The Problem With Religion Online

[@LaurenSouthernOfficial]

Enjoying reading all the wonderful comments and thoughts here! Be sure to check out today's sponsor that make these rants and raves possible: MyHeritage! bit.ly/LaurenSouthern_mh

[@mikhailthetenor3387]

Deep, real deep.

[@mikhailthetenor3387]

I agree with most and do understand what you say, although people in Brooklyn, New York City would be too simple and ignorant to understand you, it would completely go over their heads, well mostly because English is the least spoken language here.

[@BayaRae]

"We need nuance!" -Southern, "Christian" [Matthew 5:27-30] [Matthew 6:31-34] [Matthew 10:34-39] [Luke 12:49-53] [Luke 22:36] [John 15:19] [1 John 2:15-17] [Revelation 3:15-16] Perhaps you ought to read the Bible instead of Chesterton? If you're wondering why the world is such a mess, it's because everybody embraced nuance and called it wisdom. Yet there's no nuance to be had between good and evil. There never was and never will be. Moreover, doing more of what brought us to this point is self-evidently counter-productive.

[@inthesprawl]

@@BayaRae Perhaps you ought to actually study Scripture before scraping the surface of your favorite translation and throwing random verses at people

[@BayaRae]

@@inthesprawlI'm sure that sounded clever in your head.

[@bakednotfried1184]

Being online is the problem

[@LaurenSouthernOfficial]

TRUE

[@xerox2610]

👍👌

[@rahn45]

There's nothing inherently wrong with being online. I feel the trick to it all is to remember to be a human being and an individual, and not to be consumed by group / mob mentality. For me the Internet becomes a far more interesting place when the goal isn't to be 'right' but to see if you can get another person to think and reflect.

[@AB0BA_69]

The cure to being online is simple: "touch grass" 😂

[@AB0BA_69]

@@LaurenSouthernOfficial You have to admit though: "Islam is right about women". 😅

[@Dailyfreedomfighter7788]

The e-protestant vs e-catholic debates are truly timeless

[@voyello]

I do enjoy it :)

[@DDCrp]

Takes me back allllll the way to the ol Ankerberg debate- I swear the bitterness started with them, and James White v. sungeis back in the ancient days lmao.. but yeah, people are larping their identities and that includes Christianity

[@eudaimoniaesq]

Fantastic message here. Online religious discourse is toxic, and full of people who just convert to a new faith to confirm their priors. It’s not about theological truths-it’s about being “based.” Bravo.

[@Failed_Tenor]

I’ve been part of a Christian Discord server and the amount of times people have told me that I’m going to hell is ridiculous. All because I had a very novice understanding of scripture and theology.

[@kevinh2345]

Are you talking about the real online religious discourse, or the culture war trash fire?

[@rahn45]

I only learned two things from online religious 'discourse': 1) How cruel, mean, spiteful, and SMUG people are; not a hint of humanity anywhere. 2) How manipulative, clever, and expertly crafted narrative pieces can be. Zero spiritual enlightenment to be found, but as an intellectual puzzle I found my time in it to be fascinating: I saw how "truth" and "facts" can reinforce each other into a nigh impregnable fortress, even when nuance and context should unravel the whole thing the fortress would stand in the minds of others. I learned how a lie could be constructed out of 100% facts and a single omission of a fact, and then I started to see that tactic being used EVERYWHERE in the world.

[@DaLordIsBack1]

Pretty sure most non-anglo christians around the globe are identitarian man

[@AhsetofAtum]

I'd argue it's not about a relationship with God but rather about self-righteous superiority for most people.

[@chloe7288]

I'm slightly younger than you and have been following you since about 2016 or 2017. In that time, I've also evolved a lot in terms of how I think of politics and religion. I just appreciate how open and honest your are in all of your endeavors. I feel like you're genuinely trying to make an impact as opposed to all of the divisive political content and manufactured outrage we see online everyday. Thanks.

[@041_mirqazim3]

And after this drama it came to light that she keeps fucks around guys who are already married

[@rx88088]

Lauren, I super appreciate your newer outlook. You have matured a lot in the last number of years, and your newfound nuance based approach to everything you discuss is so refreshing. Keep up the good work my friend!

[@DiggitySlice]

We should be careful about throwing the baby out with the bathwater though. We don't need to give up _all_ online religious discourse just because it's misused so often.

[@rx88088]

@@DiggitySlice Agreed. I meant a good middle ground. Swinging from one extreme to the other is never helpful either.

[@robertriley4759]

To my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I dont imagine many of us were berated and mocked as the primary means of finding/accepting the Love of God. Love your neighbor, and love/pray for your "enemies". They are just as much in need of saving Grace as you.

[@sigmacademy]

What about the Lion that devours you and your family while the "non-believers" cheer at the spectacle? :/

[@robertriley4759]

@Marinus van Zyl "There will be trials and tribulations in this life, but take heart for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33) "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

[@volusian95]

Unless you're very knowledgeable and gifted with apologetics etc., religious conversion really ought to be accompanied by being less online, not more.

[@ScrappyXFL]

A lot more reading, more fellowship. 👍

[@DeconvertedMan]

Unless you know logic, you will not know that the apologetic arguments suck. :D

[@andy_p_1989]

I'm reformed and sympathetic to Van Tilian presuppositional apologetics. You would expect me to be the last person to advocate preaching the gospel online. This day in age, with people glued to the screen 24/7, the only way they may hear the Gospel is if it is preached to them via social media, et al. I think it's extremely important to point out to people their sin, how their worldview has no foundation upon which to build a moral philosophy, and their need for faith in Christ as a propitiation for sin. In our society where people are socializing in person at a drastically decreasing rate, preaching Christ crucified online is extremely important.

[@DeconvertedMan]

@@andy_p_1989 its not imporant since all of that crap is made up :D

[@Kelnx]

While I don't think that proselytizing on the internet does much more than cause an argument, although pretty much anything causes an argument if we're being honest, I don't think appealing to experts is a meaningful way to go either. Because experts get the same treatment as Bobby down the street does. I've been told multiple times that even though I am a nuclear engineer with over 20 years experience in nuclear power, that I don't know what I am talking about, and such and such thing is the new thing and I should just shut up. Being an expert is nothing in this brave new world of social media. Which is fine. What I try to tell my fellow Christians is that you won't convince people of anything with Bible verses and especially not condemnation, but with love. Whether it is online or in person, the greatest gift of God that Christians share and should share with everyone is Love. Unconditional Love. No "you're going to hell if you don't believe as I do" or any of that crap. Just Love. Big letter L. Doesn't mean you betray your principles or beliefs or anything like that. Doesn't mean you stop fighting against evil when you see it. But it does mean loving people you don't want to. Because God loved us quite a bit, we can at least love others as well. That's what being Christian is. Being Christ-like. Loving people who we may deem don't deserve our love. Pushing down that lump in your throat that makes you think you have every right to hate them, and loving them instead. If you do that, well maybe you won't convince a lot of people. But you will convince a few. Over time.

