The Reason Christianity is Dying in the West

[@BrianHoldsworth]

There have been a few comments from people claiming that the real reason for Christianity's decline is because of the spread of science. I've, since, made a video that addresses that topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3zSo56Bn6pqsKM

[@teutonic7113]

Brian Holdsworth - I agree completely. The church has lost its worth by diluting its messaging and tradition. It also lacks the education of its adult members to engage them in the catechism. Once you complete CCD, you're pretty much on your own.

[@esprit-critique]

And you are right about the strong tie between "modern science " and Christian theology as Rodney Stark (has explained in many books. One of the best on that topic is " For the Glory of God". And your explanation of the decline of Christianity in the West is very similar to the one Starks gives in one of his books. Bravo. You are doing a good job and I really like your videos. Although I have moved away from all the requirements of Christianity, I have fond memories of my Christian upbringing and it continues to influence my behavior often. And I am appalled by the incredible present ingratitude towards Christianity to which the West owes so much. Fortunately, researchers of the importance of Rodney Stark have begun to open our eyes and remind us of certain historical realities. He certainly helped to change my view of Christianity.

[@christophekeating21]

Brian Holdsworth if your main argument: a religion that costs more is more successful were true, then Scientology actually would be the fastest growing religion in the world.

[@BrianHoldsworth]

It would if that were the entirety of my argument. This video is aimed, primarily, at a Christian audience, who has already adopted the notion that Christianity is true. So, it s the pairing of truth with the diligence of not watering down that truth that I'm arguing for here, in which case, the Scientology analogy doesn't work.

[@christophekeating21]

Ok, right. Then I mostly agree. I would also say that it's when Christianity is not the cultural norm that it truly shines. I live in France, and I can see the dying out of much of the nominal cultural Roman Catholic world, and the living growth of Protestant Evangelical Churches, despite all of the cultural pressures against them. As the rabbi Gamaliel said, if it isn't of God, it will come to nothing.

[@doctoryowan]

Partially true: however, sexual and financial scandals too have played a dramatic role in eroding Church membership. The clergy ( especially Catholic) has lost much of its previous prestige. Not even the most traditionalist groups seem scandal- free nowadays

[@samanthastudios618]

The sad thing: Its the way the culture has seeped into everything. Disgusting.

[@mongolianfishingvillages1371]

Islam will surpass christianity by 2035 as Christianity is dominant in places like Europe who's females are having less children

[@cocococo8081]

@@arolemaprarath6615 My point is that you were just assuming a whole lot of stuff which makes your estimate possibly inaccurate. But yeah I don't really have a good idea of either number of practicing Muslims or Christians.

[@JamesMC04]

@C Xtzin The OC is too liberal on marriage for me. At least *in theory* Rome isn’t, appallingly lax as it is in practice. I’m not convinced changelessnness is an ideal for a Church, though failthfulness to what one has received.

[@JamesMC04]

@@arolemaprarath6615 “Christian” countries will probably become Mahometan, while some Mahometan countries go atheistic. Atheism is probably where all countries will end up eventually, in the long run. And by then, Christianity will likely be long forgotten. All things die eventually - including religions. The question is whether these things happen in cycles. One of the recent developments is the revival of ancient pre-Christian religions - I wonder what will become of them. But once RCism dies, it can’t possibly come back, unless it is willing to drop/re-interpret its understanding of its doctrine of its Apostolicity & perpetuity & visibility. At present, it can with some show of plausibility claim to be in direct institutional continuity with the Church of the Apostles - if the CC ever dies, that continuity will be over, severed, done for, dead.

[@Steven-se5jd]

I went to a Christian private school as an international student in Chicago from 2008 - 2011. I had a horrible experience. For me, they are just a bunch of hypocrites. They can do all the big talk they want, but at the end of the day, action speak louder than words.

[@aaronruss6331]

What kind of argument is that? You expect them to be perfect and if there not perfect they are not allowed to make moral judgements? Hoe about any decision or judgement? Emotional?logical? Moral? Should they not be allowed to make it because they are human? Also what does that have to do with christ or the bible?

[@blackmamba9950]

​@@aaronruss6331of course they are fallible but you can't discount the fact that the lessons from fallible people who don't walk the talk are often overlooked or not taken seriously

[@Gofishefurwitz]

@@aaronruss6331 cope

[@standard-user-name]

@@blackmamba9950 I mean sure, but we are literally all sinners and that includes the church. We try to be better and that is what matters.

[@Yamyatos]

@@standard-user-name Dont proclaim that as a fact. That's just something you believe, based on your religious views. Which is fine. But for most of human history, people didnt hold these views. For most of it, christianity wasnt even a thing. Religions come and go.

[@nicholasdefilippis6186]

I know I'm late to the game on this, but here is my input. My family is Catholic. I grew up Catholic. But my family didn't take it all that seriously. The church I went to didn't do a good job of educating children about what Catholics actually believe. When I was 16 I fell away. I didn't set foot in a Catholic church for 12 years at least. I didn't even really know what Christians believed. Why? Because the loudest Christian voices I heard weren't educated, theologically trained people. No, no. They were the type of people who would show up on college campuses waving signs about how you're going to hell if you don't believe EXACTLY as they do. All I heard was "so and so musician sold their soul to the devil, their music is Satanic." That sort of crazy stuff. And because I wasn't properly educated, I thought pretty much all of Christianity was the same and they only really differed on the Pope or Purgatory. It wasn't until my mid 20s that I realized "Protestant" was an umbrella term for all kinds of different churches. I honestly thought there was a leader of all the Protestants and there were church buildings that just said "Protestant Church" on them. If you want to stop the decline of Christianity, start educating people better. Then get a larger megaphone for the theologically trained and educated types so they can drown out the crazies who keep telling everyone they're going to hell for dying their hair.

[@lydiapetra1211]

There's the Bible... God's Inerrant Word.... people need to study it...not expect others to teach them! Ultimately everyone is responsible for their own souls and lives.

[@nicholasdefilippis6186]

@@christiankhoury9343 I considered coming back last year, but I decided to join the Eastern Orthodox Church instead. I don't want to go back to Catholicism after the way my family treated me growing up. I don't want to be reminded of them, and I don't want to make them happy.

[@heroesgrantorino]

Id argue its the history actually, the church has always supported the war spreaders. Did the church get in their way? Did they protest? Or did they simply call it God's work like all the pedophiles who work for the church today. If they did nothing how can you call them people with good souls?? A kind hearted soul would have died to stop them. I guess if you pay the church enough gold they will be happy right? Or build the fanciest buildings on top of ancient sacred locations. Or maybe you can really keep the church out of interfereing by simply protecting their child loving servants??? Wake up my friend. Have you heard the news? The system lies

[@abraham8565]

Lol. I thought usually imam, ulama, ustaz (islamic priest) that love to say about hell but Christian too😂

[@amyhizenski9773]

The roots of education begin in your home and the responsibility is with the parents, first and foremost. So many catechism teachers, Catechists, are used as the 'family' to teach the child everything in the classroom setting when the parents and family do not practice actively as part of their lives. The parents just drop them off and expect it to happen like magic when they are not leading the family as the primary teachers of the faith. It's like dropping your kid off for 8th grade Sacrament of Confirmation prep and they have not practiced the faith since they received their First Holy Communion 6 years before; you wouldn't take Calculus after only having first grade math!

[@FriarJoe66]

I think you’ve left out something important: the rise of a hyper-consumerist, work-obsessed culture. I think the church has given concessions precisely because this kind of lifestyle takes up so much time and energy in people’s lives, and they don’t even realize it. The church needs to articulate to people why this lifestyle is bad for them, and why their alternatives are better.

[@michaelfisher7170]

It might also be pointed out that when churches run their operations in a corporate manner, concerned with the bottom line, like any large business, that for some of us creates an enormous gulf from what we expect a church to actually be.

[@JamesMC04]

Best comment in the thread.

[@ninmarwarda5154]

100%

[@AmitKumar-qz2us]

It is from the Bible that man has learned cruelty, rapine, and murder; for the belief of a cruel God makes a cruel man. Thomas Paine

[@albertsmith6717]

@@AmitKumar-qz2us Thomas Paine was a satanist. Why should anyone care about what a satanist saids about God?

[@AmitKumar-qz2us]

@@albertsmith6717 He was pure heart human...humanity love him....

[@stevenvelez1717]

I’m not Catholic, but this is exactly what Jordan Peterson brings up with Bishop Barron in their recent talk a couple of weeks ago. It’s so interesting but true.

[@JoshMcSwain]

It's true. Making it too easy. It's an odd balance to strike because I think the church wants all people to know they can come to Christ as they are. But what happens next?

[@karenc2844]

Sadly, Bishop Barron is part of the watering down of our faith... instead of promoting "hope" we can all make it to heaven he should be teaching the road is narrow, and I would argue that if all it took was a little bit of hope, Jesus' excruciating death was unnecessary.... but it wasn't...His excruciating death was necessary bc our sins were, are, and will continue to be so offensive to God, and are leading us down the wide road and Bishop Barron's soft stand on this subject is doing nothing to properly shepherd his flock, for which, sadly, he will suffer as well as those who are listening to him.

[@vivacristorey8302]

Two of my favorite people

[@antoniogracia719]

Christianity will never be over it'll be fulfilled.

[@Odo-so8pj]

Please stay away from the false prophet.

[@dimix2199]

Even though I'm Atheist, I don't like seeing some of the comments. I thought this was a great analogy and as a result a great video. A large part of a religion is tradition and repetition, so when that is taken seriously, its members will cling on to it more. I do believe, however, that there are more factors involved in the decline of christianity. The advent of modern day science is one of them. Anyway thanks for giving your perspective, it was interesting indeed.

[@larrysilverstein8606]

DIMIX thank you

[@virgilthetraitor493]

At least you're respectful.. I can't go anywhere anymore without one of my friends asking me about my "stupid" beliefs

[@brunoandrespadillanavarro8923]

Thanks for being respectful.

[@DrSniperLT]

Atheist and polite in a Christian video comment section...? Christmas came early this year.

[@matthewsteele99]

Agreed as a fellow non believer

[@KehindeAdeoya]

I just went to a church today, and appalled how empty it is. I presently live in Hilversum, Netherlands. This is not only happening in the West, it's creeping into Africa as well.

[@masklotos1627]

Try the mosque

[@addeade231]

Where in Africa are you from?

[@7788Sambaboy]

thank god!

[@Allin1Xavi]

Christianity has officially reached its peak. Now it is going down as time passes

[@charlottexroyalty7819]

So you are apalled that people can educate themselves on topics like Evolution and therefore stop believing in these ridiculous fairy tales?

[@michaeljohnston490]

What you’re talking about is the sunk cost fallacy, feeling you can’t just walk away from something you’ve invested a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears into. I have a Mormon friend who believes the church is a sham, but doesn’t leave because his entire life has been built on it

[@XenophonQ]

It's a tool often used by cults.

[@gilian2587]

@@MichaelTheophilus906 Same could be said for all of us, including you. If Yahweh is actually 'Baal' -- as many Torah associated sources of transcriptions indicate; then would worshipping the Canaanite God who was associated with child sacrifice by incineration really lead the God Fearing, deluded Christian to heaven? I very much doubt it.

[@jordysavage3363]

Ex Mormon here yeah I know a lot of people in that situation

[@gilian2587]

@@jordysavage3363 I suspect it is similar for many catholics as well.

[@Tyler_W]

Right, that's not a healthy foundation upon which to build commitment to anything.

[@ekulio]

I think there is truth to this idea - as someone whose whole life was built around my faith for 33 years and was incredibly invested before losing my faith, I would say that yes, the more you're invested in a belief or practice the harder it is to walk away. I spent two years trying to convince myself it was true, begging God to reveal himself to me and show me he was there. However, I wouldn't say this is the reason people are leaving. I think the spread of information, especially via the internet, is really the root cause.

