Who is Simply Skeptical? --- intro video

[@sirgiles71]

Enjoy the journey! I took a 50 year journey to the Catholic church. Some people on line you may want to check out are Bishop Barron, John Lennox and Tammy Peterson.

[@vd1657]

Hi ! I’m a 24 year old female. I can really see myself in you. I always wanted to understand spirituality. I was raised Catholic but became agnostic at 15. I started to explore new age, Buddhism, Islam, etc. Eventually I gave Christianity another shot. Branched out and explored many different Protestant denominations. I ended up back at the Catholic Church lol. It’s been a journey for sure 😅 but I finally feel like I actually understand my faith & love it. I feel as if I am not just following it because I was told I have to. I am so excited for your new journey. 🫶🏼 new sub here !☺️

[@SimplySkeptical22]

I am so glad to hear that you questioned and explored on your own! It is very encouraging to hear and I am glad we are similar in that sense. Thank you!

[@mauriciobricenoe]

You are so humble. That is needed in lots of our communities today. God bless your future path. I'll pray for you. Greetings from a peruvian Catholic fella!

[@Judicial_Official_]

Great job summarizing your goals and being vulnerable in doing so! I grew up in the Baptist Protestant tradition and fell away from the faith during highschool because I saw the new atheist position to be the most logical explanation for the way things are. I came back to the Baptist Church during college when I discovered Christian apologists like William Lane Craig and John Lennox, but still felt like something was missing in the Baptist/Non-Denomination setting. Then, I became curious in the idea of "apostolic succession" a few years back. I started on a journey to look for the truth nearly a year ago, and now, after nearly a year of searching for the truth, I am on my way to being confirmed in the Catholic Church, Easter 2025. I will labor to pray for your journey and your soul. God bless you and keep you! "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6)

[@burtReynolds3]

hey. i have a similar story to yours. i was raised in the fundamentalist pentecostal faith, and i fell away from it during my college years. this was partly because of my life experiences growing up, and partly because i couldn't reconcile faith with reason, religion with science, God with the problem of evil. after living a veritable hell for 4 years, i found my way back thanks to the likes of Jordan Peterson and John Lennox. fortunately, i never fell into the trap of nihilism or deconstructionism, or even of modern-day gnosticism which comes in at least two forms. i never had to be convinced that religion is real, true, and necessary. all i had to be convinced of was that if i live a hedonistic, create-my-own-values lifestyle then i would end up in a hell on earth. im genuinely thankful i didnt have money growing up and especially during my college years, because otherwise it probably would have taken my so much longer to realize these truths. over the course of a couple of years and a lot of study, i found my way to the catholic faith, and EVERYTHING fell into place, especially on the intellectual side (reason, science, philosophy, logic, etc). currently in RCIA, and i will be babtized and confirmed easter 2025. im home, but i have many amends to make, mostly with God, and many with myself.

[@1515cci]

Welcome Home!

[@capraagricola]

I was raised an atheist and came to the Catholic Church at age 24 in spring. I found that it offers the most logically consistent explanation for both the natural and the supernatural, and had no choice but to come home to Rome. Interested to see where these videos take you.

[@1515cci]

Welcome Home!

[@Delphadae]

I'm also seeking the truth. I am currently drawn towards the Orthodox Church (though I have a love for Catholicism too, especially because it's tied to my Portuguese heritage). I wish you luck on your journey and I look forward to your videos!

[@apostolicsolidarity]

I am also drawn towards the Orthodox church. I haven't gone yet but I plan on it soon. Was raised a pentecostal.

[@hannahbaker3080]

I joined the Orthodox Church this year, enjoy your catechetical journey, it’s such a rich season

[@vd1657]

@@Delphadae have you tried Byzantine Catholic Church? It’s still follows all the Catholic Beliefs with Orthodox traditions. It’s my absolute favorite! I love the orthodox tradition but believe in Catholicism, so it’s perfect for me lol.

