Reza Aslan Cannot Be Trusted

A critique of Reza Aslan's religion apologetics.
Editing and production: Louis Motamedi
Segment production and research: Noah Ferguson
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Broadcast on January 11, 2016 David's Instagram: / david.pakman --Donate via Bitcoin: 15evMNUN1g4qdRxywbHFCKNfdCTjxtztfj
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[@RubinReport]

David Pakman's Opus.

[@canadianclassicalliberal6463]

#Rubin2016

[@OrionP4]

It's great to see some new faces address Aslans dishonesty isn't it..

[@clu83]

hear hear!

[@Thedemotivator]

+The Rubin Report here here. I also live for things I agree with because critical thinking is for regressives.

[@Thedemotivator]

+The Rubin Report oh shit sorry I'll just go back to being blocked by you on twitter because you only like people who blow smoke up your ass. (and I'M the censorship loving SJW!!)

[@sketcharmslong6289]

I can't believe how cringe inducing Aslan is. ....and trust me, i have a Phd in cringe inducing self promotion

[@legionleschyzophrene4929]

I have a Phd in trust studies. You can trust this guy.

[@richardpuente8298]

lol, you have a “PhD” in cringe inducing self promotion....that is hilarious.

[@dirtyharry1881]

I was gonna upvote but then I saw 101 upvotes. It 's like you teach self promotion 101.

[@nicholasmorrison7694]

Yea

[@Biomirth]

So, sociology then?

[@wunndergurl911]

Hell his degree in fictional writing should make him an expert in religious writing

[@Farmfield]

+Heidi Williams (#StandWithPP) - Truest thing I read all day. :D

[@alsoknownas875]

+Heidi Williams (#StandWithPP) Maybe it's the weed, but that line was BALLER as fuck.

[@tysmith_6844]

+Heidi Williams (#StandWithPP) Boooooooomm ;)

[@TheAbhishekkakkarot]

BURN!

[@stewartmoore5158]

+Heidi Williams (#StandWithPP) I will be stealing that.

[@soccerislife6108]

This is why I love David. He is a lefty like myself but stands for facts. We are not saying people should be afraid of muslims but ignoring facts or lying about stats is anti-intellectual..

[@Atlas0622]

@Crystal Nelson Not all adults muslims have the same ideology stop looking at muslims as a monolith.

[@SameerKhan-lx3yc]

@Crystal Nelson I just saw this and i tried to go to his source but was unablento find it. I can say unequivocally there is absolulty no mention of fgm in the quran and the quote he is refering to i have not been able to find but from what I gather it is based on a unreliable hadith. If you can find me a link to his source I want to take a deeper dive.

[@SameerKhan-lx3yc]

@Crystal Nelson you mentioned that it is okay to be afraid of adult muslims because of their ideology. I agree that if there is a ideology that is brutal you should be scared of that ideology not the people. I related it to fgm because I assumed that was one of the examples you meant in terms of being afraid of them for. That was my bad. As a progressive muslim I found it to be very shocking and wanted to take a look at the text to see its merit and context.

[@SameerKhan-lx3yc]

@Crystal Nelson I have read it, but I have never done a critical analysis as I have started to do recently, which is why I asked you for the source earlier. Also humans in general are hypocrties, we say one thing and do another that is why I personally do not put moderate believers of any relgion with nazi's because they are not acting on their respective beliefs and in many cases are not even aware that their religion promotes that aspect. We can agree to disagree because I dont think youtube comments is the best way to communicate ideas. But I do appricate you trying to find the quote.

[@trollfinger]

@Crystal Nelson So 20 years ago, as an Irish catholic you agree I should have been viewed as threat while I was in the UK?

[@fgougeon3268]

I have never met a true expert in a field that felt the need to constantly remind everyone that he was an expert and used arguments from authority to get their points across.

[@TigerBait-wo4wc]

+Nuance Is Good thinly veiled humblebrag.

[@bobrolander4344]

"Believe Me!"

[@borutosabnik6773]

"...and used arguments from authority to get their points across." BUT STILL FAILS EVERY TIME.

[@DeniseEggertwaterlily]

If you have to constantly remind people that you are an expert, you aren't. He has falsified his credentials in religious studies. his Ph.D is in sociology and his other major degree is in creative writing. I doubt that the Islamic Community would accept his expertise and credentials in Islamic Studies either.

[@tripp8833]

I mean if it's a real field, like physics, then I guess it makes sense - but for theology? Give me a break, anyone who can read can get the gist of these "holy books."

[@SargonofAkkad]

Fantastic job, David. Islam contains many bad ideas and they must be addressed without resorting to language intended to shut down conversation.

[@ArsacesOfParthiaI]

+Sargon of Akkad "language intended to shut down conversation." Such as?

[@joeberg3317]

+Arsaces “Of Parthia” I Listen to any given comment Ben Affleck made to Sam Harris during his Bill Maher visit for a slew of examples.

[@ja52ng74]

+Arsaces “Of Parthia” I "Islamophobic" "Racist" "Insensitive" etc

[@nudle5]

+Arsaces “Of Parthia” I "It's gross! It's racist!" Immediately spring to mind.

[@SargonofAkkad]

+Frau Wanderlust Good point, Islam can wait, but Reza/Greenwald homosexual couplings can't.

[@johnkendal5562]

A Creative Writer who creates a mythology around his actual educational background

[@ambuknight]

That combo spell disaster.

[@Gloominusdm]

Pretty much. Please add [un]professional whiny-ass to his long list of "accomplishments."

[@Truth-Seeker_69]

His PHD's are just as fictional as his highly specific god/religion.

[@ArguingFromIgnorance]

A devastating takedown of Reza Aslan.

[@iggypopshot]

Yep, corker of a job.

[@JesusPrice]

+ArguingFromIgnorance true indeed!!!!

[@bleu.daemon8959]

Hi +thebatmanover9000 !

[@hartia4584]

+ArguingFromIgnorance No

[@kuhboom22]

+Hartia Villarreal yes

[@saintdonoghue]

wow - this was devastating. It deserves to go viral.

[@saintdonoghue]

send it to Israeli friends?

[@Floki_631]

Cannot commend Parkman enough for this video, this disgusting snake needs to be ousted for the fraudster he is.

[@Floki_631]

+hbk711x Reza Aslan clearly lied about his qualifications, obfuscates the truth about Muslim countries treatment of women including FGM. So, yes he's a liar.

[@saintdonoghue]

Certainly I'll reserve judgment if there's cause - but isn't virtually everything David & Louis report here a matter of public record? Degrees awarded, genital mutilation records, etc.?

[@Jay-cy4js]

Steve Donoghue ! I'm an Australian who is a Muslim and I didn't even know taqiyya existed ,when I asked around I discovered it was Muslims when in danger can lie in some circumstances to escape being executed depending on the situation

[@Trex100]

This is a very impressive example of investigative journalism. Well done David.

[@SaadTFarooqi]

Reza "I have a phd in religion" Aslan. I've been calling this guy a charlatan for nearly 10 years now. Glad people are taking notice.

