Why Being A "Cultural Christian" Makes No Sense

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Richard Dawkins, a renowned atheist, has stated for years that to believe in a god or higher power is delusional. However, he recently referred to himself as a "cultural Christian," stating that there is still a need for the church in America. It makes no sense to believe that there is no god, yet insist on the necessity of the church since everything that comes out of the church is a manifestation of what happens within it.
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[@EdsChristianChannel]

Richard Dawkins spends his life trying to discredit and destroy Christianity and then when he sees the world getting worse for it is like, no wait I don’t want it to completely disappear.

[@matthenley3886]

He’s never said he wanted it to disappear completely. In 2007 he told the BBC that he didn’t want to purge the UK of its Christian heritage.

[@EdsChristianChannel]

@@matthenley3886 fair enough

[@matthenley3886]

@@EdsChristianChannel He is also highly critical of Christianity as it is in the US ( as opposed to the UK) and he wants the more fundamentalist beliefs to disappear. He just likes some of the traditions. Maybe you should actually listen to Dawkins rather than Ben ( who clearly struggles with listening as well).

[@DomH75]

@@matthenley3886 Dawkins openly discussed 'succeeding in destroying Christianity' with Christopher Hitchens in an interview later on.

[@lohi172]

@@DomH75 Ikr? Dawkins is being what one might call a hypocrite.

[@victoralex6569]

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[@alibabajtr]

WOW Praise God I know “LUCAS ERICK” videos here on youtube…….

[@alibabajtr]

Awesome place to view out on KZbin for successful deeds!!! Amen

[@AlxBalaceanu]

Thanks I just searched, I saw his videos. I'm really impressed with his credentials.,,,

[@pablicioborges]

Before my encounter with him in Washington I was doing well for myself but meeting him got me going

[@mitchelstephen7536]

That wasn't "Jesus".. it was a nice person. You can be a nice person without the alien.

[@lonergraphics4087]

I'm an atheist but I'll pick Christianity over Islam any day.

[@BillyMurray-hw2vz]

Christianity is dying, Islam is the only way to stop wokeness

[@fredmercury1314]

Which sort of Christianity? The post-Christian, barely Christian Christianity, or the old fashioned burning witches and stoning ho's Christianity?

[@user-dt6cx9gy9m]

maybe you should be a christian

[@Justin-jc3el]

Any sane person would

[@mrmoralman1]

That's called prejudice

[@lovescarguitar]

Richard Dawkins: "The amount of Cows & any other animal being milked is going down, and i think that i am happy about that. But i would not be happy if the amount of milk being distributed went down"...... 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@user-ci7vu7eo9w]

typical english fool

[@tbishop4961]

There's always "nut milk"😂

[@user-ci7vu7eo9w]

English fools

[@aranisles8292]

Very good analogy! He wants the fruit without the tree.

[@georgewashingtom6516]

@@tbishop4961 But who would want to drink milk from a bull....?

[@Bauks]

He is basically saying that give the option he would choose a Christian society over a Muslim society.. And as a fellow atheist I agree with him.

[@davidhorton188]

Yet he tries to tear down that very thing like so many atheists.

[@LawnBowlerUK]

@@davidhorton188because the Old Testament isn’t something to be celebrated, and the intolerance of a lot of Christian’s likewise isn’t a benefit to society.

[@chigrikmarak3107]

​@@davidhorton188 how are atheist trying to tear down that it's not like there are atheist missionaries going around and converting people into atheism.

[@davidhorton188]

@@LawnBowlerUK i disagree, and that dusty old book managed to drag most of the civilised world of today out of the dark ages to where it is today and the further we get away from it the world regresses back to those dark days.

[@davidhorton188]

@@chigrikmarak3107 you do know dawkins has made a life long career of dissuading people, he even states his happy there are less Christians today in this very video.

[@chillout2nyc]

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”" -‭ 1 Corinthians 3:19-20

[@mattm7798]

Love it. None of this "new atheism" is anything new. It's been going on for literal millennia.

[@bryndrson8289]

"There can't be a practical reason for believing what isn't true. - [It's] a fundamental dishonesty and a fundamental treachery to intellectual integrity to hold a belief because you think it's useful and not because you think it's true." - Bertrand Russell (Why I am not a Christian)

[@jimconnolly23]

what a great message!...."Be an idiot". I guess that works for religions

[@mrdavies7894]

@@jimconnolly23I take it you’re religious? 😇😂 No, but seriously folks, if you haven’t figured out that Religion and Idiocy are completely independent phenomena that can nonetheless make use of each other (to their mutual demise), just as Idiocy and Politics, then you’ll be forever tilting at windmills.

[@triciaworld]

Amen

[@JanetUK]

Many of us in the U.K. would identify as Cultural Christian’s and whilst we don’t necessarily go to church, we are scared of the country losing its Christian values.

[@SubFlow22]

Then go to church!

[@Busco-dx6mf]

As a Christian from the UK, I find this comment funny. You're not actually a Christian but are scared of the UK losing it's christian values? The solution is to actually become a Christian.

[@arh3733]

I've seen East London. It's already lost them.

[@GustavoAndresHerrera]

So you believe a thing is good, but you don't participate on said thing. Do you realize how unsustainable that position is, right?

[@jean-pierre5221]

As Christian, you can't not be a Christian and complain about the UK losing it's Christian values. You're part of the problem.

[@ellieperry1407]

So basically Dawkins likes what Christians create but doesn’t believe in God or the Bible at all.

[@SydneyBell-eh6je]

Um no, he sees christianity as the lesser of two evils, he doesn't like christianity or islam but sees christianity as less barbaric because they adapted and became more secular

[@GhastlyCretin85]

Yes that's right. He appreciates the cultural aspect but has no belief in God.

[@GhastlyCretin85]

​@@SydneyBell-eh6jeThe statement is 100% correct.

[@mlh5434]

To some degree yes, and I'm in agreement with him. I too like much of what Western Civilization has produced, and I realize that much of that is rooted in a Christian tradition. But I'm also smart enough to read the first few pages of the Bible where it talks about talking snakes and 950 year-old men and realize that is cuckoo for cocoa puffs.

[@VinnieG-]

yea sure like crusades, burning witches, executing scientists, hating on gay people, campaigning against condoms in freaking Africa, where aids is an epidemic. Oh good old christianity

[@kekort2]

I could understand Dawkins's position better if he didn't go out of his way to try to destroy that cultural basis.

[@BigBen2018]

Exactly. The cognitive dissonance is stunning to witness in a man of this intellectual stature.

[@johnj3027]

Wrong. The religious practices have become more cultural and have even come so far as to separate themselves from the religion. Christmas has become much more rooted in materialism/capitalism, when 90% of Americans celebrate Christmas but only 70% of the country are Christians, that should prove my point. I don't need to believe in God to enjoy sending a wrapped gift to my friends; or continue to do so even if no one else was Christian where I lived but know of Christmas.

[@PiRobot314]

Think about it this way, some practices are bad (denying women's rights) and Dawkins wants to stop them, and some practices are good (hymns and cathedrals) and Dawkins wants to keep them.

[@georgewashingtom6516]

@@PiRobot314 How do you decide what is good and what is bad if there is no God?

[@PiRobot314]

@@georgewashingtom6516 The same way I would evaluate what is good and bad if there *is* a God. I don't know what they have to do with each other. I suppose some people would say that whatever is good or bad would depend on what God wants (if God likes it then it is good and if God does not like it then it is bad). Basing "good" on what a being desired is a way to start. Let's just then broaden the scope of whose opinion counts. Instead of only caring about the opinion of one being, I care about the opinions of all conscious beings. Humans and other animals have varying degrees of consciousness, so therefore their flourishing is "good"

[@golden-63]

*Shapiro, being Jewish, knows there are many "culturally Jewish" people that don't believe in God, but still feel rooted in the culture. Why does that make sense, but being a "cultural Christian" does not?*

[@LisaSpringfield]

This. So only Jews can be cultural Jews? Shapiro is inconsistent and hypocritical here. He's losing Christian support.

