Atheist Debates - Do they really believe that?

Part of the Atheist Debates Patreon project: / atheistdebates
Recorded at CFI headquarters in Amherst, NY, this talk focuses on and argues against the frequent claim that religious folks really don't believe what they claim to believe. In some cases, they do (or might) in others they may 'believe in belief'...so do they really believe? Did I?

[@NonStampCollector]

Nobody is clearer on this stuff than you. Great to listen to.

[@Danyu91]

your channel is awesome as well haha

[@geshtu1760]

I totally agree. I find Matt to be very good at articulating arguments, and reasoning on his feet. When a person speaks with clarity and can reason well, it's a pleasure to listen to.

[@avedic]

It still amazes me that Matt once had a fear of public speaking....considering he's one of the best public speakers I've ever come across. Him and Sam Harris are both excellent at articulating the ideas related to atheism(and anything else really)...in part due to their utterly conversational style, backed up by a mind that is clearly well-informed. Matt's former fear of doing this should give us all the courage to pursue the things we're passionate about...yet afraid to fully jump in to.

[@EthanBalkfield]

I miss you NSC.

[@Pirate44444]

I think it's because he just has so much experience. Who else has spent as many hours as Matt talking to and debating religious people? Not many people, I'm sure of that.

[@LucasMidkiff]

As a former believer myself, you've helped me realize that my skepticism is ok. Thanks Matt.

[@siLence-84]

Interesting wording you've chosen there... why would applying skepticism NOT be ok? That's the real question here. What's your current position on religion?

[@alecbarone8010]

J Negatory he saying he was Christian and he believed it was wrong to question the Bible. Now he’s an atheist who embraces skepticism due to Matt’s talkings. Pretty obv

[@LucasMidkiff]

@@alecbarone8010 exactly.

[@Cowboy-uw7jz]

Matt, like you I was a fundamentalist Christian for a long time until a couple of years ago. I started to research my self to finalize my argument for Christ and I failed. I'm now an agnostic atheist and happier then I have ever been since letting go a lot of that baggage. Life is so much better looking through the lens of reality. Thank you for your lectures and videos. They really helped me question and realize the claims of Christianity are not true.

[@kenthazara5477]

4yrs later... did religion suck you back in? If not, thoughts on the state of the planet, with regards to all the same religions, still saying the same nonsense, each one know they are right...?

[@ashleyhunt8991]

its easier to be fooled than admit you have been fooled

[@sdozer1990]

Hmmm... "It's easier to form an assertion than to verify an assertion."?

[@micmacnz]

What I believe about Genesis is that they were better with Steve Hackett on guitar.

[@n1ghtmar3mach1n3]

I know I'm 6 months late, but you won the internet with that comment, sir...

[@siLence-84]

What I believe about genesis was that it revolutionized the videogame world

[@thecrumplenugget5744]

This comment made my day 2 years later

[@micmacnz]

@@thecrumplenugget5744 happy to have made you happy, sir

[@arthurmee]

This comment made my day three years later. I would add that the departure of the Angel Gabriel certainly shifted the Genesis vibe downwards too.

[@malvanlondon8683]

Hi Matt, great talk as always. I caught your discussion with Ray Comfort on The Atheist Experience and was also surprised he said the Bible wasn't perfect. Shortly after this, Ray was asked about this specific exchange while on some radio show or podcast I listened to. He denied completely that he'd told you he didn't believe in all of the Bible. He outright lied. One can only conclude that he "ducks and dives" on each occasion; according to whatever questions are put to him.

[@therugburnz]

Mal from London. I'm pretty sure you're right. I have seen Ray agree that his premise was at least partially incorrect thus making his conclusion incorrect. The next day he updated his argument, yet made the same error in his understanding. He did however make sure he could not be challenged by anyone intellectual enough to see the fallacy. I laugh uncomfortably when I hear him continually and most likely intentionally misunderstand biology and population mechanics.

[@trevorlunn8442]

Consistently great quality audio on your recent 'out of town' videos. I appreciate the work you must put into this.

[@SansDeity]

Thanks. Seth helped with some troubleshooting and I think we have 90% of the problems solved and a great backup recorder to cover the rest (of I remember to turn it on). One-man-show will always have some potential issues.

[@loriw2661]

OTG! (Oh Their God). Watching the "Atheist Experience" on U-Tube (the most recent) and the guy you're speaking of in this video called you back!!! He DID research the verses you gave him and actually dug into other verses on his own. His parents, who couldn't address his questions, sent him to their pastor. Of course, the pastor gave the typical, "Oh, that's the OLD testament" answer. Predictable. What's so cool is that your caller is now questioning the validity of the bible and has started to think about things. If you ever get frustrated that you're not able to get people to think, remember this guy! It is very likely that he is well on his way to becoming a reasoned, fact based skeptic. Keep up the great work! You help so many and were instrumental in my break from the prison that is religion! Just wanted to communicate that to you and my appreciation also. Thanks Matt!

[@duke428]

I agree that it's a good thing to get someone else to think about why they believe something. Especially something like belief in the supernatural. But keep in mind that you should also challenge your own beliefs. While I've found nothing at all too convince me that a god is real I still try to test myself. That's the most important part of being a skeptic. Glad Matt helped you and hopefully you can do the same for others.

[@Disentropic1]

+Duke 42 Seriously? What kind of god will you look for and how? Aren't there more practical questions to be asking yourself?

[@duke428]

Disentropic You misunderstand me. By saying that I've not found it I didn't mean I was actively seeking it. Maybe I worded it poorly but what I was saying is that I'll hold my own ideas under scrutiny in the presence of an argument. Not just on my opinion on the supernatural either.