[@MartinezMKD1]

For most of my adult life I considered myself Agnostic Theist. However having recently turned 30 and grown tired with the depravity of the world, I re-embraced the Orthodox Christianity I was raised on and I'm happy about it. Eastern Orthodoxy is a wonderful thing and a big differential from the degenerate west.

[@LoliLikesPedobear]

@Leandro Aude reintroducing Ukrainians and gays into soil it seems if I listen to Russian priests.

[@Zeal_Faith_Humanity]

​@Leandro Aude Chiefly the fact that Orthodoxy has not been directly tied to the post-enlightenment materialist world. Orthodoxy rejects it outright - whilst protestantism and Catholicism indirectly caused it.

[@kant.68]

Based! Me too Im going back to religion because I truly being we need to bring back religion

[@hishamalaker491]

Heh I am a middle easterner in a relatively wealthy middle eastern country, I became depressed and most distrubingly ''socialist'' with weak faith then I stopped being that, my faith became stronger went on pilgrimage and now I dont fear death and I am not disturbingly socialist anymore thank god. Salam brother, tell me more aspects of orthodoxy and how it differentiates from the Pope and bible enthusiasts (Catholics and protestants).

[@iAvrilFan1]

I am an atheist but I love conversations about spirituality, especially when I look into ancient cultures and their religions and beliefs all around the world, it always makes me question if there is in fact something after death rather than endless void which is super depressing and anxious driving thought

[@AB0BA_69]

You'll find out eventually, brother 😅

[@GrouchierThanThou]

After your death it'll be the same as before you were born. Why would you be so anxious about that that you need an afterlife delusion just to cope?

[@Dystopikachu]

There was also an almost 14 billion year "void" before we were born, if you could call it that. I didn't suffer for it, and I won't be suffering when I'm gone. I worked a few years in palliative care, and it pretty much erased any thought of religion or thought of an afterlife being a benefit to me in my final days. The most important thing is to cultivate supportive relationships, and to live a life that causes you as few regrets and as little shame as possible. Dying happy is actually possible, and it's the most gigachad thing someone can do imo.

[@rahn45]

I file myself under agnosticism as I enjoy the 'journey' as opposed to the destination. As such I've had two thought experiments that I gravitate towards in regards to the nature of existence: The first is asking the question: "What if you had an infinite amount of time to perfect yourself?" To achieve perfect empathy, perfect forgiveness, perfect kindness. What kind of person would you be? What kind of person would someone else be? Would not every person with infinite time to perfect all aspects of themselves end up as the exact same person? And who is that perfect person that everyone would end up as? The second thought experiment I have is asking "Can nothing exist forever?" The answer has already been answered as "no" simply by our existing. Since the answer is no, then no matter how many times whatever all 'this' is ends up in a state of 'nothingness' SOMETHING will come out of the nothingness; and it doesn't matter how much time it will take, the emptiness of nothing will be filled with the thing we call 'existence'.

[@ricardot-sg2kp]

@@rahn45 This life is merely a precursor to the afterlife. If we follow God through the holy spirit and his word we have a guranteed promise land which is paradise with God and then after 1000 years a new earth where we will live on for eternity with no sorrow or pain but joy,happiness and freedom. I hope you and others can realize this and repent so you can be rewarded with that paradise and live and reign with God forever. God bless you all in Jesus almighty name.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Better to go to church with people you can actually meet in person than to just find stuff on line that seems religious all the while you may never actually meet the people you interact with online.

[@shelbyspeaks3287]

Kinda outdated, the thing about modern religious people is that their time has ended and the new generation isn't making the successors yet because of this liberal-capitalist vacuum of globalized debauchery...

[@sevenproxies4255]

Yeah. If the pictures you post online solely consist of "based and red-pilled" christian/crusader memes, instead of pictures of you and your family having been to church, looking cheerful and content, then chances are that your faith isn't as sincere as you might claim.

[@OrangeXenon54]

Yup. "Religion" without practice isn't anything but a charade. So many of today's problems don't just stem from a lack of "religion" as a value system, but as a life system and real community for people to belong in and participate in.

[@lemon__snicker5973]

It's true, the internet appends "para" to nearly everything, specifically because it's disembodied; real life requires your presence, attention, and participation.

[@sigmacademy]

The problem is that the people sitting in the church benches are hardly any better than the internet commentators you engage with in religious channel comment sections. Sometimes, they are even the same people. :/

[@spicytrashpanda]

The big issue is the craziest voices get the most attention. It applies to pretty much any group, religious or not. Meanwhile someone like a good friend of mine can easily push me closer to Christianity by making the conversations organic and related to whatever we were doing or discussing at that moment. Who knows, with time he might actually convert me

[@ab-gail]

Aww 🥰

[@waynemortimer5968]

"You can avoid reality but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality" - Ayn Rand

[@skotttownzend5170]

I thought your DNA test would just come back with a Maple leaf, a Jar of syrup and a white card with the word "Soory" written on it.

[@reidmclaughlin927]

Now that's simply hilarious, bravo.

[@jwenting]

it comes back confirming your bias based on whatever you answered in their questionaire... While the actual data goes straight into the databanks of the Chinese military's bioweapons labs.

[@drownthepoor]

@@jwenting You're crazy dude. They're "merchants", and therefore they sell it to all bioweapons labs. Why get paid once for the product when you can get paid 10 times.

[@jwenting]

@@drownthepoor guess what, the only bioweapons programs are the Chinese and the Russians. And the Russians have their own white population to get samples from.

[@AlexanderMason1]

@@jwenting There’s literally no questionnaire whatsoever. The second part might be true although I’m pretty sure it’s going into our databases rather than China’s. 

