Declan-AU | A Little God Makes Everything Better! | The Atheist Experience 26.27

[@pomegranatepip2482]

Declan, you may never read this, but if you do, atheist or Catholic, I just want to wish you well. You sound like you have been through a lot. Strength to you brother, and keep building towards a better life.

[@drzaius844]

This guy needs a hug, and to get the hell away from his parents.

[@Anonymous-md2qp]

I was thinking the same thing. His parents are so toxic.

[@davidlovesyeshua]

Mistaken, even indoctrinated, =/= toxic. His dad might well be toxic, or was toxic during the angry/distant patch, but I’m not sure where in the call you got any information indicating that the mom was toxic. Source: having non-toxic, loving parents who are quite deep down the evangelical Christian (nationalism-ish) rabbit hole.

[@hardryv3719]

... and also to get the hell away from the Atheist Experience call-in lines. One positive personal experience does not form an evidentury position, and similarly a negative one doesn't disprove anything. It's literally, wholly a non-sequitor. Based on his responses, I don't believe he's an honest interlocutor. Good job on Forest & Matt.

[@mikekohary1075]

Forrest has instantly become one of this show's best co-hosts, please keep bringing him back. He and Matt have great chemistry together, and I love the "good cop bad cop" vibe.

[@bcjammer]

I prefer the bad cop *evil laugh...but the two sides are nice to hear as each makes different yet important points

[@javonnacornish7704]

No fr😂😂😂

[@javonnacornish7704]

Logic and reasonable dismission

[@veltealexander]

Agreed!

[@vizzini2510]

@Mike Kohary Forrest has the added benefit of bringing science knowledge to the table. For 20+ years, the AXP hosts have always insisted that they are not scientists, and then they would go on to discuss science topics anyway, often incorrectly. I always thought it would be a good idea to have rotating scientists as guest hosts, maybe once a month, just to address all the misguided science ideas brought up by theists. That way, when a caller wants to challenge the big bang theory, they could tell them to call back next week when a physicist will be joining us.

[@TopazDr]

I always find it disheartening when theists attribute positive outcomes in their lives to the good will of the supernatural, rather than gaining confidence in their own, hard earned efforts and important sacrifices on the way.

[@puckerings]

Everything great is thanks to a god! Everything bad is my fault! It's a very unhealthy way to view the world.

[@ashwayn]

You Sir, I have noticed this fact I concur, I have seen a few strange things in my long life non i could explain all took part in Wyming Brook a book that runs into the River LIN like my name then into the Don river named after Goddess Danu Celtic want to know ask I have no answered to what was in my bicycle spot light

[@wwlib5390]

Patrick: Equally, I find it somewhat disheartening, but not surprising, when atheists don't recognize many positive outcomes in their lives to be God's grace and mercy toward them. And what about those 'negative outcome' situations? Sometimes those, too, are evidences of God's love, mercy and grace warning to 'change direction - danger up ahead".

[@n0etic_f0x]

Yeah it is one of the things faith robs you of and it does so intentionally. You are a worthless sinner, you are nothing without God, Only God can help you. It's all a lie, you can just improve your life all on your own.

[@sauloftarsus3351]

It's called humility

[@jennerhardin8138]

You can hear pain in Declan's voice and it feels like he's truly searching for answers. I hope he finds them.

[@crazyotto1338]

Forrest is an amazing advocate for reality. Maybe the best I've ever seen.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Forrest is very personable and kind. Matt tends to be forceful and sarcastic. That gets to some people but then, excusing Matt, he has listened to so much bullshit he is tired of it. Forrest hasn't encountered as many morons yet. Hopefully he will still be as personable after he has put up with so much bullshit.

[@jerrylong6238]

That's the reason he's an Atheist. He is an advocate for reality. And God is pretty much the opposite of reality.

[@timgil7830]

He's got an amazing way of not sugar coating but being gentle and sweet

[@NewPassportBro]

Oh yeh he killed it straight away

[@derekardito2032]

I fully agre with your statement, he was exactly the right type of person to answer the this particular person.

[@alanchoichang8336]

i used to go to a christian academy. i asked whether god would help me on my tests; my teacher explained: god will not help me if i don't study. i need to work for it, and then he will help me. so i thought, "ok, i put in the effort, i study for the tests, dont play my games... then when i get that A, i'm supposed to thank god for it? that seems weird..." that was the tiny spark that eventually ignited my atheism.

[@bharathdeva9407]

Aethists seems to be more peaceful n happier then religious ppl .😎

[@neverendingparty1534]

@@bharathdeva9407 Like sleeping in late instead of going to school, anybody that shirks their responsibility is "happy" for a moment, but then again, daddy will be home soon 😎

[@neverendingparty1534]

You gotta be kidding. God deserves ALL our praise. Who gave you life? Who gave you the intelligence to learn? Who gave you an education? Who's helped you along the way? It wasn't a mud puddle, star dust or some other silly atheist cause, pal. You have a lot to learn.

[@bharathdeva9407]

@@neverendingparty1534 dude why r u even here .

[@alanchoichang8336]

@@neverendingparty1534 yeah, im too stupid to give unwarranted credit to a mystical, narcissitic, insecure santa who has to prove how loyal his lapdogs are to the very lapdog he kicked out of his private clubhouse for showing disloyalty.