[@bryndrson8289]

Shapiro isn't known for his consistency. He is a total hypocrite The firing of Candace Owens, holding Jews to different standards, etc. He is so full of shit I don't know how "Christians" actually like this POS.

[@user-wj4uh9bh3j]

when ppl say culturally jewish they mean that they still take part in the ethnic folklore. christianity is not an etno-religion and so being culturally christian without believing in god or godly jesus doesnt make sense. you can be culturally french or italian which are also etnicities with shared folklore without being a believer

[@bryndrson8289]

@@user-wj4uh9bh3j I grew up Mormon. I no longer believe in the theology, but I still consider myself culturally Mormon because I was raised in a particular culture that only someone raised in that culture would understand. Saying there is no such thing as Christian culture is like saying there is no such thing as White culture.

[@christinasailorluna7323]

@@LisaSpringfield Did you watch the video? He didn't say any of this. He's obviously rooting for Christianity.

[@DmitriFilms]

You cannot have Churches without people to pray inside of them. People need to congregate to pray together, so Churches are required. This is the basic foundational principle. It is all well and good for an athiest to walk into a Church and admire it, but if that same athiest wants the Christian values and culture to persevere, then you need to have people in there praying. So to the Cultural Christians, don't just enjoy the Easter chocolates, go to Church.

[@TheLisaschaum]

And only visitors and congregants will donate to keep these cathedrals open and operating. Parish attendance keeps dwindling and then for poor neighbors can't get to church pantries, they end up relying on government assistance. Our free will donations get replaced by higher taxes, and Uncle Sam is about to get his own coronation 😢

[@alphamaloney]

For the majority of people Christmas and Easter are just commercialized holidays. Gift giving and Santa and the Easter bunny with candy. No religion involved at all.

[@billyalexander5645]

We should turn the churches into gay bars and children's transgender hospitals, I think everyone would like that

[@MiaMia-px5xo]

Amen bro!

[@simfimpim]

Why is Ben acting like he has no idea what Dawkins meant? It's quite obvious what he meant. Christianity can be part of your culture even though one might not be religious at all.

[@jackzones678]

I mean, is Dawkins making sense? How can you both be glad you live in a Christian culture and that belief in Christianity is declining simultaneously? That culture wouldn't have existed historically if there were no Christians. Dawkins wouldn't be able to sit on his Enlightment high-horse without Christianity. Ben is spot on here: if Christians stop going to church, Christian culture will cease to exist.

[@throwingcrabs]

​​@@jackzones678 no you're completely wrong buddy. Christian culture can still thrive even if there are no Christians around, for example i come from hindu majority country( india obviously) but here despite being non Christians we do celebrate christmas and this is the same story in many other christian minority countries. Why is that exactly? As for churches,can't they be turned into historical monuments and be used as tourist attraction or museum or something doesn't that sound logical? Christians have got no role in any of the above mentioned either so what exactly is the problem here? I'm not religious btw

[@al38447]

@@throwingcrabs You cannot be a cultural Christian because one would have to be a follower of Christ, which atheists are not in any sense of the word.

[@throwingcrabs]

@@al38447 no that's not true. If that's the case then what's the difference between a religious christian and a cultural Christian? You're making exactly zero sense here

[@jackzones678]

@throwingcrabs to be honest, I don't think any of that is logical. The book Shapiro referenced (and I highly encourage you to check it out) is "Dominion" by Tom Holland. Holland, who is also non-religious, makes the argument that western culture and Christianity are inseparable. He then traces a through-line between historical Christianity and today's society. The non-Christians in our society do not realize that the framework that they operate under (i.e., believers vs atheists, liberalism, etc.) are outgrowths of Christian ideology and practice. You mentioned India, which was previously a part of the British Empire. That is why the culture there allows for some Christian traditions to continue. But I would argue that the perpetuation of traditions devoid of their context and meaning will lead future generations to eschew those traditions. Take the United States for example; we have a bunch of young people steeped in a culture of freedom who think it's OK to tear down statues/historical monuments because they don't understand historically why it is they are allowed to protest in the first place (as if slavery/racism were the only historical issues to have ever occurred). The reason why Christianity dominated western culture (and the world tbh) is because the religion teaches its followers to spread their faith across the globe (i.e., as missionaries) or to the future through passing the tradition down to their children. The same is true of our culture. Christianity (and faith, more broadly) give meaning to why we believe the things we believe. The only way that culture continues is if the Christian ideology continues to be practiced and maintained.

[@overcharge6835]

I was the angsty teenager that tried being Athiest while keeping Cristian Values. Its impossible to keep those values like that. Without a concrete foundation like the bible you start making compromises little by little, giving up you values.

[@Stayhumblebooboo]

Maybe you do! Speak for yourself m'kay 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@MsBleau]

​@@StayhumbleboobooHence why they stated " I"

[@dsteddd6087]

you can be morally virtuous without a bible. Bible is not the source of all good. We developed and evolved to a rich society. Christianity only reflected that in a simple way comprehensible for anyone.

[@Stayhumblebooboo]

​@@MsBleauand then said YOU start making compromises. Giving up what YOU value. You didn't see the word "you", only the word"I"? "I" was blah blah blah, then it switched to you start making....you value...., not "I" started making compromises and what "I" value. Got it?

[@Stayhumblebooboo]

@@dsteddd6087 exactly

[@BRAVE_NEW_1984]

Wants the milk. Doesn't care about feeding the cow.

[@MeChoonChannel]

Wants the milk, but believes the milk is from a cow not a unicorn

[@kallytem9652]

@@MeChoonChanneldon’t drink the milk if you don’t believe there is a cow

[@MeChoonChannel]

@@kallytem9652 There is a cow. We have evidence for the cow. Your God is the unicorn in this analogy

[@joelwaldron66]

It’s just tradition, he doesn’t believe in it one tiny bit but likes Christmas and Easter and it’s engrained in his culture, hence ‘cultural Christian’, he is still one hundred percent an atheist as in he doesn’t believe in theism. Why are people not getting his 30 second clip and coming up with wild outcomes

[@georgewashingtom6516]

@@MeChoonChannel In the analogy, Dawkins doesn't want to take care of the cow. He enjoys the milk but has no interest in preserving the cow

[@td8780]

A cultural Christian entirely misses the point. The beauty of a church and the carols is the reason behind them, otherwise they are just empty entities.

[@fredmercury1314]

No, they're pretty buildings and nice sounding songs. Lots of beautiful buildings aren't built for religious reasons. Or are you incapable of enjoying things that are not religious..? I guess you just feel nothing when looking at the pyramids of Egypt, since you don't worship those gods..?

[@tylere.8436]

​@@fredmercury1314But what makes them beautiful? Just because? Feeling?

[@fredmercury1314]

@@tylere.8436 Well, that's an unfeasibly complex question to answer because there is no one reason. You can find something beautiful simply because you admire the skills and time required in making it, the sacrifices someone may have made to make it happen. You may find yourself awestruck looking at this object. It can be culturally aesthetically pleasing to you, visually. That may be because you grew up around things of that style, or because you didn't and it's simply unusual. There are many more reasons besides these, and none of them have to do with carols or religion.

[@gusolsthoorn1002]

Ben is correct. Morality comes from religion, truth comes from God.

[@jeremyallen5974]

You mean the 'truth' that has had to be endlessly revised over the years? Some 'truth'....

[@gusolsthoorn1002]

@@jeremyallen5974 What has been revised?

[@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363]

God is the epitome of Holiness because He is sinlessly perfect, A sinner (liar, sexually immoral, taking the Lord’s Name in vain, thief etc) cannot be in the presence of God or else he will be utterly consumed therefore repent of your sins and put your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour to go to Heaven.

[@kollekciorozsdas6110]

Thats just false on so many levels

[@gusolsthoorn1002]

@@kollekciorozsdas6110 The only level that really matters is God's level. We mortals can rant and rave but God decides.

[@luizfernando-jc3ul]

It is so funny how people make such a massive effort to advocate for rationality and science while being atheists, which is a belief that ultimately leads to conclude that life is pointless and nonsensical

[@tinamariejohnson7520]

One of the best comments on this thread!

[@DavidZ4-gg3dm]

Not true - many atheists have purposes in life.