[@almazzuca1213]

For anyone who disliked this video, why? I'm really curious about what Pakman gets wrong here. This seems to be pretty damning evidence against Reza.

[@cdixon5150]

People are emotionally invested in their world views. even f the truth walks up and slaps them in the face, they will only see facts they wish to see

[@420MusicFiend]

You will got no decent reply on that. He's a snake and his proponents are lazy arm chair intellectuals who simply repeat whatever Reza says. Harris owned him so bad in the sit down debate they had - no wonder he just attacks Sam and Maajad from afar.

[@ghosty918]

I just got to 4:00 and I know David is misrepresenting things. David: His professor agrees its not a sociology of religion The text: BUT his professor doesn't have a problem with characterizing it as that as most of his work was on religion Text continues: He left a religious course to do sociology to avoid a language course David: His thesis was purely sociology The name of the thesis: Global Jihad

[@Javalar]

Writing a sociological text about the religious (what Reza did) does not give you credentials in interpreting religious texts and doctrine in a historical perspective (which is what Reza claims he has). It would be like writing a thesis on the life on miners and then claiming you had a PHD in mining engineering.

[@420MusicFiend]

Javalar Couldn't have said it better myself. Agree 100%

[@quadrosglenn]

If only Christopher Hitches was alive :'(

[@amacfads2591]

Hitch would rip Reza a new a$$hole. I miss that guy. This coming from a Christian.

[@TheHamiod]

HAAHAA well he would rip you upp too XD No offense cuz I like Hitch XD

[@MsCellobass]

Franc hahaha too bad u believe his crap

[@Michael-cl9mb]

I don't like hitch I think it is righteous that he is not spreading more hate among humans.

[@Gee-xb7rt]

+Michael Robles, fully agree, if Jews and Christians can't call Muslims bad names then they would have to have another target to hate.

[@RustyShackleford1066]

Wow, I never knew Aslan was this much of a liar.

[@GenXeroFilms]

+Jacob. He's religious, dude. Duh.

[@gerardrbain1972]

Religious apologists like him are usually very dishonest.

[@godfree2canada]

+Jacob. Dawkins, Sam Harris, Hitch .. .all exposed him

[@LyesmithVerity]

+Galen Thurber Also the EXMNA (Ex-muslims of North America) organisation. They went through his claims and debunked them. www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2014/10/05/reza-aslan-is-wrong-about-islam-and-this-is-why/

[@ilovetoseetits]

+Jacob. Taqiyya and Kitman.

[@vanessamw1140]

Holy crap! How did I not know this? I'm so glad I found this video. I feel ashamed of myself for just trusting him at his word without research. Valuable lesson learned. Thank you so much for thi...and now I know what to look for from here on out. Thank you. What a shame, I enjoyed listening to him.

[@Sam-xg3mr]

But guys, HE HAS A PhD in REliGiOuS HiSTORy!

[@4cornersartscorner]

+saro ban Religion is a platform for one individual (or a billion), that adheres to a certain esoteric ideology. PHDs and such are merely an awarded applause, from the community of scholars who believe themselves to "have it right," so that their newly acclaimed students can go forth and promulgate their new limited views. The Universe is so much bigger and makes it easy for the lay person to recognize that, love and peace quite detached from human mutilation in any form. We don't have to be a rocket scientist! Religions exists mainly due to faith in the unknown defined by others.. "God" is such an ambiguous title anyway, like Mr or Mrs. Each believer defines him/her themselves.

[@NocturnalNemesis]

+saro ban YOU WILL RESPECT HIS AUTHORITA!!!!

[@Thedemotivator]

+saro ban yeah not all of us can be a genius on religion like a neuroscientist with a history in philosophy. Then again, Sam Harris has studied and done field work. LLOLOLO

[@LordHypnos4]

+saro ban DON"T FORGET RELIGION IS A LANGUAGE! NO ONE ACTUALLY BELIEVES THAT SHIT! According to Aslan

[@th-wp7zc]

+saro ban there's no such a degree.

[@lordzeus2652]

This kind of reporting could do your channel very well. Since TYT is in the toilet, and Secular Talk is sitting on the fence, you and Rubin are the only two channels I look forward to watching. There needs to be another wave of progressive channels.

[@g.55centaurosimp18]

+Lord Zeus I think Secular talk is doing good :\ he's great at reporting tbh

[@ghenulo]

+Lord Zeus You watch Rubin?

[@DaWranglerGuy]

+Omar Hanbali Kyle has gone too far to the regressive left. He can come back from it, but as is he's far too similar to TYT.

[@Drewpeac0cx]

+Lord Zeus I don't really see secular talk sitting on the fence if you watch his videos on the topic he very clearly comes out in greater support of Sam Harris then he does Reza

[@AholeAtheist]

+Lord Zeus "and Secular Talk is sitting on the fence" You mean Secular Talk is balanced and correct. I wouldn't say TYT are in the toilet either. They do have a few areas where they aren't being very thoughtful, but for the most part it's people sitting there waiting for specific buzzwords so they can cry "regressive left" and "PC SJW's" which is doing the exact same thing the regressives do, because all it achieves is shutting down conversation.

[@KjellWilliams]

The pictures of those screaming little girls were too much for me... How can grown-ups do this to little girls?!

[@illinoisportsfan]

I wish I could like this comment a hundred times. Those were very disturbing and hard to look at :'(

[@fireandworms]

How can grown-ups do this to little boys?

[@jpnesseth]

@@zapkvr You are an idiot. I am assuming this is an anti-circumcision argument--which I'm all for. Just...seriously, dude! Male circumcision is practiced by more faiths than just Judaism; and it's quite common in certain parts of the world even among secular populations (e.g. U.S.).

[@Squishysforbreakfast]

Thorough brainwashing and brutal cultural tactics.

[@jpnesseth]

@@Kiriali Wow, that's the part of this you're focusing on? 1) The practice of Metzitzah B'Peh is only practiced by extremely traditional sects--it's not commonplace in modern Judaism. 2) It has roots in the blood-taboo traditions of the Levant; it isn't "fellatio" of the infant, no matter how you look at it! Also, by focusing on this one non-starter or a point, you're belying an undercurrent that smells a LOT like anti-semitism. (Again, I say this as a staunch anti-circumcision supporter--just also careful of dog-whistle arguments)

[@Feyd01]

I dunno, creative writing and religion are the same thing, aren't they?

[@sohailrekhy2658]

Homer J. Definitely thinks so.

[@eddododo]

haaaaa that’s pretty good

[@CraftyDus]

Nailed it Feyd01, n1

[@lilsaam]

lmao

[@everyzan-m2q]

No

[@birchwilliams2587]

Any critic of the liar & idiot Reza Aslan is a friend of mine. Subscribed. (From Dave Rubin's interview.)

[@birchwilliams2587]

Just noticed the title... I didn't know Reza's dishonesty was up for debate? For it to be any more obvious all he would need is a flashing sign on his scabby forehead.

[@r.b.4611]

+Birch Williams God, you again.

[@birchwilliams2587]

Riley B I could say the same.....

[@birchwilliams2587]

Well that was the shortest subscription ever. Packman is a *dick*!!! Oh well.... Can't win 'em all.....

