TTA Podcast 162: Faith-Healer Fail!

[@thecathedralofartificialli841]

a psychic once said to me, you will meet the love of your life when your 28, I said to her, she had better hurry up, I'm 29 now... and she said oh sorry I accidentally looked into the past.

[@andrewmcbride3204]

Oops dyslexic moment, I meant 82... 4 years later :p

[@alegnalowe3679]

That is funny! Did you ask for a refund?

[@fritzhaselnuss7852]

your example outlines the problem with quacks, scammers and crazies today.....whatever they do is so routine and used so often that they dont even stumble or hesitate when they eff up

[@rosiebanks5618]

Im a new athiest. My boy (3) was in the hosp for a week last week. I didnt pray once. I knew it was bullshit. Felt great giving all the thanks to the staff.

[@2horses4U]

Roses are Red hope your boy is all better now!

[@zool201975]

prayer is a placebo it can make one feel better but the problem is still there and with a mental placebo the unrest stays because it really does not help feeling more sure. i hope your son is fine now. no one deserves to be sick but it always stings more when it is children who are feeling terrible. we do not pray as atheist it does not mean we cannot hope.

[@margaretjohnson6259]

i once was certain i was dying. i was in a lot of pain and couldn't move and i didn't even think of prayer, only relief by the problem passing or death. my husband died a month ago and never once did it occur to me to pray. others said they'd pray for me or hubby i just thank them. they don't know any better and no one can cure dead.

[@firefalcoln]

Congratulations on being a new atheist and putting your appreciation where it belongs. I wish you and your son the best.

[@Truthpillthadon]

I find it funny that believers go to the doctor or hospital when they're sick or need major medical attention, but thank their imaginary sky ghost dad for all his help when it was medical science that saved their lives. My mom had cancer and the went and got medical care I told her if you really had faith in this fairytale ghost dad of yours then you would of relied more on your faith in you deity than medical care, I said mom you was an atheist the whole time you where receiving medical treatment for your cancer, she was pissed.

[@robburns4176]

The reason faith healers don't work in hospitals is the same as why psychics don't win the lottery.

[@nicjobro_4653]

... more than once.

[@Self-replicating_whatnot]

I am not a violent person by nature, but priests who tell people to shun medical treatment in favor of prayer, and parents that follow their advice should be paddled within an inch of their lives for being criminally stupid.

[@jaddariel744]

instaBlaster...

[@KrakenZer0]

if i had actual magical healing powers, i would spend 100% of my waking hours healing everybody at worldwide Children's Hospitals, with Doctors Without Borders and anywhere it is needed. people would definitely pay me at least a living stipend if i could heal with a touch. even if i could not get paid for it, i would spend all off-work hours healing people. this is because i am a secular humanist atheist that cares about people unconditionally. 'faith healers' have no excuse for not doing as i would, other than the fact that THEY ARE ALL FRAUDS. these despicable charlatans that prey on people at their most vulnerable. when someone makes claims about 'faith healing', 'crystal healing' or other nonsense, i present them with this humanitarian challenge.

[@jacobfrasier8137]

Thank you!! I get so pissed when people say they'll pray for me. I usually say, "think about how much time you've spent in your entire life praying and wishing and hoping that someone else will fix your problems and how much you COULD have gotten done if you had hopped off your knees and gone and helped yourself."

[@cycorealm35]

I really hate that too!! Can't stand it when I see people on social media asking their prayer warriors to send prayers while medical science is fighting hard to save the life of the sick person. It's an easy, ignorant and lazy way to excuse yourself from really doing something that would make a difference. It's a useless waste of words that carries nothing but hot air of nonsense.

[@sundiver137]

I love the Russian saying, " Two hands working are worth one thousand hands clasped in prayer".

[@carolynodien4516]

Amen! (Lol)

[@alegnalowe3679]

To me prayer is a waste of time and breath or thought.That is what i tell religous people when they say it to me.

[@alegnalowe3679]

And please dont tell us to have a blessed day! My response to that is i will have a good day not an enchanted one.

[@MagnusLootCrate]

When my dad used to drag me to church they attempted the whole "faith healer" bit on me to restore my hearing on the left side which I lost to surgery. Guess what? I'm still mostly deaf of that side. Praise Jesus.

[@rasheedhemmings9016]

Sorry that you still injured, just a question, did the pastor push you down in the name of Jesus?😕

[@joycesky2583]

Fuck Jesus...it’s all bullshit! I was a born again Christian for over 30 year’s until it stopped working for me and I woke up to the fact that it was all bullshit!!!