[@RecordingStudio9]

I'm really enjoying these talks. Thanks Matt

[@simonhurst2398]

I suffered so badly thru OCD I was diagnosed with it a long time ago Through watching you guys for years it helped my OCD I had insane thoughts Constant ruminating !! Initially watching atheist programmes was to reassure my obsessive thoughts Now for the last few years I am so interested in listening to you speak Thanks Matt and your other presenters of the show Although not a psychologist you sure helped me lol Simon Liverpool UK

[@shawn-wr8ux]

🙏

[@geshtu1760]

Hey Matt, this talk reminded me a bit of Peter Boghossian's Street Epistemology. The approach to conversation that seeks to understand the other person's view, and is always open to belief revision if given good reasons and evidence, seems to be more effective and even mutually beneficial. I think this is a skill that we develop over time, and it's always great to hear talks like this with a positive message about changing minds and being honest (with) ourselves. I took almost 2 years to fully deconvert (and at great personal cost), and yet I sometimes find myself frustrated because someone I'm talking to won't see reason on the spot, or within a day. It's good to be reminded that I once believed in this stuff too, to rebalance my perspective on things. If I think believers are stupid for believing in the Bible, then so was I. And maybe I was, but I changed my mind, and so others might too.

[@jt659]

I feel like the dead coming back en masse would have been so significant that everyone who could write would have been jotting that down.

[@michaelgorby]

J T Yes, but most people weren't literate.

[@izicial7469]

Why is that relevant? Do you think the literate ones wouldn't record that?

[@6272355463637]

"Ugh, the dead are rising again. That new gravedigger is so incompetent."

[@kariahlukemacchan2230]

michaelgorby yes, perfect environment for those who are considered incredibly knowledgeable to take advantage and control the majority who are illiterate and gullible. Hence religion prevailing

[@mcbrida]

Thanks Matt! Your honesty and clarity here is wonderful.

[@geezzerboy]

I was saved from a life of religious faith by the writing of Isaac Asimov, and his monthly science article in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. A sane alternative to the madness in the Cult of Catholicism.

[@gdobie1west988]

I really enjoy listening to Matt, his style is very gentle yet powerful. Thanks Matt!! :)

[@VAUncleBadTouch2]

This makes me think of my older brother. We both grew up in the church, and in our teens both turned away from religion. In his 20's in the midst of a life crisis, he turned back to the church, and now he doesn't even seem like a real person. The brother I know is gone, and now he acts as a caricature of what he thinks his god wants him to be. It's like he's not even a real person anymore, this is just what he has to say.

[@GuerillaBunny]

That's the tragedy of it... When asked why God doesn't reveal Himself to us, or why didn't he make a world where everyone believes and is saved, they say "well, because that wouldn't be free will." But fear eliminates true freedom, so they assume a program and become like robots :/

[@tjrice5004]

I love watching the logic of Matt Dillahunty.

[@demianhaki7598]

Definitely my favourite speaker on atheism. Calm, collected, thorough and informed about the religious arguments as well.

[@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard]

yep as a devout catholic 15 year old kid i think hes pretty clever and calm and does well founded arguments. although still havent found an argument that actually questions my faith

[@demianhaki7598]

handsome boss all day Well, start with the "What convincing reason (that holds up to scrutiny) do you have to believe in the existence of any supernatural forces, let alone gods, let alone a specific god, let alone a specific god that issues specific dogmas to a bunch of creatures that occupy a remote rock in the vastness of space for a few thousand years?" Given how well Matt puts his thoughts, I can only imagine you haven't watched much of his talks or didn't listen closely enough,

[@siLence-84]

That doesn't make sense. Logic isn't possessed, it's applied. Yeah I'm a grammar nazi RAWWWWRRRRR.

[@siLence-84]

@@demianhaki7598 you must be new/young. Hitchens (RIP) is the GOAT.

[@loriw2661]

Well done Matt. I'm an avid viewer of the Atheist Experience and remember the caller you're talking about. I'd love to know if he ever looked up those verses and what his reaction was. I agree that the Socratic method is a good one but I also feel that we need many different methods to reach all kinds of theists. The "Hitch" approach was what did it for me. He ridiculed religion so that I could see the absurdities in it. Others shut down & go into defense mode so it won't work with them. I think you've just got to approach everyone differently. David Silverman is one of my favorites while at the same time, so are you! You both do things differently but are looking towards the same goal…to rid people of the abuse & danger of religion so they may lead a truly free life. Thanks for all you do.

[@hassanyoung560]

I've been waiting on someone to break it all down. Thanks

[@Anrif_OnlyHueman]

So God forced his own will onto a "free" man, and when said man refused to become a religious preacher for his overlord, God went on to taking everything he had to force his decision? And this is the guy who gives free will to everyone??

[@mitesh8utube]

You're just 1 miracle or misunderstanding away from making him Jesus. Take the leap of faith, I say.

[@Anrif_OnlyHueman]

@@mitesh8utube Have you ever tried psychedelics? That may very well be the true "gods".

[@FerrariKing]

As a former Independent Fundamentalist Baptist I remember hearing how Southern Baptist were not true Baptist or not fundamentalist enough.

[@TheRazz1717]

I was an independent fundamentalist baptist too. I remember our preacher calling Jerry Farwell a liberal because he was Southern baptist. Like Matt I almost went to seminary after college to become a preacher. So glad I got out if that cult and learned to embrace reason.