[@birchwilliams2587]

Zzarra222 Sadly it seems Pakman's perspicacity on Reza doesn't necessarily extend to other subjects. :(

[@MobinMGreen]

God damn, David. This is possibly one of your finest works. Bravo!

[@Jotakumon]

This! This video alone is worth a subscription.

[@hughmackinnon4712]

Joel Costa

[@Jotakumon]

Hugh MacKinnon yep, that's my name

[@dhakagod]

I just subscribed!

[@daborshy4089]

"How to Win Arguments", by Reza Aslan. 1. Lie about your credentials. 2. Say that your fake credentials make your arguments automatically superior to your opponent's, who doesn't know any better. 3. The end.

[@Biomirth]

1. Appeal to Libruls 2. Use multiculturalism to mask your agenda. 3. Profit.

[@jpnesseth]

@@Biomirth Your use of #2 (in principle) is offensive. Also, while I don't discount the typification of Aslan's argumentation style, I'm happy to address the issues on factual basis and peer-reviewed research. I just doubt that will appeal to many non-Libruls. [Admittedly, it barely appeals to them anymore...have you seen the Yang Gang?!]

[@mrawesome2742]

John Lee appeal to self authority

[@PimpNutz37]

He's definitely been putting his degree in fictional writing to good use while defaming Sam Harris.

[@OsefKincaid]

+Pimp Nutz Doesn't take a whole lot of degrees to criticize Sam Harris. Mostly common sense.

[@RedLionGenetics]

+OsefKincaid Just go

[@OsefKincaid]

Red Lion Why? Are you against free speech? Are you against facts?

[@OsefKincaid]

Red Lion What's your problem exactly?

[@OsefKincaid]

Red Lion What's delusional about it?

[@Daniel-dx3be]

Not going to lie, I was pretty skeptical about this video until I watched it through. Great research.

[@EdGloss]

(Please excuse the lack of paragraphs.) Even though I hold a Master's in history, I was reluctant to refer to myself as a historian given that I don't have, nor do I have any plans to study for, a doctorate in the field. Ultimately, however, I started using the term given the original research I contributed to the my field and frankly, because I worked damn hard for it and I'm proud of my accomplishment. That said, I only ever mention it (and essentially only online as it's not necessary face-to-face) to indicate that I'm trained in a particular subject and might understand some aspect of an issue in a way that one who hasn't had formal training would. But that doesn't make me right. I might be able to explain the how or why of an issue and might strengthen someone's opposition to my opinion. It also doesn't mean that I don't respect what those who don't have formal training have to say. I can begin to list the people who have zero formal training yet have been the first source I'll reference on a particular subject. There is an "amateur" historian who has written several books in my field of expertise who I feel has a far better understanding of the subject and whose work I cite often. She earned it through her research, not her degrees or lack thereof.

[@EdGloss]

I'll add that even with undergraduate and graduate degrees in history, my expertise is very narrow, probably more so than most historian's. When friends and family turn to me to answer a history related question, they're always told that it better be in the related to religion, the Founding Fathers and the separation of church and state because aside from this and it's related topics, I'm hardly an expert. In some subjects I literally know absolutely nothing. I don't think I could write a coherent sentence about ancient China and would never claim I could. What he's doing is reprehensible and he should be ashamed of himself.

[@Nicolas-zb9uw]

I used to be student in a music school. As months went over, I noticed that all best pianists in the school would come from L.B. , teacher. At once,she sent a memo to all students and under his name was written B.M. I ask others why does she write B.M. They answer me because she has a first degree in music. She didn't have a Ph . D. Two others teachers were always saying to everyone around : « Well, when I was studiying for my Ph.D. etc....» and they were not the best teachers in the music school. Thar day ,I learn that papers is one thing and competence is another one , and good or best teachers don't always say : I have a Ph. D. They don't have to . it show by itself.

[@farmeryaeg]

Secular Talk it's still the most level source in my opinion, David has some crazy beliefs regarding feminism, but glad to see the team is coming around a little to some of these bit issues.

[@parker_chess]

+Jager Mitchell Yeah feminism is a joke in western countries.

[@TTV5]

+DerrenBrown100 How so, exactly?

[@ghenulo]

+DerrenBrown100 Regressive? He doesn't seem like a Republican to me. I know, I know, "regressive" is a term that pseudo-leftists use in the sense of "someone who disagrees with me."

[@KrazySkiller]

+DerrenBrown100 not really, Kyle is pretty objective

[@TTV5]

ghenulo It really isn't. While the American right is pretty much regressive by definition, there are certainly people on the left who are regressive on many issues. I don't really see how the term fits Secular Talk, though.

[@shodan658]

He sounds like the kind of person who should be featured on r/iamverysmart because of how much he keeps mentioning his supposed credentials.

[@pentacleofvenus]

This was thorough, scholarly, articulate and professional with no frothy unsubstantiated emotional claims or inflammatory rhetoric. I found it very inspirational - thank you for being a voice of reason and for having the courage to stand up against people who criticize and suppress the free thinkers that refuse to conform to politically correct dogma.

[@MatthewShute]

This is a great video, a must-watch for anyone duped by Aslan's half-truths and outright untruths.

[@scienceoffreedom]

Who funded this video? Does the Pakman show reveal its funding?

[@thedavidpakmanshow]

+freedomphilosophy we receive no funding from any institutions. We are funded only by viewers who sign up for memberships at davidpakman.com/membership and by youtube ad revenue, etc.

[@bonashiquandapropiciasmith4654]

+David Grigori's point was that you're attempting an ad hom Fallacy Of Logic, rather than proving Reza's credentials. As Salil and Pakman both showed, he doesn't have that credential.

[@nooneleftalivekibo]

+David Pakman Show Pakman, I fear you may have gotten the percentages from Pew Polls 2013 near the end of your video somewhat wrong. I think you should go public on how you reached those numbers.

[@ianmcgovern9434]

+David Pakman Show you've earned a subscriber sir.

[@nooneleftalivekibo]

+Mitch Rapp I'm glad Pakman exposed Aslan for the fraud that he is, but I also suspect he misread the poll''s results. I would just like him to tell me if those graphs which he showed in the video are the ones he used to obtain his percentages.

[@ocan1033]

"Professor of Creative Writing at UC Riverside." At least the man is smart enough to not play *that* one up.

[@thebigwarthog]

I'm a liberal and Reza is doing nothing new to help the liberal cause. So many people swallow his lies without really researching most of his outrageous claims.

[@allnutstew]

Yeah. Yet another reason that I'm a religiophobe.. Don't give a shit About ANY of this Abrhamic bullshit.

[@iamzackknight]

Another muslim basher. What qualifies this guy to authenticate someone elses experience in their field, works both ways. He also fails to reference Reza on most of the points he aims to provocates e.g. Womens rights in malaysia.