[@davidbolen8982]

Completely agree. People want truth and facts. Most of humanity will always wonder about life after death, god, profits, transcendence, but passing “one religion,” as “the truth,” is somewhat childish and creepy. I’ve been praying most of my life, but never accepted any religious version of god as anything but man made fables adopted from older man made fables. I have no idea what I am praying to, but don’t really care. The simple act of prayer to be better, for all people to be better, more content and peaceful, seems to work wonders.

[@Musashination]

@@davidbolen8982 Chesterton mate.

[@teresagabriela1794]

I feel the same way. I am a cradle Catholic that only viewed my faith as just family tradition and until my late 20's I came back to the Sacraments, I use a veil at Mass and Adoration and I have been talked down for it. I had a conversion in my own faith and changed my life around, and them my lifestyle, my attire, etc. I wish my parish would not be so protestant and be more of what we are Catholics. They have told us not to kneel during consecration, and we should not be wearing a veil, etc. I pray for my parish and my priest every day. 🙏

[@Peter-kl8jg]

"I use a veil at Mass and Adoration and I have been talked down for it" I would have admired you for it and agree with the rest of your comments. God Bless.

[@mongolianfishingvillages1371]

Islam will surpass christianity by 2035 as Christianity is dominant in places like Europe who's females are having less children

[@mongolianfishingvillages1371]

@Lara Gravenor Islam will surpass christianity by 2035 as Christianity is dominant in places like Europe who's females are having less children

[@Palestine4Ever169]

Teresa Patino Wow you really close to truth you love doing some things that was ordered by God (not the church) I pray that allah to guide you to the truth

[@anonymousjohnson976]

@luffy 👒👒 Yes, they are going from one cult to another.

[@angievalful]

Hello from Spain! You are absolutely right, I see this happening in Spain and I myself have experecied it...I love your channel, keep up the good work. Gld bless you!😇

[@BigLewBBQ]

Wow! That was very insiteful. I'm a devout Baptist,. My mother is Catholic, my father Baptist. I went to Catholic school. As a young man I did a lot of study about what I should and shouldn't believe. I invested a lot of time and energy studying church history (and not just from my Catholic school religion class perspective), the Bible and various doctrines that separate Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Mainline protastant and Evangelical Churches. I knew and believed Christ's resurrection was indeed an historical fact. That his death was not in vain and his Resurrection prooved it. But why the divisions, schisms, and different doctrines that divide denominations? Because mankind is finite, and we try to comprehend the incomprehensible God. Also because mankind is fallen we are sinners in need of a sinless saviour. We are finite sinners trying to obey and follow, the best way our consciences will allow, an infinite and Holy Lord. In the end, by my late twenties, I knew I would be Baptist, and lead my family and rear my children as Baptists. I'm now forty-eight years old I continue to study and learn. My faith is valuable to me, I have invested heavily in it, it is worth everything. You and I have different theological and denominational beliefs,. but you are oh so right on this point. I agree wholeheartedly with you here. If one thinks that Jesus is risen indeed, then he/she needs to find out why. Jesus paid with his life and blood, therefore what should one's Christianity cost? I so enjoyed this, thank you.

[@TheMrpalid]

How did the real Jesus of Nazareth get transformed into the mythical Jesus Christ? Pretty much started with the “apostle” Paul, stirring up trouble in his attempt to create a new religion. Completed by Constantine at the Council of Nicaea, 325 CE. Jesus was a perfect candidate to be at the center of this new religion. Initially just another “pretender to the throne” of Israel, the rightful heir according to his Hasmonean lineage, proclaimed the Messiah, like many others before and after him. And like the others he made his bid to usurp the Roman authorities and 
assume the position of King and High Priest of Israel, which, like all the others, failed. What made Jesus special is that he escaped execution by staging his crucifixion.
He survived, when all the others were put to death by Rome. But a secret that big would be hard to keep. Surely he was at times recognized and over the years the gossip about him took on monumental form. “I seen him feed 5000 people one time.”
“I seen him walk on water.”
“I…I saw him raise the dead!”
“Surely he was the son of God!”
“He was God incarnate!”
All manner of miracle and impossible feat were attributed to him. None of them with any basis in reality, of course. Yet one thing could not be denied. He was alive. He did survive the “crucifixion.”
How he survived was a closely guarded secret. Paul wasn’t in on it, so he felt free to create the resurrection myth. Something worthy of the central figure in his new religion, plus, he (Paul) could now put words in his mouth. Paul can have Jesus, after the resurrection, say take the gospel to the Gentiles, spread it throughout the land. When in fact Jesus was concerned only with his lost sheep of Israel and, while alive, preached against just such behavior. Paul had no luck preaching to the Jews and was pretty much forced to deal 
with the Gentiles, so it was imperative that He have Jesus instruct others to do the same. The whole circumcision business was a bit too messy for Paul also, so he had Jesus proclaim baptism as the way to go. Something Jesus never practiced while alive. All these things, taken together, was the creation of the mythological Jesus.
But there was so much and so diverse and so confusing that finally, over a couple hundred years later, Constantine got all the bishops from the different sects together at the Council of Nicaea, 325 CE. to decide a creed that could be agreed upon. This was where it was decided that Jesus was in fact, divine, the son of God. (Though it should be noted- the vote was not unanimous.) And all the stories and writings were gone through, most tossed out as apocrypha, the remainder set in book form, 50 copies made and given to each bishop to take back to their respective territories, so that all could preach a uniform canon, and voila-
The New Testament is born. A wholly mythological text appropriated by the Romans to use as a tool to control and manipulate the masses for the last 1700 years. Extremely effective.

[@gizellelouis5066]

@@TheMrpalid Sure! I thought the masses were already controlled by the Romans? Unless the historians are wrong, they blamed Christianity on the demise of Rome, so how did the control part come into play? Newsflash, every super power make their conquered areas adopt their religion, so why would the Romans need to create a 'mythical Jesus' for further domination? Paul being a faithful and fervent follower of the Jewish religion, wanted to stir up trouble so that he would spend the rest of his life in tribulation and then executed? You seem to know a lot about what Jesus practiced, were you with the ' non mythical Jesus'? Just curious! Mythical Jesus? Hmmmm, just like your mythical intelligence?

[@twenty-fivethirty-six3946]

The doctrines and traditions of men contain enough truth to allow the enemy to lead us away from the narrow path just far enough, that our pride will keep us from seeking the way back. As a result, most Christians are unable to express or experience the fullness of the Father’s love. Break free of your denominational doctrines and consume the Word of God! Visit our channel to watch our video called: "Walking in the Spirit and Truth", where we explore what it means to be the type of worshiper the Father seeks, one who worships in the Spirit AND Truth (John 4:23). Blessings!

[@joannechisholm4501]

The good news its dying good ridence

[@steve19811]

If you have to study the Bible for years then you're missing the mark on the simplicity of what it is tying to tell you. You are creating your own reality and when your life sucks and you face obstacles to what you want then you'll realize you'll need to surrender to god's love to improve your life and transcend your conditioned ego. That simple folks....

[@bprocks07]

LLLOOOOK AT THIS PHOTOGRRRRAPH

[@dowhateverfree]

I REMEMBER THE TIME THAT IT MAD ME LAUGH. AND HOW DID OUR EYES GET SO RED? AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT ON JIMMY'S HEAD

[@bprocks07]

@@dowhateverfree lolz holy shit i forgot all about this video. thank you for your comment and bringing me back to this so i coul--- THIS IS WHERE I WENT TO SCHOOL I NEVER SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN BEEN THAT COOL...AND SOMEONE SAID SOMETHIN-SOMETHIN IN HIGHSCHOOL THEN, AND WHAT THE HELL IS STILL ON JIMMY'S HEAD OOOOOOOHHHHH EVERY MEMORY LOOKIN OUT THE FROONT DOOOOOOORRRRRR

[@wpprodpyc9266]

LMAO

[@xDELFYonceagain]

Why is this so funny? 😂

[@bprocks07]

@@xDELFYonceagain it’s just universal law ... it MUST be funny therefore it IS funny 😏

[@thorne9794]

as an atheist im fine about what you believe, just don't push it on others edit: OH SHIT DONT CLICK READ MORE, ITS CANCER DOWN HERE!

[@samuelgeorgi9533]

As a Christian, I totally agree, but (I am not saying you did) don't say something controversial about Christianity and then get mad when a Christian tries to defend their point.

[@thorne9794]

@@samuelgeorgi9533 im surrounded by christans so im used to them and respect what they believe

[@mitthrawnuruodo1730]

THANK YOU! as a Christian the biggest problem I'm seeing is people don't know how to agree to disagree and calls each other retards smh why I don't like to participate in religious debates

[@joesteele3159]

I agree that Christians are not supposed to be pushy about their beliefs. Although we are supposed to preach the gospel to everyone. But if someone does not want to hear it then we are to let it go. Jesus said be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

[@frenchdude3942]

I’ll push it over if you start a debate with me

[@bisvizstudio1242]

That's a really good analogy to be honest. So other conclusion might be "the churches did changes the rule to make it easy to be a Christian with the intention to retain followers, yet that effort seems to be a wrong decision causing a lot of people don't care about the religion." The problem is at the church. Shouldn't change anything at the first place. Just preach whatever in the bible. That's basically what Islam teaches. Muslim scholars teach whatever the Qur'an say and whatever Prophet Muhammad said to the Muslims. Not adding or subtracting anything from it.

[@JoeyGirardin]

It is indeed a sad thing that the Church changes for the converts, when the converts are supposed to change for the Church.

[@karenc2844]

My father was a convert deeply devoted to the Catholic Church, very affected after Vatican Ii and spent most Sundays after that at a traditional Latin Mass.... the Church isn't changing for the Protestants; the Church is changing to deny Catholics of the teachings and practices of this beautiful faith, the One, True Faith.... and, sadly, many Catholics are allowing it to happen... it's easy to sit with a cup of coffee in hand and listen to a teaching with a few jokes sprinkled in for 20 minutes vs an hour + in devotion, on our knees at times in remembrance of the sacrifice at Calvary, receiving the True Presence of Our Lord in Holy Communion as He instructed us to do if we are to have life within us. I attended an Evangelical Church for 20 yrs, having left the Catholic Church bc it was easy to do so...I didn't KNOW my faith... Came back in 2014... and I'm here to stay... at a Latin Mass nearly every Sunday for an hour and a half participating in the most beautiful, holy, reverent, sacred, deeply affecting, sacrifice of the Mass....

[@karenc2844]

I forgot to conclude with....MANY converts are leading the charge for the traditional teachings and practices of the Catholic Church...bc they also know "from whence they came".... Protestantism... where they may have received partial truth, and now as Catholics they have the full truth of the teachings of Christ in His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church...

[@davidwadsworth8982]

Very solid observation

[@adamdilem941]

Islam doesn't change. The Quran hasn't been touched or changed. As you read it today as it was revealed 1400 years ago. To the letter. And no contradictions found in it.

[@JoeyGirardin]

@@adamdilem941 ok. I may be a sinner, but I love Jesus enough to not leave the church. I know Truth when I see it. It is fruitless to try to convert me, but I know you mean no harm. Have a nice day tho

[@JulesFaraday22]

I visited Belgium a few years back and we ate in a Chinese restaurant for dinner. The people beside us, the average Belgian adults (a few of them were old) began looking and staring at us as my family and I decided to recite a prayer before the meal. A lot of their facial reactions were both of surprise and bewilderment as if we were performing some strange or foreign religious custom. It's appalling that the lack of religiosity in the West has declined to such a state that prayer before meals appears weird and strange to the eyes of the same people who helped its spread.

[@brumboru]

I live in 5he UK you would get some strange looks here too...