[@SomeOtherGryph]

Good lecture, sir! One thing I've found is that people want hope. Hope that their lives aren't purposeless or worthless, hope that they can see those that they've lost. And they tend to see an atheist viewpoint as the destruction of that hope. I don't think it's right for a religious belief to capitalize on someone's hope. I personally give some scientific possibilities that equate to an afterlife and a purpose, but I rarely hear you talk about those aspects of atheism, and would love it if you would!

[@glennjoselane1690]

Absolutely brilliant, Matt! It astounds me how people who say they live their lives logically and rationally can chuck it all away the second religion enters the picture (like the moment they enter a church) allowing for talking snakes and immoral behaviors in ancient texts to suddenly become justified and possible. It just shows how dangerous is this indoctrination. You and The Atheist Experience are a profound gift to those who seek clarity and understanding. You are the BEST!!!

[@ChristyAbbey]

I wrote this talk on my calendar wrong, and wound up showing up for it a week late. I'm glad I get to see this, though a bit ticked at myself that I missed the party after. I'd love for him (and Beth) to come back around here. We've got Niagara Falls, so it can't be all bad.

[@kayongofwoloshi693]

I was called stupid for choosing science over religious explanations of things by my friends and it got to me

[@InYourFaceNewYorker]

My brother was practically an atheist from the cradle. He often says, "There's no limit to what people are capable of believing." And like Richard Dawkins says, it probably benefited our ancestors.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

We're all atheists from the cradle. It's indoctrination that makes them theists.

[@ibn_klingschor]

When I was younger I spontaneously came up with something similar, "Is there anything people can not have faith in?"

[@tdsdave]

I think it is just as dishonest for a Muslim or Christian to claim their child as a theist from the cradles as it is for Atheists to make that claim that children are instead atheists. A child in a cradle has no comprehension of god ,it can't even form the concept I believe X or not X.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

tdsdave - A young child has no god concept. One who does not have a god concept does not believe in a god. One who does not believe in a god is called AN ATHEIST. So, you're just plain wrong. Atheism is the default position. We are ALL atheists from birth.

[@tdsdave]

Wood 'n' Stuff w/ Steve French Don't move the goal posts. We are talking of children only old enough to be cradles not "young child". Atheist: Someone who does not *believe* in god(s). A belief requires that you have the comprehension to hold it, a child in a cradle cannot. have this. You are insisting a this puking shitting thing is lying there thinking "I don't believe in god", if this were the case then it could easily be thinking "I do believe in god". Or you just trying to play a semantic game that is just dishonest. Your caps , insistence and goal post shifting, and terrible semantic argument fall flat. Its a kind of rabid Atheism , "all the babies are ours", really smacks of the same crap the religious come out with. .

[@peyton7683]

You're the best Matt!

[@TommyPKFire]

You're the man Matt. I've been bindging your content for days lolol

[@alli5848]

I love these videos. My journey to atheism started with trying to critically examine the Bible to become better at apologetics/ philosophy etc. I started reading C.S. Lewis, Kierkegaard, Timothy Keller, etc... and then I realized I was really only focused on one side of the isle. That if I really wanted to win arguments I needed to know the arguments in favor of atheism. Knowing that if I understood opposing arguments better I could more clearly see discrepancies/inaccuracies in the positions. So I started reading Nietzsche and watching your talks and the atheist show you do. As well as looking into the cosmological arguments, etc. And now I’m an atheist 😂😂 I don’t agree with everything in Nietzsche’s beyond good and evil but he has some good arguments. And I definitely don’t agree with a lot of atheistic positions. For example, I believe our morality as a species is nihilistic or that you’re only as good as your circumstances allow, but also that a society to work needs to have a set of absolute morals in order for that individual society to work. Where as most atheists believe in one or the other. Anyway that’s my little rant.

[@mightymoose1158]

I almost didn’t get confirmed as a catholic because I told the Mrs. in charge of the preparation to calm down. - she was rushing me and making it seem important and getting on my last nerve. I essentially told her to relax, this wasn’t that important, and “we all know it’s not really true, it’s just ideas in our heads”. She turned on her heel and left, never saw her again.

[@combatives]

What a fantastic speech. I definitely will share this video. Matt Dillahunty knocks it out of the park!

[@swiitchy511]

This should be extra-credit watching in high school.

[@kelli217]

“Four billion people say they believe in God, but few genuinely believe. If people believed in God, they would live every minute of their lives in support of that belief. Rich people would give their wealth to the needy. Everyone would be frantic to determine which religion was the true one. No one could be comfortable in the thought that they might have picked the wrong religion and blundered into eternal damnation, or bad reincarnation, or some other unthinkable consequence. People would dedicate their lives to converting others to their religions. “A belief in God would demand one hundred percent obsessive devotion, influencing every waking moment of this brief life on earth. But your four billion so-called believers do not live their lives in that fashion, except for a few. The majority believe in the usefulness of their beliefs-an earthly and practical utility-but they do not believe in the underlying reality.” Like Dawkins, Scott Adams says a lot of stupid things, especially when talking about subjects outside of his expertise, but from time to time he produces a tiny bit of insight.

[@wmpratt2010]

I am of the belief that at best 10-15% on any given Sunday are actual true Christians. The rest are like Matt was. Not really there.

[@sophonax661]

Most Christians are definitely no true scotsmen, and the funny thing is: most Christians agree with you on that! 😂

[@kariahlukemacchan2230]

Matt, I promise to take notes ready to take on deluded. You are super knowledgeable and logical. You are BIG supplier of my ammo. ie knowledge!

[@repeterz]

That was a wonderful presentation. Great perspectives. Thanks for sharing.

