How I Became an Atheist

Рет қаралды 31,247

9 жыл бұрын

Here is the story of my deconversion from Christianity. I am incredibly thankful that you are willing to take the time to watch this video, and I truly hope you come away with something beneficial afterwards. I've listed a few resources below with the idea that they are a stepping stone to the greater depth of information that is out there. Find something that stands out to you and run with it! I can assure you that these are only scratching the surface:
God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything (book): www.amazon.com/God-Is-Not-Grea...
Broad Talk by Christopher Hitchens: • Video
Matt Dillahunty and Where Do Atheists Get Their Morals?: • Where do atheists get ...
Matt Dillahunty and the Immorality of the Bible: • Christian can't reconc...
Matt Dillahunty and The Superiority of Secular Morality (short version): • The Superiority of Sec...
Large Resource Concerning Christian Arguments and Objections: wiki.ironchariots.org/index.ph...
Sam Harris Criticizing Christian Morality: vimeo.com/100065750
Best of Rational Wiki (a valuable resource): rationalwiki.org/wiki/Rational...
Richard Carrier in The Top Four Reasons I Am Not a Christian: infidels.org/library/modern/ri...
Why I Am Not A Christian by Bertrand Rusell: www.users.drew.edu/~jlenz/whyn...
AaronRa in Theism is Not Rational: • Theism is Not Rational
Someone's Experience of Leaving Their Religion: www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessi...
15 Things to Never Say to Atheists: • 15 things to NEVER say...
Collection of Essays: www.losingmyreligion.com/archi...
James Randi and Squashing Paranormal Claims: • How to Squash a Parano...
Putting Faith in Its Place: • Video
Speaking in Tongues (A.K.A. Glossolalia): godlessmom.com/speaking-in-ton...
Blog About Quoting the Bible: apastasea.blogspot.ca/2014/09/...
Slavery in the Bible: www.evilbible.com/Slavery.htm
Evolutionary Tree of Religion: i.imgur.com/jaUIjpJ.jpg
Website For Ex-Christians: new.exchristian.net/
Some Food for Thought About Evidence: • 2.6 Atheism: Evidence (A)
Neil deGrasse Tyson on ID: • Neil Degrasse Tyson - ...
Bill Nye in Creationism is Not Appropriate for Children: • Bill Nye: Creationism ...
How Evolution Works: • How Evolution works
Evolution FAQ: evolutionfaq.com/
Blogger That I Related To: respectfulatheist.blogspot.ca/
Dear Believer, Why Do You Believe?: • Dear Believer Why Do Y...
Stephen Fry in How Can I Be Happy (Humanism): • How can I be happy? | ...

Пікірлер: 766

@bajojohn 8 жыл бұрын

I'm a seminary trained pastor. I've been working in ministry for 4.5 years and I became an atheist 4 months ago. The transition for me was rather sudden when I realized that we just make up theology and it becomes orthodox. I'd been a universalist for a long time, as well as a practical deist. So when I asked the facetious question, "do Catholics and baptists worship the same God?" It all came crashing down. Good luck man. It's scary, but I think we're better off.

@AttestedFire66 8 жыл бұрын

I sometimes feel like the odds of someone growing up in religion and then waking up later in life are very low. It's nice to see posts like yours, thank you for reminding me that people aren't as prone to blindness as I sometimes think.

@PoeLemic 8 жыл бұрын

I feel for you, BajoJohn. It happened to me too. Not with me being in the seminary, but I was really deeply religious. My best friend growing up became a Christian Musician (I will not say who), and I am a beloved listener forever of Steve Taylor, if you know who that is. Anyway, yeah, I woke up when I played the game of the Domino Effect or what I call it. Watch: no tooth fair ... right? No, easter bunny, no santa, then ... what's next? I started thinking about comparing the qualities of all of those mythological entities versus Jesus. Wow, exact match. Show me a picture: no; show me direct evidence: no; are they existent: no; where they live: elsewhere; can they hear me: people say / NO; do they watch over me: said they do / NO; etc. I walked through that list on a sheet of paper, and it was obvious. Just mythology, once I realized what mythology is. So, good you realized it before Life passed you by. Use that loss and change in your Life to help others; that's what I have done. And, if you want to chat, email me. I'm a friend who has walked your path too.

@Kyo-uz1zi 6 жыл бұрын

I'm glad I was a very inquisitive child. I was always videos on natgeo and whatnot when I was 8-10. I became atheist when I was 10 and I'm now 14. Really I was skeptical about Christianity and never put 100 percent faith in it because of my love of science and skepticness, but it was at 10 years old when I thought, "what do I see when I die." It hit me like the bomb on Hiroshima. Right now I consider myself an agnostic deist but I don't care of people call me atheist. Although my family doesn't know yet and they're Christian. I plan on telling them when I got my own place but man I can relate to you a lot. It's thag one question that makes you wake up although I was never fully asleep.

@chelseaduran762 5 жыл бұрын

Join the clergy project

@drekafrazier9822 4 жыл бұрын

Catholics worship Mary

@kagame6524 9 жыл бұрын

I also recently escaped from mental slavery! It wasn't all bright and beautiful but in the end, I have more peace, authenticity and joy in my heart.

@pondartinc4002 9 жыл бұрын

Axel Ntwari Good for you! Keep your mind open but skeptical. Question and demand proof. Good luck.