[@ericgillespie4062]

I walked away in middle school too. Something about that age, I guess. Then, 18 years after I moved out on my own, I started listening to Patrick Madrid on the radio, picked up my copy of "Mere Christianity" my grandma had given me ages ago, and started wondering. Fast-forward from there and my kids are baptized and we go to Mass every Sunday. I'll include you in our prayers.

[@Afcr188]

A good place to start reading the Bible is Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Bible in a Year podcast. He reads through the Bible everyday for a year and reviews the deeper theology of the readings.

[@meggivk]

I second this!

[@luchec9416]

Hi from France ! I don’t know why algorithm brought me there but maybe it’s a sign from God. I’m a cradle catholic, and just recently going back into active faith (attending mass etc). I wish you all the best for your journey, and will pray for you

[@thethreefriends3002]

Welcome! I am Catholic and I just have to say that it's so satisfying seeing someone walk into religion with such an open heart and wanting to seek what it True! You should check out the books Why we're Catholic by Trent Horn and Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Also, i know you mentioned not really being interested in audio recordings but I'd highly recommend the "Bible in a Year Podcast"with Fr. Mike Schmitz since that helped me immensely when i was learning about my faith. Also the podcast Pints with Aquinas might be worth checking out, as they tend to have beautiful discussions on matters of faith. Praying for you!

[@jamesandyvance4973]

I was baptized and entered into the Catholic Church at the age of 50. Best decision ever! I hope to continue following your journey to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Blessings!

[@vd1657]

@@jamesandyvance4973 You came home 🇻🇦🙏🫶

[@mr.e.2001]

Greetings Simply Skeptical, Your visit to a Catholic Mass video just popped up in my feed, great video! I hope you will return soon. I can recommend some reading that will help you to understand Catholicism in specific, and christianity in general. 1. "Crossing the Tiber" by Steve Ray. Steve is a former Baptist pastor who studied his way into the Church. His conversion testimony is on youtube. 2. "Rome Sweet Home" by Dr. Scott Hahn. Dr Hahn is a former Presbyterian pastor who studied his way into the Church. His conversion testimony is also on youtube. Each of these gentlemen has published a great deal of work. I am confident that if you read either (or both) of these books, you will have most of your questions answered. Let me know how you like them. Happy Journey, Mr E.

[@Robert-ie8eb]

This channel is a great idea! Look forward to watching your journey!

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Thanks for sharing. I am somewhat opposite. I wasn't born into a Christian or even a religious home. I was something of an agnostic until I later believed in Jesus Christ. So, I was a skeptic too (albeit agnostic) -- and more of a hard skeptic. My journey has not always been smooth or bumpy; but, my transition from not believing to believing took place over about a year or so. Interestingly, my belief in Christ is something that I embrace with all sincerity. I'm still the same person (with an extensive post-graduate education and vocational background including academia, NASA, biotech and Silicon Valley tech industry); yet, my faith is now the most important thing in my life. I went from knowing almost NOTHING about the Bible (I didn't know if Jesus was in the Old or New Testament) to now reading the Bible every morning with my wife (we were married shortly after we both finished post-grad). In fact, we've read the Bible -- cover to cover -- many times now just through our morning Bible reading times. In fact, I'm increasingly confident in my Hebrew and becoming more familiar with Hellenistic Greek too (helpful when consulting source texts and text types). We don't have any kids yet, but I would hope to continue this practice with them if or when we do. I wish you nothing but the best as you travel your own journey. With all sincerity, I pray that you make the most of it. After all, you only get this one journey through life. Without sounding too cult-like (because I'm still a skeptic even though I believe in the God of the Judea-Christian narrative), I really do hope that you to come to a "knowledge of the truth" (as mentioned in the Bible). Yet, I don't want you to believe because people tell you to or even try to convince you on a surface level. Rather, I want you to only believe if you sincerely do. That's what happened to me. In fact, I think the sincerity is necessary for your faith to be real. Happy travels!

