Why I Wish I Believed In God - David Baddiel | On the Edge podcast 277

Just one episode after my interview with Richard Dawkins, it's another of Britain's most famous and intelligent thinkers, comedian David Baddiel on On the Edge with Andrew Gold. His new book The God Desire is a hysterical look into the abyss (perhaps a comic version of The God Delusion!). I enjoyed every line.
Get The God Desire here: www.amazon.co.uk/God-Desire-D...
David recently took part in an Israel debate with Miriam Margolyes and wrote a great book called Jews Don't Count about anti-semitism (as argued on late night with seth meyers and Good Morning Britain relating to Whoopi Goldberg's comments). He works on the TV show Taskmaster and co-wrote Football's Coming Home (Three Lions) with Frank Skinner & the Lightning Seeds.
#davidbaddiel #religion #atheism
Chapters:
0:00 Richard Dawkins & Handsome Banter
3:28 David's Scientology link
5:00 Fear of Islam vs Christianity
7:00 Scientology checking Andrew's WHAT?
8:15 Scientology vs fear of free speech
9:30 David's friend Frank Skinner is religious
11:30 Frank Skinner's hell anguish
14:50 David's an atheist who LOVES God
16:30 Andrew's alternative argument
19:44 The MACHISMO of atheists
22:20 Is fear of death narcissistic?
24:00 Why David's a life-long insomniac
26:11 Resume vs Eulogy (Paul Bloom) vs Martin Amis
27:45 Christianity got Judaism RIGHT (Save the Cat)
29:45 Judaism as OCD
31:10 AJ Jacobs (lived like the bible)
33:40 Injection in your head to believe
35:00 David Baddiel vs Richard Dawkins
37:00 Quantum Physics & Everything Everywhere film
39:30 Virtual Reality to live forever
42:45 Uploading yourself to a computer
44:10 David's Issues with Ageing
46:00 Jon Ronson & Robbie Williams
47:45 (We cut a LONG section about coconut water)
48:00 Andrew's funny proposal story
50:40 Religion vs God (what they provide)
52:25 Praying as an atheist / David's daughter
54:15 Agnostic vs Atheist
56:00 David: No Doubt
57:30 Why atheism is unfashionable
59:00 David's epitaph: an UPSIDE?

[@AndrewGold1]

Are you a fan of David Baddiel? Are you an atheist or a believer? (All are welcome here!) let me know below, and here are your timestamps: 0:00 Richard Dawkins & Handsome Banter 3:28 David's Scientology link 5:00 Fear of Islam vs Christianity 7:00 Scientology checking Andrew's WHAT? 8:15 Scientology vs fear of free speech 9:30 David's friend Frank Skinner is religious 11:30 Frank Skinner's hell anguish 14:50 David's an atheist who LOVES God 16:30 Andrew's alternative argument 19:44 The MACHISMO of atheists 22:20 Is fear of death narcissistic? 24:00 Why David's a life-long insomniac 26:11 Resume vs Eulogy (Paul Bloom) vs Martin Amis 27:45 Christianity got Judaism RIGHT (Save the Cat) 29:45 Judaism as OCD 31:10 AJ Jacobs (lived like the bible) 33:40 Injection in your head to believe 35:00 David Baddiel vs Richard Dawkins 37:00 Quantum Physics & Everything Everywhere film 39:30 Virtual Reality to live forever 42:45 Uploading yourself to a computer 44:10 David's Issues with Ageing 46:00 Jon Ronson & Robbie Williams 47:45 (We cut a LONG section about coconut water) 48:00 Andrew's funny proposal story 50:40 Religion vs God (what they provide) 52:25 Praying as an atheist / David's daughter 54:15 Agnostic vs Atheist 56:00 David: No Doubt 57:30 Why atheism is unfashionable 59:00 David's epitaph: an UPSIDE?

[@maryannlockwood7806]

Atheist. But I love how you have all viewpoints on your podcast. 💁🏻‍♀️🎧

[@fallon7616]

Me too. Not an Atheist but it is not my business

[@morticiag]

Sounds to me like you're PROMOTING Atheism on your channel, Andrew? Biggest KILLLER and Threat to Humanity in all of modern history has been Militant ATHEISM. Look at the "Anti-Religion" campaigns of the former Soviet Union, which killled 60-million people, most of which were orthodox Christians. China, a self- proclaimed Atheist state, killled many more people in their attempt to wipe out THEISM. China is STILL, to this day, sending THEISTS to concentration camps, but because theyre not primarily Jewish, the world doesnt seem to Care? Its "business as usual" ... ? Communism is an economic system but it cannot really work without Atheism. Atheism is the ideology behind it. This is in the Karl Marx Manifesto. Look up the dangers of Militant Atheism and start to do some real research, please.

[@morticiag]

​@@maryannlockwood7806 He doesn't really. Andrew is clearly biased towards Atheism. Many left leaning Bolsheviks are. That's why he got Richard Dawkins, an utter QUACK on his show. And my guess is that this new guest is ALSO an atheist and they'll give you some wishy washy nonsense , but nothing too controversial against the ideology of his hero, Karl Marx. I'm still trying to decide if Andrew is a genuine guy who is honestly just Clueless or if he is an agent of the ka-Baal, trying to push an agenda.... Time will Tell.