[@lukechristianfaustino7953]

For me Religions really don’t save, but a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

[@ApostateProphet]

You used a humorous Tweet by me as an example at 6:10. You and I probably agree on a lot of things, especially when it comes to Islam.

[@LaurenSouthernOfficial]

Ahaha no way! It was a joke??? My bad. It's scary how hard it is to tell the difference between satire and genuine takes these days. Thanks for watching the vid!

[@BFG_10G]

Wazzup AP!😂 I didn't think you'd pop up here!

[@ApostateProphet]

​@@LaurenSouthernOfficial No problem at all. Just wanted to point it out. Kind of funny that this is how I appear on your video. 😄

[@HonestAnalyst]

​@@ApostateProphet Why do you attack Islam?

[@saimbhat6243]

As if your "views" on anything count. LOL

[@spsr0015]

Lauren is officially my latina queen

[@sweetiespoon5150]

Reina Latina 👸🏼

[@LaurenSouthernOfficial]

👏👏👏💃

[@SimpleMinded221]

You know what they say, one drop of southern European spanish makes you Spanish!!!

[@criticalmass527]

Hehe olè

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

No need to argue about Christ's skin colour. King Solomon prophesied of him saying, "My Beloved is white and ruddy... the fairest among ten thousand."

[@joecoolmccall]

He was a Jew

[@techpriest6962]

I'm not going to play the "don't shame them" game, as shame is effective tool to get people to follow social norms. Even being an Atheist, I have zero tolerance for degeneracy.

[@stephenw2992]

The problem with shaming and judgement to pressure people to follow social norms, is who gets to decide what the social norms should be? I am also a moral atheist, but you cant just set in stone social norms at one moment in time and expect them to be relevant in the future. A 2000 year old text from subsistence farmers in the middle east isnt very relevant to modern industrial life, especially if taken literally.

[@sigmacademy]

@@stephenw2992 The majority of the Bible isn't a "take literally" kind of text. "The problem with shaming and judgement to pressure people to follow social norms, is who gets to decide what the social norms should be? I am also a moral atheist, but you cant just set in stone social norms at one moment in time and expect them to be relevant in the future." So, you are fine with social movements like feminism setting social norms, and I'm using it SPECIFICALLY because of your "but you cant just set in stone social norms at one moment in time and expect them to be relevant in the future." statement, ESPECIALLY since feminism has recently very OPENLY opened up a lot of women's eyes to how ANTI-WOMAN it actually is.

[@techpriest6962]

@@stephenw2992 Any behavior which creates turmoil within a nation is negative, and behaviors that uphold stability are positive. That's what it means to have social norms, maintaining the normal social behaviors. You can determine social norms based on what maintains a stable country. Same with morality, you can use logic to determine what is best. The issue I have is when people are so afraid of pointing out evil, that they will pretend its normal in order to avoid the attention of evil people. Cowardice has become the norm, and it's because people tolerated the presence of cowards.

[@stephenw2992]

@@sigmacademy Feminism is more relevant to modern women than what was the social norm when the bible was written. It has its problems, and no doubt will end up as irrelevant as the church in the future too.

[@Mohamed.Ali.Alkadry]

Women don't get stoned to death for getting raped in Islamic.

[@areyoutheregoditsmedave]

whatever. we just want it out of our countries.

[@OrangeXenon54]

I did MyHeritage and I really like how precise it is regionally. Also found a cousin who was given up for adoption via it!

[@LaurenSouthernOfficial]

No way! Very fun, I didn't want to share my DNA data with the wider world (which I love that they have as optional) but would be soooo curious to find relatives one day as my mums side of things are a massive mystery. Nan was an adopted war baby from London.

[@donkeyparadise9276]

​@@LaurenSouthernOfficial how has/does the family respond to your work

[@magnumopus1628]

@@LaurenSouthernOfficial You massively misunderstood Ridvan here, he invited you to have a talk with him.

[@dirtnbloodnotherkids]

​@@LaurenSouthernOfficial don't these dna companies sell your results to blackrock

[@NXDL25]

6:05 That's not the point. Criticism of religion was never about making anyone's life "better", it's simply discussing the flaws of the religious narrative scientifically, logically...etc. I don't think any normal and mentally sane atheist would fight religious people over believing in something and going to church once a week for some peace of mind. The problem comes when religion affects children's bodily autonomy and mental wellbeing, when it infiltrates politics and starts shaping our laws and when it causes wars and conflicts. Anything else and we don't really care.

[@MossySparks]

Send us your DNA today! We really need to know who to target.

[@cuttothechasenews]

Awesome video. I didn't know that I was realizing I am seeing what you detail in this video. This makes it all clear now. I guess religion is cool again for a time. As a Christian, I keep it pretty close to the chest, not to say I don't talk about it, but it's just a part of who I am and it feels weird to exalt it over the plebs.

[@MrNitrox91]

If Thor is a Disney character, then Jesus is a Family Guy/ South Park character... I'm just applying the same line of reasoning.

[@jzfvos4038]

As a rare unicorn, conservative atheist, it's hard to sit between the combined religion and conservative politics as well as the unhinged, majority atheist, left wing... told by both sides I'm not allowed 😂 What books would you recommend for me? 🤣

[@arcticelephant4721]

This 100%

[@lazysod3]

To explore religious scholarship as an atheist/anthropologist - “How Jesus became God” by Bart D. Ehrman To explore political spectrum in a sober, nondemonizing way and help your understanding of people who are different than you - “The Righteous Mind” by Jonathan Haidt (he also has a TED talk about the subject). Both of these help avoid the easy trap of just joining one team or another and fighting for a side you got caught up in.

[@XDRosenheim]

8:35 - I have listen to this video about 10 times. And gets better every single time. The way he says "among us" is so perfect. I could die from laughter.

[@someoneforhim]

In regards to me, going deeper in my faith is a simple prayer. "God, help me to know you and to be known by you."

[@sevenproxies4255]

Can't say I wonder too much about what's beyond the cosmos, since we haven't even properly started to explore the cosmos to begin with. And as for meaning, I create my own meaning to my life. I haven't ever felt a particular need for some external justification to my existence. I'm here, i'm alive and the world is my oyster. And if I go to my grave with the feeling that I did the most with what I was dealt, then I will face oblivion in happiness.

[@NeededGR13F]

Tbh, outside of directly reading scripture, the biggest source of theological education for me came from going into opposing comment sections and picking fights with the most belligerent person I could find. No one else'll show you the weak points in your position and keep you on your toes the way they will.

