Why Don't You Want to Believe in God? | Paul - Knoxville, TN | Atheist Experience 22.02

[@tedgrant2]

When I was 15 years old, I gave my life to Popeye. Ever since then my life has turned around. When ever I feel weak, I eat spinach. It doesn't make me stronger, but I feel stronger.

[@VestigialHead]

+ tedgrant2 Ahhhhgahgahgahgah.

[@shookreeseeree4]

Tedgrant2..good joke..haha..

[@lookupkatkerr1630]

When Popeye was invented, people were still figuring out how to keep from dying of scurvy...it only took a handful of greens a day to prevent it, they found...

[@ralfhaggstrom9862]

Since I can remember, I gave my life to LIFE, with a BIG curiosity for everything. What I do not know ( a whole lot ) I want to try to know/understand, my life have been very interesting for over 6 decades, and still is. Of course there are lazy days, but even then the thoughts are wandering around, and after those lazy days I usually go towards next "question". I`m not rich with money, but with LIFE ! ...............

[@suneuf]

Is this like a religion you can actually join, or...

[@crowsnest43]

This caller is exactly why I hate religion. It's truly sad what it can do to people.

[@punchline43]

To be fair, he may have already been a complete moron. It does help.

[@JamesRichardWiley]

If it wasn't Jesus it would be something else he would latch onto for support.

[@dingovory]

Yeah this is a failure in education. I won't even blame religion here

[@1990maman]

crownest43 Exactly. I don't have a problem with Jesus, just like I don't have a problem with Zeus. Just like I don't have a problem with Batman and Spongebob. We love fictional characters. It's when people have 100 percent certainty these things exist and that'll you'll be eternally punished if you don't believe in it.

[@InnerMittenSignal]

@@1990maman What harm if someone thinks that? If you're in such a strong position, why do any of you feel threatened & needing to defend your own views?

[@rebelscum1825]

This kid was like listening to a 5 year told explain to a parent why Santa is real, and Tracie's like "sure you go right ahead sweetie" lol

[@AntitheistHuman]

See part where she mentioned how religion and the church literally makes up a problem and a dilemma for your life, making you afraid and dependant on the saving and the aid they grant... the aid they grant to solve the problem they made themselves. All kind of psychological tricks

[@Rain-Dirt]

@@AntitheistHuman "All kind of psychological tricks" I do not believe that these are tricks by design, put in on purpose. I think they are inherent flaws typical of the belief in a god that represents an authority. It's a result, rather than a causation.

[@elem-sike4161]

@@Rain-Dirt It’s been amended and rewritten so many times that it couldn’t be coincidence. Certainly trying to sell answers to made up problems.

[@fatmikecj]

​@@Rain-DirtI think they probably started as a by-product, but they have become a part of the recruitment method for sure. I can see hell and heaven being a useful tool to ensure people behave in the time before effective criminal investigation and justice were possible, which is a major use of religion. However I think it is largely due to the concept of hell which leads well-meaning but mislead people to go out and be missionaries. They try and stop the poor uneducated masses from being damned to hell by their all loving god and thereby spread the religion as a direct result of that.

[@Silianti]

@@Rain-Dirt You are trying to be smart and your brain fell out. Cults all operate the same as cons or scams. Don't listen to outside people, believe things that get you humiliated so you run back to your group, create vocabulary other people can't understand so you really fail at being able to communicate to outsiders.

[@AnActualSkeptic]

I don't even have the words to say how much I miss Tracie's voice on here.

[@jeanhartely]

Yup! Absolutely agree!

[@vegass04]

What happened with her? Did she have enough or moved or anything?

[@jeanhartely]

@@vegass04 I think she might still be on Godless Bitches.

[@kevinholloway8417]

Ditto!!

[@keaco73]

She was my favorite.

[@albertcombrink3717]

This is so terribly sad, I have been where he is, and I think Tracie was INCREDIBLE in her kindness and patience. Extraordinary call.

[@Kairi091]

Imagine if Matt had taken this call.

[@albertcombrink3717]

Well. It would have been a very different direction call...

[@damianedwards2327]

God is the existence of Love. Everybody believes Love exists.

[@albertcombrink3717]

@@damianedwards2327 Flowers are the existence of love. Everyone believes in love. Therefore flowers exist.

[@LaKoeps]

@@damianedwards2327 no.

[@10AntsTapDancing]

Nearly 18 and knows everything. The boy sounds very sad and it's heartbreaking really for him to be so deluded.

[@mikedean5060]

Irene Ewens yeah. He sounds like a 40 year old in a midlife crisis.

[@AnthonyHandcock]

Yeah... For a guy whose life is supposedly full of the intense joy, love and perfect peace that only Jebus brings he sounds a bit bloody miserable.

[@ramaraksha01]

"Our dear loving ..... loves us all. We are so happy to serve him, he gives us great joy and happiness. We read only his thoughts, only his book. All those who are not with him are evil and must be destroyed" Now fill in the dots - Communist leader? Christian/Islamic God? Both fit! Amazing isn't it? That the top religions of the free world are Communist religions? How about Heaven? Everyone will be equal, everyone will be allotted an apt which will be the same for everyone. They will all sit and praise the great ...... Again, do we see Heaven or a Communist state? Freaky, huh?

[@lordeluciferdiablo1776]

im 40 I would've loved being a teenager in this information age

[@anthonyg9197]

@@lordeluciferdiablo1776 I thank the universe for allowing me to have hbo at 11 in 1993 and watching Carlin do his religion skit. A kid knows when they hear the truth...

[@mickhughes3323]

I gave my life to Thor and everyday I get hammered Hallelujah my god is great The one true god

[@abbadbilal6094]

are you muslim?

[@spybird5870]

@@abbadbilal6094 are you stupid? read his comment

[@Colin12475]

Bastet is a goddess worthy of worship.

[@joulian]

... ok where did your god come from? or are you denying Odin?

[@khol3395]

@@joulian lowkey had me in the first part

[@darrenleelayton6052]

The lady is so polite, caring, empathetic amd patient. So much respect.

[@pcppbadminton]

She and Matt were like Yin and Yang. Their shows were the golden age of The Atheist Experience. Matt has nobody to reign him in anymore so most shows are just him talking over the caller for 10 minutes and then hanging up on them.

[@pcppbadminton]

After telling them to fuck off xD

[@jameslarimer9211]

@@pcppbadminton Yeah, I've been feeling that way too. He's really hostile now. I've been noticing it with Eric too. Of all the former members, I miss her the most by far.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

and hot

[@crispyblack8779]

@@jameslarimer9211 well, I’d say that listening to the same drivel for 13+ years would make you a bit bitter.

[@SapienSafari]

“I was in a bookstore once.” And obviously never again.

[@starburst9053]

Jesus loves you

[@SapienSafari]

pookie pie prove it

[@UngoogleableMan]

@@starburst9053 if your god loves you, make sure you make him wear a condom.

[@vincentcarotta3355]

Actually made me laugh out loud!

[@JenCollantes]

Touché.

[@susim4503]

My heart aches for this young man. Tracy, what a lovely human being you are.

[@johntobin7368]

_"Tracy, what a lovely human being you are."_ Inside and out, in my opinion. She has continued to get more beautiful over the years. And her obvious grace & intelligence only *adds* to her beauty.

[@cymbelinebritain6799]

I love her too, but I think she lost patience at the end with this kid and was a bit cold.

[@susim4503]

She does have a program to run and she spent 20 minutes with him. The conversation had run it's course. Although I think this young man is very troubled, she showed a lot more patience than I could.

[@cymbelinebritain6799]

You're right. I don't mean to be harsh. I really like her and think sometimes she's the calm voice of reason when it can get heated. I've also seen her cut through the B.S. like buttah. I just felt such a sadness about this kid (even though he was claiming he was so at peace). He seemed alone and without much guidance otherwise and although I commend him for turning his life around, he was obviously searching and I just sensed a frustration from Tracie...which is perfectly natural. I just put on my protective mom cap when I heard this kid that's all.

[@susim4503]

Yeah, me too.

[@JamesRichardWiley]

I want to believe in God but he won't let me. He is invisible and unknowable and when I pray to him, nothing happens.

[@diybunny8171]

Here is a way of looking at it that you may not have tried. Some would call it "counting my blessings" but you might discard that wording as Christian jargon. (That concept is the result of there being so very many of us! :) Our every need has Already Been Met. This is the evidence of Great Care being taken of all us humans. For instance, you get thirsty, and there is such a thing as water. You came into the world needing love and nourishment, and voilá, you had a mommy milk-station! We all need close companionship, and look at all the married couples with children making lovely close family groups of Happiness...another thing we need! The inability or reluctance...maybe just leaning away from seeing it that way...where could that be coming from? Ever thought what a spirit might be? Why did those before us invent that word. What concept did they need to describe? What is thought? What is communication? I can tell you the latter, He is The Logos and you can't even speak without Him...so DON'T HIJACK HIM!!!