[@NotSure723]

" leads to conclude that life is pointless and nonsensical" -No it doesn't, and even if it did, that doesn't give any credence to Christianity.

[@ch4z_bucks]

Rationality and science however have demonstrated that life has no meaning. Everything will end. Nothing you say here discredits atheism which itself holds science and the scientific method above all else.

[@dbefore7165]

What’s wrong with life being meaningless? Should you matter to the universe? How narcissistic..

[@Charlotte_Martel]

At this point, I'll celebrate common sense and honesty wherever I can find them. Ben is correct that, if divorced from practising the faith, cultural religion doesn't last long or stand against strongly held beliefs. But Dawkins is brave to acknowledge the truth that will make him toxic to the Leftist circles in which he lives. Have to give him respect for that.

[@jaymanson3736]

Well said.

[@ndimuafrica]

In what universe is Dawkins a leftist?

[@Charlotte_Martel]

​@@jaymanson3736Thank you (tips her hat).

[@Charlotte_Martel]

​@@ndimuafricaSeriously? Until the whole trans debacle, Dawkins was extremely well regarded in Leftist circles. He was adamantly against Trump, pro choice, pro gay marriage, pro environment, and anti religion. Believe it or not, back in the Dark Ages of 2016, that was the only allegiance necessary to be a Leftist.

[@mrdavies7894]

@@ndimuafricaDawkins has long been a hero of the Left as a vocal and generally erudite atheist. In contrast to e.g Hitchens, who followed his philosophy way too far for Leftists to go!

[@primalego643]

Everybody is scared and alarmed now, but it's already too late.

[@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363]

The issue at hand is sin and God’s nature of being just. Sin brings suffering (the pleasure is short term, and the suffering is long term-on earth and in hell forever). God brings Righteousness (may have short term suffering followed by long term pleasure- on earth and in Heaven). If you love yourself repent of your sins (lying, hatred, unforgiveness, sexual sins, taking the Lord’s Name in vain, stealing, dishonouring your parents etc) & believe in Jesus for forgiveness of sins. (Jesus died on the Cross as a sacrifice and defeated death by rising from the dead)

[@-mey5392]

"if u kill God, we don't end up with higher humans. Instead, we have a war for power" What a great point!

[@crashtestdummy2337]

I think a lot of Westerners fail to realize HOW IMPORTANT the moral foundation of a country is to the soul of that nation. Virtue and morality can't exist without religion. You say you love the cathedrals? You need to go into them and atart using them. You dont need to become a christian or Catholic,but you need to actually participate in the culture you want to exist in society. Something will always fill the void, and you won't like what comes.

[@Steelmage99]

"Virtue and morality can't exist without religion" What a load of nonsense.

[@jimconnolly23]

please tell me what rights you enjoy that come , uniquely, from the Bible.

[@mrdavies7894]

@@Steelmage99still awaiting the rise of the productive, virtuous, atheist society….

[@mrdavies7894]

@@jimconnolly23that’s really quite easy, since the US Constitution, for example, is so informed, uniquely, by the Bible. The argument that “these truths” may (arguably) be found outside of the Bible is not germane. But let’s work with that argument. From a Platonic viewpoint, if we posit that “these truths” _are_ found outside of the Bible, then the Bible is _uniquely_ expressing truths that are universal, radiate from a more perfect place, and are not collected in any other treatise as simply as the Bible.

[@alphamaloney]

@@mrdavies7894 As an atheist I wouldn't want to create an atheist society as I wouldn't want to force my belief (or non-belief) on anybody. That's why I prefer secular societies, like the one we currently live in, so that the government can't force their beliefs on me.

[@5BBassist4Christ]

Orthodox Jew delivers one of the most fire defenses of Christianity.

[@WearsaFedora]

As someone said, " Dawkins wants the apples but not the orchard".

[@bryndrson8289]

"There can't be a practical reason for believing what isn't true. - [It's] a fundamental dishonesty and a fundamental treachery to intellectual integrity to hold a belief because you think it's useful and not because you think it's true." - Bertrand Russell (Why I am not a Christian)

[@katakana-kun2122]

And your basis for saying that it isn't true....?

[@vmob7039]

I agree with Ben. I say this as a devout catholic, People need to stop accusing him of being anti Christian. It’s utterly ridicules. There is no greater friend to Christians than Ben.

[@davidnguyen4707]

I thought he believe Jesus to be a renegade Jew?

[@fondoomcderty8325]

@@davidnguyen4707 bro thats what every non Christian believes, how can you be a non Christian friend of Christians if you believe Jesus is the son of God?

[@MiaMia-px5xo]

LOL. The wise brave mr Rabbi Tovia Singer, God bless him, has destroyed your pagan belief already multiple times!!! Baruch Ha-Shem!!! Edonai is above everything, including your corrupt FALSE ''MESSIACH'' jesus who is in hell with mary and all his followers! Go and pray to your statues of mary and ''saint''. G-d is above everything, how dare you to bring up 3 gods father-son-spirit when G-d almighty doesn't need anyone!! Mazel tov! Only worshipping ONE G-D of Abram, Itzak and Jacov.

[@sdjslkdjlsskldjslkdjsl8262]

Remember when Ben let the mask slip a few years ago and posted some "funny" puns about Jesus being nailed to the cross on twitter?

[@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363]

The issue at hand is sin and God’s nature of being just. Sin brings suffering (the pleasure is short term, and the suffering is long term-on earth and in hell forever). God brings Righteousness (may have short term suffering followed by long term pleasure- on earth and in Heaven). If you love yourself repent of your sins (lying, hatred, unforgiveness, sexual sins, taking the Lord’s Name in vain, stealing, dishonouring your parents etc) & believe in Jesus for forgiveness of sins. (Jesus died on the Cross as a sacrifice and defeated death by rising from the dead)

[@josephcrowe2908]

Can there be a moral hypocrite, Ben?

[@aggimajera]

Only if they’re not Right Wing and Orthodox Jewish, apparently.

[@johnpaulcastillo8403]

@@aggimajera or realistically, if you're an atheist, leftist, socialists, PETA, BLM, and a democratic secularists.

[@Bozo_Weirdo]

Of course; I don’t think you’re immoral for being intellectually dishonest. Stupidity isn’t inherently immoral.

[@johnpaulcastillo8403]

@@Bozo_Weirdo technically, being stupid is immoral and dishonest because it show a lack of progress and growth like saying God doesn't exist which shows that being immorally illogical

[@Bozo_Weirdo]

@@thedude0000 God: ‘destroy these evil people entirely’ You: This means God is evil. Atheists ☕️

[@topdog5252]

"I don't believe in the God that you don't believe in" - Jean Piaget

[@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363]

The issue at hand is sin and God’s nature of being just. Sin brings suffering (the pleasure is short term, and the suffering is long term-on earth and in hell forever). God brings Righteousness (may have short term suffering followed by long term pleasure- on earth and in Heaven). If you love yourself repent of your sins (lying, hatred, unforgiveness, sexual sins, taking the Lord’s Name in vain, stealing, dishonouring your parents etc) & believe in Jesus for forgiveness of sins. (Jesus died on the Cross as a sacrifice and defeated death by rising from the dead)

[@desnatis]

I think a lot of people misunderstand the root of the question. The premise of the question rests on whether norality can exist without god. If the answer is no, then a moral atheist is impossible, because if he considers himself moral, then he must subscribe to some sort of god. If the answer is yes, then where does morality come from? Why is it bad to take advantage of other people? Animals take advantage of their own species all the time, and they have no conception of god. At the very best, you could say that morality is made up by humans, but then why should it bind anyone who doesn't subscribe to norality? There can be no objective morality without god.

[@TheSocratesian]

Probably the self interest that comes from knowing we live in a community of other humans and if we allow people to steal, injure or kill other humans then that is a threat to you as well. Laws against such things and others predate Judaism and Christianity by a very wide margin.

[@desnatis]

@TheSocratesian but self interest is not morality. There is a difference between self interest and morality. I think my point still stands, reason being, what happens if someone come along who is too strong to care about what other people do? Your idea is essentially survival of the fittest, but no one believes he is the fittest. So what happens if the fittest comes along, and he knows that he is? Then you'd probably wish that morality was objective, as opposed to being based in self-interest.