[@mikek5322]

I quit mug club after Crowder started devoting huge chunks of the show to attacking Catholics with poorly thought out arguments

[@BFG_10G]

Oh, is that what he does now? 😂

[@mikek5322]

@@BFG_10G Basically. I think the divorce threw him into a spiral and all he does is hang out with that Gerald guy whose some sort of fanatic

[@ktrimbach5771]

I never could get into Crowder. And I keep hearing sketchy things from him along with some good, obviously.

[@Mickey784cr]

Crowder's turned out to be a bit of a douchebag. Can't believe I used to watch back in 2016!

[@jimbob6142]

CS Lewis is always a good recommendation

[@rahn45]

I graduated from Internet Religion back in the early days of Atheism vs Christianity. I found both sides terribly wanting, from a Christian claiming their relative ending themselves over conversion therapy they promote and encourage as "A test from God" to Atheists jumping to the defense of the Religion of Gravity. Haven't looked back at it since. Peterson strangely was when I took a look back at religion, because he framed the whole thing into something that actually made logical sense to me: Sets of stories that have survived thousands of years, and for something to survive that long they must contain something extremely important: Like things that are fundamental to the human condition that people need to be aware of. Course what people does with that kind of information is going to depend on the person.

[@lemonstealinghorsdoeuvre]

I found it terribly wanting. Let me write you an essay about how I've ascended _beyond_

[@peterc3262]

You've matured. Peterson is right on the importance of the books, but he misses a lot on interpretation because he comes at it without really acknowledging any previous scholarship on the stories a lot of the time. His interpretation of Kane and Abel, for instance, is an entirely jungian psychological breakdown, completely ignoring the purpose of the book - to understand God and our relationship to Him. I find it very arrogant of him to disconnect from centuries of biblical scholarship.

[@MidnightIsolde]

​@@peterc3262 true. But, for an agnostic / atheist at the time (2016-2018 roughly) his approach open the door for me and clearly others to look at actual theologians etc. In my arrogance, I'd listen to Peterson the secular agnostic psychology academic first, not a scholar of scripture.

[@tigonridge]

@@peterc3262 Peterson is a psychologist, not a theologian. So, of course he would elaborate on Jung's take over others. What is truly arrogant is that you and those scholars believe that anyone can intellectually "understand God and our relationship to Him." No one. No one is capable of understanding such an infinitely vast/deep/multidimensional, infinitely complex, personal, yet transcendental, and beautiful thing. Not you. Not me. Not your priests, or your popes. And especially not scholars who presume to understand. Unlike @rahn45, you're still not mature. Your accusation of Peterson's being arrogant is ironically just projection.

[@ThatCanadianBrother]

The late Gai Eaton would be a better contender for the "Muslim C.S. Lewis". Every Christian should read at least one of his books.

[@TheRedfire555]

Lauren has been killing it with these thoughtful videos lately.

[@hishamalaker491]

Most converts to Islam do it out of spirituality not for being redpill. Even redpiller guys have been criticized by online Islamic personalities.

[@shabs2134]

Most converts to Islam today are doing it due to social clout and inclusion, not because they have some deep knowledge of Islam. Most converts barely even know about the basics of Islam.

[@MehroofRainMShanavas]

LMAO 😂 most convert to islam don't even know that once they accept then there is no going back as punishment for leaving islam is death penalty. Westerners convert to islam to get more fame as well as out of sympathy for gazans.

[@joaco8442]

I have very distressing news for the people jumping on the Islam bandwagon for a short ride to get online clout. There is no getting off that wagon. They have somewhat strict rules regarding apostasy.

[@A7XDaemon]

this feels like a video just about the new redpill obsession with Islam

[@kanshank]

Thanks god, I have fast wifi in church for the boring moment.

[@AhsetofAtum]

lol

[@thecleeze6359]

I mean, if any group/community is like, "Join us... ", I'm gonna be like, "Why? What do you want from me?" Oh, nothing. I mean, a little bit of cash every Sunday. Sign up for our newsletter. You know, nothing really... just absolute loyalty, that cash, and your email address... maybe change a few things about your life. Not much for YOUR SOUL! Which you'll lose when you die if you don't join us. Um. What?

[@johnwillis4706]

There is a huge difference between Religion vs FAITH. Jesus never told us to "keep the religion" rather he told us to keep, hold and have FAITH". I can talk with him in my living room, while working my garden, walking in the woods, no chruch required and no set financial tithing. Just Jesus, me and all creation, simple. Just as Jesus himself taught. Religion is man made, FAITH was taught by the Son of God. So I guess it's a matter of where you put your FAITH. For my part, I'll continue to have FAITH in Jesus.

[@OneFreeMan17]

That scene from the movie Kingdom of Heaven where Baelian says “I have lost my religion” is also very relevant.

[@ElficGuy]

The middle Eastern comes from your Spanish ancestry for sure

[@LoganBaty]

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?

[@omidpakbin]

Like almost every important political/social/philosophical topic, having a nuanced view regarding this subject that can't be condensed into short soundbites or be labelled accurately is frowned upon. Dogmatic people - whether religious or atheist - are ideologically possessed and are impossible to reason with. That's why I don't care if someone is religious or not, what matters to me most is if one is dogmatic or openminded. Thank you for another great video Lauren. Keep up the great work.

[@KdogPrime]

You know what matters to me? People who can tell the difference between dogmatism and simply being committed to a belief. Too often people assume that just because someone has an unshakable faith that they are just being arrogant and stubborn. Being open-minded is not a positive trait all the time. Sometimes, you have to be able to take a position and not move, because that position is right, and there is no other option which can equal it. Jesus told a parable about the difference between an unshakable faith, and constantly shifting beliefs. The wise man built his house on the rock, and the foolish man built his house on the sand.

[@rodiusmaximus]

@@KdogPrime That last bit always informs my view on real estate. The other day I saw a house built on a sand dune. I do not know how much concrete was used to form a foundation.

[@flashwashington2735]

Came from that JBOeterson documentary. Looked you up. Glad to see your humor intact after your stint as a lightning rod. Glad to see your not crispy fried from the storms. Enjoy your life. God bless.

[@yabuki4608]

Both of the muslim recommendations you gave are not taken seriously by practicing muslims, Javad is a modernist nobody that "dubiously" arrived on the scene in the past year and is more of a laughing stock than scholar.