[@annag-vq8gv]

I love this channel! Good for you for doing your own research and searching. It helped me a lot to look at Church history - it was so interesting to read about the traditions of the Church and how the Protestant Reformation caused a huge divide in the Christian denominations after Luther split from the Catholic (catholic means universal) church. I am a Catholic revert and learning the history only solidified my faith for me. I wish you the best on your journey,

[@cadenchitwood9491]

You should review the Catechism of the Catholic Church as one of your book reviews. It's a very long read, but it provides an in-depth explanation of nearly all Catholic Doctrine! It is probably the best way to get a good understanding of what Catholics believe.

[@Manuelsww2planechannel]

Pat Flynn is a philosopher atheist turned Catholic, really smart guy with a podcast, books, etc.

[@coxrocks25]

Interested to see your journey. I'm a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints (sometimes referred to as Mormon). I've been fascinated learning about other churches recently too. Hope you'll come check out our church sometime. All the best on finding your walk with God!

[@MattNineFive]

It's great hearing of your journey and especially with your past, you are giving these different denominations and even forms of Christianity a chance and as a curiosity. The future is bright for your channel and as someone who has recently re found Jesus, I really enjoy hearing others opinions on things that work and perhaps don't through experiences with a life of Jesus or being a skeptic. I look forward where this all goes and very happy to be apart of this.

[@jmcsquared18]

Raised as a pentecostal, left the church of god in math graduate school. Been an atheist ever since. Life knowing that there's no overseeing supernatural dictator is so much better. More enjoyment, fulfillment, and love all around.

[@p3rd3d0r]

In my opinion there are two ways of facing this problem: 1) I can understand everything using pure reason, so anything I can't explain can't be accepted. 2) Reason is a powerful but limited tool, and, if God exists, I won't be able to reach God completely just using reason. So I trust. I'm a christian raised in the catholic church, have had lots of debates with atheists through years, and my conclussion has been that. This lets me live my faith in a more intense way, as I'm not all the time wondering if I'm right or wrong. I just trust, see how it affects in my life and those around me and enjoy the ride. Wondering whether you took the right or wrong decission is a path that never ends. It's like being married and doubting constantly if your couple loves you. It will just not let you enjoy the thing profoundly. Great channel, by the way. I like how respectful and honest you are. Best wishes from Spain.

[@LauraEBravo]

Just subscribed! I'm really interested in seeing where you end up! I, too, am a somewhat philosophy/theology inclined ~20 yr old girl and get where you're coming from about this landscape on the internet... I got confirmed in the Anglican church while in college and will admit I'm biased in, hoping you'll end up in one of the sacramental-based Christian denominations! Praying to find the truth is a constant prayer of mine...so I'll keep your search in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you all the best!

[@caitlinhalvorson4642]

I really appreciate your honest search for truth. Thank you for your content and I wish you all the best! One resource you might consider for Bible research is the Bible in a Year podcast by Father Mike Schmitz. He give good commentary and discusses some of the more difficult teaching without shying away from them.

[@John-ns9oy]

Great recommendation! Fr Mike Sermons are very good too!

[@abrahamleonbarragan8106]

En verdad te felicito por el camino de búsqueda que estás emprendiendo. Creo que la verdad es algo que se debe buscar siempre. Estoy estudiando para ser sacerdote católico y me encuentro en un proceso constante de búsqueda de integración de mi experiencia de relación con Jesús y mi pasión por la ciencia y todos sus aportes. No ha sido un camino fácil, he tenido muchas dudas y crisis de fe, sin embargo, creo que una fe madura es aquella que se deja enriquecer por otras disciplinas. Como consejo personal, ten cuidado con las visiones unilaterales del mundo, con el cientificismo que descalifica, con las ideologías ateas (que también las hay). Te recomiendo que te des la oportunidad de conocer las humanidades y la filosofía (seguramente ya lo has hecho). A mí me han ayudado mucho a integrar visiones. ¡A seguir en esa búsqueda! Saludos desde México.