[@brumboru]

Lol

[@feudinggreeks3316]

@@brumboru U.K is melting into a cesspool. I feel sorry for the Welsh, Irish, Scottish. Your Protestant/Anglican kings fought for centuries against invaders and enemies, just to have your capital run by a Muslim that endorses shaming fellow citizens and persecuting good men who defend themselves against violent attacks.

[@RealDexterMidnight]

Becuse it's wird and you shoukd keep it at home

[@luistorres6956]

That's because Europeans are tired of being abused as cannon fodder for wars for their rich lords.

[@TruthBeTold7]

I think a lot of clergy from the main branches of professing Christianity view their position as just a job with a salary. Their heart is not in the faith, and they don't have the best interests of the people in mind.

[@steve2474]

I think there is some truth to that statement, but I believe it applies a thousand times more to politicians and serving the public interest (rather than their own), especially those with a "D" behind there name.

[@davidwadsworth8982]

Now hown can you say such a dumb thing, and you not going to see for your self.

[@TruthBeTold7]

@@davidwadsworth8982 It comes from a lot of experience.

[@marqgoldberg7454]

Looks like people are catching on, more and more, to the fact that Christianity makes no sense and is based on logical fallacies.

[@MeeMee-gz5vp]

Exactly.

[@twentyfivemelody]

What are you talking about, Christianity is about a way of living. Can you tell me what makes no sense in Christianity only based on scriptures?

[@BatterySonic]

Plain and simple. Once you see the man behind the curtain, you can't unsee it. It's not that I just don't believe in religion. I literally can't anymore.

[@charlesf9050]

Lmao plebitor spotted

[@Kelle0284]

Some would say, It's not about religion. It's about a relationship.

[@zuarbrincar769]

​​@@Allin1Xavi Strange you say that, because the atheist countries have the highest death record in the entire history

[@bmi9198]

Your example in the beginning seems to be a pretty simple situation: you're balls deep in consumerist mindset.

[@gallanonim3328]

It's funny that you pretend to being above it.

[@solamano7239]

He speaks to a consumerist public of which I am part. Perhaps growing a vegetable patch would be a better analogy. When you sow seeds and run outside every morning to make sure your seedlings are growing, protecting them from wind, heat/cold and rain and and then from the birds and the bugs, you really do appreciate your harvest. When you buy a bag of spinach in the store and it goes bad at the back of your refrigerator, it's a case of 'just dump it'. Easy come, easy go. It's about commitment.

[@RookhKshatriya]

Very interesting how Muslims never soften their commitment to fasting or Shariah and seem to go from strength to strength.

[@saadrizvi6630]

If westernism comes to India, Hindus would also become irreligious, capitalism kills religion

[@bryanbridges2987]

Most Muslims are only nominally Muslim. If you pick up almost any Muslim and transplant them into the West, after a decade or so they will probably leave Islam because their roots in it were only cultural. The same thing is true of all religions. About 85% will always believe, while the rest could lose faith if the culture changes. Here in the West, the culture has changed big time!! Charles Darwin's work offered a secular view of life, and over time it has destroyed the nominal Christian faith of many. It will keep doing so until only true believers remain.

[@levanka6929]

@@saadrizvi6630 HAHAHA right.

[@oldjoy8416]

@@saadrizvi6630 lol Hinduism is the biggest capitalistic religion in the world. That's why they don't spend money after poor because what they earn in one life is only theirs and none else have a right on it.

[@Turkistonkanal]

It's not about money, it's about religion's pureness and clearness! Trinity is not pure and clear that many sincere Christians understand it and become Muslim! Know that Jesus (may peace be upon him) is only a prophet, not God or son of God! The only one God is Allah!

[@markpugner9716]

If the doctrine of the Trinity is wrong because the Trinity is "not pure and clear", where are we getting the idea that a doctrine needs to be "pure and clear"?

[@karlazeen]

I think it boils down to the fact that people don't like being told what to do in life.

[@karlazeen]

@@tomasmccauley569 My point exactly

[@GigaNietzsche]

You sure about that? It seems as though corporate propaganda and materialism seemed to have taken that role. People love being told what to do

[@karlazeen]

@@GigaNietzsche Yeah those are other factors too I know it's not just one thing it's just my opinion that that's one of the main reasons. Also not all people like to be told what to do some want to live how they please and be happy that way, ya know what I mean?

[@hollybardoe4075]

@@GigaNietzschenot this person.

[@selimfurkandalgic9548]

Yes that is true. However they select other beliefs that tell them what to do. So I am not sure it is the case here.

[@tonyjames9016]

I have recently come back to Roman Catholicism, or Catholicism in general from Orthodoxy. I had converted not liking what happened to my Catholic Church looking for answers in Orthodoxy but all the while learned that I was missing out on my own Catholic faith, And figured out that if all good Catholics leave in the church will be left is nothing more than a hollow shell.I have since found a fraternity of Saint Peter Parish where I live that is very traditional, and I couldn’t agree with you more and your point! I have found joy in the Catholic Church and true universality, all through it’s traditions and maintaining the traditions. Thank you so much for this!

[@barneymagoo1443]

The Catholic religion is probably one of the most evil organisations ever to exist

[@madcavalier4769]

Me: “Oh nice video. I wonder what the comment section looks like.” *A few seconds later* Me: “Welp now I have cancer.”

[@lydiapetra1211]

The Roman catholic church is a false pagan and apostate church and Cult that leads people to hell! All you need is Jesus Christ and His Word the Bible! Here's Truth: "cbcg.org Roman catholism vs Biblical Christianity"

[@curbroadshow]

@@lydiapetra1211 Haha, it was the Romans that made up the cult of Jesus, turning him into a man-god-spirit thing, ever thought it’s you worshipping false idols?

[@lydiapetra1211]

@@curbroadshow The Bible is God's Word...and God the Creator is found in it... once you have a relationship with God your eyes will open up to who He is!

[@curbroadshow]

@@lydiapetra1211 What colour is your Jesus?

[@curbroadshow]

Lydia Petra How could I have a relationship with your god? Where is he, why doesn’t your god show himself to me?

[@Teal_Moon]

Very happy to have found this channel. Thank you for your insight and knowledge. God bless you and yours.

[@MyGdoggy]

These comments are just sad.

[@pauldavies8638]

But true

[@coyotebones1131]

Nobody has said spiritual growth yet, and that’s literally all Jesus taught. In a secular materialist culture it’s too high concept, it seems like woo woo

[@Dante_-cg3fq]

In my country Uruguay, one of the most agnostic / atheist countries in Latin America, many Christian holidays such as Easter, Christmas has changed its name to a holiday week or a beer week, and Christmas for a family day Even older people don't pay much attention to everything that is the church And the young people, I included are developing their own creeds and joining old beliefs For example, some of my friends prefer to believe in the Nordic gods and Valhalla, others in the Olympics and other larger ones do not care about religion, What is rare is that despite this every time there are more private churches of which their communities are mostly Colombian or Venezuelan Cuban, who are trying to convert Uruguayan society And here is the funny part, one of my classmates at the university, of Venezuelan origin has told me that his family is stopping to go to church, because they say they have adapted to think like Uruguayans with a thought of / I don't know / I don't care / whatever it is I am a good person /

[@soycarlosalexis]

Welp, it is not often to find such a testimony from South America. In fact, me being a Panamanian (Central America), it's hard to believe such a thing could happen here (the shift towards a broader and different point-of-view when we steer strongly to Christian beliefs), but it is worth noting the effects of such a change in the social script of your nation. I might not know your age but, is there a way you could share with us what is going on there socially? I am very curious about it. P.D.: the age might be important if you could reach back in time and connect the dots on these changes' outcomes.

[@Dante_-cg3fq]

@@soycarlosalexis I am 22 years old born in an agnostic family with education in Catholic schools (baptized communion) as the vast majority of my relatives Uruguay my country has always been very unrelated to the region since it was never of much interest to the missionaries at the time of the colony And many believe that this is thanks to being one of the first secular states of the continent, but with freedom of worship, and the great arrival of Europeans during the late 19th and mid 20th century They created a society very similar to knowledge and relfecion My grandfather is 88 years old and he is as a believer as I am, he always believe that the churches are like political parties, they only serve to indoctrinate, and kill freedom of thought and my 79-year-old grandmother believes more in San Expedito, but does not believe in divine creation or in the miracles of God. When I started studying evolution in my Catholic school, she was very interested in the subject, so much so that I even studied biology with me and began to read all my books about Megafauna Dinosaurs and human evolution. I really don't know that the people of Uruguay are so little like the church, many believe in God or gods in their own way (especially the older ones) But as Charles Darwin said, I have never known a people so ignorant, but at the same time so knowledgeable PD Sorry for my english

[@soycarlosalexis]

@@Dante_-cg3fq That's so cool! To be honest, my native language is Spanish, but the thread started in English, so I just went with the flow. haha Thanks for sharing your insights on the subject Dante. I got a bit confused when you said "I even studied biology with me". Do you mean your grandma started studying the subject with you?

[@Dante_-cg3fq]

@@soycarlosalexis Yep, despite the fact that she never finished high school, my grandmother was fascinated with the matter, she could not believe that such animals ever lived, she simply says if we had Gliptodontes instead of the armadillos, she would never have gone hungry in her childhood And despite the fact that she believes in the saints and God (in her own way), she believes that the evolution happened that the dinosaurs existed and that in some times there were armadillos of the size of her car XD

[@makky6239]

Não existe Natal no Uruguai? Que estranho

[@solberg7049]

The church has lived through 2000 years of ups and downs. It will live on.

[@UriPhoneCracker]

The level of delusion is unreal

[@twentyfivemelody]

@@UriPhoneCrackerReligious people (Christians and Muslims) are the only groups that continue to produce more than 2 kids per family (minimum necessary to make the population not disappear) while atheists in the west are having a hard time finding purpose in this world and refuse to procreate. Atheists will disappear in the West before the next century, it’s simply mathematics.

[@Imastarintye]

No

[@Dogg1512]

You missed the mark, as the real decline may be identified as the clash of reality with superstitions. Gen-X/Z demands evidence for their beliefs, not some poorly written literature in a Holy Book The adventure of information through the internet, is the real Achilles Heel of belief systems

[@jbdrizzle6722]

Totally agree! Investment breeds investment. You see this in every aspect of life yet the moment we start talking about spirituality we act like like this no longer applies. Thanks for making this video Brian!

[@sarahnade8663]

No, this is called manipulation. You are advocating people being emotional and mentally manipulated into staying with the church cause they've already invested so much into it. It's THIS attitude you are showing off! Where you are happily committing evil in the name of supposedly "saving" people that is killing your religion!

[@worldview_kyp]

The craziest thing is how people who have little knowledge of true Christianity blindly bash the faith. People who couldn’t cite a single parable or teaching of Jesus, try to refute the very foundation of the faith by pointing out flaws in the people who claim the faith. That’s like saying “I knew someone who was an atheist and he killed someone, therefore atheism can’t be true.” That doesn’t address the claim. Address the teachings of Jesus, and we may have a better conversation.

[@BrentStrathdeePehi]

Thanks for the video - interesting topic. I am from New Zealand, a modern secular country, although traditionally a Christian country that is now very multicultural. I believe the single biggest reason for the decline in Christianity in the west is actually mainly due to secularism- let’s face it, we’ve relegated God to something we roll out if/when we feel like it and for increasing numbers of people that’s well - never! I’m actually a Muslim revert but I have respect for all people from any/all walks of life. To live as a practicing Muslim is a commitment that requires learning, time, prayer (5x daily), giving to charity, fasting etc. the rewards are well worth it, but as you say - the investment into it means we value it highly. In Islam we believe that EVERYTHING is God centred and that fosters an acknowledgement, gratitude and humility for simple things - the sun came up this morning- Alhamdulilah!☀️ Our modern western secularism admittedly has its benefits-freedom of choice is a positive. But in the process, most have simply removed God from their daily lives and this has caused the drastic decline of Christianity and the churches. I came to Islam after some months spent in Indonesia, a majority Muslim country. For all of their challenges of being a developing nation the biggest thing that struck me is that God and faith are at the centre of their daily lives - it’s not “religion” , it’s LIFE! I loved that and for the first time I realised that sadly, most westerners - including in my own country - have abandoned God...