[@geejep8579]

+iamzackknight at what point were any muslims "bashed?" Unless you're referencing being bashed by factual data? He references Rexa on his points that are disingenuous and unsupported. This isn't a debate of ideas, this is to give insight into whether reza is trustworthy or a narrative driven anti intellectual regressive

[@guystryche]

+iamzackknight just google that shit. its not that hard

[@Skindoggiedog]

+iamzackknight REZA ASLAN HAS BEEN LYING OUT HIS ASS THIS WHOLE TIME. It's nothing to do with Muslims. Everything to do with what a lying cunt Reza Aslan is.

[@chairmobile]

Go to 16:10. He talks about Malaysia (and how wrong Aslan is) right there. Try actually watching the video.

[@Fritemind]

This is some of the best reporting I have ever seen on this channel. I am actually kinda shocked anything in the tyt network would be so critical of political correctness or Islam in general. *Edit/Correction* David Pakman is not associated with tyt. My mistake.

[@thedavidpakmanshow]

+DeviantCare we have no association with TYT network

[@kurd55]

+DeviantCare DP is NOT part of TYT. Which helps prove that you're well behind the curve and untrustworthy.

[@biblesucks1116]

+DeviantCare Secular Talk has shown flashes.

[@Fritemind]

David Pakman Show Oh? I thought you did, well then, my apologies. Good reporting regardless.

[@Fritemind]

kurd55 Girl I'll always be behind dem curves. Mhmmm. feisty.

[@EasyKiwi111]

I can't believe I used to think Aslan was cool

[@00BillyTorontoBill]

from his dissertation supervisor, Mark Juergensmeyer, is interesting: Since i was Reza’s thesis adviser at the Univ of California-Santa Barbara, I can testify that he is a religious studies scholar. (I am a sociologist of religion with a position in sociology and an affiliation with religious studies). Though Reza’s PhD is in sociology most of his graduate course work at UCSB was in the history of religion in the dept of religious studies. Though none of his 4 degrees are in history as such, he is a “historian of religion” in the way that that term is used at the Univ of Chicago to cover the field of comparative religion; and his theology degree at Harvard covered Bible and Church history, and required him to master New Testament Greek. So in short, he is who he says he is. historicaljesusresearch.blogspot.ca/2013/07/did-reza-aslan-lie-about-his.html

[@00BillyTorontoBill]

+00Billy rezaaslan.com/about/

[@1234Teelady]

+00Billy thank you

[@KortovElphame]

+00Billy he still is a liar .. Every thing has been debunked by laymen and scholars

[@00BillyTorontoBill]

Mc Panik but none from harvard... hmmm. interesting. bet the scholars you can show me have no standing.

[@MJW238]

+Thomas Emilio Yes, but he didn't start it.

[@GrantAllen]

Here is a quote from his PhD advisor Mark Juergensmayer: “Since I was Reza’s thesis adviser at the Univ. of California-Santa Barbara, I can testify that he is a religious studies scholar. (I am a sociologist of religion with a position in sociology and an affiliation with religious studies). Though Reza’s PhD is in sociology most of his graduate course work at UCSB was in the history of religion in the dept of religious studies. Though none of his 4 degrees are in history as such, he is a “historian of religion” in the way that that term is used at the Univ of Chicago to cover the field of comparative religion; and his theology degree at Harvard covered Bible and Church history, and required him to master New Testament Greek. So in short, he is who he says he is.”

[@dalearthur7493]

Thank you David Pakman for speaking to the suave intellectualistic danger of Reza Aslan. He has also infuriated the Scientology watching community with his oatmeal justifications for Scientology.

[@LuckyBastardCandleCo]

Thank you, this was much needed

[@isletoflangerhans8281]

Real journalism on the TYT network? This does not compute.

[@thedavidpakmanshow]

+Islet of Langerhans we have no association with TYT Network. We are completely independent.

[@ams914]

+David Pakman Show That's a huge relief, David... I'm sure you know how lacking they are in the integrity and fairness department.

[@pjjmsn]

+David Pakman Show I noticed an immediate decrease in regressiveness the moment you disassociated yourself from them. Good to see.

[@Rohan-yn2ts]

+Islet of Langerhans Watch Secular Talk, TYT affiliate too, he's a straight G and is wayyyy more educated about things

[@dandog7840]

+Islet of Langerhans.... TYT say in front that they are opinion guys . what's your beef, or do you snooze a lot?

[@sledge6693]

-Reza Doesn't Have a PhD in Religion: - Would you agree with him if he did?. What credentials does Sam Harris have regarding the study of religion again?. Why do you take his word at face value when even a masters beats Harris's educational standing in this particular arena?. Moreover, if you are going to take Harris side on this, than clearly education in religion is not important anyway so why demand it of one & not the other?. FGM: - Female Genital Mutilation occurs in non-Muslim societies in Africa and is practiced by Christians, Muslims and Animists alike. In Egypt, where perhaps 97 percent of girls suffer genital mutilation, both Christian Copts and Muslims are complicit. *Again*, why only draw the spotlight onto the Muslim population?... unless you have a vested interest in only highlighting one, as the other does not fit the proposed narrative. Indonesian Sharia: - This was very selective, as the part highlighted 'Aceh' is the only province in the Muslim-dominated country to adhere to sharia, which puts it at odds with other provinces where the vast majority of the population practices a moderate form of the religion. Moreover, Aceh was granted special autonomy in 2005 as part of an agreement with Jakarta to end decades of separatist violence, Aceh's adoption of sharia law comes after several churches were burnt down following Islamist pressure. Therefore, this was highly politically motivated, rather than strictly religious. Hamas using Human-Shields: - Hamas has made no secret of its policy of encouraging civilians to face down Israeli attacks “with their bare chests”. But we don’t know how many people have followed this advice, so it’s difficult to say how far Hamas can be blamed for the civilian deaths. We do know that rockets have been stored in UN-run schools, which may or may not add credibility to Israel’s broader claims that Hamas has a habit of operating in civilian areas. However, even if all these things turn out to be true, they may not exonerate Israel from the accusation of war crimes being levelled by the UN’s human rights chief Navi Pillay. Israel’s conduct could still be found to be “indiscriminate” or “disproportionate” if it led to excessive civilian casualties or failed to distinguish between military and civilian targets, regardless of the behaviour of Hamas. Reports emerged during the most recent conflict of Hamas urging residents to ignore Israeli warnings to evacuate. However, these calls may have been motivated by a desire to minimize panic and displacement, in any case, such statements are not the same as directing specific civilians to remain in their homes as “human shields” for fighters, munitions, or military equipment. Under international humanitarian law even if “human shields” are being used Israel’s obligations to protect these civilians would still apply. [Amnesty International]. Ad-hominem attacks: - Do a video on Harris's words of Ben Affleck after their tiff on Real Time, when asked about this on The Rubin Report Harris stated "The outburst may have been due to all the steroids he was on for his role in Batman". Or calling Jullian Assange a "Creepy Bastard" on the Joe Rogan Experience for merely showing the video 'Collateral murder' to the America public, which demanded the messenger be reprimanded rather than the culprits.

[@sledge6693]

The hypocrisy of Harris disciples to quickly resort to ad hominem attacks while supporting claims made throughout this video that one of the worst things about Reza is is his ad hominem's just highlights the absurd double-standards being applied throughout these discussions.