[@bertespejo786]

I like how you are being open minded and discuss what you experience in this channel. I like also that you veer away from making judgments on your videos. Interesting journey. Interesting skepticism.

[@harrymurakami]

I think Alex O'Connor is a great level headed intellectually honest youtube personality on these subjects

[@SimplySkeptical22]

@@harrymurakami he’s great!

[@coraima30]

Read Dr. Scott Han! I have been Catholic my whole life, separate myself for a while. Now just had a baby girl and want to raise her the right way! I have learn with Dr Han more than in all my early years in church and Pint and aquinas podcast is great

[@jennycooper6944]

Love this. Being open-minded and humble is key to learning anything! If you don’t have a church visit planned to go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints planned, I’d love to hear your perspective on their services and doctrine, as I’m a member of that faith and feel many misunderstand our beliefs. If you have any questions about it, I’m happy to help how I can! Regardless, I hope you can enjoy and find enlightenment on your journey of learning!

[@hammingdad1]

In your self introduction video you point out that you simply want to search for the truth. If your search is selfless (and I suspect it is), that is... if you are searching out of a love for truth rather than for the temporal goods that truth can bring, you will do exceptionally well. The truth won't always make you happy... but it will bring you a lifetime of REAL PEACE even in the most horrific situations. A humble search for the truth is a quest for beauty and it is life's greatest adventure. As for myself, I have always been a lover of science and mathematics... even as a small boy. I only started thinking about the possibility of God (in my early twenties) when I realized that the very best scientific discoveries simply unraveled 1,000 brand new difficult scientific questions that weren't there before. I noticed this in nearly every branch of science, but particularly in the realm of the materials sciences, particle physics and astronomy. It was only when I realized this fact (about the acquisition of scientific truth) that I began to entertain the possibility of an intelligent creator. The realization that the 'box of knowledge was bigger on the inside than on the outside' pointed me to Thomas Aquinas five proofs (Quinque viæ) because Thomas was a believer in Jesus. And then, ironically enough, it was the atheist Dr. Carl Sagan's books that convinced me that God might very possibly exist. That story would take me wayyyy too long to tell you here but it began when I read his book 'Broca's Brain'. Some day I will write this all down. Also, I began to realize that if God ever really DID exist (I still had significant doubts), if such a God performed a true and scientifically verifiable miracle right in front of my eyes... that due to the flaws in my nature... and the influence of my peers... I would begin doubting what I saw within a mere five or ten years! Within 20 years I would positively deny what my eyes had seen despite any scientific evidence. Sometimes self knowledge can be a little unsettling. We are mostly myopic in this way. We want... we NEED daily proof (as if the universe and each other were not proof enough). It is our nature. It is why we love the beauty and constancy of science and math so much. I'm skipping forward a great deal here (forgive me)... but I will finish with this: As to why we were created - we were created for selfless love - full stop. True believers (I have known a few) do good for others NOT to gain favor with God... but because they genuinely love God and all God has made. This love makes one painfully aware of the frailty of the human condition in ourselves and others. It is like the love of a devoted wife or of a devoted husband... only amplified and rarefied quite a bit. It is the difference between a humanitarian and a saint. The definition of sainthood is heroic charity despite great adversity. It is a LOVE thing, not a 'let me gain favor' thing. Think Mother Cabrini or Saint Catherine or Francis of Assisi. This is why it is so rare a thing. Morality can only bring an ordered society. Love, on the other hand, is why we were created... and it is the only thing that can make a happy and healthy society. Morality apart from love can result in an Orwellian nightmare of sorts. Keep going. Your videos inspire me to remember questions and answers that I have forgotten with age. I will try and chime in from time to time if I have anything of value to offer. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos.

[@firmbiz000]

Amazing. Look forward to seeing your journey unfold. Subscribed.

[@hannahbaker3080]

I would encourage you to go to an Orthodox Christian Liturgy, stay for the coffee hour (lunch) afterwards. I grew up evangelical and my questions that weren’t answered, are and more in the Orthodox Church.