@kagame6524 9 жыл бұрын

Yes, thank you *****, I sure will do.

@chadhansen5057 8 жыл бұрын

Same dude

@conbatengineer 9 жыл бұрын

I approve this message. Welcome to reality.

@marinecorps6870 9 жыл бұрын

Jesus! Shouldn't you be sitting and do nothing instead of agreeing with an atheist?!

@SUGAR_XYLER 9 жыл бұрын

Anonymous Vigilante ~ Yep, that's what he's known for doing !! (*_~)

@jogindjali19 9 жыл бұрын

Anonymous Vigilante ahahah u made my day

@marinecorps6870 9 жыл бұрын

yoyoyo nonono Glad I did.

@marinecorps6870 9 жыл бұрын

SUGAR XYLER Yup.

@defaultdan9765 7 жыл бұрын

This video had me balling my eyes out. I was once in the same place you were. So happy to be an atheist now. I lost a few Christian "friends" over this. Turns out they weren't my friends. Nor do they care about my soul burning enough to try to "save" me from a very fake place. Thank you for making this video. We need more atheists.

@belzweis9568 5 жыл бұрын

I think we need more Critical thinkers, in turn there would probably be more Atheists.

@defaultdan9715 3 жыл бұрын

@@belzweis9568 I agree. Atheism is on the rise, but it's just not moving fast enough. I'm only 38 years old but at the rate we're growing I don't think I'll live long enough to see the first *openly* atheist president. However, I do try to keep optimistic. Also, even if I don't live long enough to witness the first atheist president. I think, *I would hope anyway*, that maybe 30 years after I'm gone, the people who are alive will not only get to witness the first secular humanist president, but hopefully by then. The country wont be so goddamn divided like it is ffs.

@christiandahms8846 2 жыл бұрын

@@defaultdan9715 there is always going to be division in this country, religion or no religion

@AllUKLuv 3 ай бұрын

Personally I wouldn’t cut a friend out if they stop believing

@ezyccn30 8 жыл бұрын

I can totally relate to this guy, that's why I searched for these kind of videos.

@user-nq7zo2ln5u 8 жыл бұрын

+ezyccn30 search for all kind of videos man

@godkidableable 7 жыл бұрын

ezyccn30 I've been watching these types of videos for about 2-3 weeks

@kwilla1781 8 жыл бұрын

It's amazing that those who have a thorough knowledge of the bible are the most compelling "Deconverts". I also was a bible student with lots of bible committed to memory, and all I needed to become an atheist was the bible itself and a little time to think critically about what I was actually reading without all the noise of church culture. And don't worry about wasted time I'm. 34! And only converted last year! I feel like so many of my peers are so far ahead! Like you! But you're so young! Some people die this way! we got our lives back--lets make it count! For all the RIGHT reasons this time. For the truth. keep making videos and wake the people up. There is hope for everybody if there was hope for us

@FMTFXE22 8 жыл бұрын

Well say, you got your life back. I feel for my friends that are still stuck in their self induced delusional state of mind believing in a cult. The cult of fear & guilt and self worthlessness.

@chadhansen5057 8 жыл бұрын

I have recently released that the book was complete nonsense because it had absolutely no evidence to support its clams and was the equivalent of believeing in a fary tale book I am forever happy I got out of it early I feel so much happier now that I'm out of it I hope all religion dies some day.

@jonathanwhite7168 8 жыл бұрын

please be respectful of other persons beliefs and I am proud to be a christian if you were a biblical scholar then you would still be a christian because there are things in the bible that cannot be discovered by the common eye like how the number 7 is used over 500 times in the bible and how the first verse talks about time matter and space the basic composition of the universe but how would the author know that if the book was written over 30000 years ago when the basic composition of the universe has been comfirmed in the 20th century the other must then be a being of higher power

@chadhansen5057 8 жыл бұрын

Jonathan White with what evidence do you have to support this?

@kwilla1781 8 жыл бұрын

+Chad Hansen I'm guess the "evidence" is his faith. The bible has been proven wrong many times in the Genesis account of creation. The age of the earth is much older than the bible says it is (6,000 years). How can you have three earth days before the creation of a sun or moon? How come the bible never mentions dinosaurs? Women don't come from men -- it's kind of the opposite, so how is it scientific for a grown ass woman to come from a rib? You claiming the bible is scientific in any way is crazy. Please realize that. Virgins don't have babies, dead people don't come back to life, the story of Noah's ark is mathematically and biologically impossible down to the math and dimensions given in the bible to build the ark itself--wake up

@markofcain2761 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this young man. I'm a 60 yrs old black man raised in the mind killing baptist church and I just reached sanity and became an athiest a year ago. I can breath and think for the first time. This way of living and loving feels right and I am at peace with the Universe. Godspeed (so to speak).

@larrycarter3765 4 күн бұрын

athiest?

@leroylang2453 9 жыл бұрын

A lot of religions appeal is down to fear. Fear of death. Fear of nothingness. Not unlike a child's fear of the dark. People want an eternity of bliss. It's rather an egocentric idea when you think about it.

@SUGAR_XYLER 9 жыл бұрын

Leroy Lang ~ I wouldn't call sitting in church for eternity bliss !

@leroylang2453 9 жыл бұрын

Neither would I. By eternity of bliss I mean an eternity after you die.

@JamesRichardWiley 6 жыл бұрын

Jesus is a cuddly teddy bear you can hug.