[@rasheedhemmings9016]

@@joycesky2583 It is delusional thinking but it good that you up out of the matrix. ☺👍

[@rain3743]

I often ask them WHY they aren't "doing greater things than these" and raising the dead or healing the sick?

[@thecloudtherapist]

It all depends on how strong your faith was at the time. And I don't understand why you would think the actual physical act of restoring your hearing would be the 'healing' that you needed.

[@slantedglasses7242]

When I first diagnosed with HIV, the first thing my mom asked me is to go to faith healers. While I don't believe in any supernatural things whatsoever, I responded in a language she understands: religion. I said, this is the cross that god want me to bear, and I wish to continue my medical help. She agreed.

[@allyraymond9483]

Bingo! You nailed it. Being ex-UPC and now an avid atheist, I've been battling against the ignorance, and challenging others to THINK for themselves. Keep on keepin' on, till we all gather at the river. LOL!

[@allyraymond9483]

I was proselytized at age 13. Went up through the 'ranks', went to JCM in Jackson, MS. (music major), married, 3 children later...and at 35 years of age, said...enough! I'm still scraping off the barnacles of religion!

[@princeistalri7944]

This is... vile. I've no idea how to express my sorrow and disgust. These _children_ suffered and died because their parents were too delusional to provide them with readily available help. We need legislation passed against this immediately. That part with the baby not being able to say _"Amen"_ had me seeing red, and at the same time, I almost shed tears knowing how common this really is. These people are immoral _monsters_, and need to be locked up. I don't give a damn if this is part of their barbaric "faith", and neither should the courts.

[@acerbicatheist2893]

Cough cough.... "Locked up"? Perhaps that is being a little bit lenient? Just a little. A tiny bit. "Locked up", huh? More like "Screwed up"! - Ha ha ha! Sorry ; Have you watched "War Games" (a John Badham movie starring Matthew Broderick) lately? I guess not.

[@ImOddTodd]

@Prince Istalri, you seem clueless how the delusion starts to cast such a harsh judgement on the parents, though I can understand the emotional outbust, however, most faith healers know full well what they are doing.

[@MovieMakingMan]

I agree. We need to start attacking all the insane things done in the name of religion. Christianity is a deadly belief. It hurts everyone. And it kills countless people.

[@fantasyreflection]

How come faith healers can't heal themselves when dying?

[@snacktimemilk5260]

For years I prayed for my back and neck. The pain was amazing and at times I couldn't feel my limbs Ext. I was told that I shouldn't trust the "witch doctors of modern medicine", and was led to believe that I wasn't being healed because of personal deficiency, as a trial of faith, and unrepentant sin in my heart. Years afterwards, during my deconvertion, I went to the E. R. one night. Turns out my pains was caused by advanced degenerative arthritis (fusion, and deterioration of columns,and cartilage and bone spurs). Doctors told me that there is nothing anyone can do and that the point of treatment was long past. Had they discovered it sooner (during the time of "faithful delusion ") much more could had been done for treatment (while there is still no cure). I will likely end up being bound to a wheelchair with the next 10-15yrs and can not lift no more than 10lbs at a time (at the moment). While I'm long past being mad with others and myself, concerning this matter; I can't help but feel embarrassed by my stupidity. You see I am a college graduate with a bachelor in science. And, while it's not an advanced degree, at the time of my studies I had left the faith (before returning to an old world of superstition and wishful thinking). I graduated, and found myself adrift and desperate for a change. Some how I ended up returning to my childhood religion and superstitions. I'm still amazed at it. The church cult I joined was Pentecostal (though I had been raised Baptist) and they constantly had the Church filled with a circuit of prophets, faith healers, and testimonies. Yet, the further I was pulled into the ministry, the more skeptical and doubtful I became. So much so they began to call me "Thomas"; as in 'doubting Thomas '. I had been placed on the fast track to ministry to become a faith healing prophet of God. Yet, my progress started to get some resistance from higher ups due to in increasing number of questions I started to ask of them. I don't know how much of it was deliberate deceit and how much of it was original, well meaning, belief. Not all of the ministry, I believe was in on it, but they didn't ask questions and if so would Cowdown to objections. I'm just glad my skepticism was able to save me from becoming one of these sort of people.

[@weegiewarbler]

My experience with faith healers is a good one. I worked as a registered nurse in a hospital in Glasgow, Scotland. I had suffered a back injury and was wearing a support corset under my uniform ....a patient I was looking after offered to 'lay his hands on' to heal my back. I said I didn't believe and he said I didn't have to. So I asked him WHY he was in hospital and why his healing hadn't worked on him ...... no answer ..... oops.