[@harrymcnicholas9468]

Did you ever consider there is no God?

[@BrentStrathdeePehi]

Harry McNicholas sure - many times. Then I decided that the idea that this universe, humanity, nature etc is all just an epic fluke was LESS believable than believing in God 😁

[@harrymcnicholas9468]

You used bad reasoning. Nobody in science asks you to believe anything. Science is based upon facts. You check out the facts. God is not a fact but only a superstition with no validity.

[@BrentStrathdeePehi]

Harry McNicholas coolio Harry - I accept that that’s your view, each to their own. Our differing views dont hurt each other so we can agree to think differently, all good! I accept your views I’m sure your able to accept mine too 🙂

[@harrymcnicholas9468]

As long as they both are based upon facts and logic.

[@AfricaFacts]

I totally agree, growing up in Uganda(Africa) , my community was made up of many Muslims and Christianity but I noticed that the Muslims were more tied to their faith compared to the Christians. The Christians were often so in name than in practice. It started to dawn on me the Islamic faith had more tough requirements like fasting, daily prayers and avoidance of such acts as drinking alcohol and eating pork . This in a way was a huge price for the Muslims and it helped strengthen their faith.

[@TheDovahkiinPadomay]

May Allah (swt) bless you, brother/sister. Love from Libya 🇱🇾 ❤

[@bobbuilder5601]

I agree with what you say Brian. My roots are Roman Catholic and I was married in the Church. My wife, children and I have since become “born again” but my heart still goes out to my brothers/sisters in the RC church. First off: where people get the idea that “science” disproves God is false; science doesn’t deny the Godhead, rather it explains intelligent design and the complex order of our universe. Second: yes, without cost- true value is often marginalized and minimized. Third: the time is coming and is now here where an “awakening” (final?) for the Church (all Believers) will occur. I pray the conviction that guided you to make this video will bear much fruit as it reaches those who are truly at a crossroad and are earnestly seeking The Truth. Blessings!

[@andymalone7338]

Apostates are funny when they post on Catholic videos. No Orthodox Catholic cares what your think. You're wrong and sinning against the Holy Spirit. You might need to thump your bible to find out what that means.

[@longdark4ever]

The real reason IMO, is after 1000 years, religion exists on faith and faith alone, still with not a shred of evidence for the god of the bible, it would surely eventually leads to it's demise. Remember, Faith is NOT a pathway to truth

[@sethhansen4454]

Not a shred of evidence for any other theory for the universe forming sooo....

[@longdark4ever]

Seth Hansen yep no one knows for sure, there is no real answer to any of it. But i dont care, we wont find out in my lifetime anyway LOL

[@madloops6178]

And you're ok walking in confusion?

[@madloops6178]

MDKArtist You just claimed that you don't know the absolutes

[@madloops6178]

MDKArtist Do you have faith?

[@MariaPullatt]

I heard this somewhere, "if you don't give 100% to God, you can't receive 100% from Him either." There's only value if the effort has been made. Being a Christian isn't supposed to be easy! Preach!

[@kiwikitten9738]

No XD

[@dmark1922]

I feel this video told me almost nothing about the question being begged; which is, WHY is the "watering down" occurring in the first place? Absolute strictness in adhering to tradition can have its points, but in these days where we have a choice of where we worship (unlike older Europe did in its past), such strictness can also attract certain types for the wrong reasons and are not always healthy alternatives. I don't have the answers; and I also can understand how it's foolish to think a 6-minute video can help me to even begin to find an answer, but thanks for trying.

[@TheresaReichley]

I think that’s an appeal to the very casualized culture around us. And it happens with a lot of things. We don’t hold people to anything because somehow the west has internalized the idea that demands for quality are going to scare people away. It’s true of almost anything. You don’t enforce dress standards because you are afraid of people not coming. Or you don’t insist on quality art before joining an art club, because you want people to come. But nobody gets anything from things that have no standards.

[@dmark1922]

@@TheresaReichley Truer words never spoken!

[@PeterOldwood]

This is very precious what you said and very eye-opening. I myself am an example of this. Some years ago our former Pastor retired and the new one is very liberal and I had to leave the church as I couldn't agree such lenient approach to Jesus teaching. My faith is still strong but I don't belong to any church now. I read the Bible.

[@神の人-f2k]

Lol just leave it

[@lydiapetra1211]

All you need is Jesus and His Word the Bible! It's the fountain of all Truth! Also on KZbin. . please check out John MacArthur'...he is a true man of God who preached the Word! Also Irwin Lutzer!

[@神の人-f2k]

@@christiankhoury9343 Wow. Are you another one of those Christians who only believes 'the good bits of the Bible'.

[@giovanniledezma2202]

Go to a Catholic or Orthodox Church

[@Hector-sp2hv]

Agreed! The old saying,”Easy come, easy go.” would apply here.

[@noahm44]

CHRISTIANITY IS LEAVING BECAUSE WE ARE LIVING IN END TIMES. People reject Christ more than ever and the Bible makes it clear that these spirits grow stronger in the end times

[@lenkasustackova4560]

@@noahm44 Christians are saying this for AGES

[@individualthoughts4427]

@@lenkasustackova4560 Yes because we don't know when will it come, and it is also to remind the younger christians about the end times

[@hersheylindon7677]

Jesus said he would come back 2000 years later it's now been over 2000 years, so he will come very soon

[@Vampx]

@@hersheylindon7677 where did he said that??

The reason Christianity is failing in the West while other religions in the Middle East are not has nothing to do with science or materialism and everything to do with freedom of choice and the ability to leave your inherited faith without fear of being either killed or ostracised by your family or friends. The up side for Christianity is at least those who still follow it do so because they want to rather than because they have to.

[@LightForxes]

jeep23862 this is true! 100%

[@brotherandrew3393]

I have mixed feelings about this approach. Because if the stakes are too high I am discouraged and I even can no longer do as I could before. So if you don´t put this in perspective to God´s grace and love it will simply not work. What I mean is this "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

[@KrikitKaos]

"My investment in my faith has cost me so much and transformed me in undeniable ways that it would be really hard for me to let go of because I’d have to admit that it was all for nothing." It's weird that you recognize this but don't find it alarming. Do you care whether or not what you believe is true? Or would you rather continue to hold unsupported beliefs in order to avoid having to stomach a sunk cost?

[@thstroyur]

That street goes both ways, pal; assuming you're an atheist/agnostic: do _you_ care whether or not what you believe is true - and how much did _you_ invest in figuring it out?

[@KrikitKaos]

@@thstroyur I investigated the origins of my own religion, realized that there wasn't sufficient evidence to hold the conclusions that I held, and stopped holding those conclusions. I care very highly about whether my conclusions are correct, and hold them tentatively, subject to revision on receipt of new evidence.

[@thstroyur]

@@KrikitKaos The very language you use here is highly suggestive that scientism is in the background, involved in the decision-making; mind telling me about your investigation, and why wasn't there "sufficient evidence to hold the conclusions that you held"?

[@KrikitKaos]

@@thstroyur If scientism is 'an excessive belief in the power of scientific knowledge and beliefs' and I am aware of the limits of science (it is after all a human endeavor, subject to all our human limitations) then I don’t think scientism is an accurate descriptor for me. However, I can easily state that for me, methodological naturalism is in the forefront, not the background. That said, the moment I encounter any demonstration of how to reliably interact with any supernatural realm or entity in order to describe its characteristics and understand how it interacts with our reality, I am happy to shift to a new methodological ‘ism’ that incorporates that new knowledge. I have epistemic, logical and moral objections to the religion I was raised in (Catholicism). Is there any one of those categories that you are most interested in? They are listed in most to least foundational, in terms of how and when they impacted my understanding of my religion.

[@thstroyur]

@@KrikitKaos "If scientism is"--and indeed it is; just because you're intelligent enough to call that, you get a skyward thumb "Is there any one of those categories that you are most interested in?" Truth be told, _all_ of them, since worldviews are infallibly holistic. Let's start, then, with God's existence. Here's my fave argument, contingency: 1. A contingent being is one that does not contain in itself the cause of its existence. 2. The Universe exists and is a contingent being. 3. Therefore, the cause of the Universe's existence must be in a Necessary Being outside of itself. 4. The Necessary Being is identified with God, or is what we call God. So, this may or may not be right--but if it isn't, another problem rises: When I look at this 'reality' thing, I see, i.a., physical stuff, consciousness, uniform phenomenology. So, atheists are still in the race, eh? Very well: assume there is no God, and no such thing like God; now, explain to me how we get the things I just mentioned, and how that explanation not only isn't isomorphic with God but also superior Thoughts?

[@davidbrooksbank7444]

God bless you brother. Even knowing that we need to be part of a group in order to grow and develope some of us tread a lonely path but love the Lord. I hope to be together with others and soon

[@mongolianfishingvillages1371]

Islam will surpass christianity by 2035 as Christianity is dominant in places like Europe who's females are having less children

[@stupidpark3494]

@@mongolianfishingvillages1371 why did you feel the need to respond like that?

[@centurionyt4472]

Kenway Tree 1700's asatru is making a comeback in Iceland and parts of England and Norway, this is the belief in Norse mythology aka Viking religion, they’ve even started not he first temple in Iceland proving that people are Turning away from Christianity and moving back to there ancestors roots

[@lydiapetra1211]

@@centurionyt4472 actually it's not about a religion...it's not about Christianity...it's about a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.....

[@rishabhraj5096]

@@mongolianfishingvillages1371 Islam needs a scientific revolution to make people come out of the crap theories.

[@AsAPBLAKE]

I get the overall "cost" argument. That makes sense to me. You lose me when you throw Christianity into the mix. There's enough cost to living the way you chose to live already, and especially if you're trying to do something special with your life, there will be a lot of cost that comes with it, there will be sacrifices you'll have to make. For yourself. To better yourself in the long haul. Why add a fairytale to that?

[@spondivitslancaster4456]

Awesome!!!Screw Islam...I hate it!!!...

[@bcalvert321]

Christ dying on the cross paid for our sins. He bled, tortured, flogged, forced to carryy a cross that would kill Him and after having nails driven through His hands and feet. He hung there for 3 hours bleeding, suffering and having a very hard time breathing, He died. I would say that cost a lot. Most will never have to suffer much for our faith. Others in the world are put in jail and tortured and some are killed for their faith. It has been happening for 2 thousand years. It is not going away. The more we invest in Him the better it is for us.

[@torahislife]

@@bcalvert321 That's what the story says, but were you there to see it so you know its not just a 2000 year old legend like the 1400 year old legend of Mohammed? Do you believe a Jewish rabbi was actually the Creator or our universe? You believe Jesus was born of a virgin? Walked on water? Did magic tricks? That Jesus floated up into the sky? Is that what God wants us to believe and if we don't God will torture us?

[@bcalvert321]

@@torahislife And since you weren't there you cannot say it never happened.

[@bcalvert321]

@@torahislife God created the earth. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

[@bestpossibleworld2091]

This is right on the money. Sociologically, it is the concept of high boundaries. Organizations that are difficult to get into and difficult to stay in are the ones that tend to survive and thrive. Easy in leads to easy out. When the church does not have clear boundaries from the world, it sends a message that it is essentially a social, feel-good club. Conversely, when the church has strong theological and moral expectations, people will be repelled by this but those who adhere to the church will tend to be very highly motivated. This is why the Latin Mass is growing.