[@diybunny]

@Cheetos Martini Excuse me?...

[@bartleon]

John 15: 15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He [a]prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already [b]clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit [c]of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so [d]prove to be My disciples. 9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

[@martinm6368]

Your vile thought crime shall be punished by torture for eternity as the source of perfect objective morality demands.

[@RonPaulKicksAss]

@@bartleon LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

[@vanessamebane3221]

Leaving religion has really set me free. 😊☺️😊

[@wprandall2452]

To be what?

[@unkaumanguy1439]

@@wprandall2452 A joyful free insignificant human being living the only life I know I have. You?

[@lynnford5706]

@@wprandall2452 a decent human being

[@canutellmehowtoget1390]

You can "leave religion" and not leave God. People who really decide they want their names blotted out of His Book of Life are fallen into such despair that death seems welcome & they're in too much misery to think of anything else. I pray everyone who reads this will be given one more chance to whisper, "Sorry..." You still have breath...choose it...

[@wprandall2452]

@@canutellmehowtoget1390 You can certainly be saved and not be in organized religion, but it's harder. You do need constant inspiration to be spiritually healthy. As to the rest of your statements, I don't understand them.

[@rawhideleather]

Knock knock... Who's there? It's Jesus... let me in! Why? So I can save you! Save me from what? From what I'm going to do to you if you don't let me in!

[@heisen-bones]

This.

[@persistentconsistency]

Right!?

[@suneuf]

*deadbolts door*

[@thewill9847]

Literally Christianity in a nutshell

[@jamesonrosen1773]

@@thewill9847 to be fair there is a debate within christianity about how exactly you do get saved. Jokes aside its not always good to paint with a broad brush.

[@cjsligojones5101]

Whenever you hear the words "in the Bible...." it's over.

[@kamillaiqbal6521]

Exactly. How could anyone with even 2 god damned brain cells believe in that bullshit??? Its gutwrenchingly maddening

[@Ziggyziggy1]

This caller has no way of allowing himself of freethinking. He is a hostage to his religious beliefs. Seriously dangerous...

[@pnut3844able]

He's 17. It took me until around 20 to break free. There's still hope.

[@nonyabidnazz7487]

@@pnut3844able he's now a VOTING man.. he's not a kid.. phuck him and his lame ideas.. I haven't the time nor patience.. 17 year old idiots like him carry long guns across state lines to "help cops" quell BLM protests.. shoot up black churches in SC and storm the effing Capitol building.. seriously.. there IS no hope with those so entrenched and wilfully ignorant

[@kenthazara5477]

@@pnut3844able I was 8, they said: “the snake talked to the man” and I was like: “I’m out, you lost me at “The snake talked”….. It took you 20yrs to figure out it’s nonsense? 🤦‍♂️

[@pnut3844able]

@@kenthazara5477 my situation was different than yours by the way you're talking.

[@jakes658]

@@pnut3844able Exactly. He's being a good boy for the church. He gets to tell them his story of this phone call and they will be so proud.

[@elgringo1893]

"There is nobody who is closer to me than Jesus" Holy fuck that's so sad, not one person that this guy has there for him is closer to him than somebody who doesn't exist in any form

[@edge21str]

Sounds almost like guys with their waifu.

[@elgringo1893]

@@edge21str not really, not unless they believe that a waifu is real

[@paddycraig]

​@@elgringo1893waifus are just as real as Jesus is honey. Waifus and Jesus were both made up, people talk to them everyday and have statues of them in their homes.

[@unrecognizedtalent3432]

Sounds like his life is pretty bad

[@sugarbass2803]

Possibly the route of the problem to be fair

[@thomasluczak2868]

he doesn't understand one thing she's saying .

[@Ed-tm3qc]

Yeah, poor Tracy repeated it so many times.

[@Oxigono_publications]

Use of drugs destroys brain cells!

[@donmiller2908]

It didn't matter what she said, I got the impression he was merely waiting for her to stop talking so he could continue with his rant. He called to talk not to listen.

[@InnerMittenSignal]

It's just the opposite, he started to make his case and before he could finish, around the 3 minute mark, she interrupted in such a fake-nice way, that she veiled the fact that nothing had been said much yet, and SOME of us were interested in the little dude's story. He's only a year old Christian after all. I've known The King for 65 years and He is worthy of ALL faith and admiration and love! He has never let me down. All that the caller said was obvious background to build us up for the real point, which was his own meeting with Jesus. That pride spirit did it's job well! She was so annoying, while pretending to be concerned, she just irritated sincere people away! Her pomposity was extreme, and I guess her male friend was letting her do all the effective-for-Satan's-Kingdom talking. Now the question is, can I bear to hear her rave on with the NO FAITH world view stumbling her and everyone who comes near her?...

[@DJAY-v9z]

@@InnerMittenSignal she interrupted him because his story is just like the rest of the christians. He was feeling bad, someone tells him there is a hell and heaven, he believes it, doesnt want to go to hell, so he blindly follows the religion and now he doesnt have any fear of hell. It doesnt matter what the details are, this story has been said so many times and the only evidence of a god in this story is the "feeling". That is why she was asking him where this "feeling" came from

[@jacobhall5927]

What an intelligent and compassionate lady!

[@lukostello]

we really have to teach critical thinking in school SMH

[@gamebred5x]

Luke Costello yes, he sounds crazy as hell lol

[@lukostello]

I learned greek mythology in school we could pair it with some other myths as well

[@thatfighterguy5846]

Luke Costello, But then all the Christians would say that we were persecuting them because we were teaching people that God MIGHT NOT exist. Seriously. What the fuck is wrong with today's America?

[@supchurch8055]

Luke Costello that completely defeats the purpouse of the state .

[@TheFounderUtopia]

They literally banned (or tried to, I can't remember if it went through) the teaching of critical thinking in Texas.

[@TheMrdhyde]

Let me tell a quick story. When I was 7 I went home from school early cause I had a major ear ache. The old lady that watched me was very religious. The preacher just happened to come over. When he saw me in pain and agony he walked over put his hand on my ear and prayed out loud for Jesus to remove this child's pain. As a 7 year old I remember thinking "This guy is talking to nobody". My ear ache did not get any better. Maybe worse. Then I went to a doctor and he knew what was wrong due to science and study. Went into hospital and had tonsils removed. I have not had an ear ache since I was 7 years old (now 50) due to science and fact. GOD AND JESUS ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN EASTER BUNNY, SANTA OR TOOTH FAIRY!!!! It's the biggest bullshit story ever sold to human kind and in 2023 with what we know I cannot believe other "intelligent" beings actually really believe this dumb shit.

[@pallejensen9484]

What an amazing answer u gave. Im 52 years old guy in denmark and im 4th generation atheist. My son is so fare generation 5. I wish that more christian would read things from people like u trying to understand the REAL world. Another thing is. If an american found his full name and so on and got to his famely couldnt they get reportet for child abuse?

[@paulsmaleThefourthdimension]

The real truth behind this storey is he managed to contain his anger, something you never managed, you took your anger to religion, and consequently to religious people. That is the basic foundations in the making of a terrorist, the piss taking giggles she has, is merely one sign of her Evil. The lie she told of not saying certain things to young people because it is patronising, she is constantly patronising this young man. She is not on the journey to evil, she is already there, but you are not far behind her.

[@ortegaviacava]

Yes, no invisible guy from the sky solves your problems using magic.

[@paulsmaleThefourthdimension]

⁠@@ortegaviacavainvisible man from the sky, solves your problems, using magic. I do hope you are a school child, because if someone over twelve made that comment, there is literally no chance of you ever seeing the world for what it is.

[@Chris-hx3om]

@@paulsmaleThefourthdimension Me thinks you're the one not seeing the world for what it is. There is no god, there was no jesus. Nobody got resurrected 2,000 years ago. IT'S ALL MADE UP BS TO TRICK FEEBLE-MINDED PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

[@AzimuthTao]

"my invisible friend Jesus is always there for me" What has he done for you lately? "he listens to me when I pray to him" How does he respond to your prayers? Seems like a pretty one-way relationship. I have a more personal relationship with Alexa.

[@nicosteffen364]

And Alexa listens to you also all the time, plus the workers of Apple!

[@violinistajay]

"Without Jesus I can't be at peace" - This kid is literally high on Jesus. Poor thing.