[@mmoreira2000]

It's is possible to add english subtitles (or transcript) to the videos? My primary language is not english, so it's difficult to me to understand the audio, but I can read pretty well in english. I also think that a english transcript can be useful for deaf people as well. I love to watch Matt videos, but most times I'm stuck on subtitled videos I find on other channels. I still watch all videos from this channel too, but I can't understand many of what is said. Well, I'ts just a suggestion to add a transcript or subtitles, but it will be very helpful for non fluent english speakers. Best regards. PS: The automatic subtitle generated by the youtube is horrible, it just makes everything more confuse.

[@combatives]

Maybe one day the videos might be captioned...but I am not sure it will be in anything but English.

[@mmoreira2000]

JONATHAN KISER english subtitles will be excellent. I hope they find time to add the captions when possible.

[@philipinchina]

A pleasure to listen to you.

[@Piddeaux]

For me, it became more and more difficult to "claim" belief even when everyone else around me [family, friends, co-workers] still claimed to BELIEVE.

[@Andrewbreeze316]

This video helped so much with talking with my parents who are fundamentalist Christians (luckily Methodist from this)

[@JosephCable-c7d]

It’s like TAKING an exam based on FAITH. Some had patience and WAITED for evidence, and some CHOSE NOT to wait and RECEIVED none.

[@KarlJohanson42]

Nice one Matt.

[@kurtcostigan6625]

It's been my experience that many people, particularly religious ones, really don't want to think and that's generally the why.

[@dontbeculty2117]

"What difference does it make if it was a whale?" This so reminds me of the Jehovah's Witnesses nitpicking over whether Jesus was crucified on a cross or a stake. I used to think when I was growing up "What difference does this make??!" In their minds because they thought it was a torture stake, that made them more correct than all of the other 'wordly' religions.

[@imperiumoccidentis7351]

The most ironic thing is that it probably isn't even true since we have graffiti of crucifixions from roman times which portray the structure as a cross.

[@Jm4steam]

Thanks Matt!!! another good, informative video.

[@sebastiansimon7557]

Fortunately, the audio quality is really good!

[@Questron71]

I can't talk about everybody but I've suffered through almost two decades of disbelief while seemingly everybody around me was a very astout and proud believer. I liked to be part of the community, I liked being part of the services and all, but I just could not take anything of the creeds "on faith". I had none. Then the congregation making a poll and deciding to discriminate against homosexuals despite the church at large being generally accepting of the idea of priests blessing same sex marriage without making it mandatory for congregations to follow that with actual services containing the blessing, our church elders and the priest decided to not do these blessings / marriages, and i was like "that's it, I'm out of here". IIRC I was 21 at that time. Two and a half years later i had admitted to myself that i was no believer and i would never become a believer as I had already tried hard and could no longer be bothered to try anymore. So I started seeing and declaring myself an atheist. But it is for that cause i have a hard time to believe that all the silent people sitting in on sundays really DO believe everything they are assumed to believe and nobody in the congregations has any doubts whatsoever, regardless if they find reasons to silence these doubts or not. And it's the opposite of believing myself special, i have a hard time to think I could do things, could think or in this case disbelief things that basically everybody else in my village never has questioned? Seems a bit far fetched to be so different in thought and mind that you'd have this unique position amongst thousands... Sure, most of them won't be quite as fish out of the water as I was in my youth. But no doubts at all? Never? You can tell me, but i'll have some trouble believing it. At least for ALL people still claiming to be "in the church".

[@sgrassy]

Great, as always.

[@ImGoingSupersonic]

Nice video Matt!

[@williambarnes5023]

The way to determine if someone believes something or not is by their actions. The snake handling preachers really do believe that verse of the Bible. The guy staring at a glass of draino he's holding at arm's length while sweating and swallowing nervously, does not really believe. I can tell you with my mouth the glass has water in it all day. But you won't see me lift it to my lips and drink. And if I'm actively trying to believe it, trying to deceive myself, you might be able to see me struggle as I bring it closer. But I won't be able to make myself drink, unless I really do believe it. Harold Camping really believed. David Koresh really believed. The 9/11 hijackers really believed. Mother Theresa did not.

[@vinhqngouoc]

great video. subscribed

[@kingsleyzissou1120]

Wallace's notion that we get to pick which belief system we is not practically true for most. Most people who are religious are brought up since early childhood with a belief system crammed down their throat. A vast majority of people do not have much choice in the matter until later in life, and then are able to "go shopping" only if they are willful and intelligent enough to cast aside whatever system with which they were programmed.

[@willshoot7631]

you have the most clear concise breakdown on subject matter I have ever seen in my life. you single handedly brought me out of believing. I fell that you are whatever the secular version of a modern day prophet is!

[@mbnall]

Have you considered creating a podcast using the audio portions of The Atheist Debates?

[@mbnall]

Yes, and the Atheist Experience. I am talking about turning the Atheist Debates series into a podcast.

[@avi8r66]

Had one the other day tell me that people being sent to hell to suffer for eternity wasn't biblical.... Had to introduce him to Matthew 25:31-41.

[@altosack]

I was ready to tell you the hell you were speaking of was a separation from God… But then I read the passage… Wow, the Bible _is_ as bad as they say it is! (While I’ve read it in its entirety, it’s been a while, and is extremely unlikely to be repeated.)

[@avi8r66]

@@altosack Not all audiences responded well to the threat of hell, so it was softened to 'god would never force someone into his presence that didn't want to be there'. It's just marketing games these days to retain the flock.

[@loriw2661]

One more quick thing…actually, a question. Will you be at the Reason Rally next weekend? If so, I'd love to meet you & your wife. My 17 year old daughter and I will be there. She's an outspoken atheist who started an SSA club in her High School. Thanks again.