[@lamarethington]

I would have called in if I had been keeping up with what you were doing. Several times when I was growing up, faith healers convinced a person close to me to believe that they could heal them. It is doubly cruel because faith healers always blame the sick person when the healing doesn't work. As a result, even though they can't really believe in these charlatans anymore, they feel like they have to really work themselves up into hoping and believing that this will work this time because if they can just get their faith strong enough it will actually work this time. Fortunately for us, the faith healers that approached us did not ask for money; however, make no mistake it was still one of the more cruel things one person can do to another.

[@lamarethington]

Based on the aspect of blaming the sick person for a lack of faith, I hold faith healers in a lower regard than other types of woohoo peddlers. At least when someone is selling magic oils that will heal a person, they don't then blame the persons lack of faith when the oil doesn't work. Don't get me wrong I don't approve of the profiteering off desperation and the deceptive advertising and all, but I think faith healing has even more to answer for because of the "lack of faith" cop out they tend to fall back on when they can't produce results.

[@ShrubOfDeath]

Lamar Ethington Although I'm kinda reminded that if a you don't believe a psychics' BS and call them out on their misses.. they will blame you for not having an open mind or resisting the spirits or (insert reason why its your fault here) etc.

[@lamarethington]

Ah perhaps it is just my lack of experience with contemporary snake oil salesmen. I only know about these crystals and essential oils from talking to others who have no doubt softened up the sales pitch for my benefit.

[@TKline-mx4lu]

I can't recall if they mention it here, but somebody pointed this out: ever see a faith healer cure a paraplegic? Ever see a guy with no legs come up to Benny Hinn, miraculously sprout new legs, abandon his wheelchair and walk home? You ever see that? Me neither. Maybe I'm just not watching the right cable channels or something.

[@Dragoderian]

James Randi during a talk once mentioned a kid who 'needed' crutches that got healed weekly by a particular faith healer and would run out of the tent without his crutches crying out loud about his miracle. The lengths these people go to...

[@blackice9088]

The reason these faith healers DON'T heal those people is because they CANNOT! All of those faith healers are FRAUDS!

[@dmimcg]

COME ON Man. God can only heal some illness. No all!

[@nancymc]

What an extremely educated podcast. Seth, you are the best. Thank you for all you do.❤️

[@moneymikz]

I've been to other "spiritual planes", but when the DMT wore off I was still on my couch

[@tonyking1756]

I used to travel on spiritual planes but they kept losing my luggage.

[@sundiver137]

I wound up on a spiritual plain. It was booooring.

[@TurkPowers]

Lol... look me up, the next time you travel to outer space. I should be at that little space bar, a little past neptune.

[@Wistful77]

Years ago, my friend with Ehlers Danlos went to one of those sideshows, was prayed over for her collapsing spine and numbness, and was healed! --By a surgeon who put rods in her spine to hold her up,! She lives on, past age 30, thanks to UCSF Medical team and this extreme surgery god couldn't even perform.

[@chubbyhippy]

My mom refused to take me to the doctor when I told her I was having neck and shoulder spasms because it was due to God punishing me for being a rebellious child. Come to find out as an adult it was from wiplash (my dad has bipolar and would drive when manic). We're from Oregon where a ton of Christians are anti vax and anti mask.

[@JaredTheStrange]

I was healed (aka not healed at all) by a missionary faith healer who had just come back from curing all manor of things in Africa, when I was around 11. He just randomly approached me out in public and started making a big scene out of it. A whole crowd ended up gathering around to watch. I had no idea what was going on and just played along until he left me alone. He must have really believed he could do it... very strange.

[@chestbuster1987]

Holy crap..literally..hearing these beliefs is funny but at a certain point it becomes depressing or infuriating

[@gh778jk]

If your ignorance is wilful (which it is when you are one of the faithful), then your crime is wilful too. I really do not buy the excuse that these parents 'loved' their children.... No Sir! In a modern country such as the US or any EU country, there are no excuses for this sort of reprehensible and self-absorbed behaviour. There is no reason or excuse whatsoever to 'stay friendly' towards parents who threw the life of their child away, whilst they knew better (and the very well did or do!) To prison with such criminals! For the sake of sanity people....we're in the second millennium...enough of this organised stupidity already ! Paddy

[@ReallyTwistedHumor]

Prayer: Something to do with your hands because you can't smoke or wank in a hospital

[@ReallyTwistedHumor]

Well not in the waiting room

[@LizardAhaz]

You should have asked the nurse for some help with that...