[@damselfly8]

I love David Baddiel. I really want his book.

[@YvonaLive4Love]

I suffer from a chronic pain condition and I have to say laugher is the best medicine of all 😅❤

[@napoleonfeanor]

I suffer from one,too. Opioids are the best medicine.

[@alidabotes6264]

Ditto but I grit my teeth & rest.

[@HollieAndApollo]

Same! 💯💯💯

[@KimberlyArmstrong-on3ed]

I have grade 4 astrocytoma gioblastoma multi-forme. And I agree whole heartedly as the longest living survivor of this disease. Just ask Google! Lol

[@Polyphemus47]

"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" saved my life. For real.

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

I was criticizing islam the other day. We’re having a heatwave. Muslim men wear shorts, light shirts and have great haircuts. The women are covered from top to bottom. It annoys me. I was called a racist. Not taking the risk of talking about islam because we’re scared says a lot about this religion. Can I even write this down?

[@VaughanMcCue]

AG is a very handsome man with a beautiful face and a voice for radio. :) Fantastic guest, and thanks for joining us.

[@GrumpyVickyH]

66 this year and I’m no longer scared of death, just hoping for an “easy” pain free death. I have done what I can and that’s got to be enough. As an atheist myself I am completely ok with this experience is all there is. I WOULD like to think I will be thought of kindly after I die.

[@lesleymoven4776]

I am excited for you… you are gonna be really pleased and blown away🙏🏻🌟💐❤️

[@carolynbasham9749]

I am 62yr now and a retired midwife/Gynaecology Staff Nurse. Following a climbing accident I started with epilepsy. The reason this has relevance to the question is that following seizures I am in states of semi-consciousness. At times I feel as though if I were to just step one step nearer I would be letting go of life and it feels nice. As a result I do not fear death ( although I don't actively want to die uf you unde me). Also I've been with so many people whilst they've died during my career, I have only ever witnessed peacefulness, serenity & sublimeness. I am actually a practising Christian so whether or not that colours my perspective, I don't know. I loved the interview and I intend to buy David's book. Andrew, your proposal story was so sweet. Congratulations and may I wish you and your fiancée a long, lovely relationship where you still feel like sweethearts after 40yr like I am blessed enough to have experienced. ❤❤

[@lisaspikes4291]

I think that when we die, we revert back to what we were before we were conceived…non existent. I really don’t think there’s anything supernatural. But, since we don’t really know what, or if, anything follows our death, I sometimes think about what I’d like to happen when I die. It usually is something along the lines of meeting all the pets I’ve had in my life, and being able to communicate with them in a concrete way. How wonderful that would be! 🤗

[@michelebergman4336]

Pray for an easy painter we life🙏 Death is nothing to focus on

[@greenblue6935]

Have you ever done psychedelics? I'm not religious but damn the mushrooms took me somewhere beautiful and more real than real, and my ego was gone.

[@TheWarriorprincess09]

"I'm just a soul whose intentions are good-oh lord please don't let me be misunderstood." That's about as good as it gets for me where "god" is concerned. I love your channel.

[@zellipa]

amen ameen

[@Jaebee2626]

Love that song! 🫶🏼

[@madredetresmocosos9088]

My dad wants this played in his memory 😊

[@PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim]

@@Iam...--- and nature is cruel and heartless

[@tonyaparrish5678]

Lil wayne got a good song called that with snippets from original song

[@MaggieMMM]

Loving this conversation. I was raised Roman Catholic, am now agnostic. I love my life, I have a wonderful life, I want to die now as I’m too young but I completely accept it’s going to happen one day, it doesn’t worry me on a day to day basis but if I got a terminal diagnosis I’d be upset about it. However, I’m not scared of being dead, I won’t know so why would I care. I try to live my life well and do the things I love doing, that is enough.

[@loufancelli1330]

It's unfortunate that his first experience with death has stuck with him in such a negative way. I had my first experience around the same age; less than 2 weeks from my 6th birthday, my grandfather, who lived with us, died. I understood what it meant, and while it hit me very hard, I shortly thereafter had an extremely vivid dream about him, and ever since that day, over 45 years ago, I have never been afraid of or obsessed with death. It will happen to me one day, and while I don't necessarily wish for it, I don't fear it at all.

[@avrildixon7291]

Thank you for sharing.. I had a kind of similar experience...i wont go into detail here.. good to know im not the only person tho. .Apart from that ive experienced several mysteries and phenomenon.. dreams and visions.. Also God speaking to me in an audible voice.. giving me a message to take to a group of people....with a promise ..and that promise was revealed in real life after i had given the message. Its my testimony that God is real. ❤

[@eternity7477]

I had a similar experience. Firstly, I almost drowned in the ocean at 10. I was aware how my spirit left my body. I was in a very good place whilst the body was screaming. My second experience was when my brother who committed suicide appeared to me in a dream. He was glowing with such a love and was surrounded and bathed in it. I have never experienced anything like that in daily live, so it couldn't have been something my mind made up. These experiences resulted in me looking forward to death rather than fearing it. I hope this channel is not going to turn into a constant general attack on all religion. All religions are not cults, quite the opposite. One has to wonder about the obsession with religion if you are a non-believer. Why not just move on? Could it just be that somewhere deep inside you are not convinced that a higher power doesn't exist?