@hccat3336 8 жыл бұрын

I've spent years asking myself these same questions and even tougher ones. Congrats to you for waking up. And even more for having the courage to post this, knowing so many people in your life will possibly condemn you. Much love and respect. :) you also went about this in a calm and logical way. Learned much.

@meerkatsk5170 7 жыл бұрын

If there was scientific evidence that compels belief in Judeo- Christian God or at least justifies belief, would you accept a relationship with God through Christ?

@Psalms-fr8yy 4 жыл бұрын

Jesus loves you, Hannie!

@ajellis6168 9 жыл бұрын

I like this guy's humility, it's easy to be a new young atheist and be an angry asswipe about it, but this guy was just so real about his experience.

@johnhammond6423 9 жыл бұрын

If every theist watched your video with an open mind[ if only!] then there would be no theists. Great video my fellow atheist.

@johnhammond6423 9 жыл бұрын

***** What a nasty and horrible reply. The sort of coment that can make a man ashamed of his species sometimes.

@haydenselzer 8 жыл бұрын

+john hammond the argument simplifies to the origin of everything. Science's attempts to prove there isn't a God through the Big Bang theory,Christians will reply how is there anything at all without a God, which atheists will reply questioning how Was God created? The argument truly can't be answered by man. I personally choose to be a Christian while I still question parts of the bible(Old Testament) and others due to the high probability that it was revised at one point to rationalize some man's own personal desires. Which is why I focus on the teachings of Jesus exclusively. I don't agree with atheism but I still love all of my fellow man as I would a brother,unlike blind faith Christians who give off the bad reputations of Christians and act in ignorance to others.

@Ricky2901 8 жыл бұрын

+Heydan well said.For me something caused the big bang

@johnhammond6423 8 жыл бұрын

Ricky2901 Why does there have to be a cause as in a causer, a creator? We simply don' know. I don't see how that proves a God?

@johnhammond6423 8 жыл бұрын

Heydan Missed your coment till now sir.The bit where you said _I still love all of my fellow man as I would a brother_ is something we can agree 100% on.

@CarlosDavidLopez4077 9 жыл бұрын

I watched this video about 4 months ago. Helped me come to terms with my questions and let go of my faith. Thank you.

@LeafseasonMagbag 9 жыл бұрын

Hats off to you my friend. Hats off to you.

@mark3249 8 жыл бұрын

I hope you're doing well. It took too many years for me to transition from a devout Catholic to Atheist. One of my biggest surprises was the peace I felt when I stopped struggling at trying to rationalize religious thinking when it didn't make sense. The moment I accepted for myself to be atheist, and to live as a mortal being, my outlook on life changed for the better. I feared I would lose purpose. Instead, the opposite happened. Everything makes sense, now. Science is fun. I treasure my life. I have purpose because I can make a difference. I give blood, donate to charities, help people within my means. And I have a little fun along the way. When I die, I'll be gone forever. I'm grateful to be free.

@chadhansen5057 8 жыл бұрын

Same dude good for you it didn't take me long to get out of christanity. I just thought about the Bible logicy for onece and Nothing made sence then I relised that it was complete nonsense and it was a fary tale because it had absolutely nothing to back up its claim until. humanity realises we are alone in this solar system we will stumble to move on as a speshies and injoy your life because when we die that's it.

@chadhansen5057 2 жыл бұрын

@Arrow Dynamics Inc. The God depicted in the Bible probably shouldn't be taken literally but, I think you can put, God , reality , infinitey, what ever you want to call it is the basket we live in a infinite universe anything is possible we don't know shit about the universe but we are the universe

@nutsbutdum 9 жыл бұрын

I can't tell you how much your story hit so close to home with me. I was a zealous Jehovah's Witness until five years ago...when I started college. Thinking critically is definitely the remedy to the mental darkness fostered by religions. It still baffles me when I think about how much of my life was dedicated to literary talking to some imaginary celestial being, getting all worked up about futile things. Lately I've been listening to Sam Harris books, and after listening to a Letter To A Christian Nation I just stood there for a moment. How was this not evident all these years? Discovering reality, is truly liberating. Thank you, thank you, thank you:)

@debdo1960 9 жыл бұрын

This video is so well done and it took a lot of courage. Kudos to you for becoming the real you. I have recently converted after being a christian for 40 years. It is extremely freeing to remove the rose colored glasses and the lies exposed. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you......live free my friend. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. I hope others will see this thoughtful message and have their eyes opened as well!

@ecocentrichomestead6783 6 жыл бұрын

Morality. I was thinking about that yesterday. When slavery was being abolished who fought to keep them? The bible belt. When women asked for voting rights, who fought against it? The Bible belt. Many other moral advancements were opposed by religion. When the moral change reached a critical mass, religions instituted it into their dogma. And then they claim to be the basis of morality!

@lizzard13666 4 ай бұрын

"Moral advancement" implies an Objective Moral standard. There isn't one on any atheistic worldview. Only Christianity offers a coherent rational justification for Morals. Christians like Wilberforce abolished slavery, because our Scriptures teach us to.

@ecocentrichomestead6783 4 ай бұрын

@@lizzard13666 hate to burst your bubble but "that which promotes the thriving of one's species" is an objective moral standard.

@lizzard13666 4 ай бұрын

@@ecocentrichomestead6783 No, that's speciesism. And you subjectively decided to favour your own species over another. Why OUGHT you to do so?