[@TheSocratesian]

@@desnatis I think you are sorely mistaken. It's not survival of the fittest at all. Laws prevent survival of the fittest. That is what they are designed to do. There are humans whose brains do not work right and clearly do not care a lick about what is and is not moral. But the deterrence/penalties they face if they act on their twisted thinking stops or punishes them. Remember, Bible was used to justify slavery and to demand it be ended. What you are describing is anarchy which is not reasonable if you want an ordered society that protects its people.

[@Stormie33]

William Lane Craig likes throwing objective morality arguments around and they just don't stand up to any reasonable level of scrutiny. There is no objective morality, nor any basis to claim that even if it did somehow exist in some universal capacity outside human thought, that it's actually manifesting in any logical way and having any impact on our individual perceptions of morality (which differ greatly).

[@python2400]

​@TheSocratesian I agree. Self preservation seems to be the root of a sort of community practiced moral system. Its eithet I scratch your back you scratch mine, we all win, or an eye for an eye and we all lose kinda situation.

[@boredwithitall963]

Please debate Dawkins publicly

[@aaronreeve1414]

Dawkins isn’t a college sophomore, so Bench isn’t going to do that.

[@bryndrson8289]

Dawkins would literally shlt on Ben

[@boredwithitall963]

“Literally.”

[@bryndrson8289]

@@boredwithitall963 Literally - used for emphasis or to express strong feeling while not being literally true.

[@matityaloran9157]

He debated Harris so he might

[@LRM5195]

Can there be an immoral Christian? Yes.

[@jeremyallen5974]

Some of the most immoral people in history went to (or ran) the church

[@Imani-ld7he]

Obviously there can be an immoral anything.

[@cdea8783]

Not a Christian then yet hiding behind Christianity

[@alwaysmarcy9428]

Every Christian is immoral, every human is immoral that's why Christ came to redeem us

[@alwaysmarcy9428]

@LightforChrist8 if what you say is true, why do we need Christ? Because we all fall short of the kingdom of God

[@joedirt7553]

Christ is King!

[@saleemq7]

They’ll hunt you down now

[@markcreemore4915]

ELVIS is king!

[@svietka202]

​@@saleemq7we r not mu slim... we don't hunt down people

[@endiurcek9084]

He's actually a son of a king, which would make him a prince...

[@lrdeldric]

@@svietka202cancel culture is also a form of “hunting people down”.

[@vidform]

By "cultural" Christian, I think he's saying he's cool with enjoying Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, but that's as far as he'll go.

[@DocReasonable]

'God can kiII whoever he chooses.' - Religious person 'We get our morals from God.' - also Religious person

[@TheEternalOuroboros]

If God is posited as inherently benevolent then whomever he kills is morally justified. Of course, the positing of a benevolent God is where to attack this argument.

[@SubFlow22]

I'm going to have to say that a person can grasp The Golden Rule without the fear of a God. Morality does not require the fear of, or want for acceptance of, a God.

[@danielwessel9884]

Yes they can. But human will can only take you so far.

[@Steelmage99]

The Golden Rule isn't even that good. It is extremely easy to improve upon.

[@Steelmage99]

@@danielwessel9884 "But human will can only take you so far." What do you mean?

[@danielwessel9884]

@@Steelmage99 That depends on your view of human nature. If you believe humans are perfect in potential and can reach perfection with effort, then you don't need anything else. If you believe that humans are flawed and have limits that cannot be overcome without help, then human will can only take you so far.

[@Steelmage99]

@@danielwessel9884 You just said the same thing again. Can you give me an example of where the limit is?

[@Sindamsc]

As an atheist, I don't care if Ben is Christian, Jew, whatever. I value what he says and stands for. But for many religious people like Ben people's opinion on God defines if a person is good or bad, for some reason.

[@al38447]

1 John 1:8-10 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

[@RobertZemeckis2025]

@@al38447 ya jesus is jew

[@katakana-kun2122]

Ben doesn't judge people based on their thoughts on God at all. He explained in this very video that atheists can be as moral as christians. The new testament also strongly suggests that.

[@mouikafa-qn1gn]

Because only God is good

[@matityaloran9157]

Shapiro has said individual atheists can be moral people

[@GoemonLovesFujiko]

Dawkins to atheists - “yeah, no…. That’s not what I meant.”

[@sageofsixpaths98]

Richard Dawkins is ignorantly regreting his absolute opposition of religion, but wouldn't accept it.

[@bluephonixe7371]

Durkin just woke up to what is really happening in 🇬🇧,where the churches are empty on Sunday but supermarkets are packed on Sundays. The churches cathedral are being converted into mosques 🕌 and Muslim people are boosting about it.

[@mirkat9728]

Since those churches were purchased legally, what is the issue?

[@shirfree]

i will give a kidney to see a debate between Shapiro and Dawkins. or at least a sunday special

[@thereisnonegoodbutgodjohn363]

The issue at hand is sin and God’s nature of being just. Sin brings suffering (the pleasure is short term, and the suffering is long term-on earth and in hell forever). God brings Righteousness (may have short term suffering followed by long term pleasure- on earth and in Heaven). If you love yourself repent of your sins (lying, hatred, unforgiveness, sexual sins, taking the Lord’s Name in vain, stealing, dishonouring your parents etc) & believe in Jesus for forgiveness of sins. (Jesus died on the Cross as a sacrifice and defeated death by rising from the dead)

[@torreyintahoe]

It makes complete sense. I'm an atheist but we celebrate Christmas knowing that it doesn't have any actual significance.

[@LevisH21]

which is completely stupid. the only reason you celebrate it is because if the heritage and traditions of the country you are from which has a Christian history. if the country was Islamic but you were an atheist, you would be a "cultural Muslim"? have some Ramadan or whatever. the only reason why atheists like Christmas is because they get free vacation from work. Thank God for that. in the atheist Soviet Union, workers would work even during non existent Christmas days. no vacation whatsoever.

[@luxuryjesper1235]

I agree with Richard Dawkins. I come from Denmark, and is an atheist. But, I'm also quite conservative. I care a lot about traditions, also the ones related to the Christian church: baptism, confirmation, marriage in church, funeral etc. It's deeply rooted in our culture, despite being one of the most anti-religious countries in the entire world. And I wouldn't trade that. I guess that makes me a Cultural Christian, as well.

[@makeitcount179]

This Defense of Faith is maybe the greatest reason why I Harbour Brotherly Love for Ben Shapiro. I thank the One True God for Ben Shapiro. He is a vital and necessary voice in our culture in the Fight for Truth. Love.

[@MegaLokopo]

So you admit there are multiple gods?

[@makeitcount179]

@@MegaLokopo I admit One God. Deuteronomy 6:4 " Hear O Israel! THE Lord God! The Lord is One."

[@MegaLokopo]

@@makeitcount179 That doesn't actually clarify anything besides the fact that you don't understand English very well.

[@makeitcount179]

@@MegaLokopo restate your Q

[@MegaLokopo]

@@makeitcount179 do you Believe multiple gods exist?

[@IanGerritsen]

Atheists (like me) definitely need to come to terms with the flaws that have become evident as we've secularized. Maybe those flaws aren't guaranteed and we can find a way around them - but we gave up a working system for a non-working system, that cannot be argues at this point.

[@williammkydde]

Very good point! Atheism was doomed a model for masses. It turns out, for a vast MAJORITY of any people, faith matters more than facts or knowledge. The plandemic has been a demonstration: the majority did believe in the imminent death, the vax, the immunity that miraculously descends on the 14th day of the 2nd dose, just as they believe in the boiling planet. Most people don't want to or don't know how to think autonomously. If they stop going to church, they will fall into some other cult. Most people ARE quite like sheep, begging for a shepherd. Atheism exalts the human intelligence, the intellectual freedom. But that takes intelligence. Only a minority can be godless, while remaining consistently moral people. The majority will slip into the most uncontrollable depravity, if they're told that God does not exist, or they will look for another deity. Enter Islam. Another "working system", except that, unlike the Western Christianity, Islam does not allow any debate or digression AND holds atheism to be worse than Christianity, Judaism, or even paganism. And now the atheist intellectuals realize that the formerly-Christian, but now-amorphous masses are unable to stand up for their countries, values, freedoms, and that obscurantism is quickly filling up the power vacuum.