[@LizardAhaz]

***** So no helping handjob then?

[@LizardAhaz]

LMAO try Google and see if they aren't too prudish....

[@LizardAhaz]

Aren't you rude asking that...

[@johnlinden7398]

SETH ANDREWS, MATT DILLAHUNTY AND ARON RA ARE THE REALITY TRIUNE ! BRAVO, GOOD WORK IN HELPING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR DELUSIONARY SUPERSTITOUS BELIEFS !

[@blackdragon7465]

Definitely the best of intentions, but goddamn it makes me angry. My mother and I were out with my low-functioning, autistic brother, and a woman approached us and gave us a pamphlet saying that with these SPECIFIC prayers written by some random dude, we would be able to "fix" my brother. My mom was sweet about it, but I definitely got a little heated. Didn't say anything, but I would have loved to tell this woman that my mom, a believer herself, prays all the fucking time for my brother. Did it fix him? No. Therapy and a medication regimen are the only things that have helped him adapt better to the world.

[@kokopuppy57342]

I do want to comment that since this episode there has been research supporting biofeedback for things like headaches and anxiety. Typical people become stressed or tense but don’t recognize that tension building until it reaches a certain threshold. Biofeedback uses sensors and some image (usually waves or a candle flame that grow and shrink) to visualize what is happening internally. The images are easier to decipher at a glance. You then can test out anything you want (deep breathing, stretching, thoughts etc.) and get immediate feedback on if it is helping or not. It’s like a game of hotter/colder but with a specific health issue. Most people think they are aware of everything happening in their body but typically it takes pretty big changes before you naturally notice them. Having a sensor to help zoom in on those minute changes can be beneficial for some people

[@pjsalesky5009]

I wish he had followed the research and had experts prove or disprove, instead of just making fun of everything.

[@GameFreak4Ever]

Very valid point! "Hope can always be sold!" So true!

[@SerasChan]

I realize I'm 5 years late to the party here, but I have a quick story. I've got an old friend from college. She was always a little odd and religious, but for the last 6 years or so it's gone to the craziest of crazy. She doesn't believe in vaccines, doctors, equal rights for homosexuality. But does believe is chem trails and the almighty power of prayer 🤨 She took some online class to be a doulas and while she was at the house of a women giving birth, the baby quickly showed signs of breathing difficulties. Instead of immediately calling an ambulance, she waited and waited and waited...finally an ambulance was called, but it was too late, the newborn was dead. She never faced jail time, but I do believe she was taken to court. Again though I don't think she faced any legal ramifications.

[@MyOnlyFarph]

I'm surprised these shows only have 10-20,000 views each on average. They deserve much more.

[@yootoob1958]

Faith is one thing, but ignorant gullibility is another. The gullible believers could at least believe that their god creates doctors to help heal their illness.

[@bluwater1422]

It's TRUE that people need 2 use good judgment

[@ogcrazycatlady]

When I was like 2 years old, I remember next to nothing, except a few days my older brother and I spent in a foster home of some Evangelist Faith Healing Family. I remember being in an auditorium with thousands of people going bat shit left, right & center. People were rushing the stage. Scared the shit outta me.

[@troybarnes9061]

when my wife was in high school, a mom and dad in her church was sent to jail for involuntary manslaughter for taking out their daughters breathing tube because they said that their daughter had woken up from a dream and said that god told her she no longer needed the breathing tube.

[@Prelude610]

Why wasn't the preacher in the first story arrested to, as an accessory to murder?

[@DieterGribnitz]

My thoughts exactly. Why punish the user and leave the drug dealers alone? If you pay someone to commit a murder you are arrested for conspiracy to commit murder. If a doctor closes his eyes, takes something off the shelf and inject a patient to see what happens he will get arrested too. Why do we allow these criminals to inject their poison into the minds of their communities and even give them tax breaks for this sick act. These people should be locked away where they can't harm anyone else. He might not have pulled the trigger but he gave them the loaded gun and instructed them on how to use it.

[@sherpajones]

The whole "slain in the spirit" thing is so simple to explain. The minister either stands so close to you or makes hand or body movements directly in front of you that invade your personal space. It is incredibly hard to resist the instinct to withdraw, and as you stand there with your eyes closed, praying and focusing on god, you feel this powerful force that seems to be pushing you backwards. That force is your own subconscious reaction wanting to back up, but you are consciously planting your feet. Eventually, you "give in to god" and fall backwards.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Doesn't help the minister had garlic for lunch!

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

3 and a half years for killing two kids? That is nowhere near a suitable punishment. I'm 7 years late to this party. Cheers, everyone.