[@Dislike-kq9uq]

Hello Brian! I personally am Agnostic, and I greatly appreciate the tone of your video and presenting Valid points about your Community. I originally came looking for some Evangelist Malice ranting about how the world is going to hell, (honestly to scoff at the idea) and am actually very lucky to find your video first. Perhaps I should go and think upon my own mindset of looking for hate to help fuel my own. I don't think I can sway towards Christian belief, but I can help you out with a like and a subscribe. I hope you have a great day, Brian.

[@BrianHoldsworth]

Wow. Thanks for tuning in. That was a refreshingly candid take.

[@afonsoteixeiradamota404]

@Mansoor Ahmad Dear Ahmad, the end of your comment is the end of your argument. Jesus is not a prophet of God but God himself made human flesh, as He told in many different ways. Many religions/churches speak of God and pretend to worship the one True God but God Himself only founded one Church: ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Thus, and using your own words: May I kindly and lovingly invite you to Catholicism. Catholicism is the beautiful religion of worshiping the uniquely one True God (the unseen Creator and Sustainer) of the universe - The Holy Trinity. The Bible was revealed by Himself. Once you get to know it you will become a believer in Catholicism. We Catholics believe in Jesus as God mas human flesh.

[@The_Man8719TwitchTV]

@Mansoor Ahmad the verse you describe here is not finished? Jesus himself continue by saying " the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent into the world" "This is my son, in whom I am well pleased" Almighty God speaking of His own self made flesh, Jesus Messiah

[@greatexpectations6577]

@Mansoor Ahmad you and Alfonso should get in a wrestling match to see which god is the true god. 😝

[@RowanWarren78]

Thanks for the comment. I'm Agnostic as well. I see a lot of comments in response to yours where each person is either trying to convert you or fight each other 😆. No, I could never go back to religion. Now, when I see people of faith passionately debating things I once though we're important, but now realize are irrational, I can't believe I was ever a believer. You will never see so much hate and anger than you will from a devout person of faith when you tell them you're Agnostic and happy. For whatever reason, they just can't accept that there are people who exist outside of their faith. If they truly were at peace because they found their true system of belief, why would my personal choice make them so upset?

[@thebookdragon8662]

The desire to get back to the way things once were is an indication of a dying consensus. It also never works, the way things were changed for good reasons at the time and the majority of people will not tolerate turning back the clock. And so, getting back to the good old days would require the imposition of tyranny. All religions eventually die and are replaced by other religions. Christianity has had a good run and it certainly won't be gone anytime soon. But it is ultimately just another religion, and religions die.

[@zachwaddill7801]

The Book Dragon The crusifixion of Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Catholics couldn't care less what the Bible says. There reasons for being there are now fulfilled elsewhere for them.

[@thebookdragon8662]

Hi Zach, Yes I realize that Christianity is your religion, but that doesn't invalidate anything I wrote in the previous comment.

[@desigamer8598]

But Christianity on the global level is not dying but rising.... Christianity gains millions of converts every year in Asia, Africa and South America...Though the west is dying it doesn’t mean Christianity on the whole will die out... Christianity is no longer white man’s religion.... I am an ex Hindu from India... even in my country(unlike China where people are converting to Christianity in droves) Christianity is gaining huge converts after the arrival of large scale tv broadcasting... and social media.....

[@pritam452]

@@desigamer8598 👏 which state are you belong?

[@stthomasaquarius]

It would be impossible for you to walk away because you would have to admit that it was all for nothing... We call that the sunk costs fallacy.

[@Joeonline26]

Nobody gets to 'walk away', as nice as that would be. God still exists, the truth is still the truth, even if you're an atheist Hitchens fanboy who's acting like none of it is real.

[@stthomasaquarius]

@@Joeonline26 None of those things are definitive. God isn't real just because you say so. He isn't a fiction just becase someone else says so. Hitchens fanboy. Funny. Mature. Cutting. But I'll stick with my agnosticism. All you people claiming to know can keep your certainty. The only thing I absolutely know is that revealed truth is some bullshit. Whatever there is or isn't hasn't been communicated to this guy on a mountaintop or that guy in a cave. Those tales should be regarded no differently than unverifiable claims are today. Reptilian overlords, angels, aliens, sacred gardens, Atlantis, Mandela effect. It's all the same to me.

[@adamdilem941]

@@stthomasaquarius May be there is no way to verify whether "A Truth was revealed on mountain top 3500 years ago or in a cave 1400 years ago" because nonone have a time machine. But what you can verify is whether that Truth/Book can or can not be written by a man 1400 years ago or 2000 years ago or 3500 years ago. Pass every revelation under the microscope, check for authanticity, contradictions, possibility of being invented by a human being or not. If I showed a doll and told this is made by an extra terrestrial you've laugh at me. But if I showed you a dear and told you this was made by God and made to procreate and multiplay autonomously you stop and reflect.

[@stthomasaquarius]

@@adamdilem941 All right. But if we're looking at a historical text with a critical eye, we have to look for what's wrong with the text, not what's right. Otherwise we're just cherry picking. The Egyptian enslavement of the Jews, for example, is a claim with literally zero supporting evidence. And a lot of elements that suggest the story isn't true. And if Exodus isn't true, then the entire Mosaic law is just something somebody made up. And if Judaism isn't true, then none of the monotheisms derived from it can be. They're all based on a false first cause. Plus, your explanation of life is... lacking.

[@adamdilem941]

@@stthomasaquarius You made few conclusions there based on either false or not necessarily true assumptions: 1- You assume that Absence of Evidence is Evidence of Absence. Regarding the claim that Jews were enslaved by Egyptians. That's a common false assumption. 2- That if a claim made by Judaism is false, then Christianity and Islam are False. That's another false Assumption. 3- You assume that Judaism is the source of Christianity and Islam. Which is another assumption not necessarily true. The claim is that revelation comes down vertically not horizontally as you assume. But then it is passed down from generation to generation horizontally. The Chinese whisper is a good example of horizontal revelation. If there was a false claim after 30 generations from the original message. It doesn't mean the original message is false. Both the Torah and The NT have been changed throughout the centuries. Not the Quran. Even then It doesn't necessarily mean that the initial message of Judaism or Christianity are false. Also Christianity takes on the Old Testament and builds on too of it. But the Quran doesn't. It's totally Indépendantly written. In fact it corrects it when it's evidently wrong.

[@striker17]

One of our church elders asked for prayers. He was going to a cardiologist appointment. He found out everything was ok. I said good news. He said it would have been better news if he had something wrong and could go to heaven. Oxymoronic I thought to myself. I heard a family member say that Christianity is a death cult some years back. I wonder sometimes if it is.

[@simplyrin210]

Sure, you can increase the cost of something to make its percieved value greater but that doesnt mean the thing has real value. Take the shoes for example. You ruin your more expensive shoes and then what? Life goes on, you might even find the same exact ones on sale for a pittance. Having a high cost just fools people into believing something is worth more than it is. You see this all the time with mobile games or even regular video games. People invest large amounts of money into a game and then can never quit because they’d feel that their money would be wasted. It’s not worth it to continue playing something you dont enjoy.

[@kenwelch198]

When we were a child ,we did childish things. When we were adults, we put away childish things.

[@Babby6010]

This is the first video of yours I've found a few years ago when I became Christian. I just read the cost of discipleship by bonhoefer and his teaching on cheap grace and now im in love with your channel and am considering becoming catholic. So glad I found this again. God bless

[@xmuhmd]

Islam is the logical next step after christianity, just as the christianity was the logical next step after judaism I hope you will read Quran to discover the truth about prophet jesus and God who prophet jesus himself prayed to.. In Bible.. And sure Satan will not makes it easy for you.. But Ask God for guidance to find the truth.. I know it is not about the topic But I want to convey the message for you And I want you in hevean with me and with our prophet jesus.. And it is your decision! May God bless and guide you🌹

[@Christian-hi2uc]

In christian just be your self.. love God and other with all your heart.. happiness and blessing from God is always with you and fam.. GBU..

[@Christian-hi2uc]

Islam@@xmuhmd is not logical to me my friend.. muhammad really bad shepherd.. he believes in paganism rocks hajar aswad can erase sins too bro.. Jesus Inside Father and Father inside Jesus (JOHN 14÷9-11).. I don't hate muslim you know.. you are my neighbours.. but i really don't agree with muhammad teachings..

[@momosaidnineisfine2194]

Just believe in Humanity, god is just a plague

[@thetavibes9021]

@@momosaidnineisfine2194 Humanity is a plague, god is just a catalyst.

[@sandrew255]

This is quite a common argument, but I’ve never heard it expressed in this way before. It struck me that there is a huge flaw in your argument though. Going back to your analogy about shoes, the true value of the shoes is not dependent on their cost, just as you described. Therefore, your attachment to the more expensive pair is not only illogical, but displays that you are valuing the superficial above the inherent. You actually expressed this about your own religious beliefs. If you weren’t so invested in them, you could easily walk away. Surely, if you’re religion is meaningful and “true “ then that is what is important, not how many books you’ve bought on the subject, or how uncomfortable it is to kneel in prayer? Going back to shoes, what do we feel about people who will only buy very expensive, labels? Are we impressed by how discerning they are, or do we just consider them foolish ? Do we want a religion that guilt trips you into attending services, or one that is demonstrably truthful? From my perspective, religious denominations are dying because they require you to accept things that are patently untrue. I used to attend Anglican services in the UK, but I stopped because I could no longer sit in church and listen to sermons that were so dumb, so detached from reality, so replete with falsehoods and questionable morals, so hypocritical.

[@JohnSmith-zo7ou]

Fasting for lent has always made me feel connected to the observance of Easter. Eating fish on a Friday has never felt like fasting. What started as abstaining from meat on a Friday was gradually watered down to you must eat fish. Now even that has faded. The ritual of a family meal can play a central roll in bonding a family and making religion part of life. All that is required is a simple meal, no need to make fish compulsory. It could even be a meat and fish free meal (and no I am not a vegetarian). Fasting has the added benefit of focusing on what is important and acting as antidote to modern materialism.

[@coyotebones1131]

John good on you! Fasting is a great way to see different angles on truth. Good travels brother

[@BedboundME]

I’m totally meat free. I don’t understand the big deal of not eating meat on a Friday

[@leoinsf]

How does "fasting for lent" bring us to an awareness that God is our Father and He loves us? Fasting is all about "earning God's love" by fasting. To me it is immature, unnecessarily and completely off the subject of the love God has for His children and the fact we do not need to earn that love. So much of Catholicism is about "earning" and "earning" is not the message Christ came on Earth to deliver. Catholicism is the Pharisee's version of coming to God, not the Publicans. Read the parable and you will see.

[@steve2474]

@@leoinsf I didn't embrace any form of fasting until a few years ago. I find it very useful in terms of spiritual discipline in temporarily denying one the pleasures of the world and helping to stay focused on Christ's sacrifice for us and not giving in so easily to temptation of sin in its many forms. I find it to be a useful tool in the spiritual warfare battle. I think the Orthodox are far too strict on their fasting requirements and frequency/duration, while the Catholics are far too lenient. Not to mention the Protestants who don't do it all. It has to be done in conjunction with prayer and/or scripture reading. Otherwise, it is just a diet. My fasting routine, falls in between the Catholic and Orthodox.

[@kaibaCorpHQ]

4:55 It sounds like Apple Jokes aside it sounds like everything is polarizing; the economic middle class is disappearing, the broader Christian Church is apparently disappearing...more things I can't really think of...

[@gizzy2403]

100% agreed! Ur right on every word man! As I've grown older, I've noticed that people that aren't disciplined jus seem to wander around mostly depressed and seemingly lost. My wife and I speak of this often. As she is a nurse/c.o. in a fed. Med. Prison. She's tough on every patient/ inmate under her area. And u know what, they freakin luv her 4 it!! They tell her all th time " ur tough, but ur fair to each 1 of us and u don't play favs." A black shot caller on her area told her also " I'm glad u keep them inline, they need it! An if shit ever goes sideways in here, we got ur back." I really think th sad but true moral of this story is that when people are free 2do anything, they end up doing nothing!