[@angelicamichelle1646]

I took saw my mom after death I've also seen my pets

[@Polyphemus47]

Dreams! My loved ones always 'visited' me a day or two after they shuffled off, in dreams in which they assured me that dying was an illusion. I know it was me telling myself that they were still with me, but it helped the grieving.

[@darrenporter1850]

My mum died when I was 16 and bought back to life. I don't want to go into details, because it's a hard topic to talk about but 100% you look down at your body. Fact. There's not even a conversation for me, it happens and I have the proof. It's not a dream because there's details she knew. 100%

[@kristinajohansson5099]

Im a Christian. During my life I have experienced believer who doesn´t really was nice. And I have experienced those who where lovely people. And some of them have been like they had become even more lovely because their development in faith. It definitely is possible to meet people who been so affected by their faith that you experience holiness. But I also experienced awful people and nice and lovely people among non belivers. So It really is more important to me how you live, if you are loving, caring, respectful….. than what belief you have.

[@xxx...pyxidis]

I love you both. As an ex-Catholic and now Athiest. Many existential moments. This is a breath of fresh air.

[@tdarons]

I was always an avid reader. Now I occasionally read something but lack the attention. I watch podcasts, movies (also struggle with focus with tv shows and movies). Instead of reading all the time I now make jewellery. I get such satisfaction from creating. The old me…the reader…with decades of complex trauma and depression slept through life, reading and dreaming. I am 58 now. I no longer sleep my life away or lose myself in others thoughts, agendas, dreams. Getting older (I had many NDEs starting in childhood) has been a weird kind of backhanded gift. Finding passion and delight in my very existence was a gift. Perhaps it was the getting of wisdom that came very late and descended upon me along with the arthritis, menopause, myopia and the inevitable terminal existential angst. Life is Weird but good. Life can also be shit. It’s all Attitude and varying degrees of mental health.

[@mafiatehippah]

I’ve been petrified of death for as long as I can remember. When I realized my family members would die I would cry for hours. I don’t think I will ever be comfortable with it. The best method for me is to just not think about it, but I can’t shake my morbid curiosity.

[@tron.44]

That's a normal feeling. We all go through that, though with varying degrees of intensity. Some let it consume them, other's get over it somehow. But i ponder the fate of many, myself included. You can choose to believe in a god of some sort, but i don't find any religion can truly comfort me, especially with no real evidence of deities and no real evidence of an afterlife. I personally don't think people should buy into fairy tales or scams. But..."to each his own".

[@digitaltango]

Gosh this is so relatable! I used to feel like running around the school corridors shrieking to everyone, “we’re gonna die!!!” and my teenaged diary is full of it. Then in my twenties my terrible fear of death made me sort of court it - bizarre I know. By my late twenties I was having a nervous breakdown ("dark night of the soul"?) and the thing that got me out of my depression was an “experience”. It was an electrifying experience which I named “the Great Comforter” because in this experience - which is very hard for me to put into words or use the logical mind to describe it - I was pinned down by some force and zapped with love. In that moment the vastness of time was revealed to me and I felt a profound depth of love and comfort and I no longer felt alone in the vast cosmos. I also felt undeserving of such a huge experience - which made it feel like a Grace of sorts. It was this experience that made me feel like I am not alone and I just don’t know. My primary problem with atheism is that it is a closed mindset that knows for sure - which is very left brain. Another thing I have observed as I age - I am 51 now - is that there is more space as we age when our minds and egos get out of the way. I think our spirits grow and expand as our bodies change. Our hearts open more. I also feel the older I get the less I know but the more I feel connected (Jung is good on this aspect of human development). I think if a human is able to go through all the natural stages of development Nature takes care of our fear for us. They do say that women are better prepared for death because we experience childbirth which puts us in another dimension. The other things that help are having children - because you love them even more than life! - and meaningful work. Though the great tragedy is that the more we master living the nearer we are to death - another of life's impossible dilemmas. However I still have days where I want to run around the streets ringing a bell shrieking we are all gonna die!!!!! But these days, my fear is more that I won’t get to see all those places I want to see, read all the books I want to read, meet my grandchildren and great-grandchildren etc etc etc. Carpe Diem! One abiding question after this podcast is… do all atheists wear check shirts?! 🤪😁

[@quaver1239]

Lovely comment! Thank you for it.

[@digitaltango]

@@quaver1239 thank you so much! 🙏

[@j0nnyism]

Do you have a lot of crystals incense and cats? Just wondering

[@digitaltango]

@@j0nnyism Bwahahahahahaaaa funnily enough I do have 2 cats (though I did have 3 up until recently) but I have 2 beagles (hounds) too. Not too many crystals... though I do have lots of candles 🤪

[@tdarons]

@@digitaltango dear “The Velvet Curve” I have a favourite saying that I have had cause to trot out fairly regularly during this insane inverted Covid Epoch. “We are All going to die…(insert long pause with baleful stare) …but NOT TODAY!”

[@sherryclark5475]

I'm an American and had never heard of David before. What a delightful man. I'm gonna get his book. Thanks for another great interview, Andrew!

[@ellie369]

We love the two of you together!

[@joward481]

I really enjoyed this 👏👏. David did a talk last week where I work for carers week around his experiences with his mom & dad. Such an interesting fella & top bloke 👊. Thanks Andrew this was great 🩵.