[@lloyddettering2975]

+James Hetherington Islam is NOT a religion. It is just the creation of a fanatic illiterate who wanted to create a religion for the Arabs in envy of the Jews and Pauline Christians. He even wanted the Jews to accept him as a prophet, at which they laughed him to scorn, thereby incurring their everlasting hate. Have you ever read the so-called Holy Koran

[@lloyddettering2975]

+James Hetherington Double standardsÉ I would settle for multi standards against Ass-lan-hole!

[@KalifUmestoKalifa]

I don't quite understand the part about his credentials. He has a Phd in Sociology and the subject of his thesis was Religion, which also is his main area of interest, furthermore, he does have a masters degree in theology. Now sure, he is quite obnoxious about flaunting his degrees, but to say he is lying about his credentials is overstating an issue a bit, no?

[@nicksmith3746]

No, just watch the first 5 minutes again. He has a interest in religion but his degrees are mainly in sociology.

[@KalifUmestoKalifa]

Nick Smith His masters degree is in theology, as is his Bachelors degree. And although his Phd is in Sociology the subject of his Phd thesis is religion-centered. I have a problem with Reza on the issues, but I don't really take issue with his degrees.

[@KalifUmestoKalifa]

***** my boy? Dude, I 100% agree with the rest of the video, i just find the talk of degrees a bit nitpicky.

[@fredericodipace4641]

There is definitely an argument to be made about a phd in "sociology of religion".. But for when Aslan says "I have a phd in the HISTORY of religion" - then it's just a straight lie. And he said it to defend his book about history. It does not get much more obvious in my opinion.

[@KalifUmestoKalifa]

+Frederico Di Pace yeah the historian is quite a stretch

[@egorlukanov1609]

The UNICEF maps shows FGM is mainly a central-western African problem. It just so happens that most of these countries in that area are Muslim-majority, but Christian areas in Central-western Africa practice it as well (e.g. Southern Kenya).

[@VatnyyLiberal]

David, I am conservative and I often diagree with you, but I always thought that you are an honest person with different opinion. This video confirmed, that I was right :)

[@edwardruthazer1849]

Nowhere in the Old Testament is slavery forbidden either, David. Is Judaism a religion that promotes slavery (to the same extent as it promotes genital mutilation)?

[@qwertyqwertz2802]

+Edward Ruthazer In the Hadiths, Muhammad said that FGM is an honorable practice. And Judaism absolutely promoted slavery in the past.

[@qwertyqwertz2802]

Edward Ruthazer I don't want to "beat up" anybody. I just think their religion is a sham and a mess, just like Judaism and Christianity. Or any other religion for that matter.

[@edwardruthazer1849]

Mike Lopez I really wasn't going for the conspiratorial nut-job argument. My point is not that Jews are genocidal nationalists, but rather that the Bible justifies genocidal nationalism. We shouldn't judge a group based on ancient texts.

[@qwertyqwertz2802]

Edward Ruthazer Like I always say, you can hate the ideas, but you should never hate the people that hold the ideas.

[@PrettiestDogEver]

+Edward Ruthazer

[@Drew1749]

Excellent Video, looking forward to more of this long form content in the future! :)

[@infidelheretic923]

Thank you David Packman for being honest about the problems with Islam. A lot of progressives are less open about these issues.

[@mcnyregrus]

I'm glad Jake Gyllenhaal made this very informative video showing some facts to contrast Reza's claims :-).

[@jamesoblivion]

Goddammit. I'm never gonna not see that now.

[@chucknorrisjr829]

mcnyregrus that’s Jon Stewart. Have some respect :)

[@zizzidy2]

This dude looks NOTHING like Jake Gyllenhaal

[@normdeplume4082]

I would not be star struck by Gyllenlaal...But maybe by Pakman. He is well grounded. I don't always agree but he is clearly an honest actor.

[@b.g.3073]

Literally looks nothing like Jake Gyllenhaal.

[@QueenyMartha]

Excellent video! Im glad you made this analysis since I did followed what he said in different media.

[@brunonkowalski]

Yes, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a big problem, but don't forget about MGM (Male Genital Mutilation) also called as circumcision.

[@joethetacoguy4122]

Brunon Kowalski you think these two things are comparable?

[@brunonkowalski]

@@joethetacoguy4122 To some extent. Ofcourse FGM is much worse, but still MGM is a mutilation, it's completely unnecessary, dangerous and religiously motivated.

[@MrMartinNeumann]

@@joethetacoguy4122 MGM has fewer deaths and medical complications than FGM but both violate the same Human Right (Bodily integrity)

[@joethetacoguy4122]

Martin Neumann while modern science has disproven some of the “benefits” behind circumcision, I don’t believe it is even REMOTELY done with the same poor intentions, nor with the same bad results. As someone who had it performed, I couldn’t care less. Obviously if I died or it became infected it would be a different conversation, but that didn’t happen. MGM is just purely wrong in so many ways.

[@brunonkowalski]

​@Tina Yael Severinovna M. Most FGM women will tell you the same. They are very pro FGM, that's why they do it to their children. As you see, your argument is weak. Bay the way you can find lots of youtube videos with guys very pissed off about their circumcision. Some even try to restore their foreskin.

[@johnlile7562]

SAE (self appointed experts) like Reza Aslan and many other religious leaders would much prefer you to just trust them as an authority figure, never question them, but this expose on Reza was the utmost damaging, the title of this piece is clearly warranted, from his distortion of his education, his distortion on downplaying FGM in the Muslim world, and a litany of charges that Pakman clearly demonstrates. Reza should be embarrassed enough to go into hiding after this piece went public five years ago, but he’s most been doing damage control through many more ad hominem attacks making him even less an expert that he so desperately wants others to think of him as.

[@toddrandall68]

With the FGM Aslan was making the point it was regional and cultural. and only tangentially related to any religion, including Islam. You spent a lot of time on nothing. It seems that you cannot be trusted.

[@wafasharfi9048]

+Todd Randall my thought exactly.

[@benjaminwiens7644]

+Todd Randall ???? Good grief you are delusional.

[@toddrandall68]

+Benjamin Wiens yeah. That must be it. Ad hominem much?

[@benjaminwiens7644]

+Todd Randall Reza is a liar through and through. Calling you delusional is not ad hominem. If you are defending Reza after this you have to be.

[@toddrandall68]

+Benjamin Wiens Reading comprehension malfunction. It's actually a critique of this bozo (whose point is essentially "we are better than them. Look how crazy they are". Whether Reza Aslan is a liar or not has no bearing on anything in my comment.

[@doel9485]

"Since I was Reza’s thesis adviser at the Univ. of California-Santa Barbara, I can testify that he is a religious studies scholar. (I am a sociologist of religion with a position in sociology and an affiliation with religious studies). Though Reza’s PhD is in sociology most of his graduate course work at UCSB was in the history of religion in the dept of religious studies. Though none of his 4 degrees are in history as such, he is a “historian of religion” in the way that that term is used at the Univ of Chicago to cover the field of comparative religion; and his theology degree at Harvard covered Bible and Church history, and required him to master New Testament Greek. So in short, he is who he says he is." -Reza Aslan's PhD adviser,Mark Juergensmeyer.