[@Kristen70364]

I like some of the new age stuff. I don't think it'll actually do anything tangible, but a lot of it is relaxing and feels good.

[@lightningbug276]

Kristen70364 Me too. I need relaxation.

[@SKY_DWELLER333]

Absolutely. I certainly find a lot of value in meditation and visualization but I know that the effect that it has is completely of the brain and mind.

[@Arfipuss]

LOVED the bit about your father, Seth!

[@BuddhaAtheist29]

I was told by my young earth creationist sister that All of my health problems was because I don't believe in god. This is a woman that has had multiple miscarriages, color blind, and has a husband with diabetes so bad he has to have a insulin pump.

[@lindinle]

the foot one is good if you have sore feet. they use a weird massage thingy. feels really good.

[@spartansEXTEEL]

Killer stuff was glued, looks like the amazing dude wants to do it again. Much respect to you also for tripping him up he walked right into the oh they always have an excuse you can't win with these people. Oh but um when we do the $1million you gotta sign agree in writing 1st & then notarized. LOVED IT....

[@teresagdavila5442]

Great podcast Seth! I really wish people can WAKE UP and admit the facts. REASON & REALITY are my placebo effect. I am my own healer!

[@apinakapina]

Thanks for the effort on this important subject. Whoever's hosting the show, you've got a very sweet radio voice. There was a story in local newspapers (in Finland) about a faith healing gone bad. The healer had told an old, fairly seriously injured woman to stand on her feet and walk. Putting full weight on her foot tore the ligaments out of place. This all took place in a mainstream lutheran church which prompted the church leadership to ask the faith healer for a public apology or be thrown out for good. Not surprisingly no apology or even a peep from the weaseling bastard. To me it's mind boggling that the church - fairly modern and well-represented in the society - allowed the faith healing in the first place. Surely they have to realize what it can lead to, right?

[@eratoisyourmuse659]

apinakapina That's crazy. I didn't think there were religious nutjobs in Finland. My grandfather is a Finn (immigrated to Canada) and he is a 90 year old atheist.

[@Cheepchipsable]

I suppose if they actually believe their healing would work, then they would not see it as being risky.

[@Alyenbird]

I highly recommend the book "When the Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down". It is the story of a Hmong family, their epileptic daughter and the culture clash between their shamanistic animist religion and western medicine.

[@UNDFTDGordon]

I read this book in college. It's a great read.

[@zerodivider4333]

I knew Wylie and Kellie Johnson as a young teen or preteen. I even visited their home. They were active members of my church at the time. It was several years after they left the church that this case happened. I have to say that it is very uncomfortable remembering the old days.

[@LongTimeAtheist]

I had a friend with a limp. A Chiropractor told him he could fix him right up. My friend said the world specialists told him there was no cure. The Chiropractor told him he could help him... So he hold up his pant leg and showed him his artificial leg. The Chiropractor shut up. My friend got a good laugh. I know Chiropractors are not faith healers but they are coming close with some of the woo they are selling outside the field of Chiropractic care.

[@bengeorge9063]

I just got an ad for "energy healing".....what won't people believe

[@AlistairClive-vz4dh]

Just love the flow of reality in your words🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@Nephi895]

Yeah, we have this shit in Oregon too. Thankfully, we prosecute child neglect here.

[@Domzdream]

The thing about astral travel that you mentioned - all it is, is Lucid Dreaming. I'm actually a lucid dreamer.One of my first dreams ever was a lucid dream (just before I learned how to walk). I'll never forget that dream. I was flying voluntarily around my bedroom, anti-clockwise, bumping my head against the ceiling, and the walls felt cold as I bounced off them while flying. But yes, astral travel is horse shit! It's just your pineal gland activating. We're all natural producers of DMT.

[@raymondsanders3584]

And the other thing that my father used to say which makes total sense, is if these people could actually heal the sick and the lame and the downtrodden why aren’t they somewhere where those people congregate i.e. a hospital mental health center places like that. But we know that they’re fake because they hide in their temples that they claim our forgot but really are only there for them to make money

[@cyberjism]

I remember my mom taking us to W V Grant's circus in Cincinnati back in the 80's before he moved to Texas. Saw the leg trick in person, but one of the craziest was when he had everybody bring in loaves of bread so he could lay hands on them and pass out the bread to heal teeth, lol.

[@plumpdn]

I think there was some confusion between early understanding of our anatomy and ridiculous spirituality. Chakras are aligned along our major endocrine glands. It was a way to explain their role in our health.

[@blairfranklin7320]

Religion is given entirely too much respect. Children are not given a chance at life because of this insane undeserving respect. It's terrible. Religion makes people unaware of the imminent dangers that confront them. It's sick.