[@MikeWeaverUpdates]

This is good content. I'm quickly becoming a fan due to these cheeky takes on these grinding topics.

[@michaelwiebe4282]

We love and support You & Your work, Lauren!

[@LaurenSouthernOfficial]

Thank you Michael!

[@MrGeoSim]

You have grown so much deeper than others who started when you did. Growth doesn't just happen with time. It takes humility and deliberate efforts to grow, and you clearly have sought that.

[@spudgun3268]

I'm Orthodox Christian and I had actually started calling all the new alt-right converts to Orthodoxy that I had seen cropping up in online political spaces 'larping Orthodox Christians' because they had NO clue about the actual theology and just liked that they could add it as another part of their whole 'trad' aesthetic. So, it gave me a nice chuckle to see you use it as a label for a lot of the religion and religious people you see online lol Also, absolutely wonderful to see the C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton recommendation. C.S. Lewis' writings are actually what brought me back to believing in God and Orthodoxy after I had become an atheist as a teenager. It is such a deep and wise understanding of Christianity, I feel like it's impossible to not at least be effected in some way after reading it.

[@pastorjackmac]

42 years since i met Jesus. He gave me Life through His Spirit. As Paul says "He who knew no sin became sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" Amazing Grace (Gift)!

[@MaverickPilgrim]

This was thoughtful commentary on a overlooked problem. I wish I could like this twice!

[@josephdettelis5397]

I've been viewing Jordan Peterson's Exodus journey with the Think Tank he put together in an excellent round robin Bible Study. 1st 9 episodes (1/2 way mark) are released from behind DW+ paywall as of Monday 9-4-23, new YT release ea. Mon., free for a limited time. If you have a couple hours to set aside for some serious study, I highly recommend it. It's an excellent complement to Dr. Peterson's deep dive into Genesis. Deep & meaningful exploration of reality and our Western foundations of responsible Liberty - what made and makes us great! Great vid Lauren, you were on a roll, all you need is a smokin' cigar ;)

[@alwaysovercomingbear4809]

This SO needed to be said! Thanks, Lauren, for always speaking the truth. You have shared your understanding of the truth, throughout many ages and stages HONESTLY, and we need more of that. So, thank you. ❤🙏

[@soliderarmatang5664]

The last time i saw one of your videos was in 2016, and you were quite harsh against Islam, just bashing without trying to understand. Just stumbled upon this video and you've evolved quite a long way, which is great. I myself evolved as well and became more religious in Islam. My advice is to study the religion with an open heart and a willingness to learn, do not delay because we don't know when we will go. I recommend reading the story of the Prophet (peace be upon him), understand his struggles, his suffering, and why he continued to endure, then read the Quran for which he endured to deliver. I study everyday and the constant learning is constantly bringing me closer to my creator. Put some effort Lauren, for we don't know when our time is up. May Allah guide you, amen.

[@stadtbekanntertunichtgut]

Lauren is becoming really mature in the last month. We love you Lauren!

[@adamm2716]

cuz she finally put her phone down

[@yellowcourier]

You're almost certainly under 30.

[@JO-fp2nt]

Very well put! Your nuance is refreshing, and desperately needed in this world today.

[@tbone121974]

It seems to me people are searching for purpose and meaning in their lives. The team sport of e religion may fill the void temporarily but will lead to the realisation it's placing a small plaster over an open wound. I became a Christian in my mid 30s which fundamentally changed my beliefs and way of life. That doesn't mean life gets easier. It just gives a completely different perspective on what is important.

[@DiMacky24]

As my priest says: "Praise God if the internet guided you to Orthodoxy, now get off the forums and the podcasts and bring your questions to your local church where such discussions belong and read the scriptures."

[@BasedPhilosophyMom]

YES. 😁😁😁

[@teratokomi8731]

So I watched the entire video, and was unable to determine the point you were trying to make, if any. But it was nice to see you being self aware/critical and humble.

[@piotrkoodziej4336]

Thanks for sending your DNA to China Lauren. I've got two of You on order already. Can't await delivery

[@NotJulius44]

its an Israeli company lol

[@knightrider585]

Good call recommending a book like Mere Christianity. Books are so much better than internet forums.

[@Thedrunkenpartisan]

I never mock others religion. Especially not on twitter. "There is nothing more foolish, nothing more given to outrage than a useless mob." /Herodotos/ And yes, those who insult each other's religion on Twitter for no reason are online mobs. Furthermore, when, for example, Christianity is insulted, it is the same as when the stronger bullies the weaker at school because he knows there will be no consequences. Such people are mentally damaged people. As a Christian, when I see Christianity insulted, this is what always comes to mind. I can only feel sorry for them.

[@MuxauJ7]

It's not exactly clear from your comment, but in case I read it right, I've got a point to say for you or someone else to take note. Please don't take it as a personal dig, I'm only highlighting how many things go wrong with it. You shouldn't say or think about people that they're mentally damaged, or stupid or crazy or any of that sort and build it into a habit. Using these words colloquially as a shortcut to a concept - maybe, but even then your own understanding of what's happening should be always built up to a strong point, that everyone is equally mentally equipped to deal with their life and responsibility. That's why everyone will have to answer for it, after all - we wouldn't if we weren't equipped. If there's something wrong with them it's definitely not their reasoning. There's something else that should be addressed, instead of giving yourself an excuse for their dismissal because of that deficiency. Some break under pressure and turn dejected, some are lazy to exercise their reason, some lash out in hurt, some find pleasure in unreasonable things, some are struggling to act or can't cope with reality, some simply lack points to ground themselves on, some are angry where that reason led them, they have an issue with trusting it, etc, etc. Simply put - there is no one devoid of and divorced from reason in any capacity. Otherwise people wouldn't go "crazy", trying to put aside reason that hurts their conscience in some way after traumas. They are in a struggle, only trying to divorce themselves from reason, and if they were successful - they wouldn't stand out to us in any way. Their reasoning is not worse off than yours or anyone else's - they have it in full, it was just put under different circumstances. There's no reaching them if the only thing you can do once you dismissed their reasoning is to feel sorry for them. It's especially damaging when people go to great lengths, dismissing theirs or any other children as much as they can for their own convenience, because they're just "dumb" kids, or "unhinged" "crazy" teens, or any other similar excuse they find to not care about them. I'm seeing this most often with my own life, and in most people around and it's never good, neither for the child, nor for the people involved, and not for a broader community of people. On the flipside of that - it's incredibly easy to deal with kids (adults too) when you see and treat them as completely reasonable, even if you don't fully appreciate it. Call them blind or deaf, appeal to their reason by _asking them_ if they are crazy or stupid or mad, or mentally damaged as you said here or any other synonym, or point out that they _were fooled_ (not fools as such) if you can't help but use the words (better yet - don't altogether, but we're only human), but don't ever straight up call them that - no one really is, and you're in no position to make such judgement. Matthew 5:22 is in part about that if you want scriptural reminder, do not dismiss or hold contempt for people you may find as such, because it only _hurts_ you. Again, I may have misread your intent, as mentally damaged could be a shortcut to saying that someone or something confused their otherwise solid reasoning, but even such shortcut is harmful, when it becomes a belief unto itself. Thanks if you read it through, and peace.

