I thank God for this guy. He validated everything that I knew about the religious right. The right wing evangelicals full of white supremacists.

"The problem with evangelical christianity is that it's stupid." Classic! I left that crap when I was 25 and am now 61 and have never regretted it.

"Evangelical" now means virtually the same thing as "hypocrite".

8:31 "...you have damaged your neurological pathways by addiction to certainty for things that don't exist."

Former Christian now atheist here, keep up the good work brother.

This man is a beautiful island in a sea of insanity

Former Evangelical. Right wing and conservative until I went from religion to relationship with Jesus. Since then, roughly four years ago, I have had a very uncomfortable time as all of my views were changed by grace and mercy. Now, love comes first. The downside is that all of my family now think I am a crazy liberal. While it is true that I have many views that now fit snugly into that camp, I haven't lost the rhetorical edge I had before only now I use it to fight against the abuse of the name of Jesus by followers who obviously have not read the Bible on their own. And now I see how frustrating it is to have facts and information, only to be called a socialist( pointing out that we already have many "socialist" style programs feels like spitting at the rain) and dismissed by someone who believes the craziness that evangelicals regularly put out as gospel. Maybe they should spend time reading the REAL gospel.

I am a Christian and I believe what he's saying is true.

I love this man for sharing what so many christians are afraid to say.

As a Jew who’s studied the Torah in depth, I’m very happy you’re speaking out against destructively literal interpretations.

Well said Frank, America needs many more straight talkers on Christian Fundamentalism like you...

I as a christian evangelical do not any any way support yrump or anyone of his associates. My support is only to spread the love and mercy of god and christ. As it relates to love. Hope. Compassion. Support for theunderpriviliged. Trump and his cohorts are proud of their wickedness and laugh a T christians behind their backs and take their vot e s. And make fools of us.

Addiction to certainty (applause), that's what makes the whole world go around, doesn't it? That and the fear of death can spoil an entire lifetime. Love your page, Frank!

Need to stand and sing a hymn after this great sermon

it might happen to you that you are raised as an evangelical… , but than you start thinking for yourself …

I read Frazer's "The Golden Bough" when I was in my late teens (condensed version) and recommend that anyone curious about the origins of religions do the same. It seems religion has always been a way of explaining the inexplicable and attempting to control the uncontrollable, but now we have science, which does not depend on belief but on provable, demonstrable results, to do that for us. I realized that all religious testaments, including the Bible, were written by people who were doing their best to grapple with Big Questions, like why do we all have to die, while in an intellectually childlike state. They tried hard, and came up with answers that sounded reasonable at the time, but we've moved on since then and are continuing to move on. Intellectually, we're not children anymore -- unless we choose to be. And a lot of people do choose to be. They find reality overwhelming and understandably prefer magical thinking, which I admit can be very attractive. The scientific approach is kind of scary: maybe we humans really are all alone in an indifferent universe. Maybe there is no caring father figure in a beautiful place beyond death where we'll go when our time comes -- if we're 'good' enough. So, best to let go and let God, right? It's a fictional way to live but at least it relieves people of having to think things out for themselves, so they exist in a sort of intellectual/emotional cocoon, supported by others who are in the same space. The danger is, belief vs reality with belief winning, can end up with people doing very foolish things, like letting one of their own die rather than take them to a hospital because they think God wants it so -- for some inscrutable (but no doubt wise) reason. Or in their not taking global warming seriously. Or thinking wars and other tragedies are 'meant to be.' Time to give magical thinking a pass and get on with living in reality. We have a world to save and no god to do it for us!

Very educative for me as a citizen of Central European country. In fact several hours ago I tried to explain my wife what are the roots and fruits of American evangelicalism. What I said were more or less speculations. Or maybe I should rather say deductions. But you are saying almost the same things as I have told my wife. And unlike me you have plentiful personal experience with all the stuff. From outside, namely from my country, it's sometimes very difficult to get a bit deeper under the surface of American events. So your videos are very helpful to me. Greetings from the Czech republic. Jan Kořínek.

i am from New England. I went to the south a few years ago and did not know that there were black parts of town and white parts of towns. I thought everybody would be living together. The white guy said that the two races never talk to each other and don't interact. I was so surprised. What kind of evil things do they do?

