14 Things the Misguided Religious Establishment Doesn't Want You to Know

Jim Palmer is a chaplain for the American Humanist Association and founder of The Center for Non-Religiouis Spirituality. In 2023, he posted a short article which provides plenty of food for thought. This is a video translation of his words to the screen.

[HarpMuse]

When I was 10, I asked the priest, "you said god loves us more than our own parents, but also that god will punish us and send us to eternal hell if we do something wrong. Which is it? My own parents wouldn't sent me to my room for the rest of my life if I do something wrong. If god loves me more than my parents, how could he send me to eternal hell if I do something wrong?" The priest said, "you're too young to understand and you must do as god tells you." Right then and there I knew religion was a bunch of bs.

[jimipalmer]

I am not now, nor have I ever been a Chaplin of anything. As a matter of fact the only Chaplin I recognize is Charlie. 🕊💖🖖

[terencebooth]

As someone who was raised as a mainstream Christian, but never could fully accept/believe the creeds, doctrines, and dogmas, I appreciate Mr. Palmer’s 14 theses. They pretty closely align with my own understanding based on years of study and reflection, but stated much more cogently. I appreciate him and you for making it available.

[JoeElenbaas]

This is an excellent set of observations. I was a Christian, United Methodist pastor for nearly 30 years. I left the Church because I felt I was an impostor trying to teach and preach something that was no longer the “truth” as I was taught. When I did my Ph.D in Comparative Mythology and Religion, that solidified my suspicions about Christianity. No doubt that Christian Evangelicals and Fundamentalist radicals will challenge the 14 points by claiming that it’s the Holy Spirit, only bestowed upon “true believers” that gives them special privileges and power. So, the exclusivity of their beliefs will undoubtedly compel them to continue to avoid critical thinking. Thanks for this liberating video.

[CoraFrances]

This had me in tears ( in a very good way). I would love to be able to send this to my evangelical mother. Her beliefs have harmed our relationship in many ways. However, I will be sharing this with my nephew who is studying to be a professor of philosophy and religion. Thank you Seth for sharing this. 😊

[alschneider]

I have had theists confront me at: subway, grocery store, mall, walking down the street, sitting at home, sitting on a mountain top in Colorado, in a computer store, In a dry cleaner store, Target, Walmart, at work, at work, at work, ETC. And more than once at each of these. I am thinking of making a little pamphlet of this to give those people when they hit on me. This is really excellent.

[RickScheibner]

Thanks for this, especially your last comment about secular society suppressing religion. I didn't want to discourage thought, I want to encourage it so others can come to conclusions on their own. Thanks for all you do.

[jaredb]

This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

[dianahill]

Everyone is born atheist.

Religion has to be taught.
Atheism doesn't have to be taught.

[ToshiCat]

Would be awesome if Seth could interview Jim Palmer for either a podcast or YouTube video!

[seffalohpod]

Jim is brilliant. A careful thinker and compassionate writer.

[chill]

This should be taught to all high schoolers.

[cartoonraccoon]

Exactly! The training children recieve while working on their magic boat coloring books sets them up to be adults who put people in out-groups.

[rogernull]

The point about god being a projection of our own minds is crucial.
I went from Christian to non-Christian theist. When I considered the disparity of conflicting beliefs about the nature of God-- and how my own version of god was so different from the norm-- it suddenly dawned on me: I had created god as I wanted him to be.
And everyone else has done the same.

That's when I became an atheist.

[Grandpa_Boxer]

Outstanding points!! Palmer represents "courage and intelligence!!!"

[dagg]

i was always confused when i see people praying to god to heal them.
if u believe in god, why would u want to be healed? wouldn't u rather to be in heaven instead and end all ur suffering?
this just proves what they truly believe deep down.

[SteveJones]

"You cannot petition the Lord with prayer!" - Jim Morrison (The Doors, The Soft Parade)

[findiwindles]

7. People are born human, and are slowly conditioned by narratives of race, religion, gender and nationality to be less than human.
So true. I just hadn't realized the recent rise of identity politics was just a more weaponized and strident version of an existing phenomenon.

[bobs]

Religion relies on social pressure to conform. Fear of hell goes with social fear of rejection by one's society/group.

[jeffwatkins]

Not only do you have the most interesting and enlightening podcasts, but you also find some of the most enlightening ideas from others, and this is a great one. Many thanks!