[@janbuyck1]

Forrest, you are soooooo verbaly gifted. That's what atheism needs more

[@Swinefeld]

He’s rapidly becoming my favorite KZbinr!

[@neverendingparty1534]

You gotta be kidding. No matter what atheist idiocy he spews, it remains an IRREFUTABLE FACT that there is no RATIONAL/POSSIBLE, step-by-step atheist explanation for reality. That's because there isn't one. The asinine, lost & clueless religious cult of atheism is INFAMOUS the world over for having ZERO ANSWERS. Yet you still desperately cling to that garbage. Pathetic.

[@JohnnysCafe_]

Yes he is one of the best on the show.

[@goldengrimlock]

He's great. Always love when he uploads a new video, it's always a delight, and I learn something new every time!

[@LKayto]

Atheism doesn't need anything to be honest. If you're an atheist you are an atheist, no reason to be fluent or too knowledgeable. The atheist experience on the other hand needs people like him. 👍 if you're an atheist and can't defend your point of view then you will suffer. You don't need to answer to anyone though.

[@wintermute740]

This was one of the best conversations I've seen on this show. Declan seems to be having an internal struggle, and is afraid to denounce the deity he was raised to believe in, and fear. That fear is extremely powerful, but the patience you two showed him was absolutely wonderful.

[@midnightsan9917]

The fear that your god will smite you is something I can relate to as a former baptist. They really drill it into you that leaving the religion will bring death. Hence why I'm of the firm belief that my church was probably just a cult.

[@greeneyedlady5580]

​@@midnightsan9917 That is just awful! I was indoctrinated into the family religion starting from a tiny tot, but at least I never had that great hanging over my head. If that indoctrination started when you were a child, I consider that child abuse. I didn't get everything right (by far) as a parent, but at least I chose to break the pattern of many generations in my family, and refused to force my child to attend church and to be indoctrinated, the way that i, and at least the 7 or 8 generations before me, were indoctrinated into the Lutheran church.

[@KeyFrame11Media]

This gentleman seems genuinely thoughtful and open to considering different perspectives on his own beliefs, which is one of the strongest assets to our growth in life.

[@Aencii]

He also sounded genuinely distraught by their honest, well-structured criticisms of his belief. I hope this brought him closer to having a positive life experience.

[@darkoleskovsek2558]

This felt like a call for help.

[@adrianghandtchi1562]

I appreciate Forrest being more gentle with the state of being with this caller. Still being very clear, but still very patient.

[@enidkapelsen3694]

Shout out to Declan - I hope things work out for you. Echoing Forrest, you seem like a great guy.

[@Butterflies-are-free]

Forrest is the first atheist who made me not afraid to listen. Now I’m listening lots. Thank you Forrest for your beautiful heart 💜

[@nicolab2075]

What an interesting comment. I'm guessing you're a theist? Is that why?

[@geraldammons5520]

My dad had a very bad temper when I was a kid. My parents eventually separated just to protect us. He eventually decided to change (without giving credit to any God), and became the best person I have ever known (not my opinion, but many others' as well).

[@sauloftarsus3351]

Your mother was his god

[@ChillAssTurtle]

But but but.. jeebus!! Lol

[@garyskinner2422]

Do you mean he just became a better person no god involved what so ever, if so then absolutely I agree we have different people who can change whether they do it godless or in fact they feel better because they believe a god or jesus has changed them. Yep both scenarios happen all the time, but the god scenario tells us absolutely nothing about whether a god in fact exists as I'm sure you're aware. Placibo effects happen.

[@transisamentalillness.1613]

He did the right thing therefor no God. Typical atheist bs.

[@SaurianSoul]

He obviously devoted his heart and soul to Cthulhu.

[@jacobjohnston3983]

I think the truth is that Declan and his dad made up because they are good people who care about each other, not because they’re being watched over by a good god. People have to give themselves more credit

[@erynscroggin9877]

I enjoyed this conversation. Matt and Forrest provided a very logical explanation in a very positive way for Declan to think about and consider. Very constructive

[@neverendingparty1534]

You gotta be kidding! No matter what atheist idiocy he spews, it remains an IRREFUTABLE FACT that there is no RATIONAL/POSSIBLE, step-by-step atheist explanation for reality. That's because there isn't one. The asinine, lost & clueless religious cult of atheism is INFAMOUS the world over for having ZERO ANSWERS. Yet you still desperately cling to that garbage. Pathetic.

[@robhaitch5544]

Great conversation. Declan is becoming the minority in Australia. Last year’s census is showing rapid growth in those identifying as non-religious. In my region (near the “City of Churches”- Adelaide) the number of non-religious is over 50% and growing.

[@jursamaj]

It's sounds to me like better than 50% odds that Declan won't be so religious much longer.

[@heyidaroo]

@@jursamajagreed. I genuinely think he’s having a massive crisis of faith here, which is why Forrest and Matt are being so friendly and welcoming while still pushing back on his assertions.

[@geoffcrumblin9850]

Ken Ham left Australia, probably couldn't find enough gullible people to earn a living. He. Is doing much better in merica.

[@chibbersthesquirrel6189]

The caller sounds like someone who is genuinely going through the process of deconstructing his faith, whether he realizes it or not. I hope he comes through it all right. There is light on the other side of that tunnel!

