression you got from Harris.

[@RezaRob3]

@@thevibe1013 the quote I gave you above is not compatible with what Sam Harris said.

[@alexseioo610]

I still don't understand why Harris uses "spiritual" to describe real phenomena. It confuses both religious and non-religious people.

[@GavinMichaels]

I don’t disagree, it is confusing, but also once you’ve had a profound spiritual experience, it’s extremely difficult thing to dismiss as a “mind trick”. It reframes your view of the world, and can show you the things we consider “Objective” are actually subjective interpretations made by our mind. The world as we experience isn’t even 1% of the whole picture. If you’ve ever done psychedelics and had a profoundly spiritual experience, you probably understand. Spiritual experiences SHOULD be validated as what they are: what someone experienced. But then we need to be objective how they bring those experiences into the world

[@loganleatherman7647]

“Spiritual” in the sense Sam uses it is in reference to the connection one feels to natural phenomenon and to others. Has nothing to do with actual spirits. It’s meant in the same context that Zen Buddhists are “spiritual”.

[@ysgol3]

Religion simply stops people being afraid of death, and confident that they will continue being boring and stupid for eternity. Oh dear.

[@barryisland5942]

They would not listen, they're not listening still. Perhaps they never will.

[@dukelee3964]

I've never meet anyone who was religious, I have meet a lot of people who will talk about religion, but the one's who claim specific beliefs like a specific after life, I get the feeling that they don't really believe it.

[@mikeymyers9617]

I live in Scotland and I literally don't know any heavily religious people, we don't force that fictional bs on our kids.

[@loganleatherman7647]

I would encourage you to take a trip to the Southern or Midwest states of the U.S. if you want to see how religious otherwise good people can be. It’s pretty terrifying.

[@dukelee3964]

@@loganleatherman7647 true, they are terrifying, but isn't being terrifying the very definition of not being religious? I mean if you really believed in an afterlife and a hell, you wouldn't dare be an asshole would you?

[@ericcimic]

Well, these days we also have to respect people's beliefs about biology...which doesn't make any sense

[@luisvivanco8582]

Is that The sure thing's Daphne Zuñiga in minute 10:39?

[@Sang-Je]

Brilliant and inspiring.

[@marcusonesimus3400]

UC Love What does it inspire you to do? It probably reinforces your pre-existing prejudices. Nothing accomplished. The man is a windbag, who would maximize the population of hell through his 'missionary' efforts. These so-called 'new atheists' present nothing more than a rehash of 19th-century rationalism and positivism. It's OLD HAT, colorless, boring, and hopelessly NAIVE. We need a more REALISTIC message for the 21st century, starting with a better assessment of human nature: (Jeremiah 17:9) 'The heart is deceitful beyond all else, and is desperately sick; who can understand it?' Not Mr. Harris. (Romans 3:23) 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.'

[@Sang-Je]

@@marcusonesimus3400 lol stick to uttering your nonsense to the flock u cling to. I care not. But I ask you how come when Noahs flood happened china never even noticed.... 🤣🤣🤣 you are more lost than you'll ever let yourself know. It inspires me to be myself and love everything equally and to move pass nonsense mantras and dogmatic thinking. I was raised believing.... you know nothing of me to be able to judge. The only windbag is your local conman preacher. Go pay your tithing and serve other men.

[@howieb4217]

@@marcusonesimus3400 indulge me - which part in particular don't you agree with? Emphasising words in capitals doesn't grant them extra weight. Neither does quoting an old book help make your point.

[@marcusonesimus3400]

@@howieb4217 So the more recent the text, the more it is to be trusted? By that standard, the authority of my statements can only increase as time goes on. Perhaps arguments 'ad novitatem' ought to be discarded as utterly foolish. Yet you seem awfully prone to make that sort of argument. How typical of your religious tribe, of which Sam Harris is a renowned prophet and missionary. No, capitalization does not grant words weight. Truthful content does. Some do use capitalization for emphasis, and as it turned out, in the case which I am thinking about, that was not the case at all. The person in question kindly corrected me. Your attempt at 'correction' has nothing to do with kindness, only with revealing your own mind.

[@howieb4217]

@@marcusonesimus3400 I think the age of a text should be taken into account, for sure. If only because it's easier to verify more recent events. That and historical data often being vague, incorrect, biased, written by the victors etc. Ofc there's truths and real value to be found too, but much comes down to interpretation and best guessing. I picked you up on the capitals simply because it seemed odd. But yeah, maybe it was a bit of an unnecessary dig and apologies. I stand by the old book part and don't see Sam Harris as any kind of prophet or missionary (although I do feel that suits some people's agenda). Do you feel the same when he speaks about AI or neuroscience? Because, for me, this is just more of that - someone talking about a topic that's important to them in a sensible way.