[@dougandlina]

As a kid my mother was taking my brother and I to the Baptist Church and at the same time attending a Lutheran School when we lived in Alabama, my dad was a Federal Employee and we moved around. When we lived in Okinawa for five years, my dad decided that we become Lutheran. I was a Lutheran until converting to Catholic in 2011.

[@gseeker_anew5479]

Ambitious project, it will be a very interesting journey I’m sure. I went, and still going, through a similar path. That you are an intellectually curious girl with an otherwise “average” education really helps, because very few people understand sufficient Greek or Latin or Hebrew or Aramaic or Arabic to refer to original religious texts and interpretations, I, like you, want to gain my own understanding, and faith support, with the means available to me. Godspeed!

[@brennanwilcox6764]

Hello! Cool channel idea. Wishing the best for this channel and your journey. If I may add some book recommendations on the theism side to put in dialogue with the new atheists... Ed Feser - The last superstition Micheal Rota - Taking Pascal’s wager Tim Keller - 1. Reason for God and 2. Making sense of God - these are classics CS Lewis - mere Christianity - Another classic

[@Entropy3ko]

Good that you are searching! Good luck with your journey!

[@binaiow8469]

Just something very simple I was told during my own journey. Faith means believing in something you can’t know for sure is real. Or there is no proof out there one way or another. You can have any number of questions but you may not find the answers to them all. I wish you well.

[@sitka49]

"Pascal's Wager," it is considered "better" to believe in God, even if you are uncertain of his existence, because the potential gains of believing (like eternal happiness in heaven) are infinitely greater than the potential losses of believing if God does not exist (which would be limited to earthly pleasures) ; essentially, the potential reward outweighs the potential risk of being wrong. Many people criticize Pascal's Wager, arguing that it is based on a simplistic view of morality and does not consider the potential negative consequences of blind faith. And to some aspect of this view - are you praying to some god that in you're heart you are truly skeptical whether its real - there will always be the particle of skepticism?

[@ichthus1890]

Suggestion for Catholic research. Ignatius study bible. Just now being published. Highly recommended from lifelong Catholic.

[@seangreene3371]

It’s just one old man’s opinion, you are genuine, young , beautiful, and intelligent and given the chance you will succeed at whatever your heart desires. Similar to you I believe Alex O Conner and Tom Jump are also genuine people ,remember you can’t please everyone so be true to your self . Slainte.

[@SaintGeorge7]

You should visit an Episcopal church. Its Catholic lite, combines the rich tradition with openness to LGBTQIA and Women in ministry.

[@sitka49]

"It is impossible to imagine the universe run by a wise, just and omnipotent God, but it is quite easy to imagine it run by a board of gods."

[@johnbeyer7]

I really appreciate your openness and vulnerability to challenge your own ideas and beliefs. It can be scary to find aspects of your life conflict with what you find to be true. I would recommend at a bare minimum you should read the 4 gospels in their entirety if you haven’t done so already. I would also recommend The Bible in a Year podcast. For argumentation against the 4 horseman check out Trent Horn. For wisdom on all things in general - Jimmy Akin. God bless you on your journey!

[@Tubatoofpaste]

❤ I love your gentle, respectful approach. May I suggest two books, please? The first book is Trustworthy: thirteen arguments for the reliability of the New Testament by Benjamin Shaw. It is non-partisan and would be affirmed by Christians of many different stripes. The second book is Glen Scrivener’s The Air We Breathe. It is also something that most Christians would’ve happy with. Best wishes in your investigation.

[@BensWorkshop]

Good luck! May God bless you and guide you.