[@freddan6fly]

"There is light on the other side of that tunnel!" "Oh, Nangilima! Yes, Jonatan, yes - I see the light! I see the light!"

[@santiagopinedo3911]

@@festerreloaded2690 The ability to live life as you please. We’re just evolved apes. There is no purpose to our lives. It’s the weak minded people like you that can’t accept that.

[@ajclements4627]

Birds gotta fly, Festy’s gotta troll.

[@Rob_Jacobs]

@@festerreloaded2690 if you think that the only thing that gives life meaning is theism, you are unfortunately, not living your best. Chibbers, I appreciate your empathy.

[@Rob_Jacobs]

@@festerreloaded2690 I choose my own meaning. Watch the theist use no logic.

[@aliyahholloway422]

I have always been a huge fan of Matt it was so sad to see him go. Forrest has EASILY become one of my favorites!! Love you guys

[@jobnieloliva5358]

He’s too nice. He’s great when a caller has an honest conversation but when the dishonest theists call in they usually roll right over him.

[@starlaminde8436]

@@jobnieloliva5358 I agree in the beginning Forrest was too nice , he’s now so much quicker to put the theist in their place!

[@SteveBryanFL]

Forrest and Matt are great together. Matt for his philosophical expertise and Forrest for his scientific expertise. Their knowledge blends together and makes for a great call experience for the callers. Forrest has been a great addition to the show.

[@updem]

Good caller, seemed like he was really searching for answers. Hope he found them

[@htown11465]

I feel so bad for this kid. He sounds like a really sensible and sensitive soul who has been misled by the church and needs some help - and he’s too smart to accept all the BS in religion.

[@abc456f]

Did he say he was 31 years old, or am I mistaken?

[@monodescarado]

Declan needs a hug and probably a therapist, he definitely sounds like he’s had suicidal thoughts. He needs to know that there are lots of amazing incredible things in the world that can change a person, and those things are out there for him too.

[@jesterc.6763]

Props to Declan for being open-minded and honest

[@Jeff.Paborada]

I really like how Forrest makes everything clearer.

[@brucebaker810]

Forrest makes it easier to really "see" the trees.

[@abc456f]

@@brucebaker810 Haha...good one.

[@Russty1969]

Wow, that was great. I think you genuinely brought some peace to this bloke. Really well done.

[@FackeYu]

Forrest is an excellent science & atheism communicator. Even when the words themselves are of condescension, he will still manage to make it sound like he's being respectful to the person and building rapport.

[@grantallard]

55 years ago I read the Bible from cover to cover. I'm still an atheist.

[@mirandahotspring4019]

Anyone who reads the bible from cover to cover would have good cause to be an atheist.

[@scottfulton267]

I have not read much of the bible, certainly not cover-to-cover, but from what I have heard from atheists, reading it will solidify my atheism even further.

[@jennerhardin8138]

Forrest is a treasure. Eloquent and charming and a brilliant science communicator.

[@funjuror]

I really enjoy listening to Forrest.

[@truthserum3050]

A little rationality makes everything better. 😁

[@neverendingparty1534]

@Ronnie Alexander "Rationality," says the lost and clueless atheist fool that thinks star dust, moist rocks and mud puddles have the INTELLIGENCE, POWER, PURPOSE AND MEANS to create/design the human being and ALL the co-existent bodily systems (circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, pulmonic, digestive, skeletal, muscular, nervous, body (skin), etc., etc.) intertwined in co-dependent order in the human body :) Atheism is pure idiocy.

[@dianahill5116]

Religion is about controlling others emotionally, mentally, physically, verbally and financially. It is telling others that religious laws, rules, regulations and restrictions; superceeds individual rights.

[@jaflenbond7854]

All fanatic JWs, Born Agains, SDAs, Baptists, Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, etc are liars, unkind and hateful human beings who'll just become worthless and useless dusts on earth forever after their inescapable deaths. Do you agree with what I stated about fanatics of all religions? Yes or No?

[@dianahill5116]

@Ronnie Alexander When were handcuffs invented? Thankfully, it is not unconstitutional, unethical, unlawful or rude to not obey, enroll, teach, learn, promote, participate, support or fund religion. Regardless of the religion.

[@neverendingparty1534]

Except atheism is a religion. Everybody has a belief, dear.

[@vertigo4236]

@@dianahill5116 Ronnie isn't a real christian, he just plays one. He is a poe who thinks that makeing ridiculously dumb "christian" arguments is some sort of "trolling" or whatever he claims, he's doing. He also deletes his posts after a while, so it's pointless. So don't expect a honest conversation. Edit: The same goes for NEP.

[@dianahill5116]

@@neverendingparty1534 I believe you're a nitwit.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

As always, price the lord, $7.50. Regardless, Declan was a good caller, very brave to. All the best man!