[@Xaroni]

Hiya! As another London Jew and a Spurs supporter too😂 here, I hold a very different opinion based on my experiences of life and death!!...I have had an 'experience' of death, and believe me, it is more alive, in fact, than 'being alive'. There are hundreds of thousands of NDE (near death experience) reports of people dying for 10 mins or more, going to other realms of absolute Love. Nobody, literally NOBODY has ever had an NDE and come back and said, 'there was nothing!!'. There is only Life! Life does not die!!❤ Btw God is Love!! Be Love! Be with Love and you are with God! Love Love Love❤❤❤

[@resonatingspirit]

Exactly right ❤

[@adinaramshall]

Never have I identified more with someone when David talked about reading . Books and literature where part of me until illness and old age meant me turning to audio books , I love audio books BUT I miss my ready self 😂 and felt deeply betrayed by my body !!!

[@sonyaseybold9137]

Enjoyed the interview, thank you Andrew & David. My belief is anyone can believe in whatever ... as long as they are NOT hurting anyone and not pushing their beliefs on someone who doesn't agree with them (for a lack of better words). People in my opinion need to: agree to disagree and be respectful of each other. That would be a great world, but I believe I won't see it in my lifetime. On that note, positive thoughts to all!!

[@sonyaseybold9137]

Andrew - just wanted to share with you something on death. The greatest lesson I learned was from my mother was Acceptance & to : honor the wishes of that person - and not "yours" No suffering! I took care of her till the end and honored her words every day. She passed in 2015. It was her last lesson to me and I apply it every day - including our pets.

[@neilthorpe7650]

Really enjoyed this interview, and the one with Richard Dawkins. David’s absolutely right when he says you could be on TV. Your channel has come on leaps and bounds.

[@sngray11]

Thank you Andrew for having David on your podcast. It was a very informative and thought provoking interview.

[@joquail000]

What an awesome discussion, fascinating! When people ask my religion, I just say ‘Heathen’ 😊 they don’t know I’m joking or not as many people don’t like to her the word Atheist.

[@allisonstacey]

I learned young what I was being taught was a bunch of malarkey in Sunday school because no matter how much I prayed my parents refused to give me up for adoption 😊I identify as agnostic because I have no idea what is beyond this existence

[@jacquichiswell3154]

I am loving this conversation. As a palliative care nurse I am so not afraid of death. I was brought up Catholic but to me Good is just a personification of all of the things that I feel are "good" , and of course that is going to feel different to each person. For me it's nature, or the sea or a person's laugh. I also love being in that state of aware unconsciousness, it's fascinating.

[@fukpoeslaw3613]

"Aware unconsciousness" ?

[@tron.44]

There is no such thing as aware unconsciousness. Makes no sense. You can have a realization after anesthesia or a deep sleep w/out dreams, that you were previously unconscious, but it's impossible to be aware while you are unconscious.

[@tonkysue207]

Beautifully expressed.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

@@tron.44 You may be overreacting slightly. The lady probably didn't mean it the way she typed it, give her a break.

[@susananderson8164]

I’m a believer in God and life after death. It’s hard not to be. I see such unexplained beauty surrounding me as well as witness miracles everyday (that are not just consequences). I truly feel that we have a purpose here and that when we die, we live on in another reality (just not the one here on Earth). Only a God in my view, makes this possible. Knowing that the end of my body isn’t the end of my soul is very hopeful and inspiring. I don’t fear my physical death.

[@Jsqared-aka-justjenn]

Love this interview. I've had insomnia since I was seven. We heard a ghost story at school. It was awful. I realized I was going to die. Stopped sleeping for awhile. Really hard to sleep. David is brilliant (and handsome totally crushing on him 😎)❣️. Interview was top not h, as usual. Thank you ❤️

[@quaver1239]

I like David Baddiel, his humour, his courage and his writing. I read his *Jews Don’t Count*, and agree with everything he wrote in it. Will read the book discussed here, *The God Desire.* I too am an atheist, and the older I become the firmer my atheism. Religions encourage fear by threatening us with horrible punishment if we don’t live according to the ideas of its power brokers. Where fear of dying is concerned - why be afraid and scream about the idea of death? It won’t prevent us from dying. Mr Baddiel, I send my love to you and your courage and your writing.

[@Marsi-811]

Excellent conversation! I had a falling out with the Catholic Church when I was a 7yo and asked a nun where god came from. She flew into a rage and my young mind couldn’t understand why. From that time on, I doubted *his* existence and today, I’m very comfortable identifying as atheist. Keep up the great work, Andrew, and congratulations on your engagement!

[@ritamariekelley4077]

There were some really pathological nuns. This was a sick b...h. I can identify. Actually the Cath church is a totally sick org. I sought freedom from it much later in life, but have never looked back.

[@jmccullough662]

So, where did the world come from if God has not always existed and then created the world?

[@Tmi39]

You are both amazing! ❤

[@szeevster5767]

"I'm not afraid of dying, I just don't want to be there when it happens." (Woody Allen)

[@fionamainey7686]

I really enjoyed this conversation. I don't think about or worry about dying. I'm 51 and done all that was expected i.e education, married, children, career, ggod wife, mother, daughter, sister. In fact I now wonder what is my purpose. I believe I have at least another 30+ years left since my dad is a very healthy 87 years. I don't want to live forever. We were not designed to and I don't have any issue with it. I do believe there is an afterlife.