@ecocentrichomestead6783 4 ай бұрын

@@lizzard13666 1.) In life, we all fight for existence. Something has to die for us to live. The purpose of life is to perpetuate Life. It does so through reproduction. Hence, the protection of one's species is paramount. 2.) For a species to exist, it is a must that most members are opposed to things that reduce the chances of species survival. That's just natural selection. Wither you think humans should exist, or not, is irrelevant. Because, if humans didn't exist, we wouldn't be here to have an opinion.

@lizzard13666 4 ай бұрын

@@ecocentrichomestead6783 My guy, have you heard of the "ought"/"is" fallacy? David Hume made the point that you cannot get an ought from an is. Your first point begins and ends with "is". That tells us nothing about what we OUGHT to do, simply because something IS the case.

@yasmina89green 9 жыл бұрын

My father was a pastor so we learned the ends and outs of the bible. We learned about many scholars who wrote on many subjects having to do with God. But those questions as well as many others are why I lost my faith. Holocaust, slavery, children being raped...etc. These are questions that boggle my mind when I think about who God is supposed to be. How can God hear my prayers when there is a child someone being abused by their parent. Baby Brianna (look her up) was raped, beaten and thrown up in the air hitting the ceiling and then dropping to the floor several times. If God couldn't hear her cry or could hear it and ignored it then why would he hear yours. Hard questions but that is what brought me to this point. Thank you for this video... thank you.

@rawoctopus2542 9 жыл бұрын

Yasmina Green because its a test

@yasmina89green 9 жыл бұрын

It's a test of what and for what? That is one of those answers you give when you don't know the answer. A test of what for what? And what about that 6 month old baby that was crying out in pain because her father was throwing her against the ceiling and raping her to death? (True story) Was she being tested. Or the people who had to watch their children die during the Holocaust? Or the babies and children dying right now in African and the Middle East because of war. Are they being tested too. For what and why? No, if God can see into my heart, could see the future and he truly loved me he would have helped me. He would have seen my struggle and confusion. I don't believe in God anymore and if there is one I have no clue who/where he is. Bad things happen because of free will but if I was God and knew even one child would suffer I'd say forget it.

@rawoctopus2542 9 жыл бұрын

Yasmina Green to test your faith

@yasmina89green 9 жыл бұрын

You're a big ole troll, aren't you? Ugh... *rolling eyes*

@rawoctopus2542 9 жыл бұрын

Yasmina Green no

@KenEnCuenca 5 ай бұрын

Well said brother! Your statement about having an epiphany one month before you graduated from bible college reminded me of my own experience. I was already a pastor in 1995 when I reenrolled in bible college. I was sitting in a Romans class as the professor was explaining the biblical view of faith. Out of nowhere a thought turned on in my mind like a frickin spotlight. “Do I really believe in this?” As I was sitting there it felt like the blood drained out of my body. That thought created a crack in my faith that eventually led me to be an atheist.

@whanaublood 8 жыл бұрын

You can tell he transferred to Atheist as soon as he starts moving his eyes around, processing what he's saying, meaning he uses his logical, free thinking brain :) as an Atheist myself I notice these things.

@Ezzyduzzit 9 жыл бұрын

You saved yourself, good for you!

@beckwilson2661 8 жыл бұрын

Christian logic: u can't disprove it therefore it's true

@Ricky2901 8 жыл бұрын

+Beck Wilson Love you can prove that and that is part of Christian logic which most have seen in our lives to some degree

@fernandoalarcon8534 8 жыл бұрын

So you do some good deed and that proves there is a good. If you need a book to tell you to be good then you have some serious issues. Millions of non-believers do great things for humanity, and have no belief in god. Many have quit destructive habits on their own merit, and have no need of a god. Just because it helps some does not mean that there is a god.

@Ricky2901 8 жыл бұрын

Fernando Alarcon Ask yourself what caused the big bang.Nothing or something? For me there was something

@Ricky2901 8 жыл бұрын

***** But theres some things a human brain cant grasp .Science only knows so much but not everything and is constantly finding things out.For me God is omnipresence and science will never put a logic/theory on this.The original creator for me was God of all things.Nothing then something=God the creator

@Ricky2901 8 жыл бұрын

Allah/Krishna are all the same thing all lead to the same path=God Similarly occams razor is just a principle put forward by man.Hence God is above man as he was the originator of all things even the concept of mind/thought which you are speaking to me from now . For me the universe cant be the uncaused cause after a certain one of event Ive witnessed in life when young.I intrinsically know there must be something else beyond which our minds are part of something greater

@billkeon880 8 жыл бұрын

"Hitchen's Razor" - love it. All you people who have asked questions honestly and figured it out are incredibly brave and awesome. Especially younger folks in their teens and early 20's. That time of life is hard enough as it is, but to get to the bottom of these ideas is fantastic. Gives me hope for humanity.

@indianlakeohio1050 11 ай бұрын

You have my support and respect. I spent fifty years as a Christian. I left faith behind and my life has never been better. Best wishes to you

@LadyBeth1959 7 жыл бұрын

Congrats to becoming a more rational human being. Welcome, fellow atheist!

@christophergibson7155 3 жыл бұрын

Ahh! There is no such thing as an atheist. The Scriptures are so very clear on that.