[@bartleon]

John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. 28 You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

[@chrisforsythe9799]

Bart Leon ok

[@chrisforsythe9799]

kojak 33 ok

[@neilangus4401]

Ajay Aditya Chandramouli You would almost think he might Snap

[@johanvandermerwe2928]

He’s as dumb as pigshit

[@ericwitz3199]

My heart is broken for this young man. I truly hope he gets some kind of help. I hear despair, loneliness and REAL misguidedness in his voice. Ugghh.

[@persistentconsistency]

Agreed

[@risquefiasco947]

I am thankful my father demanded we kids have a choice as to whether we attended church with our mother or played golf on Sundays. Golf won.

[@roonydoonyfartsniffer3370]

He needs jesus huh?😁😄😆

[@AtamMardes]

♦"Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool." ♦"Only fools revere the supernatural myths & fictions just because a book claims itself to be the holy truth." ♦"It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled." ♦"It's difficult to free fools from the chains they revere."

[@AshMckay123]

Voltaire sounds like my kind of guy 😊

[@MsPoliteRants]

I find what this kid says very sad. “Heaven is my home”. “Jesus is my best friend”. How sad that he has no real home or friends.

[@snoepie77]

Funny😁

[@swamivardana9911]

funny

[@sharonmax6968]

Griffly Creations I find it sad as well but this is what religion does to people.

[@mikedean5060]

Quite sad. It’s the perfect basis to commit atrocities. Quite scary

[@fubaramoris8196]

Lmao 😂😂😂

[@Dragonblaster1]

I'm 57 years old, and I've been atheist for about the last 43 of them. When I was in my early twenties, I knew a guy in my local pub, call him Dave. At 6'5, he filled just about any room, and he was a very talented pool player... and he drank a lot. He ended up drinking way too much, and getting barred from said local for pissing on the pool table when he lost to someone he never would have lost to when he was sober. Then, after that pub closed, I adopted another, and Dave was a regular there now. I remember one night where we were having quite an intellectual discussion when he looked at his watch and said, "Jesus! It's nine-thirty and I have eight pints I need to drink!" Forget any intellectual discussion after that. A mutual friend ("Mark") had said he would give Dave a lift in the morning if and only if Dave was waiting on the corner of his street at six-fifteen in the morning. Both had had too much to drink, but Dave much more than Mark. When Dave started to say Mark had promised to pick him up in the morning, Mark expostulated, and Dave lunged at him. I had to stand between two good friends, holding them apart so they didn't murder each other. It got worse. Dave got so bad he lost his job and then he started to ignore his girlfriend. She went out with me for a while, but thankfully Dave didn't hold that against me. Then Dave latched onto a woman, I can't remember her name, but she got him on heroin. She went around in a wheelchair, not because she had a disability, but because she was so smashed on heroin and booze. Dave went really downhill. His speech became monosyllabic, the skin on his face hung in folds, he stopped shaving and washing, and he always wore the same clothes. I stopped going to that pub, because I just knew before much longer, I'd see Dave keel over and die. He was on a downward descent that I couldn't see him escaping. A couple of years ago, probably five years after he met the woman, I heard a call behind me in the town, "Hey, Al!" I turned around, and saw a tall, gangling shape I recognised of old, but it couldn't be: this Dave was clean-shaven, with decently-cut hair and clean clothes. I hugged him as I have done to few men in my life. He was sober and clean, and I gave him a lift to the pub: he stuck to orange juice whereas I was the one on pints (I would leave the car there and pick it up in the morning, as I live in easy walking distance). Dave was working as a baker, and he said he'd never been happier. I was unbelievably happy too, that my friend had come back from the very brink of the abyss. For a while, I really did wonder if some religion had wrought a legitimate miracle, but no; Dave was still an atheist, and he hadn't gone on an eight-step programme. He had just got fed up with the way he was, and realised that he was never going to see his fortieth birthday if he carried on like that. His family were totally supportive, and that helped, but the one who did most of the work was Dave, not his family and not some higher power. I have seen him three times in the last five years, and he's still sober and straight, working as a baker and loving life.

[@Cedar77]

Man, I'm so happy for him, and for you as well. I can imagine it must be hard to see a good friend rot away like that.

[@Dragonblaster1]

@@Cedar77 I saw him again just before the lockdowns started. He was still on the wagon, still working as a baker, and still happy to be alive. I was glad he was alive, too. It was like a rebirth, so I guess he was a born-again atheist.

[@SlightlyDazed.]

Maybe give him a call check up on him, obviously i don't know you or him but I know lockdown has been really tough on recovering addicts and I'm sure that he'd appreciate a call. Anyway good for him

[@mikeymyers9617]

Dave the baker, what a legend. Anymore stories? I'm bored and that was a great fucking read lol.

[@DuckInGameStop]

What a beautiful story...

[@jcgadfly6200]

This is a person who hasn't been confronted by any difficulties since he became a Christian. First downturn he hits, he'll be crushed.

[@InnerMittenSignal]

What were your difficulties?

[@spaghetti9845]

@@InnerMittenSignal i sneezed into a pile of blow and lost a lot of friends because of it

[@Synthetica9]

@@spaghetti9845 a moment of silence for the fallen

[@TheTruthKiwi]

The problem is that religion, especially Christianity is prepared for that.

[@robp2253]

Just what I was thinking. This young man really needs an adult to look after him and mentor him about life.

[@BluePhoenix_]

You can literally hear, how he doesn't understand, what he is asked. I don't think, he really questioned his beliefs. That's why he is so unprepared, when they were in this exchange.

[@gracie1312]

Commas

[@johnsmith-i5j7i]

Blind belief, self delusion, emotional response that releases chemicals, feels better so that validates his belief, immerses himself more into the delusion, until he becomes absolutely crazy.

[@Lupinemancer87]

"I'm gonna explain to you why there is a god." Proceeds to tell his life story, but not once does he provide evidence of god.

[@InnerMittenSignal]

That's like someone on the Millennium Falcon saying there's no evidence they're sitting on a big Imperial Star Cruiser. We're living in the midst of all God created, and piddly humans, who get puffed walking to their mailboxes, want to be the ones to say in what form He should "step forward" and say, "Hey, it was me who did all this!" There's plenty of evidence of Personality and Autonomy and Sentience everywhere they look! They're like ants who think it doesn't matter if there are any Big Feet tromping around in their area. Yet they need to know that only their creator could, or maybe would say, "Don't you dare squash my cute little ant farm!"

[@stefanbjarnason251]

@@InnerMittenSignal You have no justification for believing in Jesus, any more than you have for believing in Brahma or Vishnu or Hanuman the Monkey God. If you'd been born in 17th-century Scandinavia, you'd believe in Thor. If you'd been born in the Middle East last week, you'd grow up to in Allah. It's all so dead obvious to anyone not indoctrinated into these stories from birth. People believe in whatever myths and fables may happened to have been drummed into them by their parents and the community in which they were raised. Think!

[@reasonablespeculation3893]

@@stefanbjarnason251 "all so dead obvious" and all the Religious folks agree, when applied to every case, but their own . Humans are susceptible to staggering cognitive dissonance

[@stefanbjarnason251]

​@@reasonablespeculation3893 You're right; we humans are rather pitifully vulnerable to holding mutually incompatible beliefs simultaneously. But common as it is, I can't resist pointing out the absurdity when I come across religious instances of it. I'm under no illusion that the person I'm calling out is emotionally capable of acknowledging their folly. But I do harbour the perhaps naive hope that someone less personally invested may at least pause to consider the obvious cognitive incompatibilities that religious sycophants so often fall victim to.

[@lucifers.morningstar3805]

@@InnerMittenSignal please provide evidence to your claim that there is a god, that this god is specifically the god you believe in, and is worthy of praise & worship.

[@chrisferguson9787]

he sounds like he was gay and ashamed of it and went back to the church and found a guy he felt comfortable having a relationship with. (jesus)

[@dianabookworm5694]

I was very suspicious when he described Jesus as his love

[@yussuqmadiq5274]

I think that Jesus was gay. Well he hang out with 12 dudes and he allowed one of them to kiss him. There was a girl who kneeled in front of him, use her hair to rub his feet and he didn't do anything about him. And there's a guy named John whom he called beloved.

[@Mikri90]

Maybe he's talking about a relationship with a Mexican guy named Jesus but he's just constantly mispronouncing his name? I mean the way he describes the whole thing it just sounds incredibly gay xD.... On a more serious note, I feel sad for young people like Paul who are so deeply brainwashed by their religious upbringing that even their already small capacity for critical thinking and reason is completely paralyzed the moment they start talking about their "relationship".

[@chrisferguson9787]

@@MASKROSE8 the expert has sounded ......the guy is gay for jesus!

[@ccdj504]

@@hanyuguo omg 😂😂😂STOP!

[@anserbauer309]

"Lonely, sheltered, hormonal teenager has powerful emotional experience and attributes it to a god". 'Cos that's never happened before.