[@K.Dilkington]

For anyone trying to better understand the economic principles he is using as analogy about prices look up the Water Diamond Paradox. For further research look into Subjective Value Theory.

[@agiugabenson7268]

We live in a world of instant gratification. Instant coffee - Play the piano in one day etc etc. Christianity is about relationship, with God and one another. Any relationship, like marriage for example does need work and a day by day re-commitment. In the UK, David Beckham, the famous soccer player was unfairly critised for daring to say as such in relation to his marriage. You can't pay your tythes or give to a tele- evangelist and think you are done. Our faith is hard work but.... glorious.

[@socksumi]

It's not that people don't want to work for relationships, they don't believe a god exists to have a relationship with. That is the issue, at least for atheists.

[@shanthsp2002]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2OcXqelfaydqqc Ok, so Christian Missionaries have fallen to such an extent that now they are using Hindu names, Hindu songs, Hindu music to convert people. They are desperate to convert as many Hindus into Christianity as they can because they know in western countries Christianity failed utterly to answer questions posed because they don't have any truth. They are becoming so cheap and using other belief system content to beg people to join their religion. Christianity is dying to be frank. They cant answer questions asked by people so they call questioning BIBLE is blasphemy. They know Christianity is nothing about spirituality and its just propaganda to control masses similar to ISLAM. But Islam is much better compared to Christianity because it won't use other religion music or content, instead, it creates its content either it is true or false. But Christian missionaries can get to any low level to convert people. In initial days they use to force people, kill people, threaten, rape women if not converted to Christianity. Now times changed so they cant use force so using other means to convert people. How long such religions survive on lies? Remember lies may look like winning but they collapse in end due to lack of proper base, now they don't have a strong base, so they are trying to use Hindu content to support their falling religion. Anyone will little common sense will immediately quit such cheap religion and stay atheist instead.

[@michaelfisher7170]

But people undertook that "hard work" for centuries. Today they're not. What the churches are offering isn't attractive as it once was. I agree with you about it being a lifetime work in progress, but in a lot of cases that work is surrounded by and exists in a framework of contentions and beliefs that people don't want anything to do with anymore. And that has to do with changing societal attitudes toward people and groups who were traditionally either persecuted or at best marginalized by the faith. That's just a small part of why people are no longer interested. But the church is finding people aren't willing to throw their "unacceptable" family members or friends under a bus anymore to gain the approbation and acceptance of their fellow congregationalists.

[@lilacspring2556]

I'm an atheist but I agree with your analogy. You're either Christian accepts what the bible say or you move out and start again or stay out. Many christians arent making the religion look good/ what it actually is.

[@UbayLanas]

I may disagree with your theory but the reality of Shrinking Christianity is not to put value in the message. Christianity is about the transformation of one's life, not information. The Christian values and principles receded to the private lives and public life is no longer being practiced. The original context of the Gospel is, Christianity should both in private and public exposure. It is also important that each and every Bible-believing Christians must be congruent to their faith. Otherwise, we will fall into the statistic of a dying church. Blessings❤️🤝❤️✌️

[@UbayLanas]

@Stasis Field You are right, "Christianity has failed the world" but the true message never and has never failed to those who seek God in spirit and in truth. None of us can rehab themselves because we are all sinners and fall short to the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We need a redeemer to rescue us from our by nature original sin. If you study the original sin, God has turned his face away from us. Unless we look at and believe in his Son Jesus. We will still deal with the consequences after we die on this planet earth.

[@andrewmaldonado71]

Religion will never die. It will continue to change, adapt and evolve just as we do.

[@TheFracturedfuture]

Yeah unfortunately there will always be stupid people.

[@thetekksetter1356]

I became an agnostic at 25, and I’ve never looked back.

[@mattholt2451]

The Tekksetter come to Islam

[@thetekksetter1356]

muaz ali I think I’ll Pass. I don’t believe in flying horses

[@mattholt2451]

The Tekksetter what do you mean?

[@brobruv1662]

Become christian?

[@raymondstclare6706]

I hope you come to faith one day. 🙏

[@j.c.3800]

Thanks Brian. 40 years ago my wife and I had our marriage turned around when we decided to act as if we believed. In a material sense, good things and bad things happened, but we tried to believe that God had a reason for them, and we learned about our moral deficits and we learned about the struggles of other people. I thank God that none of my plans to be someone successful never worked out.

[@bpeditingcinematography2544]

This is very sad to read. "We decided to act as if we believed." Ouch, that's got to hurt right in the faith, right?

[@chesterdonnelly1212]

You make a good argument. The more you invest in a stupid ideology or bad idea, the harder it is to give it up.

[@aceofleaf606]

I've met some ex-priests that arrived at the conclusion the evidence for a deity is absent and yet it took some of them over fifty years to realise. Imagine the sense of regret regarding time wasted? It'd be like selling alternative medicines under the impression they worked and when you realised you'd built a career around a harmful institution, the sense of shame and regret must be immense.

[@CSUnger]

Was invited once to a Christian seminar wherein a video was shown with a minister I had never seen before preaching that we are making it too difficult for outsiders to come into the Church and we need to make it simpler. After the video, there was a discussion period where everyone was in agreement with his thesis. (If it’s in a book or on a video it seems to infer some worst of authority, I guess) After listening to the speeches and not being able to take it anymore, I spoke up and suggested that this man’s idea was 180 degrees out of reality and, not that we need to make it more difficult, but that we need to stress the importance of understanding the commitment and to make sure that anyone wishing to “be saved” be willing to make that commitment. The ensuing disagreements, including from pastors, spoke volumes about the direction the Church is heading. This young man, although I do not share his Theology, has it exactly correct.

[@hummingbirdman]

I don't think your solution works either. You want the church to be tougher on members and instill thinking on them and not let them think on their own. That won't work. Church is dying being people have learned that we live in a free country, so we value our freedom more and don't want to be controlled by an entity that doesn't really cares about each of us as individuals.

[@davidwadsworth8982]

That is the absolute dumbest comment ever said by anybody ever. Jesus does not care? YOU have never read your Bible ,not one bit! It is all there son. He cared so much he willingly died for us. God so loved us he sent his ONLY son to die for us. So we can have ever lasting live in Glory. This stinking earth is temporary. Heads up son you had better get to reading your Bible like now. Start with Revelation's, and just look ay what is happening in the world today. Stop that CNN Bull shit. LOOK and LEARN,SEE and compare to the Bible, the events and time line ,the where and who. talk with a well grounded pastor. If you try and do not connect, what have you lost but a little time. But be truly open and honest, no attitude of show me now or else, just be open. If something clicks, some light comes on and you start to believe and learn, you will have gained the ultimate gift, eternal life. And then you can show somebody else the way. Get the NKJV Bible easy to understand.

[@hummingbirdman]

@@davidwadsworth8982 If Jesus cared so much about churchgoers, why are so many churchgoers dying from Covid if Jesus loves the believer. In fact, more churchgoers are getting covid than nonchurchgoers, some because they refuse to take the vaccine and rely on pure faith, and others because they congregation unsafely. Many stories of dozens of people catching covid in church camps. Many pastors have died from covid. The fact is God and Jesus doesn't protect church members. They have to take care of themselves. Blind faith and reliance on the Bible wont save them. Only science can. Also, regarding your comment about stinking earth and life in Glory in heaven perhaps, ask the jews who wrote the Old testament. Most jews don't believe there is a heaven, only a temporary transition. Also, God just let more than 600,000 people die from Covid, including my mom's best friend and devoted christian. Yup, God is so kind. Church needs to explain why so many poeople have to die to satisfy god.

[@Dave-qj1vx]

In the Western world, we can say that Christianity has weakened but if you go to Africa, Asia and Latin America, its very much alive. These three are the future of the Church.

[@imemine7]

Christianity (and all religion) thrives on uneducation, poverty and ignorance.so yes, you are correct.

[@imemine7]

Christianity (and all religion) thrives on uneducation, poverty and ignorance. So yes, you are correct.

[@Dave-qj1vx]

John Daedalus If you do your research, Christianity, in particular Catholicism is really not opposed to science. Some of the greatest scientists were Christians.

[@Dave-qj1vx]

imemine7 So was C.S. Lewis an ignorant stupid person? Was Tolkien ignorant? Come on. There have been many intellectuals in Christianity.

[@Thoron_of_Neto]

@@Dave-qj1vx allow me to explain the difference between a scientist who holds religious beliefs, and a religious scientist. The first one, holds true to science in 99% of their beliefs, but due to the amount of their self they have tied to their beliefs they never reevaluate them. They can be legitimate scientists of world renown, but hold religious beliefs. It's why science doesn't rely on people and their biases. The data does the speaking, and the person discovering things is largely irrelevant beyond the need for a vehicle of discovery. The second is an oxymoron.

[@andystokes8702]

I think it's far more simple than that. For millennia the main religions had a doctrine that God created everything and that we, as human beings were the pinnacle of his creation and everything he created was for us. He created the Earth and it was the centre of the universe, everything else literally revolved around us. If you believe that, as just about everybody did it's easy to see why people believed, it was the only thing that made sense. That was the situation until the 15th century when firstly Copernicus and then Galileo demonstrated that it was in fact the sun which was the centre of our solar system. Galileo was tried and convicted of heresy and subsequently Giordano Bruno who further proposed that there were other galaxies and that our solar system was part of a much bigger universe than we had ever considered possible was burned at the stake by the controlling religious leaders desperate to keep control. We now know as a fact that these pioneering astronomers were absolutely correct, the earth is a totally unremarkable planet in an even less remarkable solar system within a universe billions of years old. The problem for religion is that these facts totally undermine the idea that we are in some way special, that we were created specially, something which was always fundamental to religious belief. Once we started to accept that it was inevitable that belief would diminish; prove one part of the dogma to be false and everything else gets called into question. Every branch of science since then has chipped away at these core beliefs and there is very little left, very few gaps in knowledge for religion to plug. Even the last two popes accepted evolution, something that would be considered heretical just 500 years ago.

[@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard]

For the Love of God, Galileo Galilei was not prosecuted for that. He was prosecuted for meddling in faith affairs as a scientist. He died Catholic and in a good relationship with the Pope.

[@andystokes8702]

@@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard I'll take your word for it, I knew that his views were unpopular and that he was prosecuted but I didn't know what for exactly. I was merely stating what I read on Wikipedia, admittedly not a 100% accurate source of information. Perhaps you should visit the site and edit that part.

[@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard]

@@andystokes8702 That is perhaps the best answer someone has ever given me on this topic. I have read multiple books on Galileo, Copernicus and above all, Kepler (I'm an engineer, I had to read these folks), and it always boggles me how people (certainly not you) make up myths around Galileo to support their ideology or belief. I recommend reading The article on the Galileo Myth, on the page Catholic Answers. I recall reading it and being quite satisfied with their summary. All the best, Andy.

[@andystokes8702]

@@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard It's the only answer I could give. Everybody is more knowledgeable than average of certain subjects; I know a lot about other matters, I am certainly no expert of the life of Galileo or Copernicus or the history of the Catholic Church, for that I must rely on other sources. I fully appreciate that Wikipedia cannot be relied upon as being the font of all knowledge but I think it fair to say that in the main the information gleaned from that site is usually accurate. If as in this case it is incorrect it really does need editing. Best wishes to you.

[@riverdonoghue9992]

I've known catholic priests over the years who had degrees in science who worked as teachers, teaching chemistry, maths and physics. Science didn't destroy their faith. They were more orthodox than most of the lazy theogically inept wasters in the church today who seem to be constantly appologising all the time about the church. I had a christan brother as a science teacher back in the 80s who was a devout catholic and also an absolute gentleman who used to tell us that science can't explain everything.