[@keldencowan]

PhD thesis has "Jihadism" in the title but Pakman says that's purely sociological and not theological. OK, buddy.

[@hansfrankfurter2903]

@@keldencowan He never claimed he is a theologian you idiot. He said he is a religious studies scholar and that Quote "He is who he says he is".

[@keldencowan]

@@hansfrankfurter2903 What are you even saying? If you think David Pakman's argument that his degree has nothing to do with religion is correct, you are wrong. Just look at his Aslan's PhD dissertation. If instead you think that Aslan is who he says he is, then we agree.

[@T1hitsTheHighestNote]

I love how you entirely destroyed Aslan in this video! Great work! He's lied about his credentials, in order to build a platform for his career. It's just academic dishonesty and unethic. If he has a PhD in anything, he would know this.

[@Biomirth]

Honestly, his credentials are entirely beside the point, no matter how much he falsely flaunts them. It's that what he's had to say is entirely bullshit meant to confuse the left into paralysis.

[@madimad71]

I am an Ex-Muslim, and I'm really happy that someone is actually doing something about this. Reza keeps accusing people of misrepresenting Islam, when he is in fact the one doing it the most. He is a blatant liar and he is simply disgusting.

[@josecarranza7555]

What made you leave islam?

[@madimad71]

@@josecarranza7555 the injustice of the god of islam

[@josecarranza7555]

@@madimad71 Can you give me more details please if you don’t mind. Were you born into the religion? How did your family react? Were you afraid for your life?

[@madimad71]

@@josecarranza7555 I am from Algeria, in a religious family, however, I wasn't afraid for my life and my family members were very understanding because they know I am and what I'm worth, but I haven't told a lot of people and I'm still somewhat of a closeted atheist. I was lucky to be born in an understanding family. I can't say it's the same for everybody else.

[@josecarranza7555]

@@madimad71 Thanks for sharing. Just be careful saying it to people cause I heard the penalty for apostasy in islam is death penalty. I hate how some muslims defend killing muslims for leaving islam. It’s sick and barbaric.

[@VladProdigious]

Thank you for this, Mr. Pakman.

[@e.k874]

hey man since hes a zionest can u do a doc on how zionests are racists and support apartheid thanks

[@ricksville1718]

Not being able to trust him does not invalidate his arguments.

[@qwertyqwertz2802]

+Ricksville Nope. His arguments do that on their own.

[@duffgordon9005]

+Ricksville You know how to think!!! I remember being a teenager and my dad gave me the scoop on the concept of one being "a double agent" . My mind has never been the same. We can't tell what team he really is on.

[@Skindoggiedog]

+Ricksville His arguments ARE those lies. He's presenting entirely flawed syllogisms. That's the whole point.

[@ricksville1718]

Skindoggiedog I honestly believe that "the whole point" is to derail any attempts by anyone to mitigate the growing hatred of all things Islam.

[@duffgordon9005]

HE GOT CAUGHT BECAUSE WHEN ALL THE BRAVADA IS GONE HE IS A SCARED LITTLE MAN. CAN YOU IMAGINE THE MUHAMMADANS COMING OVER HIM TO DISCIPLINE HIM??DO YOU KNOW WHY THEY MAY HIGH FIVE HIM INSTEAD? BECAUSE ONE IS ENCOURAGED TO DECEIVE IN THEIR TEACHING IF IT FURTHER'S THE CAUSE. ONE MINUSCULE EXAMPLE OF WHY cHRIST'S TEACHINGS ARE THE EXACT OPPOSITE. bECAUSE OF THEIR NO BOUNDARIES YOU, WE NEVER HAVE ANY IDEA OF WHAT THEY REALLY BELIEVE. tHEY ARE ESSENTIALLY SPIES. WE HAVE TO GET OFF THIS SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY AND LAY THE LAW DOWN THAT NO ONE GETS OUR SYMPATHY THAT ARE KNOWN TO DISDAIN US. wE BELIEVE IN FREEDOM FOR THOSE WHOSE ACTIONS SHOW THEY BELIEVE IN FREEDOM. STILL AND ALWAYS BE WAITING. "iN THE SHARPENED SABOR WE TRUST"

[@Seekarr]

David Pakman, what is your view on the culture of genital mutilation among Jewish people worldwide?

[@mookjuice]

+Seekarr Sowing a woman's vagina shut is as bad as cutting off the foreskin?

[@mookjuice]

Joseph White Cutting off your fingers is equivalent to cutting off your foreskin?

[@mookjuice]

Joseph White Where did David say he supported Male Genital Mutilation? He's calling out Azlan for LYING about Female Genital Mutilation and not on the basis for which one is worse.

[@MsSandhu9]

+Seekarr When it comes to male circumcision, even a lot of medical community actually recommends it as being beneficial (though there is not a consensus among them). As a result, in the US, medical male circumcision is a very mainstream practice even among non-Jewish people, whereas in Europe it isn't. But female FGM is considered dangerous & harmful by the entire medical community. So, in all fairness, you cannot compare the two.

[@mookjuice]

***** Oh God. Is it really you again? You can't make a coherent point

[@7thMack]

This is the second time I"ve watched this video. Just want to give DP Show another big thumbs up. This is really terrific journalism David, thank you.

[@cinemar]

We are richer for not having to hear what Aslan has to say lately.

[@Biomirth]

That's so richly true. The less we hear from Reza the better the world will be. If there is something more damming of someone I don't know what it is. He's a perverted soul, and I don't even believe in souls.

[@cinemar]

@@mike62mcmanus He's a scholar of bullshit.

[@krizzygrl3969]

This is one of the best video by David Pakman

[@VashTheDamnFiend]

I’m really impressed by this. This is a great analysis and breakdown of all the constant flaws in Aslans “expressed”

[@7andeducated]

This, written out, would have gotten an A+ at any university which studies religion. Brilliant work per usual by David.

[@stevespain6445]

No, it would have most likely failed - David ignores the evidence right in front of him, and shows a lack of cognizance in how postgraduate work happens, and the research that goes on thereafter for scholars. If David can't tell that a PhD titled "Global Jihadism as a Transnational Social Movement: A Theoretical Framework" is a sociology of religion, then he has no business critiquing the area, little alone defaming someone about it. As to his claims about the History of religion - again we see a heavy dose of ignorance from the presenter's perspective, given the broad ground required to write the two postgrad theses. I'm not a fan or critic of Aslan - his works are interesting, and adequately pushes the bounds of the academic conversation - which is what research ought to do. As for academics, not repeatedly talking about their qualifications, what a load of rubbish. Academics love to talk about their qualifications - it was something they were at a time, passionate about. The claim here seems to be Aslan is fraudulent - that is a serious accusation about criminality. Crminialtiy can see institutions revoking qualifications. Given this hasn't happened in 2-3 years since this specific accusation and the ones from the former years, it seems, on the face of it - the institutions do not agree anything wrong has been done. This presenter may be great in other instances - but in this instance has failed to make a case with any worth noting. The underlying questions here seem to be 1) has Aslan committed fraud - clearly from the lack of action from anyone that actually matters on this topic (which is not a youtube presenter) and the actual doctoral topic - no. 2) Examining from undergrad to postgrad and research after postgrad, can Aslan claim to be a scholar of the History and Sociology of Religion - absolutely! Furthermore, scholars badmouthing each other is common, you want someone to critique the qualifications of other scholars - it's not hard. Their 'beliefs' and 'statements' are hardly reliable evidence when the evidence David present clearly states otherwise.