[@noquarteratall780]

I think you underestimate the value shaming has, even on those which require a softer approach when relieving them of their ignorance. I'm not advocating relentless harassment, just a healthy semi-regular reminder.

[@orionred2489]

It's kind of like "You can't say those things and be unchallenged any more." That makes them think twice before bringing it up.

[@loganoates6683]

Noquarter Atall This is something I think about a lot! You can have the most logical argument, but some people will walk away, simply because of your delivery of your message!

[@bookwermofthefandoms]

If you don't use a calm, professional approach you might put people off with your attitude and way of looking at it, so that they become even more biased against your argument from the start, whether or not you use logic or facts. You are more likely to get patient, more open-minded attitudes in the people listening to you if you behave politely and professionally. If you get close to seeming to be attacking their beliefs, they will automatically defend them, whether or not what you said made sense.

[@spaceghoti]

Matt, Regarding the number of Christian denominations you cited shortly after the 22 minute mark: www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/StatusOfGlobalMission.pdf From a Christian source, there are currently over 45,000 Christian denominations currently active.

[@bradbenjamin8551]

I agree with Matt on a lot of points and am very grateful for the work he has done. I can really appreciate his integrity. This is why I was put off when he said at 21:12 that Ray Comfort said that he doesn't believe everything in the Bible. I'm pretty sure the episode he was referring to was TAE #702. At 42:42 of that episode Ray Comfort said "I don't agree with everything in the Bible." Agreeing with the Bible and believing the Bible are clearly not the same thing. He can disagree with slavery while still believing the Bible is completely true. I'm just pointing this out to be fair, even though I don't agree with Ray Comfort. I hope you fix this mistake Matt and if it turns out you're referring to an different conversation with Ray in which he did say he doesn't believe everything in the Bible, I will stand corrected Keep up the good work!

[@TheZooCrew]

Matt's spoken with Ray Comfort on a vast number of occasions. Please don't jump to conclusions.

[@bradbenjamin8551]

I don't think I am jumping to conclusions. Matt mentioned Ray Comfort called into the show, and I think that episode was the only time that happened. They were also talking about the same topic. I could still be wrong, but again, I don't think I jumped to conclusions

[@bradbenjamin8551]

+he11b1ade I'm not sure why we are talking about how deceitful Ray Comfort is, or what kind of Christian he is. Again, I don't agree with Ray Comfort and I'm not defending his tactics or conclusions. My point is that I believe he is being misrepresented. Not intentionally, which is why I wanted to raise awareness. I'll stress: I don't think Matt is doing this as a cheap trick, I just think he misremembered the conversation. Why is it ok for us to cry indignant when someone misrepresents the atheist position but when the theist position is misrepresented we get asked "why even bother with him"? Because we would want to be treated the same. Because we have more integrity then they do. Because we don't need to strawman to make our point. Because it's the right thing to do.

[@bookwermofthefandoms]

Does anyone know what passage talks about changing the genetics of a sheep by brushing it or showing it sticks while it's mating?

[@ibralj1760]

I am an ex muslim and trust me I believed almost everything that was in the quran I believed i noah and his ship I believed that Mohammed split the moon I believed he also brought water from his hand somehow I remember when ever i had any question about religion i would just say that Satan is trying to fool me but it turned out that my brain just couldn’t lie to himself that bad (am sorry for my poor English)

[@kenthazara5477]

I’m 40, Dyslexic, Autistic; I remember Sunday School Class, when the teacher read aloud to the class “the snake spoke to the man” , I raised my 🤚 and said WHAAATT? The teacher reiterated: “the snake spoke to the man”; (it’s in my nature to be extremely honest) “That’s not possible!” I think I was re-informed then about faith, and the necessity of accepting some of the more supernatural claims in the same regard as the 10 Commandments, ultimately because “everything in the Bible is Real, True, it happened “ was told to me; and basically Sunday school was a nightmare for me. (I had several other WTF? Moments) Noah and The Ark, I raised my voice at multiple Church-school-teachers/Nuns/pastor “You don’t really believe this do you?” “Sooo you’re saying god, helped/made it possible for Noah to get 2 of every animal on earth into (1) boat?” Yes, god made the impossible, possible. To which I remember saying “if god is manipulating EVERYTHING enough to make the impossible, become possible; why didn’t god just Not flood the world? I think this was a real crux of my argument: okay fine it’s true, everything is real, it happened: Why would you/me/anybody praise a supernatural being capable of creating life + everything, that allows/chooses that many creatures suffer? If god is real, and praying works, wouldn’t it stand to reason, one of these issues we pray/ask of god to help heal, would just instantly be improved? ? ? Mysterious ways... Faith.... God’s Plan..... I think christianity lost me at the talking snake; some of the other supernatural events I tried to accept and rationalize with my adolescent mind, the ark- well, I knew I was young, with much to learn, but I had seen massive oil tankers, sooo maybe it could have happened... The virgin birth - was described as a miracle And I guess, I started to compartmentalize the miracles as these extraordinary events, that happened, but haven’t happened again since I never found any comfort in the church/religion. The building was old, and smelled like mold. I learned very early, honest god-fearing people, could be inexplicably cruel individuals. Moved into the college dorms, basically stopped attending other than Christmas services (the x-mas sermon’s are typically more cheerful in nature, kindness to fellow man rather than We are Sinners) Now, 25yrs later. The Sunni and Shia have been locked in a holy war for 1,389 years, both sides certain they’re god is the one true God. Here in America, the president takes photo ops with the good book, but never opens it. Religion has infested every layer of society, But people of faith, lobby to restrict humans access to medical procedures, because it goes against their beliefs... It’s horrifying!! The countless thousands of hours of time/money/energy/effort WASTED arguing over man-made stories. The Vatican, collecting tithes and accepting donations for the last 2,000 years, hoards wealth; while humans are homeless, or starve to death, and children are molested by Clergy I’m not making anything up, it’s in the news, it’s on your phone,