[@chileanguyfleegman]

that's how them religions getcha.

[@Amoth_oth_ras_shash]

riddle me this ,what doess the tobacco industries and religion have in common ? get em while they are young......before they can think ,before they have any support elsewhere..., when ther hormones rages....when you can fuck up them up for life so they waste it all away enriching you.

[@BluePhoenix_]

I remember hearing about a guy in Texas, who committed his life to bast, because that half naked lion headed lady came to him and... If i remember correctly he came in her... I mean... Should we believe that too, without evidence?

[@Amoth_oth_ras_shash]

@@BluePhoenix_ well , considering the jawhee one not even bothered to wake up the maid maria when nocking her up... sounds more fair to at least have your chosen acolyte be awake when 'bonding' with ther diety ehh ? ^^ i wonder if that is the same dude that aron ra heard/talked with.....but i gota be honest , heard stories of some peps here to being 'visited' by pagan gods to almost as if the access to art and stories makes the 'canvas' for such things.. either the topless Egyptian ones , or the Asa'r ones like Tor and Loke needing more drinking buddies. either way i think if honestly go with the patrons gods thats a bit more down to earth about keeping me sane and focused on reality rather then score board for eternal nightmare in the clouds ;) besides with blessings in the style of ''mistress of happiness and bounty watch over me with your graceful stealth ward my steps that they may be veiled and take me safely through the night'' ...compared to ''tell me how to rub your ego the most'' or ''i dident study for this test! help me cheat!'' XD I'd go for bastet anyday!... not to mention being buddy with the sister of a god of war might come in handy... massage and song with bastet during the week ,drinking and party with Tor at the weekend! ...thats my afterlife schedule so far ,might but in some arena fun with the feathered serpent during the firdays.

[@JFrazer4303]

@@BluePhoenix_ "We have to respect someone's beliefs" we hear...

[@FourDeuce01]

Theists: "Why don't you want to believe in god?" Atheists: Why don't you theists even try to prove any gods exist?

[@Dovlaboss1992]

@PowerTime88 com oh you high high...

[@jimvanlint8043]

There's no viable evidence for any kind of a god and having said that it's more to the point for me to ask why do you seem to have some special need to believe in one. It's the norm here in the UK to be a non believer and again I live a perfectly normal moral ethical life without the need for any fairy tail like beliefs to assist me to do so. As well as that lot I live my reasonably moral and ethical life without looking for any kind of brownie points, I live this way because I want to without any kind of prompt from the rather obviously man made religions, religions that base their various dogmas on assertions rather than the factual.

[@FourDeuce01]

@powertime88com41 All that and you can’t even prove ONE god exists, so your comment was a waste of time.💩

[@orionlax626]

@powertime88com41 So stop being disingenuous and prove that your one true God exists.

[@PoliceStatelame]

Tracie seems like a mom, so nice and patient with this guy

[@kalibos]

@TAB yeah ur mom gay

[@Frankya92]

She was one of my favorite cohosts on this show. Her and Matt Dillahunty were the best imo, too bad there was a fallout

[@PoliceStatelame]

@@Frankya92 Yeah, for sure

[@Gerryjournal]

Prisons around the world are full of moms

[@adarkerstormishere]

"Please. I'm just challenging you guys. Just... just take *one* *sip* of the Kool-Aid. Don't let anyone else know. Lock yourself in a room. Just take *one* *sip* and all you have to do is *convince* yourself that it tastes good."

[@stateofexistence2049]

*Quietly sips water instead*

[@SciFiFan2012]

I need an adult...

[@silverTabbed]

Ok, this comment got me. I was trying not to laugh at the kid...but I lol'd...HARD.

[@dianabookworm5694]

This made me laugh, even as a kid when I prayed I felt literally nothing even though I wholeheartedly believed

[@darken3150]

Best comment on this video. lel

[@konnosx1213]

"Homosexuality is a sin" "I'm in love with jesus"

[@sharonmax6968]

Konnos X lmao 😂

[@scarmsaniiaggrey1646]

Do not forget your body is his temple, and the church is his bride... 😅

[@konnosx1213]

@@scarmsaniiaggrey1646 *Desire to worship Jesus the Heathen way intensifies*

[@mikedean5060]

And you go around wearing his murder device around your neck. Very kinky

[@scarmsaniiaggrey1646]

@@mikedean5060 and you have to surrender and let his will be done.

[@jaronfeld123]

Right when this kid started talking about “homosexuals / Muslims meeting Jesus” I just knew he also has a lot of hate in his heart. Sad that he was led to believe such terrible things.

[@batgirlp5561]

I was thinking closet homosexual

[@scipioafricanus5871]

But there is this m*slim on drugs who definitely b e h e a d e d 200 christians and who actually exists... lmao

[@jamespinto1884]

This was seriously one of the saddest calls I've ever seen. I was listening live at the time.

[@CabbageSandwich]

It really was... The sad part is that converting these people to atheism, much like converting a terminal cancer patient, is either one of the stupidest things you can do to them, or may take away what little happiness they have. Honestly, if someone is ACTUALLY THIS HIGH on the feeling of religious elation, there is really NOT MUCH in the way of proof, evidence, logic, or even reason to try and change their minds. They believe because it gives them happiness, in a sense there is no greater proof of anything to a human being, it is working for them, therefore they will continue to do it until it stops working, particularly desperate people like Paul here. It's BASICALLY not possible, or at least not practical, to change this guy's mind, I mean, I could do it, but not easily, or quickly. Someday or sometime, they will struggle again with belief, or come to doubt something, or encounter something in their lives that they cannot push past with the mind they currently have, at that time, they will be much more dubious of their religion. But this guy just got his ass saved, in a literal sense, but himself In such a simplistic way, he may not, and perhaps, even should not ever change from that. Not for the sake of those around him but for himself, because I don't think this guy has anything else.

[@diybunny8171]

You know what? You people are wrong, but at least you are leaning into Pity and that will take you a step towards Jesus/Saviour who pities us all and can snap Pride into ashes if you ask Him to! What follows is Joy Unspeakable, and who wouldn't like to access that?...

[@diybunny8171]

Pride is a spirit, by the way, and Paul DID ask the Helper to dash all dark spirits to pieces, with a bit of help from the Heavenly Host. They are at his disposal, he is a brave witness. You can tell how much he and his attitude were bothering the enemy spirits by the way they got the hostess to not let him get any information out, and in the end she dropped the call. What a giveaway. It would have been funny, that and how those same spirits were fooling commenters into calling her "patient", if I wasn't imagining her miserable future if she can't ever bring herself to be sorry instead of stubborn...

[@HectorJimenez-ee9zi]

@@diybunny8171 you sound like loon

[@diybunny8171]

@@HectorJimenez-ee9zi Is that why you don't want to be associated with believers? That's what I used to be like. When my dear mother was still alive, I remember being terrified that she would embarrass me socially with "religious" talk!

[@kristileigh9059]

This is my first time watching Tracy Harris. I’ve gotta say I really love her approach. Usually, the hosts of these shows are argumentative and kinda confrontational, but she seems so kind, compassionate, and understanding toward her callers. I think this is a much better approach because when you are confrontational, Christians use that to verify their beliefs that atheists are angry and lack morals because they don’t have God. I’m looking forward to watching more of her shows.

[@alexmaster99100]

That is what I admired of her too, she has an understanding and gentle approach....

[@chuckwilkerson1164]

That's exactly the point- when you are that intelligent, you don't have to be loud or rude- your words do the work. When you lose your poise, you lose the debate.

[@天川光海]

As a person actively debating religious people I can totally see why the hosts are confrontational. I admire her attitude, but I think her way works better for someone who actually do critical thinking (and hopefully in the process of question their religion). There are some (like Ken Ham) who should totally be smashed by Matt.

[@kristileigh9059]

天川光海 Yes, I agree with that. Have you heard the one where she talks to a young man who is Muslim and has him totally questioning his faith and religion by the end? It’s so beautiful to me the way he listens and rationalizes! So many “faithful” seem unable or unwilling to think rationally. I was literally brought to tears watching that particular interview with her.

[@天川光海]

Might have seen it but can't be sure, there're just too many videos haha. Unlike many I always think it is important for atheists to actively encourage people questioning their religious believe. The challenge however is that most refuse to think (sometimes you'll even get a 'you are too rational' comment), because they feel safe and confident living in their imaginary world (which will be gone if they actually start reasoning) :S

[@colleenandersonohara4209]

I felt I load lifted when I became Atheist

[@ianworcester4640]

Colleen Anderson/O’Hara because it relieved you of any moral obligation to obey a moral God......anyway you will have all eternity to think about it.