[@alphamaloney]

do tell, what flaws do you speak of?

[@IanGerritsen]

@@alphamaloney Ask in a less patronizing manner and I'll consider it.

[@kurolotus4851]

​@@IanGerritsen If person like Dawkins wants to be "a cultural christian" in order to keep those cathedrals and hyms, he needs to do one thing. Attend a church and pay for churches' services, because nobody isn't going to pay for cathedral if none attends to it and no choir isn't going to sing hymns for empty seats for long. This is the case for both cultural christians and christians😅

[@wolfisraging]

Pursuit of power is not an effect of believing in God or being an atheist. Take any bad examples of Christianity/Muslim, they both seek supreme power all the time. Its simply evolutionary drive.

[@TurtleGalore]

Debate Dawkins

[@mbgrafix]

Calling one's self a "cultural Christian" who admittedly denies belief in God is the epitome of idolatry.

[@NotSure723]

Do you even know what 'idolatry' is???

[@mbgrafix]

@@NotSure723 Indeed I do. Do you?

[@NotSure723]

@@mbgrafix Clearly, you don't.

[@mbgrafix]

@@NotSure723 Do tell!

[@NotSure723]

@@mbgrafix There is nothing in your claim that says or implies a worship of _anything._ You have very poor reasoning skills.

[@phantomapprentice6749]

I'm a secular Jew , I agree with a lot of what you say. However I don't think that i need someone else to tell me how to interpret the old testament and one of the arguments that I would make towards that is that there is a reason the Torah has 70 faces as they say. Lets get real: Even atheists believe in something or otherwise they end up like you said : As depressed nihilistic morally bankrupt human beings who can't find meaning in their life. What I'm hearing, reading between the lines of that Cultural Christian nonsense is that he knows the alternative is an Islamic state and he doesn't want that.

[@johncollins8304]

Correct. Nature hates a vacuum, Christ has been rejected-- again -- and the demons come back in to occupy the empty building; Dawkins sees that in this case its Islamo-Marxism that has taken residence, he sees the future, and he's terrified. Christ is Risen.

[@izzylevi.]

Dawkins is right in this situation, unless it’s someone who would profit power and money from it or was indoctrinated into it, no one with a brain would want an Islamic state

[@izzylevi.]

@Tom-gl6ry erm? Being jewish has always been more than just a religion

[@Steelmage99]

"Even atheists believe in something" As long as that "something" you are talking about isn't a deity....sure.

[@alphamaloney]

"Even atheists believe in something or otherwise they end up like you said : As depressed nihilistic morally bankrupt human beings who can't find meaning in their life." Atheist here, I'm none of the things you mentioned. I don't need to go to church to have morals. I tend to think I'm nicer than most of you Christians to be honest. Meaning in my life is to support my family and to enjoy it for as long as I'm here. I don't need to be berated by a preacher telling me I'm going to hell if I don't act right. I just act right because it makes myself and everyone around me happy. Most of those morals in the bible are common sense to me. If religion is the only thing keeping you from going crazy and being a serial murderer or rapist then I'm happy you found it.

[@robthedrummer]

Is slavery moral? The Bible gives you the rules.

[@liadovolys8611]

Good question!

[@Unknown-xg7et]

If you look at the rules it is very forgiving. And reminding the hebrews they are the same as the people in slavery. Almost like the rules are trying to abolish it. And also if you were in debt you could pay it off by going into servitude. It was more like servitude than how we in the U.S. sees slavery.

[@Unknown-xg7et]

Btw the Bible talks about fair treatment in regard to the people in servitude, no harming them, and must provide food to them.

[@seantaylor4095]

Belief in God is a failure to believe in ourselves.

[@1DaTJo]

The west, with its human rights and its enlightenment, evolved in a Christian environment. We need to keep it that way. We see clearly the kind of society that other religion creates.

[@jrosner6123]

Bingo

[@Steelmage99]

"The west, with its human rights and its enlightenment, evolved in a Christian environment." You do know that is utter nonsense, right....?

[@jimconnolly23]

all those western values that you are proud of came in opposition to Christianity, not because of it. Please tell me some of the values that you think came from Christianity, exclusively.

[@naayou99]

Human rights like the Holocaust, Colonialism, and Slavery. As a Congolese how many people did the Buildigans murdered; the natives in the Americas and Australia.

[@1DaTJo]

@@jimconnolly23 the Ten Commandments. Don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t commit adultery, worship God, don’t covet your neighbours property etc etc. The value of each human life.

[@shehrosemian]

Thank you for saying this all so comprehensively, Ben!

[@jimconnolly23]

he doesn't, I'm afraid, have a clue. Western civilization wasn't based on Judeo Christian values but rather in opposition to them.

[@beachball391]

He wants all the benefits without paying any of the bills. Fraud.

[@willluden7829]

The equivalent of painting your house with water colors; it looks like you did something, but is any kind of inclement weather, it disappears.

[@anthonyadeyemi6056]

Can there be a moral atheist? That's as dumb as thinking Christ is King is antisemitic.

[@alanjackson1568]

Right, just like no one ever says "Allahu Akbar" after doing something bad. And of course, no one ever takes God's name in vain by using his name and honor, for their own agenda. For example, no one would use God's name to harass, to blame, or to undermine a cornerstone of western society. Keep your head in the sand friend.

[@lusaclark9855]

Are you sure you’re not a leftist? You certainly cherry pick and conveniently leave out all important context the way they do. Why are you refusing to say what Jeremy actually said?

[@alanjackson1568]

@@lusaclark9855 First off, what I said has NOTHING to do with Jeremy, and includes more context than most comments on the subject. My comment had more to do with the likes of the Christian Nationalists. Second, Jeremy, whatever his flaws or virtues, walked into a dialectic trap. If you do not recognize the word dialectic, you have no idea what a leftist is, and you have no idea how people have been manipulated in the same way leftists do. And no, I am not a leftist. If you don't understand the trap that was laid by Nick Fuentes and the Christian Nationalists, I recommend spending 16 minuets on this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYPcZZ-VnZlneck

[@Steelmage99]

"Can there be a moral atheist?" Sure.

[@aaronreeve1414]

There’s a big jump in logic between accepting that Christianity and the Bible has some positive philosophical ideas and accepting that magic sky man exists.

[@katakana-kun2122]

You can try to dissociate the two if you want, but none of the Judea-Christian ideas make sense without the existence of God. There can be no such thing as "virtue" and "Truth" without God, the same way there is no such thing as a measurement without an absolute unit of measure. The alternative world view is relativism, which precludes the concept of "positive ideas" you just mentioned. It's a valid worldview, but no more rational than ours.

[@PrimeTimePaulyRat]

The point Ben made is that, if one enjoys the culture of Christianity, then there must be Christians to maintain it. It doesn't seem that Dawkins was commenting on Christianity's philosophical ideas at all - just the cultural aspects. Also, it is a slanting straw man to suggest that theists believe in a "magic sky daddy." Read Aristotle's Physics and Metaphysics. Theists believe in the Unmoved Mover - the Being that doesn't change but that causes the change in all changing things. Many attributes about this Being can be derived from the argument that discovered It.

[@johnxina-uk8in]

Do atheists try to misunderstand God or do you guys have a collective IQ of 68? Its the same 5 arguments of the atheist argument wheel every time

[@tommysalami5016]

CHRIST IS KING.

[@Real-Madrid-lg7je]

Al Massih Qam. Easter is this Sunday 🇱🇧☦️ المسيح قام

[@302indian]

Correct. Being a cultural Christian makes no sense. Dawkins is smart…he has always understood things that don’t make sense. I am not that smart.

[@neonsamurai4604]

Dawkins f around and found out. The message he pushed backfired and led to moral decay with will be replaced by a force was less forgiving than the one he criticized.