HEAR! HEAR! EXCELLENT! We need MORE people like you out there saying what you've just said! So TRUE! I remember your father when he'd preach on occasion at Jerry Falwell's church on the "Old Time Gospel Hour," when I was taken up by this extreme evangelical movement until one day the church I went to kicked me out because I was gay! Keep up what you're doing Frank! :-)

You need to come to my city and speak at a megachurch trying to expand it's already huge presence and blanket the city with satellite branches. Honestly, it's like the Stepford movement. Sends chills down my spine.

This man is truth teller God bless he is not stuck with organized religion.

Love ya, Frank. Keep up the good work. The puppy is so sweet. Wonderful video!

Thanks for this wonderful video, Frank, and for your insightful analysis of the bible and the white evangelicals. More people need to hear from you for their enlightenment.

Wow Frank, I was once a believer in biblical literalism as well. I appreciate the sharing of your journey, especially your acknowledgement that as literature (concerning Jesus' direct words) it can be positive influence on family and culture. Smart brave men like yourself who have come from within can help "save" us all or should I say help enlighten us so we can save ourselves. Thanks and peace

As a Christian, this guy has made my day. Bless you.

I am a big fan of you and your ability to so clearly articulate the truth. I was a fundamentalist, after being raised Catholic, and am now an atheist. I bought a couple of your books (Crazy for God, and can't remember the other), and I clearly remember a brilliant quote of yours, where you talked about how the US has a "village idiot" that is Christian fundamentalism, and the way you deal with a village idiot is to step around them and go about doing what you have to do. Well, it appears that the village idiots have gained more power than we would have liked to see, and now, in the eyes of other countries around the world, the village idiot is the US. Now other countries are learning that they can't trust us, and that they must step around us and make trade deals with more trustworthy partners. As I observe this, I couldn't help but remember your words and notice that they now have a most unfortunate new application. :(

Glad to see people think for themselves and follow their true heart. The hypocrisy of these so called Christians is truly disgusting. Christ will tell them you never knew ME You just followed a radical cult devoted to my name ~

I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ. I believe there is a God and the Holy Ghost ( a Trinity). I do not call myself a Christian or follow any organized religion. I am a free thinker. I believe in things that are factual. I also believe in things that are unseen. Do I believe in the Bible, you better believe it, but I also believe in science. You can do both- you do not have to be a hardcore person. We can agree to disagree. That is a problem, in America, we take sides and no one wants to budge. My son is an atheist and I love him dearly. He is very educated (Masters Degree). He is very knowledgeable about a great many things. We have very interesting discussions. We do not impose our beliefs on anyone. People need to believe what their heart tells them and let their brain come along. Yes, I am sure I will get a few comments (negative). Just wanted to let you know how one of the “other people ” feels about the topic.

Belief is subjective whereas truth is objective. And verifiable. So it is immaterial whether you personally believe in something or not. I used to have great fun with Mormons, who came in pairs wearing suits to the town I'm living in, by pointing to a tree (or post, or car, or whatever) and asking them if they believed in it. Of course they said 'yes.' Upon which I told them I didn't. Blank stares. So I explained: I could see it. I could touch it. It was real, and with real things 'belief' is unnecessary. They exist whether one believes in them or not. Only unreal things need to be 'believed' in, I told them -- like their religion. Or any religion. I don't think they ever truly got it, but after a while they crossed the street when they saw me coming. So satisfying!

Looking forward to reading your latest book, Frank. I just hope your videos survive the repeal of net neutrality.

I agree with absolutely everything you said in this video. What we have now is American Fascism. Religion enables Fascism. It literally teaches Fascism right from the start.

Frank Schaeffer - I just had this video pop up in my suggestions. I'm two months short of 72 and spent 25 years as a "Christian". For a few years I had a CT subscription and was made acquainted with your father. So the name resonated with me of a man to listen to. I am now non-religious scientific rationalist open to a spiritual view of the Universe. Actually it is quite simplistic. Thank you for your video. I am going to look forward to exploring more of your works. Take care of your puppy. I was adopted by the household cats when I moved into this basement. Peace and Love.

There are more simpletons then intellectuals, it is easier not to think for oneself and rely on others to argue, fight, and make rules, the simpletons want to be looked after then to stand for themselves. Simpletons take comfort in the fact that something is certain rather then what could be, it is easier, they make great HOA tenants as they are of like minded people, controlled, and comforted to know their neighbors are the same, it is a good feeling they get when their masters pat on their head approval and praise, and the admiration of their fellow bots. To be an intellectual one does not simply have to be highly intelligent, but simply not be afraid to question and accept when they are wrong, to be stoic in the face of adversity.