[@lukelee7967]

While listening to the new age healing part I can only think that often the things you think of when you smoke pot isn't the next great idea. You are likely just high.

[@Fennicillin]

My family was technically Catholic and my younger brother was into motocross. He would break something every couple months but since we were Catholic (barely faithful) we knew prayers meant nothing and the doctors were the ones with any power over the injury.

[@xenoview13]

Thank you Seth for exposing these conmen for what they are, walking piles of human crap!

[@jimbrooks3370]

Caddywampus has always been one of my favorite words!

[@masterz3992]

Faith Healers truly Piss Me Off, as well as Parents who believe in such thing and don't send their SICK CHILD to SPECIALISTS KNOWN AS DOCTOR'S

[@fantasyreflection]

Why aren't faith healers employed or even allowed in hospitals?

[@davesteadman1226]

They are. They're called Medical Doctors and they went to medical school.

[@ionman7023]

I once worked for a company that worked on a Pentecostal church. When he sent the bill it was returned with a note saying that the good people of the diocese thanked him and would pay him for the parts but that "god" supplied the labor. The church would not pay for the companies labor to work there. It was a horrible slap in the face.

[@fathertime2020]

Taka yaka lake lika yatta ya tic ton yum hoc. Texting in tongues! Lol

[@mouthofspaghetti7817]

I was dying, in the I.C.U for 3 weeks... At one point they said that they had done everything they could do and they brought in a priest to give me last rights. I told the guy that I wasn't interested in his nonsense. He had a young assistant with him. He was blown away, I could see it in his eyes, I had shook his faith. Made me feel good on my deathbed.

[@jimd6641]

Did you die?

[@tonytocanova]

Praise da lord!

[@MegaPeedee]

Anayle Mohamed You need to understand "theory" in regard to science. For instance I proffer this explanation: It has been explained that in modern science the terms ‘theory’ and ‘scientific theory’ are generally understood to refer to a proposed explanation of empirical phenomena (information acquired by observation), made in a way consistent with scientific method. Such theories are preferably described in such a way that any scientist in the field is in a position to understand and either provide empirical support (verify) or empirically contradict it, to falsify it. In this modern scientific context the distinction between theory and practice corresponds roughly to the distinction between theoretical science and technology or applied science. A common distinction sometimes made in science is between theories and hypotheses, with the former being considered as satisfactorily tested or proven and the latter used to denote conjectures or proposed descriptions or models which have not yet been tested or proven to the same standard. Another way of explaining it is that in science a fact must be used in reference to other facts and these all go together to form testable theories, like boxes of data inside a crate; theories can therefore be scrutinised, validated or rejected based on the examination and exploration of the facts, the building blocks that form them.

[@acerbicatheist2893]

"Caddywampus" has too many syllables to make it an indelible "meme" ; "Swamp", "Wampus", and "Sump" all spring irresistibly to mind...although I've a teensy bit of doubt as regards the "wampus" thing...! Resist islamism and creationism (and the two ARE overlapping magisteria) while you still can. You must beware of creepy, jovial uncle organisms such as Ham Ken... Ham - Doo ooooh - Ken!! Does Ham Ken have a dragon-punch? Seth Andrews has a groovy voice, it must be noted, making him an ideal radio DJ. Keep it up, Seth, and well done for escaping.

[@Ohne_Silikone]

The placebo effect in the words of the late Els Borst, Dutch ex-minister of Health care: "it doesn't work, but it does help."

[@scottyb003]

I had dislocatede left sacrum one year. The elders got together and prayed over me with oils like it tell ud to do in Acts I believe. If any among you is ill...etc. My back continued to hurt until I went to the chiropractor. That started me questioning my faith. I still struggle with this, but can't bring myself to give up entirely.

[@barkYdarkATFB]

@Chris Bishop wondering where you are, one year later.

[@jeanhartely]

At what point should people be held accountable for their deliberate, willful ignorance? At the point where their ignorance causes harm to others-- for example, their own children.

[@HaroldCrews]

If God wanted us to have faith then he would not test our faith beyond its endurance. Especially when he promised that he would not do so.

[@CityMvp]

OH MY WORD!! How I relate to Dora’s/Doris’ letter! I feel soooo STUPID for falling into that rabbit hole. In retrospect, I am struck with the empty headedness. The financial storms my son and I have had to navigate were SO avoidable. My life’s biggest regret. I’m not an atheist; nor a theist, but DEFINITELY NOT a Christian!!!😒

[@teawithsu]

Hearling loss; My stepdad has the same progressive hearing loss, and refused to learn sign language. I grew up with his turning the tv news and Lawrence Welk Show up to full blast. We always had to yell for him to hear. At nearly 90, now yelling does no good. We must write notes.