@SNORKYMEDIA 2 жыл бұрын

@@christophergibson7155 so becasue a book you like says something everyone else HAS to beleive it - you sound like a facist

@RandySmith1058 8 жыл бұрын

Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, and threw it away. Bravo, you're a brave young man, and way ahead of me when I was your age!

@izektv 9 жыл бұрын

Although I was never Christian (I was born into Jewish faith), I can say I am very happy for you. As a teenager I too did a lot of searching for answers and broke free of the hold of religion and have been very happy ever since. Its a beautiful world out there, full of knowledge and love and god and in particular religion has done nothing but hold as back as a species for a very long time. All I can say is, I hope more people have their eyes opened like you so we can finally be free of all religion.

@barbh1 8 жыл бұрын

I've been watching a lot of deconversion videos, and I've noticed how much more authentic sounding people are when they've come to this realization. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Best of luck for your future in the real world. :-)

@Alexjehu 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. You look like your free. Very happy for you. Hope you catch up quickly and live the life you want! All the best!

@handlesarestupid69 8 жыл бұрын

I was raised Christian with regular church attendance and bible study, but around the age of 17 I questioned just what religion was and what I was asking of it. I wanted an almighty authority to exist and watch over me but for what? What would the existence of a god actually do for me? Secure an afterlife? What about actual life? Would I devote unwavering loyalty and worship to an entity I've never seen just because people told me to? I needed proof, which I never received. So I looked up opinions and interviews of people of various backgrounds that were agnostic/atheist and just listened to their perspective. I remember hearing and eventually reading that religion was "created" as a way to control the masses. Societies back then needed something to make of their people think and act the same way and religion provides just that. But I guess what really made me convert was finally realizing that religion itself is a stupid-sounding idea. Worship a deity all of your life. If you haven't then just apologize and believe in Jesus and he will forgive you no matter if you're a murderer or other immoral being. Give yourself to Him and he will accept you into Heaven where you just exist for all eternity. Don't want to fully commit to Jesus? Then you're going to Hell to suffer for all eternity...... Umm. What? How and why would that happen? I've been an atheist for 4 years now and I honestly believe it was one of the best choices I've made towards self-improvement.

@infomage 5 жыл бұрын

Welcome! I had a similar experience including going to a Christian university, including the same feeling in a Bible study. But most surprising, the same POEM! I've been looking for it for over a decade, so thanks! I had promised God that I would always believe, even if there was a mathematical proof that there was no god. After it happened I realized that I had actually been an atheist for 8 months but wasn't ready to admit it. My solemn promise had been made to an empty room. People have asked me if, when I realized that I was an atheist, was I stressed or sad. I was morally disoriented for a few weeks, but the overwhelming feeling was relief, peace. Finally I could go about my life mission of contributing to the world without worrying that I was in trouble because I hadn't spent enough time "in the Word."

@ashleewright6373 7 жыл бұрын

I have been an atheist my entire life, but I am looking up videos like this because I have some close friends who I want to discuss these questions with in a way that upsets them as little as possible. I would just like to say that you articulated this message so well! I found it really touching, and insightful into the dynamics of religious people's relationships.

@noneya5712 9 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the Humanist club :) we're glad to have you!

@OcanaTarot 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Eric, My name is Katherine. I loved this video. You spoke of your experience upon waking up, that it was very much exactly as the poem said...and in that moment I felt the same. I looked around at my bedroom walls, and I felt peace.. I knew who I was. ...I was born and raised in a Catholic family. I went to sunday school, and I was in the choir..but somewhere along the way it became a question to me why the same people who look me in the eye, smile, and confront my being with the passion to know what I thought or felt..could say they are not deserving of love or abundance.. Now, it might just be me, but it is the kind gestures done in their instructional way that tell me whether someone is a lovely person or not. I question why the same people who are kind and sincere are always saying how undeserving they are... Speaking about how they are sinners and always will be...I cringe at that statement.. ..I actually loved horoscopes growing up though. I studied them, and ended up running my own business where I would do tarot readings, and reiki healing... My question become "what is really real?"... If we live in a reality that changes based on our belief (take the law of attraction for that matter) than what is it that is really real or not? All I know for sure is it all warps my brain into loops of crazy neverending "illusion"..and I just wish to "live".. I feel safe not believing in a God, or in all the spiritual stuff..Today I thought about doing my laundry and cleaning as it was something I wanted to do, not on behalf of something energetic or "of a higher power calling me to it".. and then I thought about the days to come, and my brain these coming days will be clear, and actively pressing for my future as it is here on Earth...feeling absolutely safe as nothing questionable will be involved...only the will to succeed..no questions.

@josephjones5582 7 жыл бұрын

Wow man, I have so much love for you. I de-converted almost 9 years ago. I also found it to be the most freeing experience. It was quite difficult as my entire identity and most of my behaviors and relationships were tied up in Christianity. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you well in your path to a new life. You speak very well, and are a great ambassador of atheism/gnosticism.

@Insert639 7 жыл бұрын

"This Simple image of a bunch of grown folks, crying...talking to nothing"😂😂

@Finallyatheist 7 жыл бұрын

A little late getting to your video, but welcome friend. You are not alone. Life becomes much more interesting when we discover that all of the answers are not known. Good luck on your journey.

@marinnito 8 жыл бұрын

HI, THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO, IT HELPS A LOT. KEEP MAKING THIS TYPE OF VIDEO. I AM SPANISH AND I WAS A CHRISTIAN FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, AND NOW I AM AN ATHEIST.