[@bcjammer]

I remember having these same questions..."I'm not doing anything wrong...so why isn't god giving me guidance?" I wasn't wanting fame, fortune, women, enfluence, etc...I just wanted god to simply tell me what to do or guide me...I got so desperate I even said "ok so I have a flaw, could you send a godly person to me to help me then?" and I DESPERATELY searched my cohorts for anyone who was more godly than me to lead me. what a DANGEROUS mindset! but thankfully I have intelligence and the only people that I found had fewer answers than I did and they all told me the same bs I'd heard my whole life. Them: "you just don't like the answer you got" Me: ...I got NO answer though, nothing at all. Them: "god told you to do something you don't want to do." Me: ...but god hasn't told me ANYthing. Them: "god not answering is the answer" Me: ...how does that make sense? what am I supposed to do with that then? Them: *dumbfounded look and blank stare. "you just closed yourself to god, you ask to many questions!" Me: ...I'm JUST asking god for guidance! *quotes numerous bible verses that promises you will be answered if you do that Them: "I don't know what to tell you...just believe" Me: *stifles fury Unlike this guy...I realized religion was all bs. I've been better psychologically ever sense

[@ross-carlson]

This was one of the best callers I've heard in a LONG TIME - REALLY well done Declan, I hope you keep questioning everything and regardless of why I'm very happy things are better for you. Now, as Matt said, work to understand WHY things got better and don't just say "because gawd".

[@bjkarana]

Good conversation; exactly the kind of dialogue that we need to have!

[@rookmaster7502]

If you start questioning your faith but somehow end up strengthening your faith as a result, you probably didn't ask the right questions!

[@ashwayn]

Faith can = Myth

[@sauloftarsus3351]

What questions did you ask?

[@ChillAssTurtle]

True

[@ChillAssTurtle]

@@sauloftarsus3351 divine hiddenness or just learning from professor sapolsky n his lectures on human behavior.. or just learning history n about other religions

[@dmytrodoncov5996]

Not necessarily, we can ask right questions and as a result got different conclusions.

[@geoffmower8729]

Recently on the Australian news channels there was a story about a religious couple in Queensland who refused there 8 year old daughter medical treatment for diabetes because the church they were apart of believed that god would cure her after she died by resurrecting her. The mother and farther and 12 members of the church have been arrested and charged with murder. There were three more children from the same couple. One of them left the church at the age of 18 because she was a lesbian and the church strongly disapproved of it. The remaining two children now have been put in the 18 year olds custody. They are now thriving learning and loving there new life in reality!

[@ChillAssTurtle]

Lock em up forever.

[@ChillAssTurtle]

@Ronnie Alexander absolutely.

[@christiananderson4909]

@Ronnie Alexander Of course not, but what on Earth does that matter. . ? Their Christian beliefs *directly* resulted in a level of negligence that killed their own child, Ronnie. Your haste to completely ignore that, and reframe this tragedy with the "not all Christians" argument is staggeringly tone deaf.

[@neverendingparty1534]

God gave us doctors too. Christianity can't be judged by it's abuse.

[@geoffmower8729]

@@neverendingparty1534 The majority of doctors are atheists who believe in science and not invisible men. And they rightly get very pissed off when after studying medicine for many years save someone's life only to have the family proclaim thank god for saving there life. And abuse and fear are what religion creates and condones especially where children are concerned!

[@enkidufive3349]

The story that ensues after Judges 19 is even more horrendous.

[@JohnnysCafe_]

This particular episode was so good, so many great points .

[@elainejohnson6955]

Reading the Bible cover to cover twice is the reason I stopped believing in the god of the Bible. I am now listening to Hemant Mehta read a chapter every Sunday and enjoy hearing him pointing out everything that is wrong with it. I recently took a survey that had 60 multiple choice questions about the Bible. I got 56 right. I also wrote the authors of the questionnaire to ask them to change the question about who wrote the first 5 books of the Bible. They wanted the answer to be Moses when there are several reasons that makes no sense. Also, the Documentary Hypothesis of having at least 4 different authors is much more coherent.

[@neverendingparty1534]

First of all, God wrote the Bible & used mankind to pen it. Since you don't even know that, you're lost & clueless re true reality. That said, you’re too ignorant to understand the deeper teachings of the Bible: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” - 1 Cor 1:18. Since you don't understand the Bible, your emotions are unfounded and your reasoning irrelevant. The bible is pretty clear that without the Holy Spirit, you wont understand the wisdom of the word.

[@PourLeCorps]

@@neverendingparty1534 care to prove god wrote the Bible? You can say whatever you want, doesn’t make it true. You don’t know how deep other people understand the Bible so what you’re saying is a massive assumption

[@TBomb39]

I watch him too. I wish he could do 2 chapters at a time, I doubt I'll live long enough to see it all. Or, FSM forbid, the American right talibans it.

[@TBomb39]

@@neverendingparty1534 Funny how the GOD of ALL CREATION had to wait until twenty years after cheap writing on parchment was invented to start having his people write anything about him. It wasn't done when mankind was carving in stone, and it was HARD to record TRUTH. It wasn't done when mankind was baking clay to turn into ceramics over six thousand years ago, a process that took more than a full day for each "book" of which we still have MILLIONS surviving. It wasn't done when Papyrus was invented five hundred years before the very first Torah was ever recorded, a much easier, but still EXPENSIVE process of making a writing surface. No, your god had to wait until the third most inexpensive writing surface to ever be produced was invented before he had ANYONE write down ANYTHING about him, but THAT god is the True one

[@youtubespag]

@@neverendingparty1534 yikes. Tell me its sarcasm pkease

[@afroatheist-isnowafroantit6154]

Matt & Forrest work great as a team!