[@guitarmusic524]

Where and when did this speech take place?

[@MorningtonCrescent]

"sick and tired of fanatics in my religion" Well DO something about it then!!!!

[@matthewkopp2391]

Having been raised in a liberal church that does not believe in inerrancy or literalism, we are considered heretics by fundamentalists. What can be done? There is overwhelming evidence against inerrancy. And literalism contradicts basic science, and early Church Interpretations. Genesis for example in the early Christian Church around 180ad was believed to be allegorical today fundamentalists create creationist theme parks.

[@cnussbau]

Do something about it...Like hosting talks discussing the absurdity of religious beliefs? Check.

[@MorningtonCrescent]

@@cnussbau or countering the religions by actively lobbying at every level.

[@jamessayers1428]

This from someone with the post-war organisation of states that has assumed the 12 stars of the Virgin Mary on an azure background as its flag.

[@MorningtonCrescent]

@@jamessayers1428 good thing I don't worship (inconsequential or otherwise) imagery then.

[@FakingANerve]

10:39 Wait... is that Daphne Zuniga?? Was Princess Vespa in the crowd?

[@chirpywiggins5796]

I find it hard to respect anyone who says they “Died” and met Jesus! Yet folk are so adamant that they have ! In fact, the whole NDE thing is nonsense

[@fredarroyo7429]

Who cares what you think. Jesus is God

[@kenalls3518]

Science simply cannot accept anecdotes or testimony as evidence, esp. in the case where other evidence is absent. Schools should teach the Scientific Method more specifically, so everyone can understand why this has to be. The general population should have a better understanding of how science advances and avoids falling into 'belief traps'.

[@kenalls3518]

@@fredarroyo7429 A childish theist. I'm shocked....lol

[@fredarroyo7429]

@@kenalls3518 thanks for your opinion. Science is great but it isnt the only source of knowledge about reality

[@kenalls3518]

@@fredarroyo7429 lol Which only means you don't even understand the meaning of the word, itself. A lament of the uneducated superstitious, when simple logic destroys their silly air castles.

[@naiduvga1612]

respect is only skin deep. the main factor of social despairs is due to religion. follow well and good or go with the devil is still the order for many nations

[@thetruthshed]

"The seperate moral identities" to Sam its alarming. Yet spouting moral claims and adhering to any specific claim to absolute morality also concerns him enough to argue against moral arguments. And its not a majority belief that speaking against beliefs is taboo. Most people speak against most beliefs they don't agree with at least part-time.

[@sharkamov]

*''Critical thinking is something that is **_not_** universally an attribute of the human mind''* - Prof. Richard Dawkins

[@analoguejerry9066]

And now let's see Dawkins applying critical thinking to his own beliefs and personal habits.

[@sharkamov]

@@analoguejerry9066 The worldwide resonance of Richard Dawkins position as a critic on superstition and magic among reflected, non-brainwashed individuals speaks for itself. As to which 'personal habits' of Prof. Dawkins you're referring to, might a topic of interest to others - beside myself, so, _please,_ elaborate! . . .

[@analoguejerry9066]

@@sharkamov To apply critical thinking to external reality is easy. To apply it to oneself is much much harder. As someone put it: everyone is conservative about what they know best.

[@sharkamov]

@@analoguejerry9066 I still fail to comprehend what 'personal traits' (or whatever) re. Professor Dawkins you find so displeasing, _again;_ Please elaborate!

[@analoguejerry9066]

@@sharkamov I couldn't care less about Dawkins' personal habits. I offered them as an example of limits of "critical thinking", which has clearly marked boundaries. Either everything is subject to critical thinking or nothing is.

[@VinnieG-]

When I'm on the internet I see smart people like Sam Harris, using reason and logic. Then I have to go back out to the real world, where at least half the people have no clue what reason or logic is

[@AlterEgoPerspectivewBronxGirl]

Facts

[@chipper696]

Not all Religious Beliefs need to be RESPECTED. HATE FOR ONE. PRAISE JESUS!

[@Xavier_Coogat_the_Mambo_King]

I don't think you understand what religion means.

[@noapology88]

"Jesus" in fact has no historical record. None.