[@claudiacaprin4904]

Hi there, I came across your channel and saw the video where you attended a Catholic Mass. I'm glad you had a good experience overall :) I wanted to recommend a KZbin channel of a priest called Fr Burke Masters. He converted to Catholism as an adult and then decided to become a priest. He does summaries on the everyday scripture readings which I hope can be helpful and interesting to you :) Another recommendation (for reading the Bible as you mentioned) is the Bible-in-a-Year podcast by a priest called Fr Mike Shmitz. Apparently it's very popular and interesting even to non-Catholic/Christian audiences :) Overall, I think it's great that you are seeking the truth, considering all kinds of perspectives. I really wish you well on your journey, and I hope you obtain the Truth in it's fullness🙏 Good luck! And God bless :)

[@Amadeu5s]

I wish you a great journey. For me personally, the scholars that helped me navigate the metaphyscical world were simply Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas and William Lane Craig. I hope you find the Thuth in Jesus Christ.

[@panayotesanon3075]

Have you visited an Orthodox church?

[@SimplySkeptical22]

Yes! Just uploaded :)

[@zn4574]

Some people I'd recommend looking into as well. Edward Feser and his book The Last Superstition, after studying the four horseman. It's considered one of the best Christian and Catholic answers to the new atheism. Karen Oberg, she's an up and coming Swedish astrophysicist and a Catholic convert. Bishop Robert Barron's Catholicism and Word on Fire videos. Jonathan Pageau's Symbolic World youtube channel. He's a close friend of Jordan Peterson and has had a profound influence on his journey.

[@Laura-wg7px]

I'm actually really glad I found your channel and would find it awesome if you read the Bible and review it,cause that's basically what I've been doing the last couple of days...I grew up in a bit of a conservative region and in my teens I was more on the Atheist/spiritual side regarding faith. Now, having grown up a bit, I wanna explore that part again and see if i can find my place in a religion etc.

[@julieelizabeth4856]

Check out Fr. Mike Schmitz podcast "The Bible in a Year." It is entirely read, and explained, in one year, just a little time each day.

[@satortenet]

Good comments here in the section. Haven't seen this so, here it goes: Pray. Pray everyday. Before you go to sleep just talk to God, with an open heart ask Him to show you the way He wants you to go through. It sounds silly at first, but this habit goes a long way, believe it. God bless you.

[@ecxstasy347]

Remember this at 5:10: “I am seeking the truth.” Years down the line you probably will disagree with this statement I bet, nothing wrong with that.

[@idiota147]

Do you want to only limit yourself to the different beliefs inside the Christian faith or are you planning (or at least open) to exploring the validity of other Abrahamic faiths in specific and religions in general ?

[@SimplySkeptical22]

I am open to exploring all faiths! I have started with Christianity as that is what I am most familiar with.

[@idiota147]

@SimplySkeptical22 Alright good luck then

[@beryljeptoo9626]

Keep searching girl surely God knows that you are seeking His kingdom and He is very eager for you to find Him.

[@Shredder12]

I highly recommend listening to Sam Shamoun's bible study because it's multi-layered and he really gets into the complexities and meanings of everything. Be warned** Sam is not for the faint of heart. He was a protestant pastor for decades before finally converting to Catholicism. I'd also recommend Dr. Jordan Peterson's Biblical Series on Genesis. Great peek into the Bible and religion. The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel is also a fantastic resource and book for those looking for the burden of proof. Strobel (Legal Journalist) set out to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that God did not exist, he ended up converting to Christianity.

[@toddvoss52]

Would be useful to know your academic background

[@wakkablockablaw6025]

I highly recommend watching Jordan Peterson's and Jonathan Pageau's videos on religion.

[@finalfantasy12ejogosdocruzeiro]

your idea looks quite interesting and i say this as a weekly mass catholic question (and i mean absolutely no offense whatsoever): are there any atheist claims you find questionable atm? also, looking forward to see what discoveries your journey could bring, surely gonna pop on your channel from time to time to see how's it going

[@godfreydebouillon8807]

I've watched a few of your videos now, not sure why they popped up in mu queue, but there it is .. and it is interesting. I'll reiterate this, it is not possible to understand theism, ever, unless you understand Thomism. This is the philosophy of the Catholic Church, and is the cornerstone for much of Western Civilization. This runs contra secular philosophy (which we're all familiar with) that we're a result of eternal mechanistic interactions of molecules and energy. Read The Last Superstition by Ed Feser. Understanding Jordan Peterson, Ben Shapiro or whomever simply is not adequate to understanding classical theism, which, when properly understood is literally irrefutable:)