[@ianworcester4640]

@Destiny is Happy with Dana in Florida Hello... Dana ? Destiny ? you want Proof ? your about 2000 years to late for the type of "proof" you want. Its now through faith in a risen Christ and millions have accepted the historical "proof" through faith. Or you have to wait for Christ,s return to earth ..every eye shall see him. ever knee shall be forced to bow to him. 100% guarantee eventually you will get more proof than your " brain in a vat" can comprehend. At Christ,s return athiesm will disappear in a moment in time, and will be forever laughed at as the greatest absurdity of modern times. You want Scientific materialistic proof ......guess what , you likely aint gonna get it how you want it. What you will get is a wasted eternity if you dont accept Christ through faith and repent.

[@thealphajourney6108]

@@ianworcester4640 Why is "faith" a reliable tool to know that God exists? If I have faith that the Triforce is real, and that Link is my lord and savior and died protecting the world from the evil Ganon, how would you know MY faith is NOT a good tool to judge if what I believe is real or not? How about other faith's? There are many other religions out there that use a faith system to brainwash people so bad that it makes them believe there is no way any other religion could be the true and correct one, but you have to find a concrete way to prove what you're believing is true. Faith can be used to verify any number of things to be true, therefore it is not a reliable way to prove what you're believing is true. It is not a hard concept to grasp.

[@aceofleaf606]

I've never believed in any God but I feel the weight of people who have such hardship in lives that they turn to belief. Perhaps that feeling of concern for the wellbeing of the other is what propels some Christians to try to convert people in need.

[@ianworcester4640]

@@thealphajourney6108 The cure for ignorance So you could be a "brain in a vat" ? You could be an evolved meat machine ,with an electro- chemical "think tank" inside your skull ? The cure for ignorance ??? most ironic coming from an athiest. When you have passed from this life, you will certainly see the absurdity of your worldview.

[@markw-s5734]

I was a lot like this kid. The Church (directly and indirectly) instilled in me a lot of shame, guilt, self-hatred and fear, particularly around sexuality and death. When I because “born again” I no longer felt distressed or anxious and was reassured that no matter what a god would love me and I wouldn’t have to die a true death. That’s a great feeling and it mimics the feelings of falling in love or more accurately the feelings of infatuation. But I eventually came to realize that I had replaced actual relationships and love with a safer one not based in reality, but one all in my head. It was still a very real feeling, just a mislabeled one. And being surrounded by others who felt the same thing (or had at one time) just solidified my beliefs.

[@AntitheistHuman]

I'm sure you should already know this but it's worthy of mention, religion says and proclaims humans are worthless, rotten and born with sin, basically giving us no value and that our mere existence is useless unless you believe in the divine being that NEEDS your attention and your prayers, it's awful, it's diseased

[@Rain-Dirt]

You are not alone, buddy. Good to see you on the right side of the track. My faith went into the minute details of out everyday thinking and acting. Purity was to be found in the smallest thing, like trying to perfect a time on the racetrack. There was a lot of black and white thinking going on, and it was easy to see imperfections amongst believers of whom I thought within my delusion, that they were not really believing or trying hard enough. I felt a lof of shame too, incredible guilt and self-hatred and fear, in part because I hardly felt no connection with the world, yet felt very wordly. You can't do this, you can't do that, you have to do this, you have to do that,... Everyone was putting up facades because they wanted to look good towards others, two faced people,... This "sense of moral superiority" made me learn how to judge not only others, but also myself. I rejected the world of which I thought was also rejecting me, and thus rejected myself as well. But still, in that loneliness, my loyalty towards my faith was my hope. My "connection" with God was my strength. It was very toxic and did destroy sensitive decades of my life. I am happy to have been able to allow myself being liberated from this thought pattern and beliefsystem. Complete honesty about the world and the religion was what got me out of there. It was not easy, since giving up everything not knowing what to get back, was scary af. Good to have you on the right side of the track! :) (Ironically, my "deconversion" got me more interested in religions in general, because it appears to me, there's a ton to be learned from towards understanding humanity and ourselves, just not in the way it's constructed us to do so, lol)

[@robhaskins]

Yes-for me, realizing that the church instilled shame, guilt, and the rest was actually a very important first step in becoming an atheist.

[@socman3988]

Damn!! This kid is really brainwashed. What the freaking heck do these kids learn in school?

[@reasonablespeculation3893]

Very sad that kids can go from kindergarten through 12th grade and never learn about a Valid and Sound argument .... I'll speculate that most adults don't understand the concept of a Logical Fallacy....

[@firstnamelastname7473]

Soc MAN its not in school. Its the parents

[@socman3988]

It's both!!

[@danwic]

He's poorly educated. Has to be. No one could possibly be this blind to reality as he is.

[@edsantoss]

no swearing

[@sunsetman1479]

Classic example of brainwashing.

[@diybunny8171]

Well, you could go and get yourself deprogrammed perhaps...

[@maxcheese382]

diy bunny how exactly do you think he’s programmed based on the comment he made? To be clear I’m not being aggressive I just don’t understand your comment and would like clarification

[@chubbytewd4787]

I think Tracie will make it in the end though...her brain seems pretty clean...

[@toni4729]

Classic example of brain dead.

[@elecbass100]

And whenever he is confronted with answering for that brainwashing, he stutters or pauses or can't deal with the question. That is really sad and he needs help.

[@sumtingwong8592]

14:25 its adorable how he says "don't let anyone know" on live TV lol

[@Graeme_Lastname]

I can't say I find anyone or thing dysfunctional to that extent, adorable.

[@TallSilentGuy]

To be fair he immediately goes on to clarify in such a way that it makes good sense.

[@creativewriter3887]

'adorable"???? Puppies, babies, baby pandas and bubbles are adorable. This was just sad, pathetic and the vocal equivalent of seeing a kid chained to the radiator and forced fed rancid food.

[@mustacheofgold6846]

Damn, I've seen many theist/atheist videos, but never heard a soul who is as lost and sad as this caller. I feel for him and hope he's doing ok.

[@tedgrant2]

It's odd that the caller knows Jesus, a radical Jewish preacher who died 2000 years ago. Suppose I said my next door neighbour is Socrates. You would doubt my sanity.

[@diybunny8171]

You could meet other ancient sages, but they might not be in the Good Place. Look up the Burmese Buddhist monk whose story is being told virally here on KZbin. In a nutshell, he was the most strict and protected of his sect. His parents are the witness of his testimony, they were about to roll his oozing body into the funeral fires prepared for him. They hesitated to burn his body for many days, from sentimental parental love. Suddenly he sat up, shocking them immensely! He had quite the account to share, from beyond this world! His back story is that he had been deeply immersed in the religion of his land, where Christians are strongly discouraged, even persecuted. Fanatical Buddhists can be quite scary, believe it or not...especially when you come back from a vision saying you saw the original Gautama Buddha standing in the Lake of Fire, along with your own personal mentor! The reason he had died was that he was such a soft-hearted soul, that he literally let the mosquitos bite him, he wouldn't kill them. So he got the fever that caused his demise. But he came back! In his NDE an angel told him one of the people he was seeing burning in the fire was named "Goliath". He didn't know who that was, since he'd had no access to a Bible. The angel told him this was the book he needed to read, then call on the Saviour, and he was to adopt the name of Paul and tell every one he met what he had seen! He did this faithfully, and encountered such extreme persecution from the local religious authorities that he went on the run, and is still MIA from Burma! Look it up using key words from my account I just told you...

[@tedgrant2]

@@diybunny8171 We humans are very good at making up stories.

[@persistentconsistency]

@@tedgrant2 Exceptional at making them up! You're spot-on.

[@tedgrant2]

@@persistentconsistency Thanks. And if you visit any public library where they have things called books, most are in the fiction section, Why ? First, fiction is unlimited. Another book about Harry Potter or Jesus is always possible. Second, fiction is more fun and therefore very popular.

[@ofhanisydneymulaudzi8116]

Why not if there are people who believe in the big bang theory and gravity?

[@LaMaestra2102]

I think people like Paul sell themselves short. He was told about Jesus at age 12 when he hadn't done anything wrong. He even says that. Then he did some messed up stuff, felt the shame and then got better by calling on Jesus when in reality it was him and his own conscience all along. He's doing the work to be a better person because of his guilt. So, in effect, he's the Jesus that he's in love with; he just doesn't see it.

[@johntobin7368]

A very realistic way to look at it. I wish people like "Paul" here could see that for themselves, instead of convincing themselves the voices in their heads come from gods...

[@sadtitties222]

Hermlock Gnomes @ Hermlock Gnomes That's basically what I was thinking throughout this entire video. It's actually really sad. ☹️

[@ArcheonW]

The kid sounds like his god is a brownie.