[@Thedrunkenpartisan]

@@MuxauJ7 Ah wall text, sry I read only the beginning because I think that's the point. The reason why I respect (I don't like, I just respect, there is a difference) Charlie Hebdo because as a caricature it mocks Christianity, Judaism and Islam. And that's correct. I don't think any religion should be insulted, but this is Europe, freedom of speech etc. But there are people who defame Christianity only and exclusively. The European Parliament made a scandalous photo exhibition about Christianity recently. They will not about Islam. And I noticed on twitter a lot of people, big influencers, vilify Christianity because it is popular. You can get a lot of likes and retweets with it. But they never criticize Islam. I will describe it once more: Behind this mentality is the same mentality as when you, as a stronger person, beat or bully a weaker one at school. You know there are no consequences and it's feels good to hurt other people's feelings. These people are emotionally and mentally damaged. I don't change the words because that's what I think.

[@MuxauJ7]

@@Thedrunkenpartisan Sorry for the text wall, and also TL;DRs are usually put into the last sentence/paragraph, as are the main points of a speech you're wrapping up. But that's my fault, don't apologize. In any case, my point still stands - people are equally equipped with reason. How they apply it is up to them (that's the point of their free will), but that doesn't make their reasoning itself damaged - there's something else going on that is not their otherwise reasonable self that may come from a whole set of circumstances that are wrong. Having wrong foundation to your reasoning again, doesn't make the reasoning part wrong. In your example it's immorality, but it's not reason - you can reason your way through anything from minor misdemeanours to the greatest atrocity you can imagine. Disregarding that they have such agency hurts you, not them. _(edit)_ And why specific words matter - because they reinforce that belief of disregarding other people's agency, which is harmful, first and foremost to the person who makes such statements.

[@Calebjoyemusic]

This is an underlying issue that isn't addressed enough! Thank you! The issue with anything online is suspect because we have been reduced to communicate through inferior means of phones and computers. The human ability to communicate is far more advanced and it creates rage and mistrust by default.

[@sigmacademy]

The human ability to communicate also created rage and mistrust bey default in the PRE-Phone/Computer era. Sorry.

[@garybulwinkle82]

The inferior means are bolstered by shear numbers! The initiation of communication is the initial connection which is the internet's forte; everything thereafter can revert to your advanced communications process whatever it produces!

[@geebee8989]

You are a broken woman (person) trying to make sense of your personal life and current reality. You are speaking out of feelings which are unstable. The internet is not the problem; it’s a tool. People and their desires/lust opposing truth is the problem.

[@davidboyer3961]

I've moved beyond organized religion. My thoughts, beliefs and understanding goes deeper than the starter classes. Humans can argue all they want over religion. At the end of the day it's just what they personally beleive. We are not all the same. Our views of are shaped by our experiences in life and what we've been taught.

[@Fuerwahrhalunke]

Imagine calling Thor a disney character...

[@tyloxs4135]

As someone who somewhat leans Protestant and kind of catholic-ish (mostly non denominational) Protestants definitely are disorganized and the funniest in Christendom. I remember seeing that among us meme a month ago lol.

[@Ratbiker]

Religion has become another form of modern identity politics.

[@JDYTC]

Thank god I’m an atheist 🙌 A libertarian atheist ✌️

[@mik1984]

I think that one of the tragic things about culture in many western countries is the dearth of social life options for anyone past 25. As a late teenager/young adult you have the option every 8 PM to just get out of your place and go to some people for socializing. After you age out from the young adult party scene, your social options decline to meeting some dinosaurs you know from "back in the day" once a year. Your options of making new offline friends and acquaintances are almost non-existent.

[@janisir4529]

I had trouble socializing even when being forced among people during school and university, but working from home made it much worse.

[@shapshooter7769]

It's because that's the time relationships, careers, and families take precedence. If you are still fratting it up in your 30's, you aren't progressing through life well.

[@mik1984]

@@shapshooter7769 Not everyone has a family or even the medical possibility of having one, and that is why "domestic violence" issues are seen as need to be solved by the state in highly toxic ways that undermine the family even further, because these families often do not function as part of an extended community, as they used to in older times and still do in many "less civilized" cultures today. And if "frating it up", that is getting blackout drunk and maybe something heavier on top of it is the only image of socializing in the culture, no wonder nobody past early adult life is up for it.

[@mik1984]

@leandroaude6926 Through most human history people have toiled 60-70 hours a week and yet still found time to socialize and build extended communities. The only reason why partying is fun in the years that it is, is that you are doing it for the purpose of socializing with other normal people in the same phase of life. That is why there is no fun in continuing this formula for social life past 25 or even earlier. You are either a dinosaur who got lost among people years younger than you, or you are with dysfunctional wierdos, the kind of people I hated to hang around even in youth days.

[@lemonstealinghorsdoeuvre]

I like to picture my Jesus with a tuxedo t-shirt. It's formal, but it says he's here to party.

[@VeritasIncrebresco]

Lift weights, eat steaks,learn to negotiate, learn survival skills, self reflect, make babies and home school. Only way we get out of this mess, boys.

[@Undomaranel]

And the invalids and infertile will be killed off for being of no use in such a society... way to promote hatred while trying to make a better life.

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

That person never said anything about killing anybody, ​@@Undomaranel.

[@dabooyse]

I was reluctant to follow this video as anything online about religion becomes to is very quickly. But I’m glad that I did as it was insightful and helpful to see things from someone who’s wanting to dig deeper. If you ever do read this comment Lauren: thank you.