[@camwyn256]

It took Noah 125 years to build the Ark. And afterwards God admits it didn’t work. And God is all knowing so He knew it wouldn’t work, but killed everything everywhere anyways

[@216trixie]

Neocortical temporal lobe epilepsy. Me, likely Mohammed, maybe Paul, others. I don't have physical seizures, mine take the form of a bright light or enveloping love of god. This condition diverted me, at 17, as a lifelong atheist, into a born again believer for about a dozen years........Back to atheism for 25 years now. still have occasional episodes of the "god -visitation", but I know what it is, so it doesn't really affect me anymore. I was just one kind of otherwise very intelligent person who went to complete belief. I was sure "god" was talking with and dealing with me.

[@combatives]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@ozdorothyfan]

Good question. I have never been religious and from that point of view it's baffling to think that any rational adult really does believe in an invisible magic universe creating sky fairy.

[@acshwx5188]

Great video! Did you used to live in Arkansas?

[@SansDeity]

No, but I have relatives in the area.

[@themanbrodude]

27:00 “They just assumed that so many people couldn’t have possibly been so wrong for so long” actually, historically, many people who didn’t believe what the Bible said, were killed. They simply got rid of the people who were right.

[@bryanallee6]

OMG! Camp Windermere! Those were the days....

[@louisunger4505]

As one who believes the Bible is "literal", or rather, that the Bible should be understood "literally", I must say, Matt is a good public speaker; and though his talk contained over-simplifications, historical inaccuracies, generalizations, misconceptions and the like, I appreciate his point of challenging professing Christians to contemplate and articulate the reason for their professed belief.

[@BombalurinaAI]

Want to be specific on that counter claim? What was in error and you may convince some people here because that was a very general "You're wrong." response.

[@louisunger4505]

At the 1:30 mark, Matt describes the requirements for becoming a "Baptist Preacher" (or at least his understanding of requirements). However, the Bible and the Baptist denomination have specific qualifications and guidelines beyond a Christian simple saying "God wants me to be a preacher". This assertion by Matt is extremely shallow, myopic, over-simplified and just plain inaccurate and unbiblical. Now, it may be that his former church and the affiliation his church is connected to have little-to-no qualifications, but that is antithetical to the Bible and the Baptist denomination as a whole.

[@BombalurinaAI]

Louis Unger Do you doubt that other denominations have requirements like he stated? There are hundreds of Baptists denominations within itself, so it seems hard to make his statement unfactual.

[@louisunger4505]

Bombalurina05 There may be all types of denominations under the broad umbrella of Christianity that fail to follow the biblical mandate for those who wish to pastor or teach, but that has no bearing on the Bible itself or the doctrine of historic Christianity.

[@BombalurinaAI]

Louis Unger I guess you missed the reason and his explanation for why that is the case. The bible is ambiguous and open enough for these conflicts to arise and there is no "One true way to follow" If you've ever listen to a Christian vs Christian debate, you realize that they both are right 99% of the time but never realize that the bible is a choose your own adventure book that can justify any action if you dig hard enough. Not a single action from murder, rape, abortion, homosexuality, taxes, drinking, etc... can't be justified *either way* using the bible.

[@toddsaskatchewan]

I'd love an expansion on the Paul vs. Jesus/Bible topic.

[@kennkong61]

Well, I'm sure you would rather hear it from Matt (as would I) but I'll give you the Cliff Notes version. Some of the writings of Paul are the only parts of the New Testament that scholars are almost certain of who wrote them, and when, and somewhat less certain which parts are later interpolations. What is known is that Paul wrote his letters decades before the Gospels were written, and it is clear from his writings that he had never heard those stories. To Paul, Jesus was a purely spiritual being, whose existence was revealed by personal visions, and by reading scripture. It is almost certain that Paul did not think that Jesus was an actual human being, who was born on earth, had a ministry in Judea, was crucified by the Romans, and was resurrected in the flesh. Paul ministry was focused on the Greek followers, and on the salvation of Gentiles. He was directly opposed by the apostle Peter, who was focused on the Jews and the coming of the Messiah. Their arguments support the idea that Paul didn't know of an actual man Jesus, because if there had been one, Peter would have settled their arguments quickly with "I knew him, I heard what he said, so sit down and shut up". The Gospels (and Acts) were written later, after Peter and his followers in Judea had been wiped out by the Romans (or just by time). There was no one there to contradict what they wrote. Some scholars believe that the human Jesus of the gospels was made up to convince those people that wouldn't believe the spiritual Jesus of Paul. In any case, Paul's writings are almost entirely about the church and how his followers were supposed to behave, not about the ministry of Jesus. So many churches today find the epistles more relevant to their modern ministries than the Gospels.

[@themanbrodude]

Many of the people who questioned the Bible were gotten rid of. It’s not that so many people were wrong, it’s that humanity only bred people that were wrong.

[@deeman524]

One thing that evolution and miracles have in common is that both Atheists and Christians know that everything was different in the beginning of all this, and had to be in order for today to happen. But The Non-Believers are picky.

[@Ufolh1]

Mr. Dillahunty, have you read Answer to Job by C.G. Jung? This is an incredible eye opener. I'm not trying to offend but you do ask a lot of questions about what does all of the Bible stuff means. Well, there it is: Jung's Answer to Job.