[@Juliet04738]

Apart from the whole Bible / New ‘TESTAMENT’ 🤣

[@Juliet04738]

‘TESTAMENT’ = ‘something that serves as a sign or evidence of a specified fact, event, or quality.’ There’s more I could say but if you don’t WANT to believe then that acts as a barrier to further understanding/ engagement and it would be a waste.. & perhaps what I have already said is already wasted but just you just need to test the waters sometimes... 😬😉

[@matthewkopp2391]

There is no physical or archaeological evidence for Jesus, most existing sources for the historical Jesus are Christian writings, gospels, letters of the apostles. All sources that mention Jesus were written after his death. Other sources outside Christianity include Josephus, Tacitus, Mara bar Serapion (syria 70AD) and Lucian. On the whole he is one of the most written about persons in the ancient world after only 30 - 70 years after his death. There is also zero record in ancient time denying Jesus existence. Lucian the satirist called Jesus “that crucified Sophist”. A satirist with doubt of a historical Jesus would likely say “Jesus that imaginary Prophet” instead he compares him to the often corrupt traveling sophist tradition. I think the idea that Jesus is not a historical person is laughable.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

well there is a world of diversity on that one, but the thing to bear in mind is - no one comes back from death and no one, or everyone, is related to any god.

[@Juliet04738]

@@matthewkopp2391 Thank you for those sources, Matthew, I wasn’t even very aware of these & I have now looked them up (& shall tell others!) thank you for your reply...! 🌈🤗

[@ritahogikyan8560]

Sam Harris is Remarkable 💜

[@HarryNicNicholas]

i can't get over the fact that we let people who basically believe in pixies have so much leeway to spout this nonsense, never mind have such a large voice in the world.

[@altosack]

It’s simple. It’s VERY useful to the elites as a tool to distract from class inequality. As soon as its usefulness diminishes, it will be ridiculed for the nonsense it is (or simply ignored if the ridiculing doesn’t have any usefulness). You don’t think anyone in Congress REALLY believes votes were stolen, do you?!? This nonsense is promulgated entirely for its political usefulness. I personally am astonished it turns out to be useful, but I guess I’m just naive.

[@dennisnardone5009]

We are endowed by our creator with unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I do not want the state to tell me what I am to believe.

[@jgage2344]

Are you actually this stupid ?? If god gave us these rights how come everyone doesn’t have them? And why is it that he gave us the right to slavery but OUR BETTER morals did away with it ??? Your in bad need of some education…

[@justyourlocalyandere268]

I had to watch this for my assignment

[@michellequiapo6559]

same

[@justyourlocalyandere268]

@@michellequiapo6559 it was esp how to respect religeons

[@michellequiapo6559]

@@justyourlocalyandere268 same too😀

[@justyourlocalyandere268]

@@michellequiapo6559 wow we got common things

[@michellequiapo6559]

@@justyourlocalyandere268 yeah...

[@impeccablewarrior66]

One of Sam's best.

[@Nat88123]

Terrible. Sam is a commie

[@jjjpetersen]

So true. I value all what he says & I’m glad he’s not asking for money to be an atheist or agnostic 😉

[@junevandermark952]

The word cult branched off the word occult. The word occult meant and means secret knowledge of the spirit realm. Everyone that believed in a creator wanted to believe they owned that secret spiritual knowledge, so they started to shorten the word to "cult" as a derogatory insult against those they put down as giving false spiritual information. Having been religious, and being told by those in other religions that my belief was "cult" ... I finally agreed that what I believed should be labeled as "cult" and so should their religious (spiritual) beliefs be labeled as "cult." Fair, is fair, don’t you agree?

[@Ex_christian]

Ya, all religions are cults

[@matthewbland6246]

"God is not mocked, for whatever a man reap, also will he sew" we will all find out one day which one of us was right...

[@Xavier_Coogat_the_Mambo_King]

No we won't. We'll be dead and incapable of "finding out" anything at all

[@matthewbland6246]

@@Xavier_Coogat_the_Mambo_King says you... you are an atheist?? if so then you cant make any claims... your brain is just a random byproduct of "evolution".. just a bunch of chemical reactions and electrical impulses... how is it possible for you to know anything? or accurately perceive reality??

[@skippy675]

@@matthewbland6246 You are kind of right, god is not mocked, the belief in a personal god who created the entire universe just to have play things prostrate themselves and beg to be the good graces of their creator is mocked. Your beliefs are what is being mocked, not god. Do you see the subtle difference? Do you feel a bit better now?

[@matthewbland6246]

@@skippy675 i would mock that conception as well, that's certainly not the God i believe in, nice straw man though...

[@matthewbland6246]

@jason Edenburg you are completely missing the point... you cant use logic and reason to come to scientific conclusion because as an atheist, you dont believe in logic or reason... logic an reason pre-supposes science, science relies on the assumption that logic and reason are real things... you cannot use science to prove the existence of logic and reason... if the brain is just random synapses firing off, and nothing more, then you cant even claim that what you see and perceive is an accurate representation of reality, you cant even say for certain what reality is... atheism is nothingness...

[@analoguedragon7438]

Religion is not about ideas. Religion is about rituals - Nassim Taleb.

[@Tygorelb]

I will allow religions to hold their own beliefs but if a large percentage hold these beliefs and are allowed to vote i will not allow it

[@joshuavd5194]

hmmm