From one awakened former BAC to another, thank you!!!

Somehow evangelicals decided to concentrate on the vengeful God of the Old Testament, which was superseded by the Christ of forgiveness.

I take my hat off to you Frank. You are a breath of fresh air from the hypocritical "Christians" who wouldn't even recognize Jesus if they saw him.

Another point to consider, people who don't want to be responsible for climate change are too lazy to change their lifestyle.

“Damaged your neurological pathways with an addiction to certainty.” Wow!

4:42 "The problem is stupidity"

Frank Schaeffer is the real deal! Word!!👌☺

Frank you are great!!We appreciate very much your lectures,are honest and very challenging!!

Thank you Frank Schaeffer! Getting out of the church has been one of the most freeing and liberating experiences of my life! If you are still there, get out of the Box! Get out of the mind controlling four walls of the church box and experience an unfettered spirit and be free of the suppression of logical thinking!

Brilliant! Thank you.

Thank you

Where has Frank been all my life? As a 57-year-old gay man who was brought up Southern Baptist and who fought so mightily to stay in a Religion where it was made abundantly clear that I could never be accepted “Just As I Am”, so much of what he says speaks directly to my life. At around age 50, I gave up that useless fight and went my merry (one might say “gay”) old way, keeping the parts of my faith that I believe Jesus wanted us most to follow: love one another as I have loved you. It’s not always easy, and I probably miss the mark more often than not, but his teachings still guide me. When I left my former siblings in Christ, I took my faith and my God with me because, you see, me and God...we’re truly OK with each other...I don’t need a middle man (or woman) and I’m done with those self-appointed mouthpieces for God. I’d be less-than-truthful if I said that it’s not been hard at times to live without my former family but I know now that leaving them behind was the only way I could ever hope to flourish as the person my creator meant me to be. It still amazes me to hear the Religionists tell me that, in order to be worthy of God’s love, I’d have to go back into that deathly-dark closet that God helped me out of in the first place. And even if that were true, I’d risk their hell before I’d go back into my former hell on earth just to get God to love me.

You sir are proof god exists. Subscribed! Why have I not found this sooner!

Christian Taliban would be a perfect label.

Thank you for those awesome words! Beautiful little dog! :D

Frank is an excellent speaker and his dog’s awesome!

The question every person must ask is, “who is this Jesus Christ person?” I totally agree that much modern Christian evangelicalism is just cultural/political nonsense, but if Jesus is who he said he was as recorded in the four biographical accounts contained within the Bible, none of that will ultimately matter. I have read some of this man’s father, and he was a logic-heavy dude! That powerfully logical mind led Francis to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord. I say open the gospels with a humble mind, casting aside as much prejudice as possible, and decide for yourself. I did that, I am not stupid, and I believe. By the way those look like wonderful paintings, and cool dog!

When I was about 8 or 9 years old, I remember saying to myself this shit is just stupid. Atheist for about 56 years now.

Have these hypocrites see the movie A Face in the Crowd ; they will see themselves quite clearly.

Thumbs up Keep it real. Organised religion screwed me for a long time. Its sad for young ones all around the word conditioned to the theological bullshit that poisons their young minds and contributes to dividing the human family.

Loved you on AM Joy!

Have fun with your new puppy, the greatest example of love, and how to behave towards others, on earth!❤️

Thank you for your various videos and books. You are spot on, and I am so grateful that I came upon your channel.

This man is telling you the truth.so tell it like it is.

Frank, you've hit the nail on the head. Those people who are rational minded and not easily fooled by a pack of lies and fairy tales, especially Jewish people, know that even if there was enough historic evidence for a man named Joshua, (Jesus), that he was at best, an itineriant preacher, one among many that were known in the area called Judea. The actions ascribed to him, were the basis of a mythos, based on wishful thinking and moreover were not written by the men who supposedly put quill to paper and wrote contemporaneous accounts of the acts of this intinerant preacher. I have watched your transformation from rabid evangelical to rational and reasonable person, and I now know that you have completed your transformation in a manner that speaks to those still in the camps of evangelical and fundamentalist Christianity.