[@Overton_Windows]

Steve Spain the only failure here is your unreadable comment...

[@keldencowan]

@@Overton_Windows Books must be an insurmountable challenge for you.

[@graceomalley4]

@@stevespain6445 I’m confused now because I was impressed by Aslan. But I also value David’s reporting. He was pushing back on western tendencies to lazy generalisations about Islamic countries. I’ve had some training in FGM and accepted Aslan’s statement that FGM is cultural rather than religion based. Is it or isn’t it? Not sure from this piece. Plus the argument isn’t balanced about use of human shields in Palestine. No mention here of I’ll treatment of civilians in Palestine by the occupying settlers.

[@AzimuthTao]

Ten million thumbs up David! Thank you so much for exposing the massive assholishness of Reza Aslan.

[@adamlynch6954]

"fact that it is also practiced by Christians and other groups with ancient beliefs makes it hard to say the practice is particularly Muslim"....why does David ignore the fact that fgm is done in non Islamic countries all throughout Africa?? if fgm is Islamic as David suggests them why is it practiced in non Islamic countries??? why does fgm pre date islam??

[@Blackfilmguild]

This level of journalism is why I sub to David.

[@Surrealist4Hire]

The problem with lying is everybody's going to think of you as a liar.

[@dynad00d15]

Never heard Bill Nye, Carl Sagan or Neil DeGrasse Tyson mentioning constantly their credentials..

[@zapkvr]

Nye, to be fair, only has a B.Sc.

[@gabrielgarrido398]

I instantly subscribed after I saw this video. Absolutely brilliant stuff, Mr. Pakman.

[@BlizzPort]

Aslan is a goofball. Making any intellectual comment about this clown would give him more respect than he deserves. Just ignore.

[@crushingalldeceivers]

I have a Bachelor in Arts, but I am an expert in Civil Engineering.

[@MrWazzup987]

sam harris warned you

[@mistahsusan2650]

He seemed to lay into Reza quite a lot, but that was before I saw this stuff.

[@MJW238]

Sam Harris is a sack of shit. Ironically, Aslan has more qualifications than Sam Harris to speak about religion.

[@mistahsusan2650]

***** Aslan lies about what qualifications he has. Sam Harris is fuckin' Based yo'.

[@Deehvad]

Cenk Uygur needs to watch this video, from start to finish.

[@RBGHfam]

...He should probably grab Ben Affleck while he's at it.

[@ariadnaofarkadia7252]

I simply cannot watch it until the end, the amount of dishonesty of Reza Aslan is bewildering and making me nauseus.

[@johnpereira9755]

When you know he is Muslim that should not be too bewildering.

[@marshallmccord1352]

FGM makes me nauseous

[@Deviantial]

1,000,000 subscribers! Grats!

[@thinking-ape6483]

I doubt I will get an answer but do you support male circumcision as a perfectly acceptable practice that should be legal and done without any repercussions?

[@sonofvideo4696]

+Thinking-Ape www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/newborn-bleeds-to-death-after-doctor-persuades-parents-to-have-him-circumcised-in-canada-a6710061.html

[@jesperburns]

+Beppe Rofl, I stand corrected, or well, maybe not.. The author of this film actually is pro male circumcision based on "the health benefits outweigh the risks". Not because it isn't morally wrong to forcibly mutilate children who can't decide for themselves.

[@r.b.4611]

+Beppe There are no health benefits. Fuck.

[@m2kr980]

+Riley B I agree. I was circumcised by my Baptist parents, and personally I want the end of my dick back.

[@lloyddettering2975]

+M2K R So do I!

[@aran-xo1uk]

We are not having this discussion in "a legitimate way" .. makes you cringe.

[@terrybullspellr8319]

Well, he is a professor of creative writing. Taking creative license with his qualifications must be how he practices what he teaches. And makes stuff up.

[@Thejellybaby]

Not a scholar of religions, but a cannibal.

[@something86783]

This is literally the classiest takedown I have seen in recent memory. #godbless

[@valhala56]

Great vid, thanks for setting straight David.

[@valhala56]

+valhala56 Reza Aslan is an expert practitioner of Taqyia, the Islamic practice of lying to nonbelivers. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taqiya What is special about Aslan is his packaging, seemingly a sophisticated Western Scholar of Religion as evidently he lies about that qualification then goes on to some outstanding Islamic Apologetics. If only the Christians had a personality as sophisticated as Aslan there would not be so many Americans and Westerners eschewing Religon. That is Aslan's gift to Islam his ability to put a sophisticated face on a backwards medieval Religion, Islam. To sum up, he is a sophisticated and charming liar.

[@shabeki]

+valhala56 You are clearly an intellectual fraud.

[@valhala56]

+Imran Khan Think so? Oh boohoo.

[@thanksforbeingausefulidiot9016]

Reminds me of "Dr. Laura", who had a PhD in Physiology, not any field related to counseling, psychiatry, or psychology.

[@izzanilufer4862]

I came across this video just recently and I kinda feel disturbed when David repeatedly said that 98% Muslim women in indonesia are victims of FGM.. I'm Indonesian Muslim woman and as far as I know, FUN is kind of uncommon and happened mostly in rural areas.. thanks to the government's campaign to ban it. The fact is, according to UNICEF report in 2016, only about half of girls under the age of 11 were FGM-ed.. so I don't know where he got those high numbers..

[@Norlimon]

Here's the problem regarding your analysis on FGM in muslim countries. In Iraq mainly the kurds practice FGM. The kurds comprise around 10% of the population are not only muslim. In Syria it's barely practiced. In Saudi-Arabia it's barely practiced. In Lebanon it's barely practiced. In Iran less than 5% of females have undergone FGM, and that's mostly in the rural areas. The only country in North-Africa that practices it is Egypt. If FGM was a muslim issue then why is it not more common in the above mentioned countries? Those are all majority muslim countries. Could it be that there are cultural influences and not only religion at hand here?

[@hansfrankfurter2903]

Since I was Reza’s thesis adviser at the Univ. of California-Santa Barbara, I can testify that he is a religious studies scholar. (I am a sociologist of religion with a position in sociology and an affiliation with religious studies). Though Reza’s PhD is in sociology most of his graduate course work at UCSB was in the history of religion in the dept of religious studies. Though none of his 4 degrees are in history as such, he is a “historian of religion” in the way that that term is used at the Univ of Chicago to cover the field of comparative religion; and his theology degree at Harvard covered Bible and Church history, and required him to master New Testament Greek. So in short, he is who he says he is." -Reza Aslan's PhD adviser,Mark Juergensmeyer. Quote"FGM is thus a cultural rather than a religious practice. In fact, many religious leaders have denounced it." www.unfpa.org/pcm/node/9481 United Nations Pakman is lying.