[@inertiaforce7846]

Agreed. Forrest is great.

[@wilberwhateley7569]

This caller reminds me of a Neo-Pagan friend of mine - ever since he made some changes in his particular spirituality, he’s been experiencing changes in his life: he attributes these changes to the supernatural forces he makes bargains with, I attribute them to a fundamental shift in psychological mindset and the belief is just the catalyst that enabled him to make that shift. He’s a decent guy and I wish nothing but the best for him, but I would like for him to complete this spiritual journey he’s on with the realization that (and I know this sounds a bit cliche) the power to change was within him all along.

[@lasal134]

I was raised Catholic; my mother was a convert to Catholicism and quite devoted. Although I had been questioning "faith" for some time, when I was in college I declared an interest in Philosophy. This shocked my mother, who told me "I thought Catholics aren't allowed to study any philosophy except St. Thomas Aquinas!" That was when I formally left the Church. It is unthinkable that they prohibit thinking!!!

[@stevewebber707]

Somehow I imagine your mother came to a strange understanding. Not to say I know the Catholic rules, but that sounds very questionable.

[@blusheep2]

I'm sorry but that was a really bad reason, at the time, to leave ones religion. It assumed your mother is a good spokesperson for what the religion taught. If this had happened when you were a child, I could understand how you put your parents on a pedestal but as a college kid you should have had a more rational mind about it.

[@johnchambers9836]

I'm a life long atheist brought up in an environment where people believed. As a child I wanted to believe because I assumed I was wrong. I went to Sunday school and read the bible and that totally convinced me that it wasn't real and the bible was just a book written a very long time ago and had no relevance to life today

[@greenjelly01]

Very good caller. He might not have been convinced, but at least he understood and considered the thought. Not like the usual theist who doesn't listen and doesn't care.

[@goldhunterbob3280]

Forrest and Matt work really good as a good cop and bad cop duo.

[@neverendingparty1534]

Atheism is INFAMOUS the world over for having ZERO ANSWERS. Atheism is rebellious stupidity; just pick your shade of ignorance. Only the wise and sane are dedicated Christians. The rest are lost & clueless and on their way to hell; delusional.

[@klemenhudobreznik3421]

I apreciate you're tolerance of rude truthtellers and not dividing us between rude and polite ones as two groups when we are same just different stlye. Many in this channel's many comment sections cant stop unneccesarly whining about Matt's atitude when he almost always as justification of caller is dishonest while when there not he is polite.

[@jesperjee]

”Last year I was really depressed…” Said the guy who sounds more depressed than most people I’ve ever heard!

[@koki84ji7]

That's irrelevant

[@jesperjee]

@@koki84ji7 Sure.....but he could have said "I'm really depressed"

[@CronoXpono]

@@jesperjeeIs it a surprise though? Christianity leans HARD on the idea that god cures all and you don’t have a reason to be depressed or grieve or saddened or worried or anything except joy. 🫤

[@jesperjee]

@@CronoXpono Yes. But this guy claims he WAS depressed before finding god. And sounds absolutely miserable still

[@CronoXpono]

@@jesperjee Almost as if he was told he’d be better instead of feeling better, no? The danger of religion is papering over what we’d normally feel with doctrinal “normative values ”.

[@kenwelch198]

My son was an addict for 20 years and gave it up when he became a Christian. He can't see he just gave up one addiction for another. I'll admit he's a better person now but he can't see that jail, losing his wife and kids and his life being destroyed was really what compelled him to change. I could try to deconvert him but I worry he'd revert to the old addict if he didn't have his faith.

[@edwardriley7339]

when a good person in my life died in a terrible manner at a young age and i was told "god works in mysterious ways" that was the moment i started to walk away from religion.

[@jackwhitbread4583]

If I killed someone I doubt very much I could get away with it by making the claim that I "work in mysterious way" . Who even decided that murder was mysterious on the first place anyway? 😂😂. Kudos to you for escaping such a damaging and evil cult.

[@donaldcook2484]

Forest and Matt are a great duo! I love the way Matt gives Forest free reign to take on these callers!

[@donaldcook2484]

Matt is absolutely awesome and really a great mind of intelligence!

[@firefox4743]

He's a intelligent man!! a true man of intelligence 😏

[@twitchingjackrabbit7646]

Love how they guided him on how to think critically

[@jaycol21]

My dad was a massive a-hole when I was a kid. He’s ok now. Near as I can tell, he just got old and mellowed out.

[@leglessinoz]

Declan, I'm in Brisbane and happy to talk with you. If you want to know why your dad may have changed, perhaps you could ask him. Maybe you could explore the reasons with him as he himself may not know. It could enhance your relationship with him even more.

[@jaywright5180]

Reading the Bible is what made me become a Atheist. It made me realized is all fake.

[@ministryofarguments3525]

It's a story book designed to stimulate the imagination. Believers have taken it to be a book about reality instead of the imagination. You can see the same sort of addiction in drug users.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

Revisionist history par excellence. Show where the idea of a Trinity TRULY first occurred in the text, and chronologically - and then you can say if Hebrews 'rejected' it consciously, or not. Along with Jehovah being AT all divisible, God's Servant .