[@victoriachristian4379]

This is by far, my most favorite episode of yours, Andrew. I LOVED this conversation!

[@AndrewGold1]

Aw thank you!!

[@RandomDustBunny]

Mine too!

[@ChristopheDeBoeck]

Thanks for the wonderful open and honest conversation. I am one of those "born" with the anxiety. I have been afraid of death for as long as I can remember and have spent many hours awake and terrified. I am certainly going to buy and read David's book.

[@dannyvanhecke]

Especially as a child and teenager I was terrified about death too, because I assumed death would be a total end. Never believed in any religion but later on I read about NDE's, metaphysical philosophies, mysticism and such, later also about psychedelic experiences. They say 5meo-DMT for example can give you so called "all is one, non-duality experiences". That combined with the fact neuroscience hasn't figured out how the brain and consciousness work exactly gives me hope we will keep existing in some form after this physical life. Would give it about 50/50. So you can't be sure, claiming you're sure there will be nothing is a belief too, not a fact.

[@jamesmclennan666]

Phobias can be annoying. I'm scared of heights but can manage that. I couldn't imagine being scared of death. Its the end. Worrying about it and thinking about it all the time. Bless u Andrew ❤

[@truthbearer3891]

The God Delusion ...Andrews face🤣

[@AndrewGold1]

haha! I am a plonker, really!

[@nineteen8486]

35 years as a full on JW… drop me a line if you want to do an interview … Great channel new subscriber 👍

[@nineteen8486]

Ex Jw .. lol

[@singingsam40]

I'd definitely be interested in hearing your story.

[@mindsigh4]

they used to come to my moms house cuz she was polite to them & my stepdad would talk with them, try to school them on ancient history & point out where they got it wrong, anyways, one afternoon my mom was working in the backyard garden & was going into house to use the bathroom but the JWs were in living room & she was trying to avoid them so she went around took screen off her bedroom window & was climbing up but half-way through, legs dangling out the window, started laughing at what the neighbors must be seeing & trying not to laugh made her laugh harder & so was stuck there until she could keep from laughing, so the Witnesses did give us many good laughs when she'd tell the story ... 🙏💜🕯️🌱🐾👣🌿🕊️🌎

[@SophiaCerra]

My fams JW but my mom married a catholic im not baptized into anything at this point, I truly believe there is power in the name jehova and I do believe they took it out of the bible,New Testament wtvr it’s called now! Jah bless!!

[@deannacondly3043]

Listening from Vancouver Island Canada

[@lisabaccich9270]

I have dealt with seriously psychopathic people since the day I was born. The reason I survived it because God would love on me in the worst of my moments of panic. I had a crisis of faith during my divorce. The ONLY reason I didn’t leave the Christian faith is because I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was very real. By that time, I had felt God so keenly and experienced Him so deeply that it helped me to survive two people who I consider to be cults of one. What I felt most of all? His love for me.

[@sumis8096]

Andrew, I am a Muslim who truly appreciates your work! Thank you for sharing your talent with us! I have enjoyed this very much!

[@percyob1]

Love this guy. I remember watching The Mary Whitehouse Experience with my brother as a kid. Just bought his book. He's written loads BTW. Another great interview Big G ;p

[@zoozguerrero9648]

Listening to you guys reminds me of just about every movie by Woody Allen😆😆😆 He always puts it down to his "jewishness". But seriously... I'm a 60 y/o woman, brought up as a Catholic, and it never ceases to amaze me stories people tell themselves. Worrying about it makes 0 difference. We're all going to the same place, and we'll find out when we'll get there. It is all about wanting to have control, which we can never achieve. Just enjoy the ride!!!🙏🙏

[@naturalisted1714]

Death cannot be like sleep, because there's no longer a you to wake up, to resume that particular consciousness' continuity. Sam Harris did a great podcast episode called "The Paradox of Death", where he discussed the essay "Death, Nothingness and Subjectivity", by Tom Clark, at length. Tom coined the term "Generic Subjective Continuity" in it. I highly recommend reading that essay.

[@AndrewGold1]

ah that is scary!

[@naturalisted1714]

@@AndrewGold1 Let me know what you think after you read that essay :) I've also made several vydeos on this topic.

[@fionawatson30]

Excellent conversation between David and yourself, Andrew. Really very interesting and David's book will go on my read list. 👍

[@AndrewGold1]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@tfs203]

I see all these ppl saying "I am nolonger afraid of death." I heard that claim 100Xs before, and in those ppls last moments, the begging and sobbing to save their lives begins.

[@alysoncaddick6344]

I totally agree with DB that Andrew should be on TV. Saw the Exorcism documentary ages ago and have never forgotten him. Happy to be an Edgehog though!

[@Lea31706]

I’m not religious or really believe in god …but I died of a brain bleed 30 years ago and had an NDE so people think i should be religious,but I think it’s science we just haven’t figured it out yet

[@kimsmith8972]

I am a believer and I pray for you Andrew because God loves you.