[@Afilhaortodoxa]

Nobody can be convinced of God’s existence through rational arguments. If people can explain exactly what God is to you, then God doesn’t exist. No human mind can “explain” faith, so you will convert. You have to experience God Himself inside of you. I converted when I read the Bible when I was looking to prove Christians wrong. I converted when I was 26, I didn’t care if most videos were made by middle aged man, I cared about facts and information being given to me. Tips: read the Bible first before studying what other people have to say about it (many doubts will show, but then you will go after the answers) Pray to God (talk to Him to open your mind even if it sounds ridiculous, He can listen to you anyways) In case of Christianity, start with Catholicism, the oldest “denomination” and the one that has the deepest theological and philosophical power. God bless you!

[@KarenSDR]

I just discovered your channel and am listening with interest. While you're exploring, I would urge you to visit, among other churches, a Unitarian Universalist congregation. It's a denomination that's full of sceptics. Historically, in the early days of the United States, the Unitarians and Universalists were two Christian denominations. John Adams was a Unitarian. So was Thomas Jefferson, though he didn't attend a congregation. In 1961, the two denominations merged, realizing how much they had in common. By then they were moving away from Christianity and becoming more humanist. I was raised both UU and Methodist, having one parent in each church. In my teen years I visited a lot of churches, as well as a synagogue, a mosque, and a Buddhist temple . I've read all of the Bible, the Koran, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Tao Te Ching. Reading the Bible from cover to cover at age 16 was the beginning of the end of Christianity for me. I'm 68 and have been attending a UU church since I was about 40. (Besides my childhood experiences there.) I'll be really interested in your future experiences.

[@SimplySkeptical22]

Universalist Unitarian is actually on my list! Along with Methodist and many others. I am beginning my journey fully reading the Bible cover to cover soon, and I feel I may come to the same conclusions. Thank you!

[@Turtleeatscabbage]

Thanks for sharing with us! Just wanted to recommend a couple books (non-Biblical, but they delve into the minds of those who started out skeptical/not practicioners of faith.) Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (author of the Narnia series- which, funny enough, have symbolism parallel with some Christian themes!) It’s his internal monologue/peeling back the years of his life leading into his faith. Confessions of St Augustine (translated.) One of my favorites, though one that may need to be taken slowly and in chunks. He talks about his youth, his skepticism, his vices, then how his openness led to a turning of his heart. It is written as a letter to God. (There’s also a nice song written by All Sons and Daughters that pulls his words into their lyrics! It’s called “Rest in You.”) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGWZiH2apZ6soqssi=bD0yvdTGrKES02cn

[@liamsdocs9982]

Try orthodoxy!

[@julieelizabeth4856]

Which one? Without singular leadership, the various sects in Orthodoxy are ex-communicating each other.

[@liamsdocs9982]

​@@julieelizabeth4856 Eastern orthodoxy, particularly a Greek orthodox church.

[@luisblanco4371]

I would recommend starting with philosophy. There is no point going into the Christian/Jewish religion without first being convinced that God exists. You have to understand what religion is before you start looking at the revelation of God.

[@SimplySkeptical22]

@@luisblanco4371 While philosophy and religion are not mutually exclusive, that is not the route I have decided to take. Attending different religious groups in my area is the most accessible, tangible way for me to begin my exploration outside of my Protestant background. I am not yet convinced God exists; but I want to stand firm on that statement. Philosophy is incredibly important but that is not the purpose of my channel (for the time being).

[@luisblanco4371]

@SimplySkeptical22 Okay. Well then, I think you will still need a standard you consider to be logical to differentiate between the different religions. Are you trying to figure out if they are true or if they are making the same religious claims without knowing it? Are you just feeling things out and base the truth claims on how things felt? Or are you seeking to understand if some of these religions have strong foundational claims that are likely to be truth and then would lead you to become part of that group?