[@oxidize11]

@God's Servant serpent

[@shannonfreeman1]

God didn't change his father's life. His father changed his own life and gave credit to the invisible, make-believe entity

[@pennymitchell8523]

There is a lot of good poetry that makes sense.

[@janagunter5916]

How refreshing to see a thoughtful caller who listens and considers another side.

[@Omagadam1]

Usually Aussies (particularly Queenslanders like myself) who call in are utter embarrassments. This was about what you'd want from a conversation with someone who really hasn't read their bible.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Are Queenslanders kinda the hillbillies of Oz?

[@Omagadam1]

@@rickkwitkoski1976 not exactly. More like a mid-west. But on AXP before this any time anyone from QLD calls, they're short some change if you catch my drift.

[@Rob-fc9wg]

@@rickkwitkoski1976 South East Queensland is full of religious nut jobs.

[@GRAHFXENO]

My Dad was an abusive, alcoholic absentee father that reconnected with us and he's gotten sober and all the help he needs and he is now a wonderful part of our family and one of my best friends...my story doesn't in any way involve religion, the church or God. It involved willpower, community and secular outreach. A little secularism makes everything better!

[@rebekahsutton7128]

It makes me sad that 6 months has passed without anyone acknowledging this comment. Congrats to the hard work your family has put in. Glad to know your pop did well. Xoxox

[@gamingwithgeko7377]

I haven't watched In about a year, but I think I might like Forrest more than Matt. Not saying the entire crew isn't awesome, but Forrest is an amazing speaker. Clear, deep loud voice, pronunciation words well. And a great personality too. I still love you Matt, but watch out hahahaaa

[@aaron2891]

The way Declan was talking about how his troubling life experiences lead him to lean on his beliefs, it reminds me of a hypothesis from Genetically Modified Skeptic that suggests that the greater the hardships of a society, the more religious they will be; the more economically well off a society is, the less religious it is. The host of that channel showed a graph that modeled this trend from the poorest countries to the richest, and America was the only notable outlier, being a rich country that reflects the religiosity of some of the poorest nations in the world.

[@b00nz0r]

When a person comes in and tells you exactly why they’re hiding in Christianity. This guy have absolutely no clue what happened…. But says it’s Christianity. Not his mother saying something, not him GROWING as a person and just suffering through the church to be closer to you two. That was basically the 70’s/80’s. Basic empathy throws religion out the window and EASY to understand when taught.

[@kenclifton7643]

I love you two guys partnering up. Just a great pair of perspectives and communicative skills…. Man, I want an update on Declan. My heart goes out to him. I honestly get his struggle…. I’m thrilled for his dad’s growth and their restored connections…. But I’m also really pulling for Declan’s growth now too….. anyway, great work, fellas

[@mattikaronen7728]

I can not understand why they never blame god for bad things that happen… or is it always the ”devil” or demons that do bad things?? 🤔 I also wonder if americans think that we have horrible lives here in Sweden since we don’t really go to church and I think very few people really believe in god here? It’s an interesting history and we have a lot of really nice old churches, but that’s about it…

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

Religious people say : "god works in mysterious ways" "god is all knowing all powerful everywhere and all loving" "everything that happens is god's will" "if it's bad then it's demons, devil, and humans because they are corrupt" Then they completely avoid all of the bad things that he is responsible for in their favorite book. Many people in the USA are ignorant of other cultures unfortunately, but not all of us are like that.

[@mattikaronen7728]

@@lucifers.morningstar3805 oh, I for sure know that a lot of americans are really good people. It was not my meaning to generalize all americans. 😳 And I love being in the States! But there is a lot of ”not knowing and not understanding” people over there…

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

@@mattikaronen7728 no worries about unintentionally generalizing Americans, that's all right, and I agree with you there are a lot of "not knowing and not understanding" people in the USA. Glad that you enjoy your time here.

[@mattikaronen7728]

@@lucifers.morningstar3805 I would like to say one more thing. Lucifer is one of the best series on Netflix ever!! 😁

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

@@mattikaronen7728 thank you. *_What do you truly desire?_*

[@lmoral222]

My cousin "believes" in god. He's a drug addict, drug dealer, lives on the streets, fights, has a shank, doesn't shower, and his parents are in shambles over him. When I see him - he's still family, so I give him food when I see him - he says things like "thank you cuz, god blessed me today", "god will punish me...", "god will give me what I deserve...", "I'm sorry god" yet continues doing what he does.

[@digitalspecter]

I have a couple of people like that in my life too.. most of the relatives and other people in my life are atheists but for some reason the most horrible people are theists. I think one of the reasons is that everyone has this internal story about themselves and it's really burdensome to be the "bad guy" so in our version of the story we are decent people... some people will have to go through some mental gymnastics to preserve that image .. but it helps if 1) there are external evil forces that influence us and 2) hey, *everybody* is a sinner and a bad person 3) there's something that accepts you as you are and forgives you no matter what you've done 4) you have a book that can be interpreted to support almost anything. I'm not saying that being religious necessarily means you're an asshole or that it tends to make you one.. I'm saying that genuinely horrible people seem to find solace in it and don't feel the need to change..