[@shelleyscloud3651]

My NY prediction for 2024 was it would be the year that “elite opinion” holders finally meet the consequences they’ve been happy to let others shoulder previously. Expect more of this. Hopefully will be game changing....

[@alphamaloney]

what moral decay are you talking about?

[@Stabillyttcg]

I agree with the fact that the Bible and Christianity teaches moral values that if not learned early in life (at church etc.) will have to be learned “the hard way” for lack of a better word later in life. However, I don’t understand the argument that truth isn’t essential to human evolution and survival, those on the right who are anti-trans and “pro-science” seem to care much more about truth when it comes to things they disagree with, but it always seems like religion is treated with kid-gloves when it comes to absolute truth.

[@Steelmage99]

"the Bible and Christianity teaches moral values" Does it?

[@alphamaloney]

You don't need to go to church to learn morals as a kid. Your family can teach you morals and society in general.

[@user-Danny770]

Im a Christian and i agree that being culturally a Christian does not make sense but why Does Ben Shapiro a Jew think he is in the right to bash an atheist for not being Christian when he himself is not a Christian??

[@flounder2283]

Here in the If we keep importing certain people we will have lost it all within a decade.

[@kevinmott6205]

Richard wants to have his cake and eat it. BEN IS SPOT ON. You cannot be a Christian without God. There in lies paganism the worship of artefacts, music,creation, processes. Rather than the persons of Father, Son and Holyspirit. In a personalised relationship. Jesus Is Lord. ❤

[@NotSure723]

So.... everything that's not Abrahamic, is Pagan???

[@arh3733]

"You cannot be a Christian without God." The Church of England somehow manages that.

[@kevinmott6205]

Excellent question. From my experience research reading of the Hebrew and Christian texts. I have come to a conclusion. I would warmly encourage you to investigate like wise. One of the major things that tripped me up from time to time is how I was and have been treated by 'Christian Believers'. Faith is a journey. The journey is just as important as the destination. Kind Regards Kev❤

[@kevinmott6205]

Ah different arena. Who says all in the organisation actually believe.

[@kevinmott6205]

Hi

[@stripedjackson]

Dawkins shows once again how inadequate his intellect truly is…

[@LisaSpringfield]

Huh? For choosing Christianity over Islam? Okay, Reza Aslan.

[@stripedjackson]

@@LisaSpringfield Congrats on completely missing my point. Read carefully…think…maybe you will comprehend at some point in your life. Dawkins has a long history. I am speaking to much more than this single video. Think more expansively.

[@bryndrson8289]

​@@stripedjackson Dawkins has a long history of saying he likes The Bible as literature, he likes cathedrals, etc. That doesn't mean we should take phony Christian dogma as the truth of the Universe. Rather than just baselessly make a claim, why don't you provide some examples?

[@stripedjackson]

@@bryndrson8289 Examples? You think this is an issue to be illustrated with anecdotes? My friend, this is an issue of an ignorant philosophy that permeates Dawkins thinking. You can’t achieve the ends that Dawkins proclaims to desire without the existence of the means of achieving those ends. As an example, you can’t achieve a civil society that functions under Christian values without the existence of the Christianity which proclaims those values. In other words you don’t get the benefits of the creator without the existence of the creator.

[@mouikafa-qn1gn]

​​@@bryndrson8289 so Christian dogma like loving your neighbour as yourself or loving your enemy is phony? I think they are the opposite of phony. And some of the these dogma may have motivate building great things

[@angryowl5972]

Paganism is not in opposition with humanism. It's simply pre-Abrahamic.

[@rustyshackleford8473]

Ben has been *real* quiet about Israel's recent war crimes from drone striking unarmed civilians, the massacre at Shifa hospital, and then airstrike on aid workers that killed US and Australian citizens distributing food...

[@user-fq9fg3hh2o]

He works for mossad

[@politicallyincorrect956]

Were thee any Hamas in the area?

[@rustyshackleford8473]

@@politicallyincorrect956 they bombed the aid workers in a deconfliction zone where they were preparing hot meals...they had permission from the IDF to be there.

[@politicallyincorrect956]

@@rustyshackleford8473 First, what news company did you hear it from or where did you hear it from. So because of one strike Israel has less morality than Hamas. Also, remember the attack Hamas did in a deconfliction zone called Israel, on December 7? In the international war laws if the enemy has inhabited a building or area, that area is confirmed to be a military target. Hamas has done that to the entirety of Palestinian cities, have they not.

[@user-fq9fg3hh2o]

@politicallyincorrect956 I think it's way more than one unless your blind or a compulsive liar

[@dogsnot2145]

Yes of course

[@BryonLetterman]

Cultural Christianity makes a lot of sense actually. The west was founded on Christian principles like religious tolerance, free speech, things like that

[@thomasmclain6888]

Any religion that teaches hate should be condemned.

[@cavaleirosemlicenca3894]

I don't believe in condemning hate, it is part of evolution. Those who accept evolution as an absolute truth must accept reality and accept the hatred of other animals trying to survive and subjugate others

[@cavaleirosemlicenca3894]

I don't believe in condemning hate, it is part of evolution. Those who accept evolution as an absolute truth must accept reality and accept the hatred of other animals trying to survive and subjugate others

[@cavaleirosemlicenca3894]

I don't believe in condemning hate, it is part of evolution. Those who accept evolution as an absolute truth must accept reality and accept the hatred of other animals trying to survive and subjugate others

[@benwatkinson2021]

Morals are just what is deemed good for society, after observing what's stopping a society from co ordinating. Always has been, that's why all the 10 commandments are rules against events which happened that caused chaos on the journey from Egypt to the middle east.

[@25meip]

Interesting point. But do moral frameworks need legislation to affect society beneficially? Or does it need a different foundation? The tenth commandment is against covetousness. That's not something enforceable in any way, but it was still a law.

[@MonteVanNortwick]

I will never defend a myth for utility. I will only defend the Truth.

[@nealorr5086]

"And when I say truth, I mean, they myths I choose to believe".

[@MonteVanNortwick]

@@nealorr5086 2+2=4

[@johnxina-uk8in]

​@@MonteVanNortwickBro says he only defends impiricism, and then uses math which is metaphysical 🤦‍♂️

[@seantaylor4095]

STOP PRESS!! Richard Dawkins likes church buildings!! ... and your point is..? If you like the Great Pyramids of Egypt, do you have to believe in the ancient Egyptian gods? Or can you admire the stunning history and architecture? If you like Disneyland do you have to believe Mickey Mouse & co. are real?... because Disneyland is a manifestation of what happens within. Or is it just fun? If you like Xmas, do you have to believe Santa Claus is real...? Or do you just like the look on your kids face when they find presents? If you like the medieval architecture of old churches do you have to believe god is real? Or can you just appreciate the aesthetics and the culture?

[@echos9396]

Christianity is convenient when it comes to the luxury that it brings to the American culture via its Holidays but quickly becomes disregarded when the central theme of Jesus is brought up. This is the problem with humanity as we value religion over the savior of the world which is Jesus Christ. It’s why we are all lost. Christ is King and he will come back very soon!! 👑

[@Theo_Skeptomai]

WRONG. I am a value part of humanity, just as you, and I do not value religion over any mythological deity, be it this 'Christ' or 'Allah'. So please edit "we" to "I".

[@echos9396]

@@Theo_Skeptomai Definitely not I as I value Jesus over religion any time of the day so go somewhere else with your ignorance you troll. 🧌

[@TriggerWarning0]

He was simply stating that he grew up in a christian country, so he feels at home when he hears a christmas song and enjoys the christain culture since he grew up surrounded by it. That doesnt mean he has to subscribe to that religion just because he happens to enjoy that religions culture. He actaully displayed how he feels no hatred toward the religion, unlike the religious do for him. He just simply doesnt believe in god. Kinda funny how the religious people who claim to be all kind and loving to all souls and walks of life have far more hatred in them than an atheist does.

[@AvengerBB1]

Sadly, it was that hypocrisy and hatred that drove me away from the church and organized religion in general. Sorry guys, if you all are the "chosen" or whatever, I'll take the next elevator.