[@DJonathanHayes76]

Omg, the Pentecostal stories, I grew up Apostolic Pentecostal oneness variety, I saw the pew jumps, tongue interpretations and the Holy Ghost hush as it is called. Wild times indeed. Being gay sent me down the road of truth and liberation. Hallelujah I was set free.

[@mavelle87]

Whoo so happy with this upload today

[@jamiedidato4206]

I'm a store manager of 2 small health food stores and each store has a community board and it's crazy what people advertise they will do to "heal" people. Obviously we have a homeopathic section of our store, so it's not like the store itself discourages this sort of attitude, but I at least go through the boards to try and protect people from some of the Bs "doctors" that put up their business cards. My 2 favorite? One guy had a website claiming that for some ridiculous price you can pay him to TEACH YOU HOW TO BREATHE. That's right, breathing right can heal all physical and mental illnesses you may be dealing with... Threw his card in the trash. And my second favorite, integrated physical therapy, in which the woman claimed she could feel your physical and mental issues on a cellular level by touching different parts of your body. And how does she heal you? Positive energy through her hands while she touches you some more. Um.... No

[@van3363]

The pentecostal church in Perry Oklahoma laid hands on my late husband to heal him from addiction, it didn't work......it didn't work for my arthritis and didn't work for another member who had health problems and had been pentecostal from childhood. I felt horrible because that man ask me why, what had he done that Jesus wouldn't heal him.

[@Self-replicating_whatnot]

Googled cochlear implant. Wee! It's augmetics! I wounder if i ever lose my hearing can i get stylish steampunky one? With rivets and polished brass and all that stuff?

[@douglasharris5216]

Self-replicating whatnot I have a cochlear implant, it’s far superior over a hearing aid

[@lordgodamenra8075]

God is really like The Wizard of Oz

[@ForbinKid]

If I tell someone the railway crossing is clear and they proceed and get hit by a train I should be charged. Same with a faith healer.

[@Roxor128]

We should be calling them Fail healers, because that's all they ever do.

[@bluwater1422]

True that

[@thecathedralofartificialli841]

it stands to reason that in biblical days, lots of people had pshyco sematic illnesses, and could be healed by faith, they could have been worried into illnesses, as death and ignorants was all around.

[@CarefulAtheist]

Love the "healing by colours" thing. I guess those that are colour blind are just plain screwed!

[@TheIrrefutable]

***** Are you serious, or are you screwing with us? If you're serious, that's... convenient.

[@jennysolisa8735]

***** You can also use the Bible to disprove the Bible as a gigantic fraud made to indoctrinate people so people could have control over them. Hence how people are referred to as sheep, being herded by their Shepard. Free will is a total joke. You only have two choices in the eyes of Christianity. That's either accept God and Jesus, or you do not and go to hell, regardless of whether or not you did any good in your life.

[@jennysolisa8735]

***** Telling people to have faith is basically telling them to not question. Because you can not physically prove god exists then there's no reason for me to believe in it. "A myth you say, wow it's the best myth I know then. A myth has no evidence, the bible does, historical, witnesses that are willing to die for God hardly constitutes a myth, would you die for a myth?" Funny you say that, since apparently you're willing to die for a myth. You do realize how many other religions exist right?

[@xenoview13]

***** Have any proof miracles have ever happened? Can you prove Jesus is real? Any proof your god is real? If your only source is your bible saying so, is not proof at all.

[@jennysolisa8735]

***** The Bible is a bunch of garbage made by greedy humans who wanted complete control over their people.

[@Shangori]

I'm a little annoyed with this naturebox thing. The 'ad' takes almost 2 mins and you're using words I don't really expect from a skeptic. Eating a shitload of peanuts will still get you fat. There is nothing wrong with cornsyrup, in moderation. Some forms of transfat is needed in a healthy diet, altho only from meat and only in very little quantities. And there is nothing NOTHING wrong with artificial stuff! That said, I do like the good cause they put forward and it IS healthier then most crap people eat nowadays. But why on a subscription base? Are they that scared they won't get returning customers? I would still actually consider it. ...if I was american. But I'm not. I personally believe there are other businesses out there that would strike a cord with more of your listeners. Businesses working on a wider (world) scale and more in the line of what we enjoy buying from. Mind, I understand that takes some effort finding them and it's not the reason why I'm annoyed with the ad. I also cover my ass a bit, because I wouldn't have a clue what business to go for :-P I also miss the insects. Some insects taste quite like some nuts, so it should fit right in ;-) Well then, got that off my chest... Let's watch the rest of the video...