[@lmoral222]

@@digitalspecter Sound statement. Adding to what you said, I feel that, by believing that a god will take care of everything / rules over us all or whatever, it relinquishes a lot of personal responsibility to change or better themselves, on their own. It's almost like, since a deity is in control, that everything happens as it should happen, so just roll with it, when, many times, that's far from the truth. The people in our lives who are struggling almost feel like things are out of their hands, that they hold little to no personal responsibility to do things on their own because, yeah. "God". I believe in the power of positive thinking and a positive mentality...I think it adds to personal strength that could help people better themselves. I feel that, by believing in god in the way we're describing, it removes a sizable chunk of personal strength because, yeah. "God". Almost like a "this is out of my hands" type of mentality. For my cousins and your people, I hope they can find a way to change for the better. With or without "God", it won't be easy, but it's possible.

[@johnborton4522]

LOVE Forrest. So well done.

[@pavelhajek007]

forest's answer at about 12 minutes is so great, accurate, to the point and very witty, love when forest is on

[@babooll5632]

I also wonder who's lives were improved by God on September 11th 2001 ?

[@k7450]

That wasn't god's fault, that was Adam and Eve's fault, obviously /s

[@babooll5632]

@@k7450 so, you think the attacks on Sept 11th were Adam and Eve's fault, and your God, who is all knowing, omnipotent, is innocent ?

[@koki84ji7]

Halliburton executives and stock holders

[@queezle4277]

Declan seems like he is in a very tough spot. He's doing everything he can to hold on to his faith because his whole life will blow up if he loses it. He's afraid of being an atheist because of all the vile things he has been told about atheists. I hope he is doing well and has found peace.

[@peterscott-jones8797]

His father may have turned his life around by becoming a better parent to help his son when his son was feeling low

[@tp7592]

When I feel low god helps me to jack up

[@heiyuall]

“The Texas Sharpshooter Fallacy is a logical fallacy based on the metaphor of a gunman shooting the side of a barn, then drawing targets around the bullethole clusters to make it look like he hit the target. It illustrates how people look for similarities, ignoring differences, and do not account for randomness.”

[@thedragonofechigo7878]

Such a pleasant call. I'd love to see Aron Ra on AXP one of these days

[@neverendingparty1534]

Atheism is INFAMOUS the world over for having ZERO ANSWERS, yet you desperately cling to that garbage. Your soul deserves a better effort than just your gulping down the false propaganda of cults such as atheism. DO BETTER. I'll help.

[@thedragonofechigo7878]

@@dicezart9667 yeah but that was a while ago, we've seen Paulogia and Godless engineer but I'd love to see Aron again even if I follow his KZbin channel.

[@yespub234]

In this episode, Matt and Forrest were interacting with Declan as religious deprogrammers. "New beginnings are disguised as painful endings." Lao Tzu

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Judges 19 I did NOT know that one! Thanks. The Lot etc story, yeah, most people who have read any bit of the Bible know that crap. And I SO LOVE the bit where LOT doesn't want his guests to be Sodomized!!! But offers his daughters! What a lovely and horrific story.

[@bouzoukiman5000]

Sadly for Declan...he's a little immature. The real question is, why would any adult believe in childish stories of magic? Sounds like he knows the truth but he's very scared of hell and whatever it was that his parents used to indoctrinate him. Maybe he's fearful that his god will punish him by hurting his father? Idk but it's sad for him and a pathetic way of thinking

[@n0etic_f0x]

I suppose it can change life for the better, it appears to be for people like David Wood who has some sociopathic tendencies but I think there are better ways to deal with it to out it very mildly. I was an alcoholic wreck due to my faith and see becoming a Christian as the worst decision I ever made so it can make your life far worse. If you ask me it is a gamble with some very bad odds.

[@sauloftarsus3351]

Did you really become a follower of Christ?

[@n0etic_f0x]

@@sauloftarsus3351 yes. You people of faith can believe that people rise from the dead yet when told someone is the most common faith have an extreme level of skepticism.

[@ajclements4627]

Who are you to judge who is and isn’t a “true” follower of Christ Chrissy?

[@TBomb39]

@@sauloftarsus3351 Is he on Twitter?

[@joehorn1762]

@@sauloftarsus3351 have you ever been a real human?

[@andrewfreeman9437]

Forrest is going to send this caller right over the edge

[@django1252]

Matt: What evidence do you have that God xyz.. Caller: Well, I'm 31, I'm Catholic, my father wasn't the best, I am depressed, my cat is yellow, the sky is blue and therefore... my argument makes sense.

[@django1252]

@@festerreloaded2690 not every atheist believes that. It sounds like you don't know the definition of atheism.

[@Lupinemancer87]

@@festerreloaded2690 Wrong, you don't know what Atheism is, and you either chooses to remain ignorant, or are actively avoiding learning what it means, cuz it gets explain all the time what it means, and the fact that you keep getting it wrong, means you are either stupid, or refuses to accept reality.

[@django1252]

@@festerreloaded2690 you're clueless. Have fun in fantasy world.

[@ajclements4627]

No Festy, you don’t know the definition, because IF you did, you’d stop misrepresenting atheism and atheists in general on a daily basis.

[@t800fantasm2]

@@festerreloaded2690 "no God exists' (atheism)" Again you are wrong... Atheism is not believing in a God or gods without evidence... It is not an emphatic "no God exists"... Why do you keep LYING?