[@abc456f]

Hermlock Gnomes Yep. You saved me the effort of explaining this.

[@nabils9837]

Mind Blown!

[@neilbaldwin1492]

Tracy is an amazing asset to our community. I hope i can be as eloquent someday.

[@chubbytewd4787]

What community are you talking about?

[@neilbaldwin1492]

@@chubbytewd4787 seriously? The atheist community.

[@starburst9053]

You put your faith in Tracy. Worship her, praise her 🙌

[@irish_deconstruction]

@@starburst9053 No?

[@lesgoutsetlescouleurslglc1832]

He’s only seventeen. We can forgive his ignorance, but we hope one day he becomes a real man...

[@Graeme_Lastname]

He needs to lose his ignorance but there is no help coming for a victim of state funded lunacy. :)

[@trahapace150]

What the fuck is a real man?

[@PronatorTendon]

@@trahapace150 Someone who doesn't ßitch out when they encounter a challenge to their belief system

[@DuckInGameStop]

he's probably about 21 by now, I hope he escaped from the BS he believed at the time of this call...

[@Meansnare]

Bullshit we can forgive his ignorance, at that age in the UK you are out of school and could be working a real job with actual responsibilities, no excuse for ignorance when you have had an education.

[@stuartneve1648]

"You cannot reason someone out of something he or she was not reasoned into" J Swift. Like shouting into the void.

[@cryptofacts4u]

All you have to do is talk to enough atheists and you realize that quote is very very incorrect. I used to be religious and then I encountered new ideas new reason and logic and I dropped my religion. You can 1000% reason someone out of a belief that they didn't come to through reason. If you couldn't then there wouldn't be any atheists who left for reason and logic

[@zetazimmer4769]

This reminds me of so many conversations I’ve had with religious people who are only able to parrot talking points and are baffled when you deviate from the script. He didn’t think critically for himself this entire call.

[@Graeme_Lastname]

That training wasn't included.

[@louiscyfer6944]

he was pretty obviously hammered.

[@reasonablespeculation3893]

@@louiscyfer6944 Hope you are correct, he'll think more clearly when it wears off.. Otherwise I would suspect a brain injury ,,, or very low IQ.

[@wprandall2452]

The same problem I have with atheists.

[@reasonablespeculation3893]

@@wprandall2452 Comes down to one's acceptance or rejection of the Claim; A God Exists. People cannot chose to believe that which appears , To Them , to be overwhelmingly unlikely (e. g. 2+2=7). On the other hand, one is compelled to believe any claim that is evidently accurate (e. g. 2+2+2+1=7) . All this assumes NO Cultural indoctrination, and NO Coercive or Traumatic circumstances either way, which sometimes destroys one's ability to evaluate evidence.

[@JBrooksNYS]

He's not capable of even engaging in debate. He just has claims to make.

[@trahapace150]

He is a confused brain wasted teenager.. what the fuck were you looking for some kind of Harvard debate

[@JBrooksNYS]

yes

[@Graeme_Lastname]

I'd call them demands, subtle but present.

[@outermarker5801]

7:10 This. If you've ever been in love, you understand _exactly_ how christianity affects the brain of (especially new) devotees. Same chemicals released, same 'floating on a cloud' feelings, psychological motivation, energy and hope for a future together. And this lover Jesus is absolutely perfect, always. It's literally a dopamine high, for good and bad.

[@therealpepeu]

Tracie (and Jen) were amazing on the show. I love how they handled the callers and I wish they would come back.

[@eurech]

@@davidohara7669 Why did they leave?

[@AsheCatsup]

“This life is where wipe your dirty shoes before you enter Heaven...” Lmao And that basically sums of the belief in life and the afterlife.

[@louistournas120]

+ReesesPease:Or in other words, this life is hard. The afterlife is easy. In the afterlife, you just sit on your butt and cherries drop in your mouth. Nobody gets ill. There is no need to use your brain. There is no need to invent anything. All problems are solved by the "gods". It is the recipe that makes christianity successful.Coca-cola is also successful because they have the right recipe. They put a lot of glucose and fructose.

[@whitestguyuknow]

louis tournas no? That's not what she's saying at all. You just made a different analogy She's saying your life is the place you spend your time cleaning off before heaven and this "spot", this life, means nothing. The real deal is *after* this life and life is just a welcoming mat, something you should pay no mind to

[@AsheCatsup]

I understood what she said as this: The belief in some people’s versions of an after life? This life is where all the trash happens and none of it really matters because in the afterlife? No one even has mud! Yay!

[@whitestguyuknow]

ReesesPeace I think the issue is you two have separated the analogy from the context. They were amidst discussing absolving yourself of your sins to reach the "REAL" place to be (heaven) Although, something good about some analogies is that they fit so well that all sorts of people can derive all types of meanings based on where theyre coming from

[@louistournas120]

+Troy Roebuck: "They were amidst discussing absolving yourself of your sins to reach the "REAL" place to be (heaven)" ==But before you were born, you did not exist and so, you had no sins. Then the question becomes, why does the jewish god create us and places us here? The other issue is, when you reach heaven, aren't you also going to commit some sins?

[@ReignSupreme2014]

Tracy is so awesome. Compassionate and patient. Empathetic and concise. She is truly amazing.

[@boxelder9147]

I really like her

[@grayintheuk8021]

This is still as good as it was when I watched this 2 years ago. Great show and great hosts. Thanks to you all at the ACA.

[@natsdad300]

this is very sad, this man has obviously got problems that no god is ever likely to help

[@diybunny8171]

Like what, Mr Mind Reader? He never even got to the end of his thought...

[@jeziscricket4448]

This man talks of friendship, regard, esteem, why is that a problem?

[@hopebringer2348]

Big Cricket Because he has achieved happiness through a fake god. Not because of him and his own will.

[@jeffreybird6202]

hey young man, it's called the holy book, because it is full of holes.

[@AnActualSkeptic]

I'm so in love with Tracie. Her presence commands respect.

[@strangerlittle181]

I don't respect people who hang up the phone on someone before they finish their thought. It's mean. (Would you do it? :)

[@Stokedhavok]

Stranger Little He called in with the assumed intention of having a dialogue, right? However, every time they asked him a question, he’d ignore it and change the subject, thereby refusing to respectfully answer them. How can you in turn demand respect for someone who’s behaving so disrespectfully?

[@kidkruschev]

@@strangerlittle181 I’m not even finished, I’m a few minutes in, and she politely asked for a summarization. The video is 20 minutes long.

[@hisvorpalsword]

This guy wasn't looking for a discussion. They should've just said "I'm glad for you" and ended it.

[@andrewjones9991]

The callers rarely are. Most of them say the exact same thing and think their tired old talking points are some unique POV and not just the same old shit the panel has heard a million times.

[@d_camara]

​@@andrewjones9991They don't think it's unique, they say out loud a lot that they're repeating the same things, but so are the callers. And logic doesn't change. If callers present the same fallacy for 30 years you'll point it out the same way for 30 years... Or should they start answering "what's 2+2" with 5 because 4 got boring?

[@scipioafricanus5871]

"You take one dip In the Jebus trough -- and you end it!"

[@nordy2010]

Jesus: Imaginary friend for adults.

[@chubbytewd4787]

The children love him best though...you did...

[@nordy2010]

@@chubbytewd4787 Nope. Never been a believer. Tried for a year and a half as an adult, but I never could reconcile the Bible with reality.

[@xplane6693]

Best

[@iamanowl26]

@@chubbytewd4787 well, the church seem to love the children a bit too much, keeps getting them into trouble

[@tylerm89]

Jesus: our savior, the way, the truth, and the life.

[@lucyschoon5585]

"Jesus is my best friend, my true love, my father.... " Okaaayyy then....

[@tylerm89]

Tannis I would agree with you, he doesn’t seem like he’s in a proper mindset

[@tylerm89]

Lucy Schoon he is, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

[@EdwardOberon]

He meant to say "Daddy"

[@DForce26]

Incest is pretty cool! 😂

[@wizardsuth]

"My one, my own, my love... My precious." Except in the story the Ring is a real, tangible object.

[@gratefulapostate3123]

Sooner or later, this caller will realize that his imagined relationship with Jesus, is a very shallow substitute for a real person to person, loving relationship.

[@Graeme_Lastname]

Why will he? He will never experience such a relationship is my guess.

[@dylancoleman1921]

I hope so

[@fritzhaselnuss7852]

he might be lucky and his life goes ordinarily well with no major upheavels or chatastrophes, in short, no real test to his faith or reasons to question his belief. Usually atheists grasp the reality of life and thats why they are atheists.