@purami14 8 жыл бұрын

You made the right choice.

@historicalbiblicalresearch8440 3 жыл бұрын

Christians shouldn't have to try so hard to keep their faith, homeschooling, religious summer schools, bible college, witnessing, born againing, but then anxiously looking round in church to see if everyone else is believing .

@vb2050 8 жыл бұрын

You stole my words. All these questions were the precise words I asked during my deconversion. I thank you sir, for putting our thoughts into words. :)

@RONNYGUITAR1 8 жыл бұрын

Courage is contageous. It takes great courage to open up both to yourself and to the world.

@nicein20001 9 жыл бұрын

Good for you, throw away!! You remind me a little of my oldest son who is also a very bright and intelligent young man. He was raised with his 4 other siblings as Christians. I was a fundamentalist for over 30 years, and very active in the church. When my oldest son declared he was an unbeliever at the age of 21, I felt heart broken, so I started a journey to find the gaping holes and flaws in his atheist argument. That was nearly 8 years ago. (Folks can read the story here: lifeafter40.net/2014/04/20/my-son-told-me-hes-an-atheist/) but I wanted to say, I was later grateful for his courage to share his change of heart. I commend you for your courage as well!

@kaixakusaka658 7 жыл бұрын

You're free and truly, is where it matters. And honestly dude was this reassurance on my part that also can I live and I just de-converted as of March this year! To see that others mirror my way of thinking like yourself makes it all the more enlightening and all the more knowledgeable that whereas others have literally sandwiched these beliefs and carry around what they claim has impacted them. .truly is it saddening. Y'know, I scrolled through your links and the moment I caught 'Glossolalia' were memories shared from childhood onward. But again bro and that makes two of us. We're free. Let's live this one life and no longer look back on what could have been. It's go time.

@solidus1995 9 жыл бұрын

This is quite an act of courage, I wish more former theists would take these measures to articulate their feelings- understanding the process in which the mind goes through could possibly be liberating to a moderate theist.

@brigham2250 8 жыл бұрын

First off... great video. I was raised in a secular Jewish home. We were about 99% religion-free. Outside of lighting Chanukah candles, it just didn't come up. So when I watch videos like yours, it's impossible for me to fully comprehend growing up in that kind of environment. I just wanted to say that I'm impressed that you were able to think for yourself and break out of what was, so far as I can tell, essentially a brain-washing. It's really an accomplishment.

@ChipFox 9 жыл бұрын

Congratulations Thanks for being brave and honest with the people. Hopefully this will inspire others to do the same.

@Lepewhi 8 жыл бұрын

I completely agree with you and happy for you. Be well and welcome to the club. Thinking is a good thing.

@seandavison3916 9 жыл бұрын

Congrats dude. It takes a bit of courage to defend your beliefs when you are in the minority. If you haven't heard of him already, Robert Ingersoll is probably my favorite anti theist author besides Harris. Check him out if you want something old school.

@throwaway7271 9 жыл бұрын

I hadn't heard of Robert Ingersoll, so thanks for letting me know about him. I enjoy reading works from that time period. If you have him up on your list by Harris, I'm sure he'll be a good read.

@wxonwxoff 8 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed very much of this video and even record some of your comments so I will use it next time when I have to debate with my family. English is my second language so I always have trouble explaining myself. I will recommend this video to my nieces and nephews since they seem to be struggling with their faith but afraid to face their parents. $40,000 and 4 years huh ? Imagine how many lap dances you could've had with that ?

@JulietTheGirl 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video! And I am happy for you!

@bongmanding 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this. I, too started my journey with a lot of questions.

@therealchrisrauch 7 жыл бұрын

I too love me some Christopher Hitchens. Hat's off to you. I am struggling with these issues and terrified. I also am geographically located in a place where becoming an atheist, at least publicly... can affect your ability to be socially accepted as well as get a job. in the last year, I have met only one person who admitted she was an atheist, and a couple of weeks ago, she moved out of state. it's an isolated, lonely place to be. Thanks for the links. 😊

@blasphemite 7 жыл бұрын

deconversion is both the most terrifying and enlightening process I have ever experienced. I see it was similar for you

@christophergibson7155 3 жыл бұрын

Enlightening? You mean Deceiving.

@esmeraldalopez4684 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought the book God is not great on audible. Thanks so much for yr video 🙏🏼 I appreciate you 💛

@ThunderDrugs 9 жыл бұрын

I had much the same experience did. I am glad you shared your story thank you.

@daleskidmore1685 6 жыл бұрын

Just found this vid., read the comments and was very pleased to see the supportive messages to you. Hope you are getting on well and have caught up on the things you missed out on.

@flamezero911102 8 жыл бұрын

You have my respect, brother. Well done! Congratulations!

@meggriffin3135 6 жыл бұрын

I completely understand what you have gone through. Be strong! ☺

@Psalms-fr8yy 4 жыл бұрын

Jesus loves you, Meg!

@user-qh8li9tr2x 8 жыл бұрын

Congrats man. I hope you make more videos.

