preaching to the converted [cc]

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subtitles
Bulgarian: Djeitko
Dutch: kedrednael
Slovak: Peter Ščigulinský
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I'm getting this comment that I'm 'just preaching to the converted' with increasing regularity — I'd like to nip it in the overgrown bud. Not only does it encourage nothing but apathy and inaction, but on the briefest examination it's shown to be based on clearly flawed premises.

[AbdulRahman-jsee]

Such videos matters to many of us. Being an atheist in Saudi, pretending to be a devote muslims before my closest family members is very exhausting. Especially that for us, islam is the way of life, since you open your eyes, through the day, till you fall asleep. I find such videos comforting and I certainly feel less alone. Thanks for sharing your reason.

[TheraminTrees]

'I see so many hateful comments directed towards Christianity and I cannot help but wonder why?'
—If you're serious in wanting to find out, it's simple: find out. Listen to the good, honest, kind, responsible people who've been condemned and abused because of christianity. Look up bible hate quotes. Consider the sadomasochism of the injunction to love and fear; the dangers of chilld-like obedience. Etc, etc. If you really want to find out, the information's abundant. If not, you need do nothing.

[NonStampCollector]

Excellent. It clarified my thinking on the issue.
Funny that, isn't it?

[michaelbell]

Thank you for your videos! When I was a Christian creationist (of 22 years), my friend showed me your video on evolution which got me curious and I watched all your other videos. It took a year of research and thinking but I fully left the church. I have an extra day in my week now and I'm also saving 10% of my income. Thank you

[roseswan]

I was born to Holiness Pentecostal parents. I do not know why, but I sucked at conformity. As soon as I could talk I was asking questions and learning how to smile and 'act stupid' when the answers didn't line up with reality. By 3rd grade, after learning about some very basic scientific experiment, I was keeping a journal of my observations that didn't match their words. I was 11 the first time I was an atheist. But I knew better than to argue, the punishment would have been violent. So I just learned how to work the system till I could literally run away secretly to college. Just to be sure I studied Biblical Hebrew as an elective. And just to be like super super sure, I studied Arabic during a midlife crisis. The point is... Thank you so much for your videos. You're really helping me put my memories in order and remember my own journey. You're reminding me of specific events where I thought and felt very similar things. I wish I had someone like you in my life. I often feel rather isolated in my observations. I don't work in academia. It's so reassuring just to listen to someone think in a straight line. I appreciate you.

[ToxicSmiles]

Bill Nye's debate with Ken Ham was what finally got me to stop feeling guilty for questioning and doubting because I realized my doubts were reasonable. It was videos like these on facebook that finally one by one-little by little deconverted me and released me from such a miserable existence. Yes, these videos help. They've already helped my friend. I enjoy your videos, thank you.

[FKAAYA]

As a Muslim I can confirm that you alone have changed some of my views and just a few months I couldn't even admit this to myself

[MarkScott]

I will not lie, that very question has crossed my mind on numerous occasions. Never again. Thank you for yet another stunning, enlightening video.

[marachime]

'very healthy, curvatious distributions'
Oh my.... ;)

[Cellidor]

Honestly, I find that my conversations with those I disagree with are usually more valuable than with those I agree with. Very little gives you as great a chance to look at your own beliefs and challenge them than to have someone disagree with you.

[HypatiaViridian]

Thank you! I've only recently "converted" to atheism, and most of my friends are religious and find my atheist views insulting and offensive. It hurts. So for me, I do find comfort when I watch videos online like yours and remember why I made my decision. It's not to appease the people around me; it was always to be honest to myself. So, though you may be "preaching to the converted, " I find it wonderfully reassuring to know that I'm not alone, and I enjoy your videos.

[BAwesomeDesign]

I am an atheist, but find myself resorting to that very sentiment sometimes. Thank you for providing thought provoking content for even those of us in the same area of the "god belief spectrum" as you.

The videos I most enjoy are the ones that may alter my thinking.

[Jakmann]

It does feel like sometimes one is wasting breath but sometimes the seed of doubt gets planted. Videos like therimin trees helps it grow and once your out I found great comfort in these types of videos, helping to undo the fear drilled in to me, then slowly, slowly your free. I know the religious can be intolerable when you strike a nerve, but of course they are gonna be defensive but keep your cool make sure you keep logical and you never know.

[myfinalfheaven]

I'm very inspired by this video. Being a quiet person, I constantly have doubts that my opinions are futile and that people won't listen to me. Thank you for reminding me that voicing an opinion is a worthwhile endeavor in itself.

[dantheman]

This video perfectly echoes my own difficulties when engaging in (what I had thought would be) rational discourse. So often am I met with, "Why do you keep talking about this? Do you think you're going to convert the whole world to what you think?" Why would I want that? Who would even wish for such an existence? I am thoroughly impressed with both the message and the way in which it was delivered. Bravo.

[Cellidor]

Frankly, despite myself being what I consider to be unalteringly atheistic, I still love watching videos about religious and atheist concepts. I've always despised the idea of becoming stagnated, of taking a belief, or lack thereof, and just saying "I believe this and don't need to hear anymore". I love hearing any arguments people can come up with for -or- against those points. Even if my position never changes, refining it and constantly thinking about it is what makes me all the stronger.

[bejjinks]

I was never "converted". I had more of a decades long transition as I struggled against extremists on both sides trying to indoctrinate me. Atheists made me want to be a Christian and Christians made me want to be an Atheist. Even today, some Atheists make me want to defend Christianity, not because I believe in Christianity but because COERCION IS WRONG. I like Theramin Trees because these videos are calm and intelligent. The calm and intelligent attract me. The loud and belligerent drive me away.

[dbradusc]

I was a Christian from the age of 3 to 27. Your videos were instrumental in sealing the deal on my deconversion and in my humble acceptance of the reality that is atheism. Although the process started internally when I questioned my beliefs, when I began searching for answers, the resources were there for me to find. Keep up the good work!

[serpentinious]

These videos help me articulate the more abstract understandings that I couldn't find the words to express before. They also show me more angles that I'd previously failed to consider. I come back to your videos any time I feel frustrated with the religious idiocy around me.

[BadMouse]

Completely agree, Qualia soup helped me de-convert to an Atheist :)