[@SuperNemx]

Matt, how many times have you read the bible now? Last time I heard it was 9.

[@dogless10]

Ugh, 9x torture...

[@SuperNemx]

Just wondering if he's read it again since he said 9 times cause i think that was like 5 years ago

[@SuperNemx]

Yes... I know that... That's not in dispute here.

[@SuperNemx]

Did he say that right after he said he read it 9 times? maybe he read it a couple more times before saying that.

[@wmpratt2010]

Reading doesn't equal understanding. But I do find it strange anyone would read something they don't think is true.

[@dediosp16]

excellent talk..thank you

[@Raz.C]

I developed a mind-reading device when I was younger. It helped me pick up chicks like you wouldn't believe. Anyway, it worked remarkably well, with only a 0.05% degree of inaccuracy. The funny thing is that every time I used it on a religious person (and I used it on 15 religious people) their thoughts were always the same and always loud and clear: "Duuuh, duuuh, Gnaph, blork DUUuuuuhhhh!!!" What's really strange is that even the religious ones who spoke no English at all had the self-same thoughts as the English speaking ones: "Duuuh, duuuh, Gnaph, blork DUUuuuuuhhhh!!!" Unfortunately, parts wore down irreparably about 5 years ago and I can't get replacement parts in this post 9-11 world (originally built in 1996). But anyway, if you want an insight into the minds of religious persons, there you have it!

[@KEvronista]

2:22 - 2:50 damn. my story, word for word. KEvron

[@KristerAndersson-nc8zo]

I first Heard about religions and christianity when I was 8 years old. That was in school and it sounded ´ridicoulus to me so I started to ask questions, believers does not like questions.

[@hassanyoung560]

This was real keep making vids

[@magicmaker211]

I love how religion can be completely wrong in how they determine whats true or false, yet they come to the correct conclusion that all the other religions are wrong. Their is a little issue about them thinking that theirs is right, but other than that they've got the right idea.

Yes. Nice talk. Basically what's been said in this lecture is what A. Magnabosco is doing out in the streets. There are many ways to pierce the veil of ignorance, but there is one constant: always ask the magic question: why is it the way it is?

[@simonhurst2398]

Although I'm not from a religious background I feel set free in a different way If that makes any sense ?

[@Silkroads733]

Fantastic study from mr dillahunty.

[@kukakbear5618]

how does one know they got saved....if saving has NOTHING to do with their choice?

[@MrJonniman007]

15:08 wow god must really hate the internet then...

[@WiseLyonsPowerfulLyo]

Hello Matt. I have a few questions at the bottom if you should read this. One of the things that I have come to understand about the bible and that I also assume is rather profound for a Bronze Age holy book - is that it actually makes a big issue about it's own inadequacies. The two inadequacies that it seems to focus on are : *1)* the inability to make those who practice the law(which IS part of the bible) perfect *2)* the inability of the reader to perfectly interpret the bible (or anything for that matter) using their own resources as opposed to a miraculous revelation from God. The second thing that I have come to understand about the bible and that I also assume is rather profound for a Bronze Age holy book - is that it actually points out, VERY exhaustively, the means by which to resolve the two inadequacies mentioned above. About 20% of the New Testament (as far as I can tell) explains how, not just knowledge, but PERFECT knowledge is fundamental to the true faith, and that miraculous revelation from God is one way to get this perfect knowledge. Much of this 20% seems VERY vividly written as well as VERY repetitive. It actually seems to outright compare natural interpretation to perfect miraculous interpretation, and the natural interpretation is considered garbage when compared to the perfect miraculous interpretation(Yes, this, VERY MUCH, even includes those in authority, such as the Pharisees interpretations). I would like to note that I am not aware of any denomination that is even remotely adequately teaching the scripture that pertains to the imperative nature -- of God PERFECTLY revealing scripture( and everything for that matter) to it's readers. *QUESTIONS:* *1)* Were you aware that the bible explained so much about the need for absolute certainty as well as it's imperative and fundamental relationship to the faith described in the bible? *2)* Were you aware that the ways to get absolute certainty is to either be born with it or to be given it through God's intervention? *3)* Don't you think that it would be reasonable that if you were given an absolute understanding of the things that you mentioned from the bible in this video (talking snakes, etc) were true -- that you should then wholly believe them to be true?

[@TheZooCrew]

This is how con artists operate. 1) Throw down a bunch of bullshit 2) When people call them on said bullshit, claim they don't understand, but if they want to understand, they need something else from the con artist. In other words, invent a problem that only they can solve. People lose fortunes this way.

[@WiseLyonsPowerfulLyo]

Yes, I agree, but people in general operate in much (but not exactly) the same way as you've stated. I am, of course, only taking into consideration what you have actually seem to have written and not what you may have implied, sorry. *1)* An instructor/speaker will present a certain amount of information. *2)* When the student/listener takes issue with what is stated the instructor/speaker posits the possibility that the student doesn't understand and if the student/listener wants to understand they need to seek more. ------------------------------- What I was trying to point out in my original comment is that the Christian bible points out it's own weaknesses (btw these weaknesses mentioned in scripture are NOT talked about in the Christian church). In fact, it makes a MASSIVE issue about it's weaknesses. The resolution, apparently, presented in the Christian bible is that we do not need to read the bible or hear from a pastor or priest or prophet to know for certain that God exists, and also that God is a PERFECT provider to those who will try to think in a perfect way *(* which is also his will *)* but rather, we are born with an absolute certainty of both God and his willingness to provide to those who trust in God and have no doubt. I have come to understand that absolute certainty is our immediate experience/self (e.g. the sensations of our senses, or own consciousness and our fundamental identity) Uncertainty comes into play when we begin to willfully reason and talk. There are at least two ways to acquire absolute certainty: We are born with it or it is given to us miraculously by God. My point is that the Christian bible teaches these very things ALOT!!! What kind of Bronze age holy book teaches to go to God directly as opposed to just trusting in one's personal interpretation or a prophet or pastor or priest? Also, if the alleged con artist claims that that their listeners have been born with an absolute certainty that he is telling the truth - then why argue. Seek for this certainty within one's own self -- and if you never find it then simply do not wholly trust the alleged con artist, but if the issue is VERY important then be VERY sure that one is not deluding themselves!!!