[@lycanzhp1141]

Forrest!!!! You rock! Well done my guy.

[@davidhartz8902]

Declan needs to move out of Mum & Dad's house.

[@gobbygoo3981]

He's almost whispering so mumsy upstairs can't hear him

[@SleepyMatt-zzz]

Declan seems like a nice guy, but he is doing his father a massive disservice. We don't know the circumstances behind his "miraculous" recovery, but maybe try focusing on what his father DID rather than attributing it to god. That mental health takes work to overcome, it's not something that just fixes itself over night.

[@themiddleclasseconomist5128]

Thru Science, man can detect, Quantum particles, Planets Trillions of miles away and yet still can not detect an All Powerful God who created the universe and has us all under surveillance 24/ 7??? At least Zeus had lighting bolts--E

[@sauloftarsus3351]

Science is simply man's knowledge, science doesn't know anything.

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

Bu... but... but.... but... Jebus Gob and bable.....theys da tru

[@freddan6fly]

Cause planets and particles are real, gods seems not to be real.

[@theboombody]

Science has yet to detect a simple to compute formula for prime numbers after over 2,000 years of attempts. Even when it develops further as a discipline it doesn't mean it can detect or discover or do everything. In fact, we already proved that finding a general formula for the roots of general quintic equations is impossible. Not just hard to do, but mathematically impossible.

[@themiddleclasseconomist5128]

@@theboombody Yes science continues to add new discovery's all the time. It has proven to be the best method for understanding the mechanisms of reality. Religion on the other hand, has a terrible track record, adding nothing to our understanding. The time to believe in a God is when there is evidence of a God-- We are still waiting--E

[@TKittymom]

The caller's voice sounds like Lenny, the automated voice that messes with scammers.

[@richardcrouse9074]

I’ve read the Bible and that’s what made me an atheist.

[@jaflenbond7854]

The Bible simply presented you with a choice - place yourself under the authorities, guidance and protection of the Creator and His Christ and be rewarded, favored, honored, and blessed with Eternal life and existence on earth OR place yourself under the authority, power and control of Satan the Devil and his anti-Christs and just die and become a worthless and useless dust on earth forever. So, you should know by now that all liars, dishonest, unkind, and hateful atheists, agnostics, and fanatics of all religions will just die and become worthless and useless dusts on earth forever as the consequence of their hatred and rejection of the authorities, guidance, and protection of the Creator and His Christ.

[@Anonymous-md2qp]

I have never read the bible and I have been an atheist my whole life. A 2000 year old fictional book has no value in my life whatsoever.

[@blusheep2]

@@Anonymous-md2qp Says a guy that has never read it? Quite a claim for someone that has never read it.

[@blusheep2]

I read the Bible and that's what made me a theist.

[@connorgrynol9021]

@@blusheep2 that just means the Bible isn’t perfect. Some people come out atheists and some theists. If the Bible was perfect, it would move the hearts of all who read it. It would lead a person to, at the very least, be convinced that the God of the Bible is real. The fact that many come out as atheists should be a clear indication that the Bible isn’t a perfect work. Nor is it the word of a perfect being like it is claimed to be.

[@StreetsOfRage2]

Forrest is absolutely brilliant.

[@freddieclark]

Matt seems to have mellowed a little here 😉

[@puckerings]

It's almost like he's a human being, and the clips that make him appear to be angry are the ones from really dishonest theist callers who refuse to actually engage in any questions or conversation and are just there to preach. Or something like that.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Ye, serious caller, serious subject and respectful goes both ways. Just goes to show how bad many callers are, which get the appropriate response

[@ashwayn]

He bored by the crap

[@neverendingparty1534]

Matt's miserable. That's what atheism does to people. It's a cult of hopelessness. It makes them vile & profane as they spiral down to personal ruin.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

@@neverendingparty1534 ahh, the troll is back. What a surprise. Ran away last time as usual....

[@RockSoup]

Poor guy was clearly having a bad time and looking for answers. I hope he found them.

[@qixotl]

Poor Declan sounded like he was on the brink of deconversion. I just wish Matt or Forrest had given a little encouragement that Declan's positive experiences came from connecting with family and community, not from God, so losing God doesn't invalidate them at all.

[@derekfuiten204]

It's so much nicer when the callers are both not defensive and not unrealistic and especially not attempting to dominate the conversation yet not answering any of the hosts questions, but even though it's not aggravating, this type of call is sad.

[@Freqsheux]

As much as I miss Matt on AExp, Forrest has quickly become my new favorite host. Makes the sting of Matt leaving a little less harsh.

[@DavidWilson-eu1mv]

Being a recovered alcoholic, I never depended on a god or organization to overcome my addiction of many years. I did it based on my fear of losing both my job and my family and having the fortitude to say no more.

[@justincredible.]

Very good points by Forrest.

[@danielzunigagutierrez6300]

16:29 Dilla, you are the GOAT.

[@breezyb33]

Forrest is quite possibly one of my favorite people, though I have never met him.

[@millenialsmom2214]

And that's how and why you do it guys! Great call!

[@kevinvaughan4596]

Matt is pure genius

[@aliyahholloway422]

Declan seems very genuine. Great call