Agreed. I met a kid in college that was home schooled by evangelical parents just like you describe. He got into college and started to see snd learn the truth about the world and went nuts. Actually almost killed a guy in a bar fight. He could reconcile what he was taught with reality.

I agree so much with Frank💞

Thanks for this. What you're saying makes total sense. I'm not religous, i do believe something had a hand in our existence. What you're saying about the bible is how i have felt about it for 40 years. Its good to know I'm not the only one who feels that way.

I am with you. I dont think its literal too.

Try making eye contact with your dog. It's a wonderful connection that my daughter taught her dog to have with her. Your puppy looked up at you and I swooned. So sweet. Love your clear headed perspective and profound wisdom.

I LOVE YOU!!!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO.

A very good lesson, and you are right, evangelicals are misguided by their own lies to themselves and then defend themselves when it's pointed out that they are more Anti-Christ then Christian.

Zip is adorable! I am a new subscriber....THANK YOU for saying outright what many will not. We MUST rid this country of Trump and the crazy evagilistics you talk about, before it is too late. Thanks for making us THINK!

Good vid Frank

Changing labels can never remove their racism. Evangelicals will be judged by Matt 25:31-46.

Good morning Frank and that you so much for your insight.

Thanks for putting this up I like your perspective. It all sounds very real to me.

Thank you for your videos, and if you are the son of Francis Shaffer who's books I studied in the early 80 s then you're the one I saw at a church in San Jose , Ca and had your book as well. I'm 68 now and just a year ago walked from the faith after read the bible outside the direction of the church, and yes ! It's just a story book to control the masses. I no longer live with guilt or shame and fear. Truly free!

I like this guy. I get the impression he's had conversations about these topics many times with both people who either agree or disagree. People with his kind of experience are the ones who need to be vocal and need to be heard by those who can think for themselves.

I just found these videos and discovered this man. You are saying things I have thought about. Such eloquence, and argument. Kudos sir!

I joined a Baptist church when I was 16. I found them very controlling - they were telling people how to dress, not to drink, not to go dancing and that kind of thing. I think the turning point came when one of them told me it was my 'Christian duty' to support royalty. When I was 17 my dad died. I left the church because I could not accept their belief that he had gone to hell because he was not saved. I was hounded and harassed by a member of their church who went to the same college as me. It was a nightmare. For a long time I wasn't sure what I thought about religion or the afterlife, but I had a few spiritual experiences. I am now a spiritualist. The problem with any religion is that they believe that their religion is correct and the none believers are going to hell. As David Icke said - if you are born in a Jewish family then you will grow up to be Jewish. If you are born into a Christian family you will grow up a Christian. If you grow up into a Muslim family you will become Muslim and that becomes your reality.

Wow that was amazing. I was born into evangelical, born again, baptist in Texas. I now live in Ohio and am an athiest. Going back to visit my home town is a nightmare. Lol the first time I went back to visit after becoming an athiest I was disgusted with the "in your face" just plan old meanness of the Christianity there. I'll be going back in a few months and although it still makes me sick, I'm able to laugh at the stupidty of such a belief system. Addiction to certianty, great phrase.

That's great. I could listen to your words of wisdom and insights all day.

The puppy certainly enjoys the sermon. And so do I.

Good job, Mr Schaeffer! I also enjoyed your book, Crazy for God.

Keep going Mr. Schaeffer I still believe in Christ but the Right wing evangelicals are nuts.

And also, wow! Preach!! I agree with you.

I'm with you brother

Thank you that is all. You are truly doing the "Good Work".

Schaeffer reminds me of that Dodge Hornet commercial on T.V. He's the half baked weirdo that cries out "Let me feel your sting!"

Thank you sir for saying the truth. Changing there name will not help. The Kock brothers didn't even beleave it, but they are glad you do, that way they can gain mote money and power.

you sum it up well !!! Thanks

Congrats on your precious pup, Zip - so cute! I just listened to your fantastic talk at Google - would’ve complimented you there if comments hadn’t been disabled. Thank you for sharing the truth of human kindness and decency. Just subscribed in the hopes of some new videos.