@ayoubidhssaine8968 8 жыл бұрын

Hi bro, I am going through the same that you wen through I feel disappointment from God very much. I have been ill and I was asking God to heal me but I received nothing please Bro tell me what to do my faith in God has gone

@tombrower6544 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to share your story - very thoughtfully done. I find myself wishing you'd create more content. I think you'd have a lot to offer. My own experience mirrors yours so closely that I found myself thinking that you were practically telling my story even though my de-conversion was 32 years ago. I was a devout, all-in, Evangelical Christian who also fought hard not to lose his faith in seminary, but in the end my faith just simply couldn't survive a close scrutiny of the Bible. I've concluded that the Bible shows every sign of having originated in the minds of errant mortals, not the mind of God. Christianity's central claims are simply not believable, and the God of the Bible is worthy of loathing not worship. I've never been happier, and have never looked back. Hopefully 7 years on you are as well.

@rna4236 9 жыл бұрын

A video of almost all questions, great.

@Happycactus-s1q 6 жыл бұрын

You are awesome, thanks for sharing!

@thisnext6126 8 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Erik. How do you refrain from questioning people about their faith? From time to time I feel the need to talk to people about why they believe in their religion but I don't want to impose

@DaleBJohnston 7 жыл бұрын

Your surreal moment at 1:38 is virtually identical to mine. I recollect wondering how a bunch of grown adults could act so much like immature children. I was around 10 when that happened had I had to hide my contempt for religion until I was able to leave home and start my own life at 17. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it's very much appreciated!

@Kyo-uz1zi 6 жыл бұрын

Dale Johnston Broo I was 10 when I woke up too! I'm only 14 now and planning on doing what you did.

@msadigging735 7 жыл бұрын

every time i question Christianity (Its happened twice now) a relative dies a few days later.. help me..

@bitpixpr 8 жыл бұрын

You have described everything about my life, Ive been a slave of all this things but now I'm ready to take my life back and be free from all this thanks for sharing hope more people free themselves from all that BS.

@ginger2936 7 жыл бұрын

I truly admire this level of honesty, and I hope I'll get there one day. Honest, smart, and cute too, hmm. Nice.

@demolitor2359 8 жыл бұрын

Well done bud... Happy for you... ;-)

@darkcircle899 9 жыл бұрын

I was already doing pretty much the same thing he said that he was doing when he was having his doubts and I will read all of the resources.

@kwilla1781 8 жыл бұрын

I love this! Losing my faith was the hardest thing I have gone through but so necessary--I haven't told my mother--I hope she never finds out--it would destroy her. And I think you have a firm grasp of where I'm coming from. God was my life! We went to private christian school and my brother went to christian college. I was a youth pastor--deconversion has brought me to my knees, but the truth is so worth it! Thank you for your courage! I made a video as well.

@hayleylewis11 8 жыл бұрын

+K Willa It takes a great deal of faith to be an atheist considering there is zero proof or evidence it is accurate or correct.

@spamwithrice 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your courage!

@fernandoalarcon8534 8 жыл бұрын

And what proof is there of god? Outside of the bible there is no proof of god.

@fernandoalarcon8534 8 жыл бұрын

I have the same issue. I've not told my mother as it would totally destroy her. Its difficult at first, but the weight lifted off my shoulders is worth it.

@joshthomas7999 6 жыл бұрын

I totally get it; I don't want my parents to find out. I think it would devastate them.

@lovaloo763 8 жыл бұрын

How to be an atheist: 1. Don't believe in God 2. ...? 3. Profit

@zeinbergess3605 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this, Throw Away.

@zach-attack3477 9 жыл бұрын

This is exactly how I feel but I'm to afraid to tell my family that I am a atheist instead of a Christian

@dancegod1691 9 жыл бұрын

It depends on your parents. How religious are they? Id suggest just not telling them until you've thought it through.

@dancegod1691 9 жыл бұрын

Assuming youre still living with them.

@TheTpointer 6 жыл бұрын

Maybe i should post my story too! :D nice video man!

@jojojiji2358 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this

@JenFishburne 3 жыл бұрын

Good story! I made a video about my leaving Christianity as well, although it is a very different story from yours! We are just leaving the age of Pisces, which was the religious age with Jesus as the central figure. The age of Aquarius has no need for religion, and is an age of knowledge and reason. It is good to see so many who are willing to only follow truth, rather than blind faith. I wish you well in your journey in life.

@Hvb101 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Jen, Is there really scientific research behind what you are saying?

@jeffreykaufman51 8 жыл бұрын

you are a great person i loved christopher hitchens,i was also a preacher im 48 your young the best thing you ever did was become a atheist. peace love and happiness. jeff

@bloodspawn64 9 жыл бұрын

Are you still available to discuss this?

@davesmith7993 5 жыл бұрын

As a former Christian and a secular humanist myself, you have made 2 good decisions...trying to make the world a better place without the need of imaginary beings. All the good without the god, because we have to take care of each other like we have been doing since the beginning of time, which is how we survived as a species during our evolution.

@d1c2s3 6 жыл бұрын

Take life as it comes or throw everything into it, no matter the process be honest and seek the truth, and only then can you live life to the full. Enjoy my friend.

@stufour 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@mandm2054 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video. I was born into a secular family where religion wasn’t discussed, so to me Christianity looks no different to any other cult that indoctrinates the young. It’s great hear how a newly ex-Christian approaches the issue with their still-brainwashed brethren. I wish you all the best with your life ahead. Freedom of choice and thought is exciting and fun! And secular humanism is a wonderful moral barometer (if you’re looking for one). Much love, from a random.

@orgenoburt8988 3 жыл бұрын

I grew up in the Church and spent years as a Christian. I really wanted it to be true and cried over it. Christianity broke my heart..