[@titanplatine]

this video encapsulate the duality of Lauren , video about a deep philosophical or political subject but is a absolute meme lord while at it like the banger at 10:10 , god speed Lauren and thank you for all your work

[@YanPagh]

The Iberian came from the Napoleonic wars, where his troops were stationed in Denmark for a while.

[@mortenrl1946]

I've never had a religion, wasn't raised with it. Feels like I dodged a bullet when I look at how certain it can make people of their own righteousness, but it does seem to work out pretty well for some of you guys. I just can't bring myself to have faith in anything. There is comfort and truth in recognizing that we're so fallible, that everything we think may be wrong. I change my mind when presented with new information, & I like that. But hey, I know enough to know that I don't know, so I'm not gonna say my way's better than anybody else's.

[@vibz8346]

Though I get your sentiment, there are a few issues that it raises; 1. Religious texts tend to reiterate the sinfulness of humans, which I would've reasoned kept people from becoming self-righteous, more often than not. 2. Everyone is inherently skeptical to a degree, but to paint everything with the same epistemic brush is incapacitating, possibly insofar as paralyzing. 3. faith doesn't have to personal, it could very well be objectively justified. 4. To have faith is not to suspend rationale, but to recognize the probable nature of a position as to find further scrutiny to be reasonably unavailing. 5. Let's be realistic, you'd probably view yourself as "better" than, say, a serial offender. Humans have an innate sense of morality, and to maintain otherwise is to fall into cognitive dissonance. 6. Everyone takes part in the same pascal wager, and while most things in life are grey as you correctly pointed out, only one theological position may be right, if any. Besides, science assumes naturalism, so in all likelihood there won't be any "new information" to go by.

[@mortenrl1946]

@@vibz8346 1) You might reason that, I'd reason that's false. It's just as easy to focus on the "sinfulness" of others, as your own. 2) I don't feel paralyzed, I feel free and open. I don't need to convince myself I understand some kind of deeper truth. 3) It could be, but all objective measures I've seen indicate otherwise. 4) No religion I've encountered comes close to satisfying those criteria for me. 5) You're wrong. I don't think that way. I do not have a need to rank-order my level of virtue compared with other people. I've seen the regurgitated morality monologue before, has nothing to do with what I was saying. You are being manipulative and underhanded with your conversion attempt, which is why I am being sharp in return. I always believed we possess inherent morality, from our nature as social creatures. Not from a deity imparting it on us, as far as I know. 6) I don't have the fear of death to even make a pascal's wager relevant in the first place. That's all that is. An appeal to fear of death, and an old proselytization strategy. I may have been more susceptible to your comments if they were more genuine, rather than regurgitated and devious.

[@LarrytheguyfromMichigan]

Lauren thank you for speaking more about religion into the vidspace, and calling for more depth. CSL is a great great start!

[@83aber1]

The internet is a hellscape. Sometimes. Always tread carefully.

[@sigmacademy]

And yet, you use it and comment on it? Explanation required?

[@ktrimbach5771]

When give someone a megaphone, a worldwide audience and total anonymity, you get a CESSPOOL

[@anth5189]

Religion has always been a convenient way to blame someone else for your problems and an excuse for things one doesn't understand. If it's good, God did it. If it's bad the devil did it. If I can't understand or explain it, God again. It always amazes me how people believe a God that supposedly created the Universe and everything else, has the time to help them. It is actually the height of arrogance.

[@AdamRTNewman]

"It always amazes me how people believe a God that supposedly created the Universe and everything else, has the time to help them. It is actually the height of arrogance." The problem with this argument is that the notion of *God* that you're presupposing isn't really *God*, but more like just a *cosmic-scale human*. The God that Christians believe in is sovereign over all things macroscopic and microscopic. He doesn't have the limited mental processing capacities that we mere humans have.

[@gatergates8813]

A good friend of mine is a reactionary atheist, raised up in Christianity and rejected it- I'm the opposite way, raised with no mention of God at all in the house but I read a lot and found God through my own studies. We get along fine, but there is a bit of a mutual frustration with each other when religion comes up in conversation. He got force-fed religion and became sick of it, while I was starved of it and found nourishment in it when I eventually found it

[@jacoblee5796]

What was it the convinced you of the Christian god?

[@gatergates8813]

@Jacob Lee I never specified that I found the Christian god. Kinda funny though, it's the same assumption that my buddy seems to be stuck on

[@jacoblee5796]

@@gatergates8813 You said you were the opposite of your buddy and your buddy used to be a Christian. My mistake, so what is it that you do believe? And just to be clear you don't believe Jesus died for your sins?

[@gatergates8813]

@Jacob Lee It's not so simple for me as just picking a team and following their doctrine- I believe in Jesus's death and resurrection as much as I believe in Buddha sitting under the tree achieving enlightenment, the same as I believe that one day Fenrir will devour Odin, and that Kali is dancing on the corpse of Shiva, and that Zeus will screw anything with a hole. They all point to parts of a greater truth

[@jacoblee5796]

@@gatergates8813 So you don't believe in Jesus, that is a yes or no question. If you are just a deist, say it and i will move along.

[@CatholicWithaBiblePodcast]

Chesterton’s my boy. Orthodoxy put my worldview on on its head.

[@lokitus]

Funny thing about religion: it emphasizes delayed gratification and long term thinking. For the benefit of the individual. The internet encourages the exact opposite. If I want religious content, I'd rather go to scholarly work, or better yet, the source: religious scriptures. This commentary is bang on. Not just about religious discourse on the internet, but pretty much all content. Except yours, of course. I mean it: the quality and articulation of ideas just keeps getting better. Keep making thoughtful videos like this and I'll keep watching.

[@AlmightyNorppa]

I have not been religious in over 30 years. I still occasionally listen to religious debates and such, but that's just entertainment for me. If you're a christian, good for you. If you're a muslim, good for you. If you're an atheist, good for you. The faith or lack of faith of other people is not my business. Only time I take part in religious talk these days is when I have to tell someone to sod off when they feel the urge to try and convert me to their specific brand of blah blah.

[@dwzaphod]

Thanks!