[@enlightenedchipmunk2001]

Honestly, at his age, he still has plenty of time to learn critical thinking skills and reassess his beliefs. I didn’t even start thinking existentially until my early 20’s. I’m 31 now and when I started diving into philosophy and other fields of inquiry, I assumed all my questions would eventually be answered, but the reality is that I just learned more questions to ask. There is no finish line with knowledge, it’s really more like discovering that there are different types of infinities.

[@jimscanoe]

And she has difficulty letting the other host say anything.

[@Rain-Dirt]

The biggest step to overcome is not musing about existential ideas, but daring to 100% honest about everything you believe, even if everything you've build your life around (and that can mean a lot if you struggle to build up a social life) appear to be untrue. Existential thinking for some can be super easy. To let go of what means "hope" to you, is the hardest part. It requires a lot of courage and rewiring of the brain. But you are right, he has time, and I hope for him it will not take him as long as it did for me.

[@knyghtryder3599]

He won't , he has a 99% chance of crazy debt , a 90% chance of children before a career , a 85% chance of incarceration and a 99% chance of raising ridiculously hopeless indoctrinated impoverished kids for a fresh crop of future religious victims

[@fredhothotfred6288]

matt would has made this kid cry

[@GleysonPC10]

fredhot hotfred you're right

[@InnerMittenSignal]

@@GleysonPC10 What do you two get out of making other humans cry?...

[@meridien52681]

No, I don't think so. Matt has a heart and anyone can see this kid is in trouble. I've heard Matt gentle his approach according to the caller. Matt's not cruel, just impatient with people unwilling to apply sense and logic to their thinking.

[@diybunny8171]

@Ouroboros Why did they say it then? We will all be responsible for every idle word we speak. You can't communicate with other humans unless The Logos blows through you. He is The King. You will be embarrassed unless you are sorry right away. Fall on your face!...

[@diybunny8171]

@Ouroboros I am very surprised to see you are still here, suddenly taking an interest in the commenting when you see that Mittens is still here as well! 2009, wasn't it? And we know the snake is not capable of ACTUALLY eating itself, only its skin, from being in a desperately craving and needy state! It's the orbit of the Bottomless Pit that is in its future!...but you could separate...why should you die? (:D

[@fryguy1133]

I almost cried when he asked do you fear death? And says I feel joy because heaven is my home...I know that feeling.

[@BlGGESTBROTHER]

I was this kid 17 years ago...I really feel for him. It's hard to get past the brainwashing that happens from the time you can walk.

[@1030light]

Have heard many episodes of The Atheist experience and admire the patience you all have in hearing all these stories and yet remaining relatively calm and logical in your arguments. You all do a good job of being ambassadors for rational thought. I have sympathy for the mental exercise you are subjected to. Keep up the good work. May all the man-made gods be with you!

[@alphabeta591]

This poor lad cannot keep his thoughts connected long enough to put a thought.into a cogent sentence.

[@coconutchitty]

He was very connected, but not sure of the character of the person he was talking to. And he was RIGHT about that! Sure enough, she dropped his call...

[@douglasthomashayden2566]

@@coconutchitty "He was very connected, but not sure of the character of the person he was talking to. And he was RIGHT about that! Sure enough, she dropped his call..." Nope. He's mired in delusion, and refused to say *why* he believed, which is the point of the show. YOUR KIND do *not* get to browbeat or dare us into 'challenges'...you're *salespeople*, and we can ignore and walk away from you whenever we want.

[@diybunny8171]

"Titus 1:7...not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just..." Paul continues to describe character traits of the person who should be a shepherd of the flock of faithful believers in Yeshua/Jesus. It's pretty typical of what Paul had to say in all his letters. Remember his name was once Saul of Tarsus, Pharisee Extraordinaire! He used to be someone who would throw you in jail to await your death, if you did anything "cultish", such as thinking you'd found The Messiah. He'd think you were a danger to the rest of us humans depriving us of the "real truth". Although you have not a Jewish point of view but think morality is still possible by means of faith in materialism...(what you can actually experience with your five senses)...Isn't that pretty much what all you Official Atheists have against Christian believers? That we are dangerous cultists trying to take over the world? The problems you have with the Old Testament Societal strictures, could be easily solved, if you actually took the interest in this subject that you claim to have!...(your non-stop arguing & attempting to convince others, boldly underlines it!) God needed to come to Planet Earth as a tiny, helpless infant. It was important that He survive into young manhood. I think it's pretty obvious that He prepared the way for His advent rather scrupulously, constructing a culture to come to, with rules that absolutely applied!...up to the very hour that He would very obviously lay down His life...and prove in a very suffering way how very much He cares for all of us!...(no matter what we are getting up to at any moment, ie the Romans that the Jews so much wanted Him to conquer!) He loves us all. He has mercy, and we now live in the Age of Mercy, where you can get away with dissing on Him, breaking all His rules, and even sending other humans out of their physical bodies, because their Creator knows He can give them a new one. He is more interested in the state of the soul of each offender...

[@mixedman841]

I gave my life to Odin and my life got better. Therefore Odin is real.

[@rosackoh1959]

i gave my life to freyja and my life got better ,therefore freyja is real welcome brother ,we will wait till ragnarok then see how has the bigger hammer Fólkvangr to Valhalla

[@neongalaxyzz4297]

rosack oh1 I wanna know more

[@punisher6387]

I gave my life to kratos. I'm fucking doomed

[@mordantvistas4019]

"I'm sorry your coping with shame, because it's a toxic emotion",.....caller misses the comment entirely!

[@Arkloyd]

"So _you're_ telling me that…" A sure sign you're about to be strawmanned.

[@JamieRobles1]

. . . He's trying to convert Tracie and Eric. This is a method by certain believers to get other people hooked on rhetoric based on emotion and setiment. Because it worked on him, he believes it will work on others. Also, saving others will make him good with God.

[@JamesRichardWiley]

Unfortunately, he cannot prove his hypothesis. The moment the word "faith" appears the conversation is over.

[@chubbytewd4787]

@@JamesRichardWiley You have faith, everyone does. You can't step onto your legs without it, that's how babies learn to walk, and they take alot of helping and cajoling. When I broke my leg, after it healed, I got those fearful sensations all over again, trusting that my leg would support me. Even the floor could open up in a sink hole, you trust that it won't, that a volcano won't blow up down the road, or you couldn't carry on. Faith keeps you going. Faith and fear are in opposition. Most people don't want to meet God because their hearts tell them they've done things He's not cool with. They use that excuse of avoiding Him to limit their faith. They put it only in this material world, which is obviously failing, that is, this physical realm. We all follow our gut feelings (some call that Spirit), since even our brains are unreliable. Deceivers sense His Great Love and play Him for poochie. He'd be okay with it, but we are not, being made fair and just beings in His image, and others CERTAINLY are not okay with antisocial behaviour. As life progresses, we get worse, not better at being fair and merciful, and when we see our direction...we can either be sorry and ask for Help, or get more devious and in the end be in the power of His spirit enemies. He let them choose darkness and lies a very long time ago. He lets every power being have its choice...

[@chubbytewd4787]

Just in case any are curious about those fallen beings I just mentioned, they rule over the Macho world of Pride. Your litmus test of how much you are hijacked by choosing them is how stupid & irritating gentle people like Paul seem to you. In the end, hijacked humans start seeing any weak being as a pest, attacking everyone that isn't strong enough to boss THEM around. Without the Holy Spirit, you can't even think a puppy is cute! If you don't want that to happen, listen to Him, not the voices of hatred & scorn...

[@donmiller2908]

@@chubbytewd4787 - "You have faith, everyone does. You can't step onto your legs without it, that's how babies learn to walk" What you call faith I call experience. I know that when I stand my legs will support me because experience has shown me that they always have. If I stand and my legs fail to support me then experience has taught me that something is wrong with my body. Faith is belief that is not based on truth. I'm more interested in the truth, wherever that may lead.

[@fredworthmn]

@@chubbytewd4787

[@fr33thinker69]

I would worship tracie, but she wouldnt let me and thats why i love her 😙

[@Forgottensock]

Simp

[@riffmcthrash8684]

@@Forgottensock can't blame him

[@jamezkpal2361]

She resembles a voluptuous Sigourney Weaver.

[@chileanguyfleegman]

so would I.

[@ferox965]

Kudos to Tracie for gently handling this very damaged young man. I think she can sense it on him. I hope that he is seeing a therapist...I hope he doesn't hurt himself or someone else.

[@shawnt5272]

This level of brainwashing should be criminal.

[@escapementalprison]

"I gave my life to: a man made human control system".

[@w-james9277]

When I was 16 years old, I gave my life to Iron Maiden.

[@harrrgh944]

Why?

[@w-james9277]

@@harrrgh944 Cause they're an awesome band!