[@brianmasters1125]

The established churches no longer preach the Gospel once delivered to the saints. Their leaders are blind leaders of the blind.

[@PjotrII]

Why is it so? Well, the issue is a lot deeper than what you try to say. Blind leaders might be a total mischaracterisation. One who starts to look at the issues will find many more difficulties than one who BLINDLY BELIEVES what someone said (the saints believed). The established churches have SOME requirement of scientific research before you can become a priest, while the non established churches choose anyone who repeats what they´ve been told. One such preacher told me that "if you pray to God he will heal you", I then asked if that applied to all Christians, he answered "YES", so Christians who pray to God then have less sickness than none Christians? He answered "YES"... I then asked that if I went to the hospital and got the statistics on who had been sick, that I could figure out who is Christian and who is not.... he then told me to "STOP THINKING AND START BELIEVING". A religion that encourages to stop thinking is not one that I will follow, and SUCH a religion of belief is a BLIND BELIEF.

[@dominicward1812]

PjotrII You’re argument is interesting but you see there either is a God or there isn’t. If I took you into a forest and you seen a beautiful Painting 🖼 hanging on a beautiful Tree 🌲 If I told you that it just happened to make itself. You would know THATS is not the case. You would know that there had to be a Painter 👩‍🎨 a intelligent artist who created the Painting. How come when you see the Tree 🌲 and all creation that you can not see the creator. I know for absolute fact that God is real but it is up to you to look for him. ( Jeremiah 29:13 ) it would not matter what I tell you because unless you ask God Humble to reveal himself to you then you won’t believe anything anyone tell you. As for the decline of Christianity there is a reason and it’s the attack on the Education system. The real reason is because the Education system is directed towards removing the value of Christianity I like you to check out this lady ALICE BAILEY she was a Powerful Politician and big into the Occult she had put in place the following. Worldwide 🌍 THE STRATEGY:- THE 10 POINT CHARTER Purpose:- To change Christian tradition or to redeem the nations of Christian tradition. 1.TAKE GOD AND PRAYER OUT OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM She said; Change curriculum to ensure that children are freed from the bondage of Christian culture. Why? Because children go to school to be equipped to face life, they are willing to trust and they are willing to value what is being given to them. If you take God out of education, they will unconsciously form a resolve that God is not necessary to face life. They will focus on those things the school counts them worthy to be passed on and they will look at God as an additional, if one can afford the additional 2.REDUCE PARENTAL AUTHORITY OVER THE CHILDREN She said; Break the communication between parent and child (Why?). So that parents do not pass on their Christian traditions to their children, liberate children from the bondage of their parent traditions (how?) a)Promote excessive child rights; b)Abolish corporal punishment c)Teachers are the agents of implementation - from workshops, teachers tell children 'your parent has no right to force you to pray or read the Bible, you are yourself, have a right of your own, you need to discover yourself, self expression, self realization, self fulfillment are all buzz words 3.DESTROY THE JUDEO-CHRISTIAN FAMILY STRUCTURE OR THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN FAMILY STRUCTURE (Why?). It is oppressive and that the family is the core of the nation. If you break the family, you break the nation. Liberate the people from the confines of this structure (How?) a)Promote sexual promiscuity - free young people to the concept of premarital sex, let them have free sex, lift it so high that the joy of enjoying it(sex) is the highest joy in life, fantasize it, that everybody will feel proud to be seen to be sexually active, even those outside of marriage b)Use advertising industry, media - T.V., magazines, film industry to promote sexual enjoyment as the highest pleasure in humanity 4.IF SEX IS FREE, THEN MAKE ABORTION LEGAL AND MAKE IT EASY She said; Build clinics for abortion - Health clinics in schools. If people are going to enjoy the joy of sexual relationships, they need to be free of unnecessary fears, in other words they should not be hampered with unwanted pregnancies. 5.MAKE DIVORCE EASY AND LEGAL, FREE PEOPLE FROM THE CONCEPT OF MARRIAGE FOR LIFE. People enter into marriage having signed contracts of how they will share their things after divorce. People enter with one foot and another behind. 50 years ago divorce was unthinkable. It is one thing for a marriage to fail but it is another thing for people to enter marriage with an intention to enjoy as long as it was enjoyable and to walk out of it. 6. MAKE HOMOSEXUALITY AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE Alice Bailey preached (50 yrs ago) that sexual enjoyment is the highest pleasure in humanity, no one must be denied and no one must be restricted how to enjoy themselves. People should be allowed in which ever way they chose they want, whether it is homosexuality or in incest or bestiality, as long as the two agree. 7. DEBASE ART, MAKE IT RUN MAD How? Promote new forms of art which will corrupt and defile the imagination of people because art is the language of the spirit, that which is inside, you can bring out in painting, music, drama etc. Look at the quality of the music that is coming out, the films out of Holywood. 8. USE MEDIA TO PROMOTE AND CHANGE MINDSET Alice Bailey said the greatest channel you need to use to change human attitude is media. Use the press, the radio, T.V, cinema. You can tell today how successful they have been in implementing the plan over 50 years via media as well as advertising agencies, billboards, magazines. Who controls media? (New Age); So much money is pumped into media and advertising spreading of pornographic material and other sources. Sex outside of marriage is thrown on your face 80-90 times than sex in marriage. Promiscuity is being promoted as natural, you watch gay sex on T.V. in homes where children's minds are being neutralized to sensitivity to these things. You wonder why newspapers, T.V, etc do not record anything about Christian activities. 9. CREATE AN INTERFAITH MOVEMENT Alice Bailey wrote; Promote other faiths to be at par with Christianity, and break this thing about Christianity as being the only way to heaven, by that Christianity will be pulled down and other faiths promoted. She said promote the importance of man in determining his own future and destiny - HUMANISM. She said tell man he has the right to choose what he wants to be and he can make it happen, he has the right to determine his cause - This takes God off His throne. We have seen in our nation, South Africa hosting a meeting of the Interfaith Movement in Cape Town led by Dalai Lama. 10. GET GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE ALL THESE LAW AND GET THE CHURCH TO ENDORSE THESE CHANGES. Alice Bailey wrote that the church must change its doctrine and accommodate the people by accepting these things and put them into its structures and systems. Have they succeeded? Today you wonder why our governments are legislating laws contrary to the Bible and why the church is compromising the Word of God. As for the decline of the Christian Faith well there is

[@lydiapetra1211]

Scripture is clear 1 Timothy 4:1-3

[@lorensund8041]

@@lydiapetra1211 John 2:10

[@lydiapetra1211]

@@lorensund8041 do you actually know what that means?

[@ingebygstad9667]

As an Atheist, I do agree with your statements, and you make good points. But its just a fraction of the picture. Ask an Atheist, and you'll quickly learn that their lack of discipline and devotion had nothing to do with it. In most cases; it was scripture itself for what it actually says. For how it contradicts modern science and common knowledge. And the church itself, and its way of handling scandals.

[@jmtruthful3273]

Which scripture contradicts modern science

[@ingebygstad9667]

@@jmtruthful3273 All religious scripture. But biased people are willing to use spaghetti language and word games and apologetics to the extreme to protect their stand, when the most obvious stares them in the face. The world is undoubtfully flat and geocentric in both the Bible and the Qur'an. I've read the bible twice cover to cover, and had my nose in it regularly for years. So I have a good idea about what I'm talking about. Just finished the Qur'an. And that alone _should_ be enough to prove that the gods of these two books are clueless about their creation, meaning they're false and manmade. But of course there's a hell of a lot more.

[@Allin1Xavi]

@@ingebygstad9667 They always like to say “Well it’s all metaphorical language.” when it comes to the contradictions. However, when it is about justifying sexism and homophobia all of a sudden it is “This is literally what the Bible says about____”

[@ingebygstad9667]

@@Allin1Xavi Of course. The bible is nothing more than a tool Christians uses to fulfill their agendas. It's pure cherry picking. _"Who are you, and with what authority can you claim a bible verse to have more value over another?"_ But I do think most would agree that people should first focus about the verses that is about them, and deal with their own problems, before lashing onto others, don't you think? Many Christians however however tend to highly disagree with that it seems, as they use the bible and the verses within for the exact opposite reason. That is; - they use it as a mean to justify their actions for lashing onto others, as they leave their own problems unquestioned, untouched, and unfixed. So much better to dwelve in others issues.

[@jonbainmusicvideos8045]

i don't think you answered the question when i see people kissing the pope's gold ring, that puts me off the church - but not the faith

[@davidmorales5718]

And the pope kissing little kids.

[@daveperryman291]

True spiritual discernment is not knowing right from wrong, but knowing right from almost right. You're almost right.

[@jordannewberry9561]

Ah Dave from the KZbin comments got it all figured out. Teach us your wisdom Dave.

[@kevinriley2261]

As a devout Catholic, I appreciate your videos.

[@lemonprime7889]

When I saw what direction the video was going in, I thought that Brian would talk about putting a price on the Eucharist.

[@dr.ayodelerenner9353]

In Nigeria, we still hold pretty fast to the old ways. In the Lagos diocese, the days of obligation are the feast of the immaculate conception, ascension, the nativity, and the feast of all saints day. If there are no kneelers you kneel on the floor.

[@empressatheism5146]

Nigeria is for cavemen

[@Rynewulf]

Youre Nigerian thats not your old ways. Those are the ways a British army officer made you do at gunpoint. For goodness sake

[@YenkammaNe]

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT BEING A HINDU? By Francois Gautier. Diversity in Divinity and Unity in Spirituality. 1) Believe in God ! - Aastik - Accepted 2) Don't believe in God ! - You're accepted as Nastik 3) You want to worship idols - please go ahead. You are a murti pujak. 4) You dont want to worship idols - no problem. You can focus on Nirguna Brahman. 5) You want to criticise something in our religion. Come forward. We are logical. Nyaya, Tarka etc. are core Hindu schools. 6) You want to accept beliefs as it is. Most welcome. Please go ahead with it. 7) You want to start your journey by reading Bhagvad Gita - Sure ! 8) You want to start your journey by reading Upanishads - Go ahead. 9) You want to start your journey by reading Purana - Be my guest. 10) You just don't like reading Puranas or other books. No problem my dear. Go by Bhakti tradition . ( bhakti- devotion) 11) You don't like idea of Bhakti ! No problem. Do your Karma. Be a karmayogi. 12) You want to enjoy life. Very good. No problem at all. This is Charvaka Philosophy. 13) You want to abstain from all the enjoyment of life & find God - jai ho ! Be a Sadhu, an ascetic ! 14) You don't like the concept of God. You believe in Nature only - Welcome. (Trees are our friends and Prakriti or nature is worthy of worship). 15) You believe in one God or Supreme Energy. Superb! Follow Advaita philosophy 16) You want a Guru. Go ahead. Receive gyaan. 17) You don't want a Guru.. Help yourself ! Meditate, Study ! 18) You believe in Female energy ! Shakti is worshipped. 19) You believe that every human being is equal. Yeah! You're awesome, come on let's celebrate Hinduism! "Vasudhaiva kutumbakam" (the world is a family) 20) You don't have time to celebrate the festival. Don't worry. One more festival is coming! There are multiple festivals every single day of the year. 21) You are a working person. Don't have time for religion. Its okay. You will still be a Hindu. 22) You like to go to temples. Devotion is loved. 23) You don't like to go to temples - no problem. You are still a Hindu! 24) You know that Hinduism ☺ is a way of life, with considerable freedom. 25) You believe that everything has God in it. So you worship your mother, father, guru, tree, River, Prani-matra, Earth, Universe! 26) And If you don't believe that everything has GOD in it - No problems. Respect your viewpoint. 27) "Sarve jana sukhino bhavantu " (May you all live happily) You represent this! You're free to choose, my dear Hindu! This is exactly the essence of Hinduism, all inclusive .. That is why it has withstood the test of time inspite of repeated onslaught both from within and outside, and assimilated every good aspects from everything . That is why it is eternal !!! There is a saying in Rigveda , the first book ever known to mankind which depicts the Hinduism philosophy in a Nutshell -" Ano bhadrah Krathavo Yanthu Vishwathah"- Let the knowledge come to us from every direction"...