[@dolphdr]

Lauren you are becoming your second more mature version and is so healthy to watch someone having the courage to say "I got it wrong". As for the topic in this video, indeed. Twitter, internet, whatever that make us wanting to reply without thinking in a subject that's deep will make us act more according to our stubborness and pride than trying to understand the other person pov. Deep conversations need time to let us mature those ideas in ourselves. Memefy you opponent is just using the fallacy "ad hominem". Having different povs do not make us enemies. And also another point to consider is that we usually feel that if we are right we do have the right to force the truth to others. Which is also a misleading behaviour. If you fo have the truth...even if no one wants to follow you, that won't make it false...then there is no need to force it, truth in itself is enough...if it is really present there. Sorry for the long comment I do have a lot to say about this because is a topic I'm very passionate about (how to communicate better). Before finishing this comment. I wanted to suggest a topic: how to use ChatGTP as a tool to have a better understanding in this topics. Thanks for all ❤

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

Not long at all and very wise. Thank you for sharing.

[@sigmacademy]

ChatGPT is KNOWN for having a political bias. What makes you think it won't have a religious bias as well?

[@dolphdr]

@@sigmacademy Hi! Indeed it might have it. To be honest idk it's sources... I just talk here from experience. I ask ChatGTP (CG for short typing) to act like someone opposed to my ideas and believes and to expose the most used arguments in favor to it's position. Then I made the counter and ask it to respond to my position and so on. The good part is that I got to know better the others povs, I could contrast my own ideas and see if I could have a middle ground from which it would be possible a more civil discussion. The pros are that since I'm not with another person and I know is just an AI that moves data, there is no rush, no agitation is just me trying to explore others povs. Hope this will explain better what I got in mind.

[@MissMikato]

It's like the parable of the sower, only some will recieve the Gospel in truth, the rest will be scattered and twisted by the world.

[@ReekRendTest1]

Absolutely amazing to see someone on the dissident/alt Right do real self reflection and honest breakdown of their growing up process and past (perceived) mistakes and changed views, mindset, and operation. This is what actual mature people do. I think most public egos have extreme fear of admitting anything like this, which to me is the actual worst mistake and detracts greatly from their messaging/persona, rather than showing them to be a confident truth seeker. Tragic.

[@ReekRendTest1]

I think if more people on our side could admit mistakes or changed views, it wouldn't be a swamp that is 99% infighting.

[@wogz187]

Long time fan, first time commenter... This video was buried on my subs feed and not on the 'home' page

[@shelbyspeaks3287]

I actually have a theory that our current battle between "objective" & "subjective" morality (and by extension collectivism vs individuality) is *in fact* the spiritual successor to monotheism vs polytheism, "monotheism" = objective morality and collectivism because it venerates the one "truth" while polytheism = subjective morality and individuality which represents the many "truths". this would explain how the polytheistic trinitarianism of western christianity created an individualist liberal society while the Islamic world is a collectivist one.

[@janisir4529]

This is a fundamentally flawed reasoning though. Monotheism doesn't provide an objective morality, it just claims it does via an appeal to authority.

[@shelbyspeaks3287]

@@janisir4529 the "reasoning" here is that *historically* monotheism did direct certain attributes of thinking to meet others, humanism becoming liberalism for instance being a outgrowth of the more monotheistic puritanism taking a hold of christianity.

[@AdamRTNewman]

But I wouldn't have thought that there's been much of a trend within sincere Christianity to view the distinct members of the Trinity as independent agents, independently doing what they each will. The general position is that they are one God, and they are in union with each other.

[@kant.68]

Nothing to do with that. Islam and Christianity are both abrahamic religions

[@CSGDuncan11]

I converted to Christianity last summer, Jesus been the focus of my life ever since ✝️

[@StoryManJack]

Great video!!!

[@rustyscrapper]

I did a DNA test. I am black. I am 2% african, but the patriarchal gene (father line) goes all the way back to north africa. So the ancestor on my dads side was black. I have an african patriarcal genome.

[@MD0100]

This is a big problem with recent converts, specifically Catholic and Orthodox converts. There's nothing wrong with spreading the faith online, and righting the wrongs that all the false prophets across the denominations have caused, but there's something to be said for not going so far off the deep end that you come off as a LARPer who really doesn't know anything and repulse potential converts. Only a select few really intelligent people should be spreading the faith online effectively. The average s.p.e.d who has nothing going for them, other than recently converting, should not. They should be completely logged off working on every other facet of their life in God's name.

[@sigmacademy]

I think you are also missing the point that there's a very VOCAL atheist community online that just LOVES to target religious communities (exclusively Christian communities). On top of that, it probably also doesn't help that religious leaders are exposed as not exactly living the lives they encourage others to follow. :/

[@MD0100]

​@@sigmacademy That's separate from what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the problem of zealous recent Christian converts, who have only a very rudimentary grasp on things, making fools of themselves and the faith online. But in your other part of the comment, yes you are correct. Pretty much all Christian denominations are targeted by the U.S government and globo big finance/industry/culture.

[@mauriceupton1474]

Bring back Faith Goldy

[@areyoutheregoditsmedave]

what ever happened to her?

[@jamesright9009]

I`m an atheist I don`t want to be an atheist no particularly came which religion I just be would be grateful if any Provided an afterlife unfortunately every time I`ve looked into it there`s no evidence of any The idea of nonexistence upon death actually terrifies me I Wish I was capable of deluding myself into religion As I would feel much happier with the idea of an afterlife any must be better than none even the Christian HELL And I would do Nearly anything to live forever

[@sigmacademy]

It would be difficult for ANYONE to be able to provide proof of an afterlife. Since, you know, if they could, it would just means they were NEVER dead to begin with. :/

[@holocronlibraryfox1187]

Lauren, don't confuse being entangled in the illusions of the world with being bound by them. Few will walk through the world jungle without getting entangled, many get stuck -- but you keep moving, that is extraordinary. 🌞👍 Love to see it, much love to you and your family! ❤

[@Taft1]

Like any good Anglican, I routinely forage through content from other denominations. Evangelical pastor Jeff Durbin has a strong online presence that helps drive his Apologia Church ministry. But he prefaces a number of his videos with the admonishment that, although he would "love to be your pastor," viewers would be better served by seeking out an actual flesh and blood faith community. I think that's a mandatory step in any Christian journey - joining a church where the rubber hits the road in terms of learning about love and service in the real world. It's not easy. But it's always worth it.

[@adamnoseworthy6524]

Great video! Would love to hear more on your journey, not as a what should others do but just so I know I'm not alone. I was raised catholic fell away from church and God and am now trying to enter back in now that I have kids

[@hydrolito]

That's not what the Norse thought Thor looked like. European don't generally know what Budha looked like either.