[@sagittarius_a_starr]

Anyone else go to Camp Berea Bible camp, in Hebron, New Hampshire?

[@Berbs73]

What can you get "saved" from at the age of five? Jerrod from Subway?

[@wmpratt2010]

1:40 The Parable of the Sower

[@TheAndrebonner]

I used to believe Jesus was some kind of a Doctor with skills that would be too advanced to explain.

[@karenabrams8986]

I love this guy! Of all the things I stress about or fear, I’m glad the make believe 💩 I was indoctrinated with as a child is not one of them anymore. I highly recommend not playing pretend anymore. Research all the abrahamic mythology, learn everything you can find about it until every shred of belief in it is obliterated. Then feel the freedom. Freedom to just be human, freedom to be authentic without guilt or fear of rejection from other brainwashed cult members, freedom from pointless fear. Accept and forgive yourself. 🥰

[@xieulong]

Hmm... A friend of mine's starting to ask questions; she cannot answer this question. She's starting to question why she should believe in some parts of the bible and not others. I wonder if it'd be better to leave her alone, while she's doing her own research, or nudge her along?

[@Hjominbonrun]

Am I the only one that thinks you are far more effective than Hitchen? I say this as a Hitchens uber fan.

[@dannysnee4945]

I don't find any of the four horseman satisfactory. Not because they're wrong, they're just not as good at connecting with the audience as Matt

[@marisedekock2543]

Make no mistake, there was only one Hitchens, but he took a no-nonsense approach to debates and didn't suffer fools. I would compare Christopher to a machine gun that decimates pretty much everything but sometimes misses a few things (he should have "taken out" William Lane Craig but did not), but Matt is a sniper. He is patient and will take out each and every argument any theist throws at him. Which is why William Lane Craig will not debate Matt. Some people appreciate Matt's approach more.

[@MegaSage007]

''And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient.'' (Romans 1:28) Atheism is the degenerate path to a reprivate mind.

[@MrWogle1]

Creationist quote mine: Matt Dillahunty says "There are [..] things I agree with in Mein Kampf" 24:08

[@izicial7469]

lol

[@TheBloodychucky]

May Allah bless you , oh wait ... I'm not a believer anymore . I'm even stuck with this silly name for the rest of my life ...

[@JAntonSaad]

You know you can change your name, don't you?

[@TheBloodychucky]

Not in my country

[@JAntonSaad]

+Mohamed El oh that sucks :(

[@CelestialWoodway]

Move.

[@leojboby]

There is no difference between ridiculing ideas and ridiculing people. Because in identity politics, ideas and people are indistinguishable since people can BE whatever that idea is. 'Christian identity and the muslim identity' come to mind.

[@guest578]

At 14:30 in video - I am amazed you're ignorant of the information stored in genes. The whole spectrum is there from short wool to curled and long and billions of other variations. Every human has the same genotype, the individual genes are switched off or on, producing phenotype.

[@ryanspangler4569]

The more I listen to Matt, the less I’m impressed by him. Btw, I’ve been listening to him for about 15 yrs. in my opinion, he’s regressing

[@KonradZielinski]

Are you factoring in that KZbin does not really record when various videos where recorded only when they where uploaded.

[@majmage]

_Ryan,_ what specifically is he wrong about? To me we shouldn't hold up any given person as faultless, but when people are unusually accurate (and Dillahunty sure seems to be) we should give them credit for doing that. While it shouldn't be unusual for people to avoid wrong beliefs and only believe things that we can reliably know to be true, it sadly _is_ unusual. So then that's why speakers like Dillahunty (who champion that mindset) are worth promoting. If we can form our beliefs in an _even more reliably true way_ than what Dillahunty does, I'm all for it, but to do that requires that we know some specific way(s) he's wrong. Do you have any?

[@harveywabbit9541]

The Exodus out of Egypt and Babylon (winter symbols) just took place this morning, 20 March, as the sun passed over the Vernal equinox into spring. Noah is the planet Saturn and his wife is Mrs Saturn. Saturn was Ouranos (Heaven) before he changed his name. His wife is also called Terra (Earth). Noah/Saturn was overthrown by his son Ham/Jupiter. Shem/Pluto took over as Saturn, and Japheth/Neptune (Mercury) became the spring season. The three sons divide the year into three seasons of Ham/Jupiter (summer), Shem/Saturn (winter) and Japheth/Neptune/Mercury (spring). Another division of the year is 7 months/constellations (begin at spring equinox) and is called "summer" THE CLEAN ONES. The following 5 constellations/months (winter) are the UNCLEAN ONES. Noah took trillions of stars and the planets aboard his ship.

[@oldtimeycabins]

You make me want to move to Austin

[@joshuaarmstrong2445]

There should be a Noah Simulator game.

[@KonradZielinski]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_3D_Noah%27s_Ark