[@abelincoln.2064]

Nonsense. We have religions that believe in "the gods" because Man is an intelligence with an intellect ... living in a world ... where everything including Man's body is a Function with purpose, rules & design. Law is a Functions that only an intelligence can make & enforce. And everything in the Universe must obey the Laws ... of Nature/Physics. Science is a Function designed by an Intelligence to extraction information from Natural Functions and it relies on the fixed laws of Nature (Functions). Universal Functions ... the testable Hypothesis ... for all Machine Analogies used by Christians for over 300 years to explain religion & Creation .. and is the the scientific proof of only God of the Jews & Christians. Universal Functions destroys Evolution, Abiogenesis, and the Big Bang and therefore Atheism which worships the Almighty magical powers of Mother Nature and Father Time.

[@xdMatthewbx]

3:09 keep in mind there isnt one clearly defined bible if youre taking a skeptic standpoint. the 66 book canon is the most popular protestant canon, but there are others. certainly an area to research

[@viktor_vaughn]

Get yourself a study bible. It helps a lot.

[@SimplySkeptical22]

Picked up one today!

[@viktor_vaughn]

@SimplySkeptical22 I'm really glad. I am also connecting with God after being an agnostic all my life. That's probably why your content was recommended by KZbin.

[@coolbreeze6532]

I think this thing you're doing is both silly and dangerous. Your search should start in the Bible while asking the Holy Spirit for discernment and understanding. Why are you including us in your journey? Yes, I know I don't have to watch your videos. Asking for public to accompany you, what are your expectations? Views, likes? If so, sounds rather shallow but isn't exactly sinful. Are you wanting our guidance, encouragement, advice? If so, wouldn't our bias be a factor (Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, etc.)? Visiting different religious places of worship, surely you realize some are purposely deceiving people? What keeps you from being deceived since you already have a veil over your eyes?

[@SimplySkeptical22]

An attitude like yours is what turns people away from faith altogether. The only sure way that I open myself to deception is to not ask questions and not seek out answers. There are many other (easier) things I could be doing online for attention/money if that were my goal. I get the feeling you didn't actually watch the video and listen to what I had to say.

[@coolbreeze6532]

@SimplySkeptical22 I understand that you believe what you're doing is good. You claim to be skeptic. This is what the Bible says about skepticism: Romans 1:18-20 NKJV "[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, [19] because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. [20] For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, " Even though you claim skepticism, this verse still applies to you. Seeking the council of pagans could have you accepting paganism.

[@StudiesOfTheAncientNearEast]

@@coolbreeze6532 My goodness just stay silent. All you are doing is embarrasing all of Christianity and making us look like irrational fools.

[@coolbreeze6532]

@@StudiesOfTheAncientNearEast "Stay silent?" Nope. "Embarrassing all of Christianity?" How? "Making us look like irrational fools?" Are you an actual believer? If so, you have to remember that the ONLY way to God is through Christ. This lady has put a channel devoted towards trying the 'other' way, the wide gate. This way will get her views but it may get her further deceived. But maybe her agenda is to deceive. If what I wrote embarrases you, use biblical doctrine to explain to me how. And you can at least feel good (unless you're a bot) that this conversation increases interaction on her channel, which helps her.

[@claudiacaprin4904]

​@@coolbreeze6532 the search for the truth, not matter where one starts is always virtuous in God's eyes. Faith and Reason is the foundation of the Church.

[@daltonnelson94]

If you are seeking truth, then you will find Jesus! He is the truth!! We have all sinned and that sin makes us guilty in front of a holy God (Romans 3:23). The good news is God loves us so much that Jesus Christ took the punishment that we deserve on the cross to pay for our sins and redeem us! All those that repent and believe in Jesus Christ alone are saved (John 3:16, Romans 10:9)! Don't reject God's love! Don't reject God's gift of salvation! Turn away from sin and follow Jesus! 🙏❤