[@BrianMarshall1]

Grew up Catholic and saw the silence surrounding abuse, shaming of victims. I've heard the same story from people of many other denominations.

[@bradyhayes7911]

My thought there is that those who genuinely love Christ and want to be a part of the church, which He instituted, would commit themselves to improving the institution, rather than abandoning it. Any institution primarily managed by humans is fallible - we don't judge the validity of the Gospel solely by the goodness of its adherents (though true faith produces good works). We judge the validity of its adherents by the goodness of the Gospel. If they're in egregious error, we correct them.

[@juliocesarfabianosaboia7330]

@@bradyhayes7911 The Catholic Church is also a monarchy, there is no simple way to solve any of what happened and what's happening, it's extremely hard to get the Pope and the episcopate to move and act, it's easier to get a thick fortress wall to budge.

[@RowanWarren78]

I think that, the more we come to understand our natural world, and endeavor to communicate with people outside our own communities, we will eventually abandon supernatural beliefs. We know floods and hurricanes aren't created by sin. Two thousand years ago, however, that was a very real concern. We just didn't know any better. There are very good people who have left religion because they can no longer accept irrational beliefs. They may have finally read the Bible in it's entirety, and realize how much content was omitted and disregarded by their pastor. Maybe they are lgbtq, and have been denigrated by religious leaders and family who are people of faith. Maybe they're weary of not getting a clear answer on so many things because every sect and denomination has its own interpretation of scripture. Maybe, the religious community they were a part of was divisive and self-righteous. There are many reasons people leave religion, and to think it's a personal failing just isn't accurate.

[@vvaloachi7263]

When you make One GOD into Three, Problems are Welcome, & Destruction is Destined !

[@RareCr0w]

It’s dying because we are entering the true age of information. It’s harder and harder to find apologetics for a persons beliefs when all of human knowledge is at your finger tips.

[@Unsweetened-Joy]

Some of the most unhappy people I know are atheists. Because they are lacking faith and gods love, because they reject him.

[@joeymontanaa]

Islam is the only religion that is here to stay. Because it stands for what it believes in. Christianity is changing by day.

[@nomnombr]

Catholicism is the true religion of Christ. It is as unchanging as truth is.

[@joeymontanaa]

@@nomnombr yeah that's why homesexuality is accepted now right? How unchanged Catholicism is 😂

[@nomnombr]

@@joeymontanaa It's literally a mortal sin. Chastity is for all, including those afflicted with same-sex attraction (who are called to celibacy, not priesthood).

[@nomnombr]

@@joeymontanaa And being non-chaste is for certain a path to hell.

[@twentyfivemelody]

@@joeymontanaaHomosexuality is not accepted in Catholic Churches, but it’s accepted by the non religion state.

[@windywithachanceofsunshine5219]

Anyone who thinks that Christianity is dying anywhere - get out from under that rock! There's a whole new world out there and it is wonderful!

[@antoineralic01]

Um I am under a rock because Peter means Rock, Also, The new World isn;t as wonderful as it seems when I cnat go the the plants of dreams, ot take a dragons puff.

[@windywithachanceofsunshine5219]

Amuro, You sound like ee cummings, a very wonderful writer! And the world is wonderful. Take time to stop and smell the roses today, and think about who created all this amazing beauty! Peace!

[@paulbauer6353]

Christianity is growing in the hole World,just in the Western World its dying. In China alone the christianity is growing in number unbelivable for us western people .

[@efparrish4159]

Thank you for your content, and the spirit in which you present your findings. I think it’s a sad thing to see The Church in decline. Many, many legacy churches are declining, but at the same time Christianity is growing and thriving. The main cause for one aspect of our religious expression being in decline is the traditional churches spent all their resources on maintaining old buildings, buying high-dollar technology and paying enormous salaries for roles everyday believers could fill as volunteers, if ever given the opportunity. They rarely use their resources to assist in community projects or help those who are most vulnerable. People are weary of the wasted human and financial resources by today’s church. I will say the Catholic charities are among the most generous on the planet, and their generosity touches every-day people where it’s needed the most. Unfortunately, they have been among the highest in abusing there flocks with scandal and then hiding and protecting the violators. People aren’t leaving Christianity, they are simply leaving the buildings and the clergy behind and flowing into smaller gatherings called house churches. Here they feel equipped, empowered and engaged at every level. There is transparency, accountability and intimacy that hasn’t been present for centuries in our traditional churches. While the buildings are emptying out, houses are filling up all over the world. More money is being invested in people’s lives, volunteers are being mobilized and the laity are “Being” the church instead of “going” to church! According to Simple Church Journal (mid 2021) at least 22.6 million house churches exist with over 300,000 million attenders, and the boom continues gaining worldwide-wide momentum. Yes the main-line churches are declining, but Christianity is not only growing, but soaring. People are tired of religion but love the fresh new expression of gathering together. Many estimate that over 20 million adults are currently meeting in house churches in America, not including children. The impact being felt is a tsunami that is still unseen but is nearing the shore of this world with huge impacts! Acts 2:42-47.

[@Checkeroute]

Christianity is declining rapidly

[@SaleSarajlija]

There is one paradox in all of this. Even though the organized Christian religion in the west seems to be on the decline, the overwhelming majority of people still declare themselves Christians. Even more interesting is the fact that the Bibles have never been sold in such huge numbers than in the last few years, especially in the west. Christian books in general, too. What does it mean is that there is a decline in organized denominational expressions of faith, yet an increase in the interest in the mystery of faith. I also agree with your comment around "reducing the costs of being Christian". Excellent video, as always:)

[@akirahojo2]

There are a lot of reasons for the decline of Christianity in the West, and it’s not really caused by science per se, but rather by a combination of three things that are specific to the West: decades/centuries of secularisation (separation of church and state) which greatly diminished the church political and social authority, the pervasiveness of materialism which has undermined the value of spiritualism and lastly, in the last 7-8 decades, Westerners have been basking in the afterglow of a Christian civilisation. Meaning that people take for granted all the positive intrinsic values in their cultures that Christianity has formed or contributed to, from the advancements in science, social ethics and others. The rise of relativism, Marxism, church scandals, Western Christianity ties to colonialism (ie. white guilt) and low birth rate do speed up the rate of the decline, but not the original cause for the decline imo.

[@DontDrinkthatstuff]

Yeah I dunno man. I just think that people don't really believe in the mythology of Christianity anymore. That's at the root of the decline imo, people don't believe Christ is the messiah and don't believe in the creation story that the bible lays out due to modernity and natural science.

[@MaticTheProto]

False. It’s the church trying to tell us how to live, many scandals and whatever kind of cult the church became in America

[@robf1801]

But also, the internet lets us be knowledgeable and not live in a religious bubble.

[@doughboyjojofgc4401]

You shouldn’t need the internet to know it’s all bs. I knew this when I was just a 13 year old child

[@readtruth6670]

I’m a protestant, it’s a trend everywhere in western cultures. If you believe in Christ as the risen Son of God, God in flesh, crucified for the forgiveness of sins-we’re in the same Church. I think God is just separating the sheep (those who truly believe) from the goats (those who don’t) Remember, Jesus drew people to Himself, but He also drove them away with hard teachings. Cling to Christ. With everything you’ve got. And when that doesn’t seem to be enough, ask God for more.

[@melissahyatt7395]

Your amazing! Brilliant observation and discernment, great analogy. Thanks for sharing.

[@etiennebisset5642]

I will not walk away from my faith. The reason is God loves me, His Son died for me on the cross, saved me from the penalty of sin, and promised me I will spend eternal life with Him in heaven. Not based on how big (or little) my investments are . . . . in short it's all about how we respond to the love of God given to us. . . . . . . . 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us. We can have big investments but will count them later as lost . . . Philippians 3:8 "What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my LORD, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."

[@morganmerritt5006]

Another problem is they have been saying for thousands of years God would fix things to the point people have gotten tired of waiting.

[@joygibbons5482]

One word. Secularisation and all it entails. Social scientists haven’t been able to identify any factor likely to be effective in reversing it’s effects of weakening religion.

[@yutuzz]

First time I watched the video thought it was good. I’ve already watched 3 times and I’m convinced it’s a master piece. Every time I watch it I see the point more clearly. Keep the good work! Thanks for the video!

[@emmalee9747]

I am really enjoying your videos. Really thoughtful and cerebral insights into the Catholic Faith. You have given me lots of aha moments and I appreciate that.

[@albazi4745]

Watch this completely please. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2G6hK2no6-tiNE

[@MEMarco1958]

Thank you for this very interesting video Brian. As a Catholic priest, I would add that it has been my experience that a lot of people simply do not believe that Jesus is God. They do not believe that he is a second person of the Holy Trinity, awesome and transcendent. They think that he is a great moral leader on a par with Mahatma Gandhi or Dr Martin Luther King. And therefore the modern man says I can take her leave whatever I want in Christian doctrine. It doesn't take long before a person is completely non-Christian. We are living through a neo-arian era once again. This heresy ravaged the early church for five centuries and it has reared it's ugly head once again. As the great Jesuit Father John hardon once quipped:. "I wouldn't mind it so much if a new heresy could confront the church because at least I would have an intellectual challenge. But it's the same old heresies being thrown at us in a modern technological era.". We have our work cut out for us by the Holy Spirit, but we will ultimately prevail. As saint Paul said:. "I preach the Cross of Christ crucified.". Nothing else matters 😇

[@lydiapetra1211]

you should study the New Testament... John 10: Jesus is very clear about those who are His , they know Him and He knows who are His... Jesus didn't come to start a religion....He came to offer salvation to those whom the Father gave Him! Those who are His are the born again followers of Jesus...who hear the gospel and respond with repentance and who follow God and His Word the Bible! People ramble about being religious that's not Biblical!

[@giovanniledezma2202]

@@lydiapetra1211 Jesus very much did start a religion, believe in him and live by the rules he imputed, that’s what a religion is

[@lydiapetra1211]

@@giovanniledezma2202 Absolutely not!!!! It shows that you neither know God nor His Word the Bible! You speak absolute foolishness.... because you are in a Cult!

[@giovanniledezma2202]

@@lydiapetra1211 it seems you are the one in a cult lady. Both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church were started by Jesus himself and lead by the apostles. It seems hypocritical when you say I don’t know God yet I have been blessed through our my life. Jesus started a religion that relys on the relations with him he has said multiple times in the Bible people will suffer eternal damnation for not obeying him and taught the importance of fasting and prayer( which are musts) a religion is a belief system with an adherence to its teachings, you ma’m are obviously ignorant on early Christian history and call others in a cult without even knowing what religion they adhere to

[@lydiapetra1211]

@@giovanniledezma2202 dude.... you are not born again...!!!. you are in a Cult!!! Yet again....no one knows the God of the Bible in a Cult!!! Both the RCC and the Orthodox religion are Cults leading people to Hell! You reject God and His Word the Bible! You have absolutely no understanding of what the Bible teaches!!! Because if you would.... you would flee from Satan's Church the RCC!

[@bpeditingcinematography2544]

The world is more connected than ever and the place for a God to exist in day-today life is shrinking. God is a concept that is thankfully no longer required to survive and understand this place or keep us connected to likeminded people. God was the path of least resistance for a long time, but that time has passed. People don't need it like they once did and if our luck holds, they won't in the future.

[@lambharoy9186]

I'm a Protestant Christian from India. I agree with you 💯 percent.Thank you so much. Protestant churches and the Catholic Church too have so much to learn from this video. God bless you Brian Holdsworth. Keep making such valuable videos.

[@vinitadidwania4697]

You are not indian brother you are slave without his master