[@johnbelville4566]

It is fascinating to me to fear death. I never have - not when I was young nor now at 70. To me it's just a fact in as much as sunrise and sunset are facts. No use arguing or speculating about it - it's going to happen to all of us without fail. The sooner one accepts it the sooner one can get on with LIFE. Now to worry about HOW one dies is a different matter (lingering disease, sudden accident etc.). At least one can have some influence on that through lifestyle choices, but ultimately the end is the end is the end. What happens after, if anything, we cannot know until it happens. Any hypothesizing is futile and a waste of precious time.

[@cozmarine7771]

The best comment ever. I believe this life is one of many. Our families and pets will be waiting , I believe. I am Jewish but don’t like organised religion.

[@maxinefreeman8858]

My mother had so much faith. I'm a believer but I'm not like her. She practiced her faith. She didn't believe in judging people. If her friend was talking about our neighbors and I heard it, she'd tell me I better not repeat the gossip. She lived to be 89. A few weeks before she died I heard a noise and checked on her. I woke her up. She scolded me. She said she was going into the most beautiful place. There were beautiful flowers that she'd never seen before. I told her I wouldn't again. She passed peacefully a few weeks later. You can laugh, I believe in creation of humans. My thinking is if chimpanzees or whatever they say we evolved from, why did they quit evolving. I'm a nurse, retired. Just the body itself, how everything works couldn't have just happened. When I was 17 , I was ejected from a car. We didn't wear seat belts. My boyfriend took me to the hospital. We didn't have ambulance service. I didn't realize I'd lost conscious for a few minutes. Something told me not to turn my head. A visiting doctor was at our small hospital. He wanted me to lay down so he could sew up a cut behind my ear. I refused because I didn't want to move my head. I didn't get a x-ray. My long hair had dirt and glass in it. My sister tried picking the glass out. I wouldn't let her. I didn't hear a voice but something kept telling me not to turn my head. I was real careful not to move it for about ten days. I finally let my sister pick glass out of my head. We didn't have a shower so we figured out a way she could get my hair washed without me moving out my head. She found the knots sticking out of my scalp. After I recovered I was young didn't think about it. After about ten years I started having trouble with my neck being stiff. My doctor ordered me a x-ray. He asked me why didn't I tell him that my neck had been broke? I told him I didn't know I had. I told him about the car wreck years before. My neck was broken between 1-2 cervical spine. He couldn't believe that old doctor hadn't got a x-ray. I told him that they hadn't even give me a neck brace. He said I was lucky I hadn't been killed. I told him there was something telling me not to move my head. What was telling me not to move my head? I was a stupid teenager that was angry and jumped in the car, that was when I drove 8 cylinder car that could go from 0-60 in a few minutes. Something told me, it had to be God. My religion hasn't got the rituals that some do. There's no certain prayers other than the Lord's Prayer. You can pray in your words. My religion is based on grace. You pray to God that he will save your soul. You turn your heart to him. You sin you ask for forgiveness. You don't have to confess to anyone. I will say this. A church that you can't walk away from without them trying to imprison you, isn't a real church, it's a cult.

[@lucyburr5516]

I liked your post. I have heard it said, “ you can’t beat people on the head with the Bible and expect to win them for God.” Just love people, don’t judge, and put in a plug for God when you can or He leads.

[@normanwgilbert]

I loved the point when Andrew exclaimed "oh god" when he was thinking about worrying about death. The mark of a very unsure atheist haha

[@mirandajsummers]

So good. I had horrible time with mortality when a teenager. You guys have articulated my feelings and observations exactly. Thank you😊

[@NP-ou5yt]

I think the issue is that David is making the mistake a lot of people make about God. They believe it's them who decides whether or not there is a God. Anyone who knows believes in God's existence knows that it is God's decision - God gives you faith. It is a gift he gives freely if you seek him. Unfortunately David hasn't sought him out. It's really that simple. He's learned about him but has he really sought him? There's a subtle but meaningful difference. I say this as a former atheist... ❤

[@alison155]

What a great chat. So honest. Interesting. Funny.. thank you both

[@lenimarga922]

What a delightful conversation! And the comparison between your looks is hilarious. You two really do look alike, it's like looking at the same person as a young adult and an aging gentleman.

[@tambarabrereton1488]

I do respect the way you approach your subject of the day. I’m a gramma of many,, who appreciates your straight talking and am proud to become an Edge Hog.

[@liannekeiller1779]

Absolutely enjoyed this discussion. It was philosophical but at the same time enjoyable. Gave me lots to think about and might just prompt me to get the book and read it soon

[@RandyWillcox]

Wonderful interview Andrew. I love David Baddiel. Just bought the audio book so I get him narrating it!

[@redders895]

THOROUGHLY enjoyed that! 🎉🎉🎉

[@georgemitchell1248]

Lest we forget Christopher Hitchens.

[@Ratcity69]

Ive made this comment on another of Andrews videos. Im pretty much atheist and survived leukemia. I was really scared of going black. I didn't want to disappear into nothing. So I researched near death experiences from atheist testimonials. Very interesting and it took my fear away. For the most part anyway. Id love Andrew to cover that subject.

[@AndrewGold1]

Amazing you survived it though. Fantastic.