[@jesse_cole]

So... Reza Aslan is kind of a bullshitter... yeah, I knew that.

[@Robkinggozer]

Jesse Cole Well good for you (and me), others don't though.

[@billy981]

you idiots didnt even fact check had you, you'd realize "of religion" was removed from the PHD of sociology why ? to fool you cause you would not be objective enough to fact check . go ahead , show some balls . put this kids listed credentials for aslan in his video beside the real ones listed you'll notice this child removed /doctored the info . its your call , be objective with opposing opinions or be a sheep and ignore the fact that he just manipulated you because he thought you were stupid enough to fall for it .

[@jesse_cole]

Billy Lol, it seems these days that every time I get called an "idiot" on KZbin, it's by some babbling moron who can't type a comprehensible sentence. Read your comments back to yourself before you post them to others... it will save you a lot of frustration in your arguments.

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

I got a "Warning labels insult my intelligence" ad.

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

***** ikr? Yes sure you might be smart enough to avoid fast food and ciggies on principle but some people are really base creatures

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

***** eh?

[@hughmackinnon4712]

Ellenor Malik

[@chocomojo9552]

THIS is real journalisme!!!

[@hteur1]

I dont know about Aslan, but the fact that more than 90% of Arabs do not practise female excision tells you that it is more of a cultural practice than a religious one. Regarding the situation of Palestine, Israel is notoriously known for violating international law; their treatment of Palestinians is horrific. Whatever Hamas does does not explain Israel s treatment; it is just an excuse and the international community attests to that. Finally, why would you say that Amnesty International is biased when what they are reporting is common knowledge. For a progressive, just talking what Hamas does while ignoring the Palestinians' horrible plight due to the Israelis is just plain shameful.

[@Elmonsoon]

FGM is an Islamic practice, just not a universal one. Indonesians cite it as a religious obligation. Just because not all Muslims do it does not mean it isn't an Islamic practice. Islam is not a monolith. Also, his criticisms about Palestinian terrorism were solely about Aslan not telling the truth. Criticism of Israel was just out of the scope of the video. You saying "what about Israel..." has nothing to do with his criticism of Aslan. That being said he probably should have at least mentioned it as a disclaimer.

[@Bambino_60]

Abdellatif Reslanebnnj from your name alone I deduce your bias. STFU 🖕🏿

[@TheNumberTwelve]

@@Bambino_60 just because someone's name suggests they are from a particular region of the earth does not mean you can tell their religious affiliation (if they have one that is). There are many Arab Christians in countries such as Lebanon (whose president must be a Christian btw), Syria, Egypt and within Palestine. I'm from Turkey and my first and middle name are names from the New Testament, not typical Turkish names as you might assume. To judge so harshly at first glance isn't always your best bet.

[@Bambino_60]

TheNumberTwelve I’m glad you decided to join the conversation Mr. Helper now go fuck yourself! 🖕🏿 who asked you? Silence!!!!

[@hansfrankfurter2903]

@@Elmonsoon Since I was Reza’s thesis adviser at the Univ. of California-Santa Barbara, I can testify that he is a religious studies scholar. (I am a sociologist of religion with a position in sociology and an affiliation with religious studies). Though Reza’s PhD is in sociology most of his graduate course work at UCSB was in the history of religion in the dept of religious studies. Though none of his 4 degrees are in history as such, he is a “historian of religion” in the way that that term is used at the Univ of Chicago to cover the field of comparative religion; and his theology degree at Harvard covered Bible and Church history, and required him to master New Testament Greek. So in short, he is who he says he is." -Reza Aslan's PhD adviser,Mark Juergensmeyer. Quote"FGM is thus a cultural rather than a religious practice. In fact, many religious leaders have denounced it." www.unfpa.org/pcm/node/9481 United Nations Pakman is lying. Pakman dimisses Amnesty international a respected human righs org as being "anti-Israel" , this guy is a hack.

[@mattja52]

When you're well known in a field it's unnecessary to remind people of your credentials. The sad thing is those who are in the know are silent.

[@adambirch6466]

Great piece. Aslan is one of the most deplorable figures in the modern "progressive" movement and it's rare to find his lies laid bare.

[@robm6645]

+Adam Birch What makes you think he's part of the progressive movement?

[@adambirch6466]

+Rob McCune He's a darling of many self identified progressives like Glenn Greenwald, Jon Stewart, and The Young Turks. All of whom have massive followings who identify as progressives, and lap up everything they're told to believe. While there is a growing divide among progressives, with people like Pakman and Rubin speaking out against the more mainstream line of progressives, I'd still argue that Aslan is loved by a majority of the progressive movement.

[@robm6645]

Adam Birch So how many degrees of separation does one need to become a "leader?" Also, at least two of those people you mentioned just interviewed the guy, which doesn't really count as an endorsement. So your evidence amounts to some people interviewed him. If you asked me who leaders of the progressive movement were I would point to Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. What is their relationship to Reza?

[@adambirch6466]

I never said "leader". I said "figure". Jon Stewart and TYT didn't just interview him. They fell all over themselves while doing so and never challenged him on his positions, never called him on constantly misrepresenting his credentials. They helped to perpetuate his lies and cement his legitimacy. I don't know what, if any, relationship Bernie and Elizabeth Warren have with Reza. But as I said, I never called him a leader, just a figure.

[@robm6645]

Adam Birch Jon Stewart did the same thing when he interviewed David Barton. That's because it was just a bad interview. Not to mention, I think the only hard interview he's had was on Fox News. And that was focused on how could a muslim write a book on Jesus. I'm also pretty sure he got a hard time on Bill Maher, for saying that killing children was wrong. Again I'm not seeing how he is a "progressive figure."

[@lucidlight136]

Great to go back to these old ones and see your evolution, David, you have really come a long way!

[@kobbetop]

Take notes TYT, this is how you do New Media. By actually doing research and not just repeating and commenting news pieces someone else made. Well done.

[@anobjectiveninja]

Wow, this video was a solid breakdown with perfect arguments. David Pakman, we all know that Trump is a moron, but please do more of these videos and a little less of the President-elect. I realize that discussing his actions is very important because MSM has been failing of late, but your channel needs more breadth than just Trump.

[@ionlyreplytosexproposition8972]

will be my end This is almost a year old.

[@tiaandeswardt7741]

Someone with a PhD that has to say he has a PhD so regularly doesn't truly have a PhD. Btw, I have a PhD in the Sociology of Game of Thrones, with specific focus on Tywin Lannister.

[@yaelfeldhendler6280]

Aslan is right when he tells that Jesus was fully Jewish and a rebel against the Romans.Saint Paul was a Jew and a Roman citizen

[@hteur1]

Chomsky is a known progressive and he condemns Israel.

[@johnst3296]

Thanks for the homework. Always thought of reza as a dishonest, oppurtunistic little schill; nice to have the specifics presented concisely here.

[@stevendurham9996]

Mark Twain, paraphrased: "I've never allowed My schooling to interfere with My Education."

[@sohailrekhy2658]

Aslan is just an American Zakir Naik.