[@pierre0095]

If prayer worked we’d all be rich!

[@zencat999]

cant play the vid. had to cop the url and play it in MacTubes. HTML5 is really screwing with youtube.

[@Jiian]

Seth, I'd like to see you bring in The Justicar to speak on that ruling next week. It's a bit late to suggest that, but I think he might liven things up a little bit.

[@BrianBattles]

Look up Tim & Eric's Zone Theory

[@rain3743]

The chakra secrion.mad.me laugh. I have a friend who.pays to have an "energy healer:" wave hands around to balance her chakras. They refer to it as a massage and she never touches her. I have had reflexology done for diabetic neuropathy in my feet and it does help ..MY FEET. But It's not healing organs.

[@mouthofspaghetti7817]

My wife paid some fraud psychic $400 for a psychic therapy. I am still pissed

[@aliciagreen5411]

Biofeedback is good for the meditation and relaxation it promotes, so at least there's that. And quite a few other woo practices he mentioned have some positive benefits, but not for the woo reasons they're ascribed to.

[@sovietbot6708]

I know who they're talking about around 9:00, but I can't remember his name. I have a picture of him in my head.

[@MyOnlyFarph]

My wife's dad and his girlfriend have gone to faith healing shows. They genuinely believe it works. They also believe prayer helps get things done. They're not particularly smart given their demographic.

[@joelouellette]

Seth you should put the things mentioned in the show in the description (like the book about those who believe what they preach)

[@MsDjessa]

7:00 I think people who do good deeds should get the credit they deserve any way, but this sad story shows how dangerous it is to ignore the PEOPLE who do those things, and instead credit some being that even IF it exists clearly don't intervene in out lives. I'm sure this individual was a loving and caring person who should have lived for many more years. Such a pity.

[@sandakureva]

28:37 I've actually had one of those nuts try and take my knees out from behind to simulate being slain in the spirit. It was supremely unfunny.

[@steveb0503]

Hell yeah I use "kattywampus" - I also use "discombobulated". "Colorful language" is really the way to go.

[@645sup]

BUT BUT BUT, It's their religion. We have to respect their choices!!!!!!!!!!!! ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

[@Mariomario-gt4oy]

I know I hate when religious people say that. Its as if their unreason doesn't affect anyone. "Well.im just a moderate" lol as if that makes faith any better. That's why its only a defense mechanism. imagine if a racist said "respect my Belief" lol

[@645sup]

I hear ya...

[@Nick23at63]

Seth, I really learn from your videos. I would like to let you know, though, that the doctors and nurses you often mention as saving lives quite often are deeply religious with many flaws themselves. I surely don't want to write a long comment here, but just like you shouldn't put faith in God, you shouldn't just assume the medical establishment has your best interests in their thoughts. I lost my mother 2 years ago when the medical staff decided she had lived a long enough life, and their quality of care was pathetic. Turns out that Medicare did not reimburse the hospital for needless tests done 3 years earlier, and I believe they did not want to not be reimbursed again, so they didn't do what was actually needed. And this doesn't just pertain to humans. I just lost my dog due to a Vet that felt she had lived a long life and wasn't worth the effort to save. Sure, it sounds like I'm in denial, and I've tried to be honest with myself about this, but if humans can be illogical in believing in God, their brains can also malfunction in how they decide to treat patients. It's always amazing to me how uncaring these Christian doctors can be by saying "It's God's Will." It really is a tough world we live in, there isn't a God you can depend on, and I'm learning that being at the mercy of medical practitioners who are only interested in making a living and going through the motions isn't great, either.

[@aprilwolf7531]

Nick23at63 Nick i

[@Cheepchipsable]

Well at least there is a chance the medicos might accidentally give something that helps.

[@AP-ss7lt]

the god placebo

[@AlexITheHomePageOf]

Damn this is scary...

[@crystalheart9]

My father who was an atheist died last year and a woman who I only casually knew asked if he was catholic. This woman is super religious. I told her no he didn't believe in religion. Shortly after the conversation a folder arrived in the mail where she had bought a catholic mass for him! I was so mad!

[@rationaltrekker2509]

Bill Keane, traffic reporter on KNX Los Angeles back in the 1980s used kattywampus all the time. In fact, he would say that a car was "kattywampus to the world."

[@ginagamba]

Right off the bat, I had to laugh at the picture from the Irish Comedy-Drama "Balleykissangel."