@drexmangunn 8 жыл бұрын

First off and most importantly; cool sweater. And second as Obi Wan said, "You've taken your first step into a larger world."

@nandinibandhini 5 жыл бұрын

Very well thought. I wish I could give 1000 likes. Happy 2019!

@Ashoerchen 6 жыл бұрын

I was raised in an agnostic environment from the start. So it was so much easier for me than for you. Therefore, chapeau and respect for the path that you've come. And a warm welcome in the world of humans.

@kevinsandoval3726 6 жыл бұрын

Aye bro, you said that you did not feel the spirit be moved in worship. But in the end, when you were gather you felt something, and you know it. And you can not denied it because you had a attachment in some of the people in church, and the people moved you in a way, if you know the true meaning of "coming to the kingdom", and what the body of christ meant, you know it was from God. But if you decide to take this route,Amen bro, we will see in the end, I wish you the best of luck, and enjoy your life, live it up to fullest like Kanye West, if you believe as I call it as blind faith. Thank you for your reconversion story... -Much Love kev-

@828et 8 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@JDrocks4ever 4 ай бұрын

I appreciate deconverts that do it moreso for theological issues rather than personal/emotional reasons. I view it as more robust and reasonable

@ATumblelinaTruth7777 7 жыл бұрын

Thank You Thank You Thank You for making this video......I'm waking up too & is very difficult in many ways but also very invigorating, freeing & a whole New life. Also I Love Christopher he is the man he has helped me so much coming out of this illusion. Hope your doing well😄

@evilcristyTTV 9 жыл бұрын

How can I contact you?😳

@VeilleuxClan 9 жыл бұрын

Respects bro, welcome to the club. We're usually fans of bacon and beer, but hey to each their own.

@xAllCatsAreBeautiful1312x 2 жыл бұрын

Good video! I was indoctrinated from birth as my father was a youth pastor and when I reached the age where I was able to think critically, logically and autonomously, I started to view what I had been told my whole life through an objective lens and I knew that there was no way to reconcile faith in a deity with reality. I was 17 then and It still took me years of wrestling with the indoctrination and built in guilt that religion provides for daring to think rationally. It's a hard pill to swallow when you realize that whether it's religions, government/societal systems, or whatever authority you look at, it's all based on lies for the purpose of control. All too commonly, people have purposely tried to exploit our natural wonder of the universe and our consciousness with it's interconnection to everything else that exists as a result of the human construct of deities.

@001Broadway 9 жыл бұрын

Congrats, man...! You did your job... Thank you in the name of humanity.

@livi-bn5so 9 жыл бұрын

yes great video..thank you

@ErixMarcanoRivera 8 жыл бұрын

Thank for open your eyes

@DavidJosephDanbee 7 жыл бұрын

This was very heartfelt, and I could feel your sadness. I have some questions. How do I send you a message?

@nancymc 7 жыл бұрын

congratulations, I admire what you did and still young. I am 64 years old and grappling with the decision to leave the church. my heart is no longer into it. thank you for the video. I really admire you

@keynatyler4767 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you iv just come across this I was a Catholic for 58 years in the last 2 years iv been a humanist and iv never been happier or freeer to be me all what you said is what I asked to there is no god just one life that our parents give us in a moment of love live in love have integrity be kind and giving love your fellow human and live in peace we don't need a god or religion to be like this I hope you are happy and all your family and friends are respect the way you now feel good on you brother

@eamonnmurphy5385 6 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that Keyna. I am like a Polar opposite to you. I took up my Catholic faith about 3 years ago. What an amazing journey i have had. I never knew life could have this much joy, purpose and meaning. i really love that there is so much evidence to back up my faith. Its amazing that i went nearly my whole life without discovering these truths. I went to Israel last year and visited all of Christs holy places. I have been to Africa on missionary work and I have been to Medjugorge on pilgrimage twice. The best times of my life have been on these voyages of discovery. I hope to visit the red sea next year and go diving to see the wreck of the "parting of the red sea". Imagine there are chariot wheels still lying there for three thousand years. I have come to believe that there is like a determined effort by a certain segment of the world to hide and try to falsify the evidence of Christianity but a little digging is all it takes to prove it. My life, the way people are and the way the world works all makes sense to me now. I completely understand why people cant see the truth and why others want to hide it. I am so grateful to my lord for saving me and giving me this wonderful future. I seen a guy on TV the other night and he was an atheist and quite an intelligent, author type. He was truly baffled by life and the way things were working out for him although. He thought he was doing everything right. Poor chap could not see that his God was himself and that a life built on selfishness is a life that is going nowhere. Give your life to God and sit back and wait for the fireworks. My Lord and my God!!

@keynatyler4767 6 жыл бұрын

Eamonn Murphy you sound like a lovely guy that has found his general feeling of joy in Christ I know that feeling I haven't changed I live in love and peace and I'm very humble for the life mother earth has bore me and back to the earth I will go to be the soil that the next generation feed on like I did in my life I hope your God goes with you love

@eamonnmurphy5385 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keyna Tyler. I have learned that my soul lives for eternity. I guess I always knew, deep down, that I have a soul. The problem was that my soul felt alone most of my life. I think that it was this feeling that made me think that this life was pointless and will end badly. Coming to Christ has given me a host of friends for that long lost soul of mine. I never have to be alone again. God bless you!