[@ASaaaxxx]

@@Iam...---that’s similar to my NDE over 40 years ago ….A black void but oh so beautiful and blissful and I argued with 3 guides as I did not want to come back … I fought it all the way but I ended up back here … I was not a happy bunny

[@DiOSakaVerso]

I don’t have stories of heaven, but had an NDE as a 1yr old and never forgot a second of it. Both a blessing and a curse to grow up with the knowledge that both science & religion were missing the truth 🥴

[@tron.44]

I doubt the so-called atheists were being truthful. Usually biased toward a certain religion or belief. They take hallucinations and tunnel vision as a sign or proof of god. Not a great idea taking that as truth, you'll be disappointed if you can even feel that in the end.

[@teresabaker5113]

I loved listening to your podcast for two reasons; firstly, the subject matter and secondly, you are both respectful of each other. Thank you ❤

[@AndrewGold1]

Thank you so much!

[@kimberleyjanemcnab5343]

I like what Billy Conley said, “who wants to live forever, you get the years added onto the end of your life (and all that comes with old age) not at the beginning!”

[@Soundslikefreedom58]

This was a great time! It was like getting to have lunch with two super brilliant friends. Thank you for saying you fear oblivion! I needed to hear that!

[@AndrewGold1]

Our pleasure!

[@George39gmail.]

Hi Frances 🌹 How are you doing?

[@emmagudsell59]

David is soo entertaining 😂😂. Great interview. Getting my Edge fix🎉

[@lorrainevaughton4494]

Nice interview. Ever thought about something along the lines of : The reason some of us are still here...and why...(when we are past our sell by date so to speak). Are we here to bear witness to something? Vanguards for some future occurrence? Having just said that I`ll probably keel over now. I`m 80 this year. Love your program.

[@stillmagic714]

I feel like you two aren't depressed enough 😂. Also, my sleep must be different from some people because I've heard people say that dying is going to be like the unconsciousness of sleep and I'm baffled by that because I've always had a very active dream life, complete with panic attacks lol.

[@erciliaflores]

This was fun to watch and listen to. I like the rapport between the two of you-- and I'll have to agree with David: You are a heartthrob, Andrew! I do believe in God, and was raised Catholic but have never experienced the thing that David's friend has when taking the eucharist. For me, it is mostly the stressful ordeal of the bread getting stuck at the roof of my mouth! I grew up aware of my dad's deep fear of death and made a vow to meet my death with acceptance. I do feel afraid and sad IF I ever think about death, but I am determined to go in peace🤞 If you guys are right and there is no God(and there are nights where I do catch myself suggesting the idea to myself), I would still rather believe. And this isn't about the fear of hell(which I must be afraid of, anyway, because I am a coward). I'd rather believe in God because of hope, I think. Unlike David, I'll take the comfort over the truth🤷‍♀️ Lastly, I never used the word narcissist with regard to my praying, but you're right. I stopped praying for awhile last year because I realized I had a codependent relationship with God and that's what I used prayer for😬 Fun conversation❤

[@AndrewGold1]

thanks, you always write such thoughtful comments, ercilia!

[@lucyburr5516]

Great comments and I agree. I love God and rather live in hope with Him in my life than live without Him. He is my Father, not a crutch. I am not ashamed of the Gospel. I thoroughly enjoy Andrew’s channel and all the thought provoking content and guests.

[@corinnecerminaro9753]

My husband is a Roman Catholic. He’s an Italian. He had his first marriage annulled and insisted we get married in the Catholic Church. He’s 16 years older than I am. He’s scared of dying so he goes to church three times a week in his yellow corvette. Sigh.

[@jenniandbrentrussell8200]

Half way through and it just occurred to me that this is an interview in time :the younger and older same person, Evidence ,Very similar person,and faded shirt.

[@andyt5559]

I never actually got the humour of Badiel and Skinner! But loved the interview, I have been an atheist ever since I could think for myself, about, 8 or 9, headmaster wanted the best reader in the class to read from the bible at assembly he was a stern man born on the Isle of Lewis, so God fearing! he asked me to read, and I did, he said I read very well, and could pronounce words that children a couple of years older might struggle with! So he said will you read from the bible on Friday, I said no! no one has ever refused, I asked if he was going to force me, he said I can't! But I would love it if you did! your an intelligent boy! Will you? I said no! Why he barked? he was getting angry by this point! I said I can't read, what I can't believe in! he sat aghast, at my response! he looked at me, he said your stubborn, but you have integrity as well as principles! I asked you to do something that conflicted them he got up and shook my hand, and apologised! go back to your class! I will ask for someone else! I will read your book David! Was an excellent interview!

[@juneelle370]

Spiritual is much different than religious… religions have been formed to try to both control others and make sense of it I pray that you two will have an experience you cannot explain. Creator is Love & Mystery 💜

[@tonyfrench2574]

David Baddiel is all about me, me, me. There is no room left for God.

[@barbarahughes9123]

This is very interesting. I think it’s always good to hear other people’s views and thoughts as it helps us to understand one another. I’m a Christian and the fear of death I experienced only as a prepubescent child no longer exists for me. I’ve had what some people call supernatural encounters but I prefer spiritual encounters with God and as such don’t feel fear of any of the things David listed. And it’s probably because of an enlightenment where you don’t hold on to worldly things any longer. I like all the beauty that life presents us with but I don’t like the ugliness mankind creates and does to tarnish this beautiful planet and I’m okay with saying au revoir to that come the time.