[@BDB2004]

See the last part i don’t agree with I am a hardcore Christian’s and I go to a church and everyone there is not hateful at all When you say all Christians are hateful shows either you don’t know what we are or you just listen to a bunch of stuff that wants to make us look like a bunch of hateful people

[@wingamwila4113]

​@@AvengerBB1You realise that others have also experienced that but either changed the church or stayed because they understand that its about the figure of Christ and would want to honour him. I felt that way too but i grew and i went back because of my love for God.

[@AvengerBB1]

@@wingamwila4113 Yes, yes I do. I also tried to move on to other churches and often found the same thing. Sometimes even worse because I was the new guy. I wasn't an established part of their "community". I'm glad you found some place to call home. Sadly, that's not always the case for people. For many of us it starts feeling like we're remaining in an abusive relationship for the sake of something that may or may not truly exist.

[@alphamaloney]

@@BDB2004 I didn't see anywhere in his statement saying "all" Christians.

[@nicksmith4808]

I don’t believe in any higher being but I know what’s right and wrong. Morally I’d say I alight with many Christian beliefs. I keep my mind open and one day I may believe but until then all I know is if we just try to be nice to each other and do the best we can then no one loses. Just be nice and respect each other. Sadly many on the far ends of political spectrums have forgotten that

[@al38447]

1 John 1:8-10 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

[@jimconnolly23]

that's nice, but it isn't Judeo Christianity. Ben hasn't a clue about Christianity, nor his own religion if he thinks western civilization was based on them.

[@roxikoko3744]

Tom McDonald said it best "I'm not religious but I walk with Christians" You should research Tom, Ben. You might learn a thing or two. Christ is King

[@topdog5252]

Does someone need to believe in a literal understanding of Shakespeare or Homer to appreciate them or to read them or perform them in opera house. I am not convinced you need all these people who believe one special thing in order to have them work to keep these valuable rituals alive.

[@DavidM_10]

I agree. The best aspects of religion can be preserved in culture and philosophy. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. We don't have to accept that the world was created 6,000 years ago to see that Jesus said some wise things. We can in fact still admire Jesus, and still admire beautiful churches, as Dawkins suggests, without adhering to every tenet and every supernatural assertion of Christianity.

[@veganath]

@@DavidM_10*_"The best aspects of religion can be preserved in culture and philosophy"_* if only adherents of lsIam had such an attitude instead of the ALL or NOTHING, a theocratic ideology that inherently devaIues human Iife

[@DavidM_10]

@@veganath Absolutely. How good would it be for the whole world if we could simply extract the beauty and wisdom from the Quran and leave the dangerous fanaticism behind?

[@veganath]

@@DavidM_10cheers mate, seems the YT algorithm doesn't agree with us, doing the comment deletion thingy.

[@DavidM_10]

@@veganath Yeah. KZbin can be pretty shady. I always use incognito mode after posting a comment to see if it was shadow-banned. It happens a lot, as well as deleted comments. Some people behind the scenes just don't like free and open debate, apparently.

[@NotSure723]

"there is no such thing as truth in evolutionary biology" -Ben, were do you get these ridiculous claims from?

[@davidhorton188]

where does truth come from and give an example of it in nature.

[@aggimajera]

@@davidhorton188 truth: a lion eats a gazelle.

[@davidhorton188]

@@aggimajera thats an observation of nature, i dont think you understand the philosophical nature of the question.

[@NLozar22]

​@@davidhorton188 It works. Try programing a GPS receiver while assuming the speed of light is something other than 299,792,458 m/s. Let me know which galactic supercluster was the nearest to wherever you ended up. On the other hand, would the western civilization never happen if Jesus would rise from the dead four days rather than three days after his death? Another example: Einstein published Theory of General Relativity in 1915. It wasn't observed until a solar eclipse in 1919, by observing the star positions appear distorted due to their light being curved by Sun's gravity as theory predicted.

[@davidhorton188]

@@NLozar22 you are naming things that be true not telling me where truth comes from. Have you ever read any philosophy before ?

[@CaptainFantastic222]

What an amazing misrepresentation of what he said

[@gilliangriggs6526]

I feel bad for Richard Dawkins. He is now seeing the fruits of his labour... I pray for him and other "cultural Christians" that they will turn to Jesus in repentance and be saved. Amen 🙏

[@connernickerson5509]

I am a moral athiest, and I guarantee I more moral than most religious people. I see this in my life every day.

[@kierharris976]

Sounds pretty narcissistic to me

[@connernickerson5509]

@kierharris976 Not quite the word you're looking for. Confident, more like.

[@stanpotter7764]

​@@kierharris976 Not as narcissistic as a God who will condemn to hell anybody who does not accept him as their lord and savior.

[@danieljacobson9097]

Moral Atheist is an oxymoron. Yes, you can say there are ideals to create a more functional society, but who’s to say that’s the responsibility of the individual to ensure that?

[@connernickerson5509]

@@danieljacobson9097 WE say it, and that is all that we require. No need for gods or storybooks filled with contradictions.

[@mufasachainbreaker7757]

To the question "can there be a moral atheist?" it is extremely important to reference religion if your argument is going to be trying to support religion, or you risk contradicting your own argument. Throughout the New Testament, the theme is repeating that people who were NOT religious traditionally but did love in an altruistic and empathetic sense were better than people that were devoted religiously and traditionally but did not practice altruism, love, or empathy. This is also a reiteration from the Old Testament and the Torah... The Good Samaritan is the most classic case of this. An atheist that is loving, altruistic, empathetic, compassionate, self disciplined, considerate, humble, and loving is in a closer relationship to God than the most even the most traditionally religious person that is proud, hateful, unforgiving, and indecent... That isn't an attack on organized religion nor on traditions. Organized religions do have things to offer and traditions can help keep everyone from the individual to entire civilizations rooted in various relevant ways... Some religious practices and traditions help people cultivate empathy, embrace altruism, learn to be humble, and practice self discipline... It is just to point out that the Bible does support the concept that SOME people that didn't believe in God were still following God, seeking God, serving God, and doing good works unaware they were working for God at the time... The entire point of the Good Samaritan was exactly this point... That doesn't mean that religion and tradition don't have a place. It just means that at least Christian religion includes as a part of its tradition the recognition of good being present throughout God's creation, though none are good (perfect) but God. The answer then depends on the definition of the word moral... If we mean perfectly moral, then no... There can be no moral atheist, but in this sense neither can there be a moral anyone else... No one but God is perfect... If we mean imperfect and flawed, but seeking good and by extension God's way, via virtue, then there can be a moral atheist just like there can be a moral anyone else. If we mean instead the question, "can religion help people become more moral?" that is a very different question.

[@user-xy1uk5fq5u]

Thank you for your comment. It is very insightful and has given me something to think about.

[@alwaysmarcy9428]

There isn't a single moral person on the planet. Therefore we needed Christ to come and save us

[@ron7328]

"i like apples, but i hate orchards." can't remember who said that regarding this asinine take from Dawkins but i think it sums it up pretty well.

[@sainter1]

Christianity, as with all religions, is the attempt by mankind to create a moral framework to live by. Not believing in the supernatural aspects of Christianity doesn't mean we can't appreciate its moral principles and the overarching philosophy behind Jesus' teaching. To use an analogy I could say I don't like Cubism as an art form and yet I appreciate Picasso's genius as an artist.

[@night6724]

Except Christianity is predicated on the notion there is an all powerful God and He is the standard of goodness. Also without God, supernatural becomes the natural. As Bertrand Russell noted, if there is no God then how can we be sure of the consistency of nature?

[@sainter1]

@night6724 but if there is no God, are the Christian moral values of generosity, courage and love suddenly without value? You'll find those three fundamental values in any number of philosophies from the Ancient Greeks to modern day Humanism, with no connection to a supernatural deity. And people don't have to believe in the divinity of Jesus to find inspiration from his virtues as a man. Re "supernatural", by definition we're talking about something outside the material universe and therefore not subject to time and space. That means that God conceives, perceives and creates all things in the supernatural and natural worlds at the one instance ... because for God there is no time. I find that inconceivable for a variety of reasons. Further to that, as all Christians will tell you, God is eternal, so we have to ask how can there be a creation moment if there is no beginning? I don't believe in God but I enjoy mankind's search for him.