I am.going to have to find your book.. My grandfather was a Pentecostal minister for over 50 years and my mother is devoted brainwashed follower of T.B.N. My family had a friendship with Paul Crouch and indoctrinated by those same toxic teachings.. I relate to you on such a deep level.from my own personal firsthand experiences.. I continuously find myself dumbfounded how easily so.many people allow themselves to give these dangerous people and beliefs complete control over their minds. Its a very ugly reality inside these churches behind the scenes. I watched my.grandfather have multiple affairs, take cash out of the money his church "tithed" to finance his extravagant cars and homes.and other luxuries and pay for the jewelry he bought for women he had affairs with... (All tax free )Religion is big business that it's followers have complete blindness of. I wish people could see the reality of the sickness in these churches behind the scenes as I did. They are infecting people's minds with diseased thinking. Its a huge problem that has infected our society and government. By the way, I'm an artist as well, I think many of us who grew up around this kind of religious craziness and did not follow in its footsteps turned to art in a way to express what the toxic environments in many of these churches suppress... Art and music has given me an outlet to express what I saw people like my grandfather suppress in his churches belief systems. I.would love to write a book , writing is not.my strong point but I am.an avid reader.. I.look forward to finding your book and reading it.. There's few who have seen the reality behind some of these large toxic ministers and the insanity and corruption it brain washes it's followers with.

Wow! You really broke it down brother. Keep speaking the truth!

Amen, brother! A brilliant expose.

We need more videos from this man. Why the silence now?

I wouldn't mind them having their own beliefs, I just wish they didn't try forcing their nonsense on everybody else!

I've been a Christian for 50 years and have always been perplexed by the Evangelicals' worship of the Bible as being literally perfect rather than the perfection of the Christ.

I agree with what you're saying about the Evangelicals as I have lived in Oklahoma and attended an Episcopal church for years and frequently attended readings by others like your father. While the Late Great Planet Earth does have some very valid modern interpretations of Revelation, it was originally intended to create awareness, not political ideation. While there has always been a paradoxical view of the bad things that have to happen to precede the second coming, we were never told Biblically to influence those things toward their occurring to hasten His coming. I wanted to say I had the same struggle with Evangelicals but for different reasons. The very same reasons I struggle with you. The Evangelicals I have known were for the most part, loving, well-intentioned people, who affirmed Jesus Christ in their lives and worship. And of course, Evangelism is the calling of Christ in the world so what Christian wouldn't want to be an "Evangelical"? However the thing that they and you lack is a true and full awareness of just who God is. Not to say they have no idea. Of course He is very well expressed in their worship. The spectrum of awareness, as I've seen it, can range from someone's lips being close to Christ but their hearts far from Him, to a deep struggle to look for a full understanding through intellectual exercises referred to Biblically as a "tickling of the ears". I was a new Holy Spirit enlightened Christian in a sea of intellectually enlightened Christians who, when I arrived there, were just beginning to explore the true nature of the Holy Spirit they referred to as the Charismatic movement. As the Messiah proclaimed, many were called but few were chosen. To this day, for most, Christ remains a concept. A beautiful, comforting concept. Intellectual Christianity is now being expressed politically while the world and its preconceived notions of what a Christian should be, are confused. It is about delusion. Strong delusion. This, by the way, was also predicted by the Bible. I was completely unsurprised when the Episcopal church split apart. Being devoid of the Spirit is degenerative. Regeneration can only come from a Spiritual relationship with God. This is true for Evangelicals, Atheists, Agnostics, etc. The human condition is the same for us all. If one rejects the Truth, he or she is given over to strong delusion. Ironically, this is indeed part of the necessary occurrences for the Second Coming. The danger here is that those who would look to prophecy in these latter days are dissuaded by your argument and I don't think that's what you're intending. My only input to the argument is that Evangelicals who read the Bible without the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit are reading someone else's mail. For those on your side, who succumb to the temptation to throw the baby out with the bathwater, they wind up in the same place ultimately. A life without the full knowledge (beyond our own reasoning) of the Godhead.

This is brilliant

Thank you Frank for your honesty and truth.

A lot of these so called evangelicals are worshipping the devil without knowing it.

nice work, the talk was good too.

Amen to that my friend. Keep telling it how it is.

Thank you!

I have listened to this man speak many times and cannot ignore the fact that this is an external manifestation of an internal turmoil.He is the kind of man who will always be unhappy and bitter because he cannot deal with his own brokenness and blames it on othersie conservative Christians like his parents .His father wrote a book The End of Reason that warned us about people like this man. He needs psychiatric help PS His father never advocated violence Rabindra Kitchener