[@InnerMittenSignal]

@@w-james9277 Not the awesomest though, not awesome enough to give your life to. It's not good for them to be so over-exalted. The Creator makes us Awesome In His IMage! (His I Am Age, get it? :)

[@Halfdanr_H]

Up the irons!

[@teamatfort444]

i gave mine to SLAYER

[@panblacksolutions]

7:11 Eric's face when Paul says he's in love with jesus is priceless

[@XMan-tu4iu]

I remember the exact moment I became an atheist when I was 9 years old. I had no idea what an atheist was or that they even existed but I have lived a very happy life without religion.

[@vvinicius100]

Man... That's not healthy at all! Even if you are religious you gotta admit that The kid doesn't have a life, quite literally

[@lewisner]

He has basically constructed an idealised image of himself in his mind and fell in love with himself.

[@InnerMittenSignal]

Who? Eric?

[@douglasthomashayden2566]

@@InnerMittenSignal "Who? Eric?" The caller, 'paul'. Which, if you had a microgram of integrity, you'd honorably concede.

[@JamesRichardWiley]

Debilitating narcissism? The Sea Org could use him to clean toilets. I used to be like that before I ran out of cash.

[@iamTheSnark]

Tracy, wear a cape. You're a hero. So that's Tracie H. Where H stands for Hero.

[@diybunny8171]

Tracy wouldn't even let the guy talk. Why do you think she is heroic again?...

[@jowildcat40]

Modern heros don't wear capes. Haven't you seen the Incredibles? PS Tracie's brain is hot.

[@kevinsundelin8639]

@@diybunny8171 What are you talking about? She did let him talk

[@TripleFermentation]

@@diybunny8171 Ummm... she let him talk quite a lot, and gave him many opportunities to answer a simple question. She only started butting in when he was ignoring questions and derailing the conversation.

[@MarcF.Nielssen]

Most people who leave a church / religion do so via a long process of increasing doubts, reflection and reasoning. People who join a church / religion mostly do so spontaneously, due to an emotional need.

[@marcusagrippa8078]

“Just go into your bathroom alone and...” yeah I already knocked that one out for the day, any other tasks?

[@dx1450]

This reminds me of a Cheech & Chong skit: "Before, I was all messed up on drugs. But since I found the Lord, now I'm all messed up on the Lord."

[@JamesRichardWiley]

I'm addicted to stupid Bible stories about Yahweh. Did you know that Yahweh is a man made character? A fictional character made of words. Now don't let anyone know that I told you.

[@gabrieljordan8015]

I thought Jesus was my best friend too - until I found out he didn't even exist.

[@Graeme_Lastname]

Look m8, I don't want to upset you but, you know that santa clause guy .... 🙄

[@TheJaxstone]

She handled him with so much care and love it was christ-like.

[@gingercat68]

Nailed it.

[@whocares3591]

Athiest like

[@m9frank]

Have you read the gospels?

[@whocares3591]

@@m9frank I wipe my bum with the pages

[@creativewriter3887]

Jesus wasn't so nice if you read the NT. That character makes Hannibal Lector seem charitable and compassionate by comparison.

[@Izakokomarixyz]

“Im 17, I gave my life to jesus when I was 16” Wow, a whole year ago. Man I miss my younger years, when years seemed to last forever. Now years feel like months, and I’m 28, so I assume it will only get worse.

[@Trevin_Taylor]

It does.

[@Ycekhold]

My explanation for why the passage of time seems to speed up over the course of a lifetime is that, as one ages, a given period of time represents an increasingly smaller fraction of the time one has already experienced. For example, for a 5 year-old boy, one year (since we're talking about that length of time already) is a whopping _TWENTY PERCENT_ of his life. For a 50 year-old man, that same year is only 2 percent of his life.

[@alberich3099]

@@Ycekhold Well not only that, it is taht we "learn" less which means our time becomes quite monotone which blends weeks/monts together as you get stimulated less. I just started an evening school besides my job and I got part of that feeling back where time lasts longer as more different things are happening.

[@andybeans5790]

I'm 44 and it goes really quickly... actually I'm 45, just remembered I had a birthday in summer.

[@chrlpolk]

Trapped into patterns of repetition is, I feel, what makes the years go by faster. Not merely perception based on percent of total life, but that days tend to blend together due to repetition that is mundane and not goal-based. When career is sort of stagnant and you feel like you gotta just hold on until retirement age! Super fast time scale. Then, from what I’m told, once you retire it goes back to super slow for awhile.

[@Joethebro101]

You can really see the level of indoctrination this caller has.

[@shawnsimmons1308]

Wow!! If you need religion to stop you from murdering and stealing, then, for the sake and safety of the rest of us, STAY RELIGIOUS!!

[@JamesRichardWiley]

See, Yahweh works in mysterious ways.

[@tylerbranch7524]

Eric's reaction at the very end is a perfect depiction of everyone rn 🤣

[@Peteralleyman]

He should have been chasing girls at the age of 16 in stead of throwing his life away for jesus. Or boys of course.

[@carlose5751]

"Chasing" sounds close to sexual harrassment.

[@konnosx1213]

Jesus is the love of his life And his dad too Jesus is daddy

[@mikedean5060]

Exactly. Sad soul this one...

[@Glock9999999]

He's madly in love with a wandering unemployed carpenter

[@svalerie.001]

Carlos E it’s an expression you dipshit

[@ritawing1064]

"I was in a bookstore once "...ONCE!

[@jamesphilipson1289]

I love the way Tracie speaks with callers compared with how Matt does

[@harrrgh944]

They are both rude to others.

[@hellshade2]

@@harrrgh944 you mad, bro?

[@hrh4961]

I have watched Matt be exceedingly patient and kind with sincere people and impatient with others who waste his time. She was such a good co-host to Matt. I miss that. No one else I've observed with him is comparable.

[@harper6032]

I love how both of them speak with callers for different reasons

[@zecawolf]

sometimes one should have spoken as the other one would have.

[@deeyablo]

Asking about the audience shows exactly what his intent was. I don't think I've generally seen a caller reveal so obviously what their intent is. Good job on the hosts to limit the proselytizing.

[@koljag5]

"I'm sorry your dealing with shame, that's a very toxic emotion" that was soo good.

[@InnerMittenSignal]

What are you ashamed of, Nathan? Nothing? You want your thoughts to suddenly be on display to others?...

[@koljag5]

@@InnerMittenSignal I think it was a great mixture of comforting and pointing out the shame that can come with religion. It sounds like you understood it differently.

[@InnerMittenSignal]

@@koljag5 True Religion is to help the helpless. That's what it says in James 1:27 and it's the only time it's even mentioned in the whole New Testament. So you're right, the fake behaviour most people call "religion" is coming from a spirit that wants to shame us. I must have misunderstood what you were quoting...I didn't hang on every word in the video. I skipped over Tracey's constant interruptions, they were so irritating, and then I got distracted by all this flamey commenting. If you weren't being flamey, then I apologise. Comforting comes from The Comforter, so I am glad you have Him. :)

[@koljag5]

@@InnerMittenSignal if you skipped over Tracey you missed the whole point.

[@Dsullivann]

@@InnerMittenSignal I bet you can't prove that your God exists.

[@mrmadness2699]

Kid... I want you to go home (make sure you're alone and don't tell anyone b/c then you won't be doing it with a whole heart) and sacrifice a goat to Zeus and it will change your life. I am SO much happier now that I've given myself over to Zeus!

[@yareyaredaz3522]

MrMadness careful ... Zeus is know to fuck anything that moves !

[@mrmadness2699]

PaintItBlack, Why do you think he wants you to bring a goat... baa... 😁

[@yareyaredaz3522]

MrMadness ohhh I see now 😉😂

[@wizardsuth]

Zeus prefers to have people sacrifice bulls, but that would be much more difficult to work with. He can start with a goat, and move up to bulls later on.

[@mauricenickelson9472]

MrMadness The difference between his call to action and yours is that he actually did this and it worked for him. Whereas, your call to action is a mockery that you did not actually experience. When I was in trouble due to my sin, I called on the Lord, alone in my room, just as this young man is suggesting, and I asked God with a sincere heart to reveal himself to me clearly, by doing specific things.... and the Lord Almighty did them for me in convincing fashion. So, just like this young man says, you must call on the Lord with a whole and sincere HEART and the Lord Almighty will answer your prayers and be revealed to you as you need.

[@WTF3602]

"So your telling me...today I am 17...I'm almost 18..." lmao

[@feyfantome]

I would love for this caller to call in today and give us a life update.

[@InnerMittenSignal]

If I were Paul, the last person I would want to talk to again would be the lady who hung up on me, & wouldn't even let me tell my story for everyone properly...

[@DrMonty-yr1kc]

@@InnerMittenSignal no one gives a sht about his story, where is the evidence?