[@vbachman6742]

I'm a 76 year old American and I was brought up in a not very religious family in the very religious South. I'm now fully atheist. I've never felt the need to believe in a god. I don't have the same fear of death that you describe. Maybe I'm just less emotional in general. I recently read an interesting book by M. C. Alexander, "Better Living Through Selective Apathy". I think his theory can be applied to religion and the possibility of an afterlife. Less stress in any event.

[@karengrace4309]

Lord I was wondering this the other day How do I share your truth with those who've lost their way Then gently he began to speak Instructing me Always love the sinner Their not the sin they choose They've merely lost their way Your to simply love them as my son showed you how to do Do this first in practicality Putting your arms around those most in need of love compassion humanity Be a voice for the voiceless Hope to those without hope Bring love to the unlovely because they need it most ..... Sister Grace

[@funjuror]

I had a cycling accident; I have no memory of its cause I was looking around enjoying the countryside, and suddenly, nothing. I came to with an ambulance and medic loading me aboard; no pain (till later); if that had been death, it was delightful, one-moment beautiful cycle next nothing. I do recall I had been cycling rather fast, but that was all. On the virtual reality bit, there was a poignant Star Trek episode called Times Arrow, about living an entire life in minutes.

[@TuberRose333]

He’s right Andrew. You ARE a bit of a Edgehog heart throb! ❤️

[@margaretWestminster]

Andrew I look forward to your excellent talks. As for those cults and so called religions they are good at controlling people please carry on talking about these subjects. I was raised with no religion so my mind is clear, not indoctrinated by these groups you can be a kind , honest person without religion. Having no fear of god and free. I have known lovely people that do believe in God but also not good people that are hypocrites. Thank you Andrew and enjoy your visit with Mr Richard Dawkins

[@napoleonfeanor]

Lol for thinking yourvmibd is clear just because you have no belief in anything traditionally seen as religion

[@rnrpeg1]

Dawkins talk already aired. Another great 'cast!!

[@fomofud9479]

Loved watching this channel grow from under 4k fans

[@ang2067]

great show! I loved it and David!!

[@nigesainsbury9156]

Just discovered Andrew and watched back to back the Richard Dawkins and David Baddiel interviews. Both were great discussions. I admire Richard's arguements and the articulate way he presents them, but David's layman approach was much more 'connectable' for me. In both cases, Andrew did fantastic job. Such a natural talent, a modern day Michael Parkinson! Well done. You have one more subscriber!

[@avk-kq7gv]

Another superb discussion, very interesting and affirming to hear people with similar opinions to my own.

[@BardzoPowaznyUzytkownik]

I was never worried about dying. I'm actually very curious what is there. I despised living since I was few years old. I never could understand why I am even here. Life seems to be more scary and painful than not existing. All three my boyfriends were scared of death to the point we couldn't talk about it. They were not Jewish :D

[@nikkihamilton4374]

Yes David you do look much better!

[@thelastsausage635]

I must be Jewish too!!!!! Absolutely fascinating, what a pair of interesting intelligent people to listen to, brill!👍😘

[@ellendoherty7816]

This was massively interesting. Not boring at all. Absolutely fascinating, some of these conversations . I believe we are energy . When we die, the energy just changes form,so in this respect, we do never die

[@claire-christmas-august73]

thoroughly enjoyed.! appreciate both sides of the coin.. ✌🏻🌏🇦🇺🤘🏻

[@aileenmac1]

Interesting subjects Andrew and David 🎉😊

[@beebeelicious]

Atheist since I can remember. Got removed from Sunday School, because I asked them how a bush could talk. It would be lovely to be deluded enough to believe in a happy clappy skippety hop heaven with added dead relatives but it's just daft.

[@Elegant_Sausage]

I'm with you on that.

[@cd2844]

When there is nothing it will be fine because you won't be aware of it because 'you' won't exist. The being dead isn't scary it's the dying part... being afraid of being afraid really. I imagine being dead is like being under general anaesthetic... lights off and that's that... just no awakening. Nothing to worry about at all!

[@jeanash9502]

Scary stuff,, fascinating great interview thanks 😊

[@pamelav4628]

I didn't create God. God created me. I knew this as a small child.

[@tracybailey680]

Stunningly interesting and entertaining interview!

[@paulanavarette5578]

Thanks!

[@zemuellerz]

A very entertaining conversation. Thank you gentlemen.

[@susandavidson1691]

Love David. I’m a non believer of religion of any sort. Love philosophical debates and science. Debate is educational. Positive Negative creates a whole. Every view is great. Just don’t like the aggressive attitude when people think they’re view is solid

[@karobythell4425]

With your almost matching shirts I just want to say " CHECK MATE ! "

[@lanemaund5097]

So enjoyed this 👍

[@AndrewGold1]

So glad!

[@ASaaaxxx]

As someone who has had a near death experience over 40 years ago.. there is nothing to be afraid of … I’m not religious I’m more spiritual… and you are eternal your body dies you do not ….I can’t wait to go back … oh and I can remember 14 past lives … you don’t just get one go at life here … heavens just how unfair would that be!!!!

[@lulumoon6942]

G-d is the worst excuse for hating a fellow man, whomever you are! There's NO divinity, or humanity, in hate of ANY stripe.❤️🙏💞