[@night6724]

@@sainter1 Again as an atheist magic or supernatural things aren’t a problem because how can you trust the consistency of the laws of nature?

[@night6724]

@@sainter1 No those values mean nothing because in an evolutionary worldview everything is utilitarian. Why do you think assisted death is becoming more acceptable?

[@sainter1]

@@night6724 you can't trust them. The laws of nature are subject to an ever evolving universe.

[@wolfisraging]

He can turn off both Christianity and Muslim ideology in simply 2 sentences and you know it. Him being an atheist, he is simply respecting the culture. And now you'll say he is hypocrite. Do not mistake someone's humbleness as a weakness. Being a believer in scientific ideology, you always have to separate causality and effects. Its just how it works.

[@kurolotus4851]

But if he wants to keep cathedrals standing and choirs singing christian hymns in them, somebody has to pay for that (and if he is atheist, he isn't obviously willing to pay)😅

[@wolfisraging]

@@kurolotus4851 he doesn't want anything to be kept, he's just saying if he has to choose... there's a good difference

[@kurolotus4851]

@@wolfisraging What makes you think he doesn't have to choose (assuming that he doesn't die for old age before choosing)?

[@mpwheatley]

I'm a humanist & like the Founding Fathers I place my 'faith' in the ideas of the enlightenment. Like Richard Dawkins I was brought up in the Anglican communion, which is pretty agnostic so making the small hop to atheism isn't a big stretch. We have a great aversion to religious extremism so are very wary of the West being dominated by Islamists.

[@hasinabegum1038]

Dominated by Islamist were?

[@thebreakerofwalls9036]

Since when did America become "Judeo-Christian"? Last time I check, America is a CHRISTIAN NATION... IN GOD WE TRUST! #CHRISTISKING so why Ben can't say it?

[@CaptainFantastic222]

Yaaaa. America is secular….. not Christian

[@Believer3_]

Because the UK was built on judeo christian (the country which birthed America). The same values carried over there. Those arent your values 😂 cmon its America, nothing in that land is yours lol

[@Aviel266]

Elon Musk wrote in X either there is a red wave this November or America is toast. Elon Musk couldn't have put it better.

[@Cnw8701]

And yet, Elon makes cars for liberals...

[@judigrumm7190]

And even he censors speech...

[@MeChoonChannel]

Lol. Imagine looking up to Elon Musk

[@thedude0000]

We've heard about these "supposed" red waves since 2018 and none have come. Elon took a 44 billion dollar company and ran it into the ground and now Tesla's sales are slumping.

[@herbiehusker1889]

​@@MeChoonChannel I mean, he is 6'2".

[@threelittlebirds2288]

Christ is king

[@tombailey837]

Prove it

[@Andy-gq5hb]

In case you ever wanted to know what taking the Lords name in vain means, this would be a close example. Don’t use Gods name to purposefully provoke His people. Im not saying that for the sake of the Jews, im saying that for the sake of your own damnation. I doubt you’re a Christian but if you are, know you are treading into the wrath of God by taunting the Jews. Romans 11 says that in no uncertain terms.

[@_shadownotes_]

​@Andy-gq5hb The more you people complain about the phrase, the more you need to hear it. It was never "offensive." That's a baseless fiction.

[@onewitheverything-jc5yb]

christ is prophet

[@Andy-gq5hb]

@@_shadownotes_ A bunch of Muslims are using it on Twitter to specifically provoke Jews. Christ is the King, yes, but the guy posting this knows exactly what he’s doing and it is not proclaiming a beautiful truth. Maybe I would misunderstand his intent, but judge your own heart, if you’re doing it to provoke the Jews, you are in serious spiritual danger. If not, then of course you are free to do it.

[@snowheader2200]

Dawkins literally contradict himself one sentence after the other.

[@EGGZ1983]

HELL is the final settlement place where out of human will God is not present. People dont understand the reason there IS hope now.. is because God, believe it or not ... is still present. However, mankind is slowly trying to supress God, and God wont be around people that dont want him. Which is what happens when you die. People genuinely dont understand how terrifying an existence without God actually is. And believe it or not hes here now, but not forever. He loves us all.

[@SportsMuppets]

I dont need any human being to tell me what to believe .. God is everywhere Open your eyes .. And you will see

[@molag-ballordofdomination2065]

How about you open your eyes, where is your god, I don't see him, we're on a random rock floating around a random star in a random galaxy in an ever expanding darkening freezing universe that will stop all motion forever

[@LukeAmburn]

@@molag-ballordofdomination2065 that’s a sad way to live your life

[@lightwarrior3006]

Science Proves GOD

[@MegaLokopo]

@@lightwarrior3006 Water and light do not have awareness. Just like how mirrors don't have awareness.

[@user-wn1kq8jx5q]

Ben’s got some okay stuff but he really drops the ball around religious talks lol. That little cap be squeezing a little too hard maybe 🤷‍♂️

[@NotSure723]

His foreign policy views are garbage as well.

[@user-wn1kq8jx5q]

@@NotSure723 I’ll take your word on that just from the simple fact I’ve seen him so cocksurely try and be a spokesperson for religion without providing anything except baseless assertions. I wonder what Candace is up to

[@mitchelstephen7536]

Ben, I'm an atheist and I watch every one of your shows, and agree with most of them. This doesn't mean I have to believe in an omnipotent, multidimensional, immortal, telepathic alien.

[@jonah9861]

Better prepare your straw man before thinking you are smart. Try Thomas Aquinas first.

[@joesamson26]

Dawkins a cultural Christian like Zuckerberg is a cultural Jew.

[@HCmetal022]

Hey Ben, the title of this video is very ignorant.

[@emmanuelansah4035]

I disagree

[@meeofcourse4152]

If one is an atheist, WHERE does their MORAL CODE come from???

[@Jeremy-wp4yh]

I think we all have an inherent sense of right and wrong. The same way animals can show compassion but don't understand religion

[@LawnBowlerUK]

If you need a religion to tell you to be a good person, you probably weren’t a good person to start with

[@Charlotte_Martel]

Do you honestly believe that every society prior to Christianity (or at least Judaism) functioned while approving of murder, theft, assault, etc? Where do atheists get their morality? By a) treating others as they would want to be treated, and b) discouraging behaviour that makes society dysfunctional.

[@elkaiozen6192]

@@LawnBowlerUKYou do need it in your statement not to direct your actions, but because without it there is no such thing as a "good person" because there is no Objective Good only Subjective Good the closest we have to an Objective Good without religion is Societies Laws, but they change so even they are subjective to our overall views of the time. If a person is only acting "good" because of religion though you are right they weren't a "good person" to start with.

[@LawnBowlerUK]

@@elkaiozen6192 that is true that a good person must interpret what they believe to be good and follow with that. For the basics though you shouldn’t need a book to tell you not to rape, steal, kill, etc. of course we can also look at the Old Testament and justify our stoning to death of a woman because she had sex before marriage, that doesn’t make anyone a good person, but the bible says it’s the correct thing to do (old covenant)

[@caratacus6204]

English culture is drenched in Christianity, if you have even a inkling of affinity for anything traditional, you are automatically a cultural Christian in England. The country is over 1000 years old and the people are nearly 1600 years old.

[@eddify186]

How can someone so smart be so dumb???

[@grimsdol4665]

I mean ofc an atheist can be moral, morality can come from more then just religion. you can get it from Family, Through logic, really from just being raised well

[@BRAVE_NEW_1984]

Lol. Where did the family values come from?? .... 😂

[@grimsdol4665]

@BRAVE_NEW_1984 Well from logic or from forming there own morality from life experience. Like how someone could have the value that lying is bad, not because of religion but because Maybe they got hurt by a liar or maybe they lied and it ended up harming people, and they then teach that value to their kids

[@gabenorman747]

Morality definitely can't come from logic.

[@grimsdol4665]

@@gabenorman747 says who

[@Steelmage99]

@@BRAVE_NEW_1984 Reciprocity and empathy...