Sam Harris: This proves God is not great

Of course, no conversation with Sam Harris is complete without a discussion of religion! Sam Harris, known as one of the "Four Horsemen" of New Atheism, has been very outspoken about his feelings towards Christianity and Islam. What about Judaism? And what does he think of religious education? I had the opportunity to open this can of worms with him, and I think the conversation was very insightful and important. Enjoy!

🚨 My full conversation with the legendary thinker Sam Harris will air on 03/17/2024 at 5 AM (PT). Save the date and stay tuned and hit the 🔔 !

Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, New York Times best-selling author, host of Making Sense, and creator of Waking Up. His work touches on various topics, including rationality, religion, ethics, free will, neuroscience, meditation, psychedelics, philosophy of mind, politics, terrorism, and artificial intelligence. Harris came to prominence for his criticism of religion and is known as one of the "Four Horsemen" of New Atheism, along with Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Daniel Dennett.

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[AnubisYB]

Sam's reasoning is a joy to watch. I believe it was Ricky Gerveis who said if humanity lost all the information and knowledge it gathered through its history, and we have to start over, the bible would be written in a whole new version while every math and physics book would stay exactly the same...another big logical slap in the face for religion.

[DanielMunoz-nizz]

This is a weird question. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with teaching children the history of the major religions, in fact Dawkins once said you cannot understand world/human history without understanding religious history. But that’s quite different than raising a child to believe that religion x is true and by practicing it you will have a special relationship with the creator of the universe

[BarrySometimes]

Brian "I don't believe" that the holy book doesn't provide a demonstration of omniscience. What's to "believe"? There simply isn't a demonstration of omniscience in any holly book. There's never been a demonstration of omniscience, anywhere, ever.

[emicadic]

Wow, the reasoning of Dr. Keating on religion is not really up to par with his reasoning on science... Very interesting to see this dichotomy

[Wandering_Chemist]

Disagree with him all you want but damn I felt like I was listening to Christopher Hitchens again. Would have loved to hear you speak to him today Dr. Keating!

[pjaworek]

Scientist superstitious person vs an ordinary person who is not superstitious. Strange times when ordinary people put 'scientists' out of their league.

[prdamico]

10, 000 + religions, each claiming to have the "one truth", but only 1 can be the "truth", if any even have the "truth".

[The-Underground-Man]

When considering the education of children regarding religion, it is my belief that the focus should not be placed on determining which religion is inherently right or wrong. Instead, a comprehensive study of various religious traditions should be undertaken, with an emphasis on embracing specific teachings that promote mutual respect, compassion, and the enhancement of collective well-being. Contrary to a materialistic or evolutionary worldview, which may prioritize individual survival and competition, our society necessitates the ability to adapt to and interact harmoniously with others. Religion, in this context, offers valuable insights into fostering empathy, understanding, and cooperation among individuals. Therefore, I advocate for an educational approach that explores religious diversity, while highlighting universal values that encourage the treatment of others with kindness and dignity.

[williamb.]

Religion poisons everything - Christopher Hitchens

[carlgranados]

I stopped believing in religion, being raised Catholic, when I realized nobody really followed what Jesus preached. Everyone cherry picked, everyone ignored what they didn't like, and that many organizations arouse from these teachings all claiming their organization was the only one that knew the truth. This can also be said for all religions. In other words everyone believed what they wanted with faith and was prejudiced of others, even within the same religion, that didn't agree with them. They also look at reason and evidence as being the enemy whenever it threatened what they wanted to believe.

[jccusell]

Would be amazing if he continued thia discussion with Jordan Pe... o wait he doesnt talk to Jordan anymore... Would be grear if he continued this diacussion with Brett Weinst... O wait he blocked Brett....

An open mind indeed

[douglaswilkinson]

In what field did Dr. Keating earn his doctorate?

[suleymanpinarli]

It seems Sam is grappling with feelings of disappointment and anger. We, as humans, possess an inherent ability to love boundlessly, as love is designed to be for the infinite. Observing everything we cherish including ourselves slowly depart into the unknown fosters a sense of disappointment and anger. Unless we interpret the infinite unknown as a benevolent divinity and see the universe and ourselves as a reflection of it, t is hard to find meaning in our existence. He is both a victim of our time and a perpetrator of minds. Regardless of how he masks his fundamental emotions with sophistication, at its core, it is just anger and disappointment that are influencing his actions. So Dr. Brian, you can't have a genuine dialog with him about religion, he is busy picking a hopeless fight with the universe. Metaphorically smashing his head on a cast iron. He is just emotional :)

[emicadic]

Teaching religions or indoctrinating kids with any one religion is not the same. Teaching music is not even comparable. Religion does good by showing what harmful ideas humans can come up with

[Nudnik]

As a Jew we hold that : G_d does not change mind about eternal covenant made on Sinai and instead sends a man God idol trinity human sacrifice calvary or Muhammad to replace Torah laws with a Greek new testament or Quran which curses Torah laws and Jews and infidels .

In Judaism no forced conversions no burning in eternal hell or persecution to non Jews.

Righteous gentiles are blessed in Torah laws and have a good place in world to come when Messiah arrives as in Isaiah 2 and 11 Ezekiel 37.
No wars no hate sickness hunger peace for all mankind..

Ps Kindly read Einsteins own writing in his book "Out of my later Years" Citadel press NJ Albert Einstein.
He was a proud Jew and Zionist in his own words NOT an Atheist.

Atheism is a faith based theology via default anyways.

No more proof against versus for an intelligence greater than man.


תודה רבה שלום

[mostexcellentlordship]

I apologize for the citation, but it's just too sweet: "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's".

Use the mind to give us food, produce our medicines and make our computers run fast and correctly. Using it for anything else is a waste of time and a good way to make yourself - and especially others.. - miserable. It's fun to see highly intelligent people having such a hard time with what are essentially very simple concepts. For example, the idea that "one religion must be right", is simplistic and bordering on childish. It's indicative of a mind dominated by a very limited form of rationality, which is as big a problem as its reverse. Ironically the dangers of unbounded rationality is a major theme in many systems of religious thought.

[iainrae]

Children can be taught there are different religious beliefs. The problem is when there are 'truth' claims.
Scepticism of religious supernatural 'truth' claims is surely a healthy position.

[marazkaam]

Sam Harris is not a belief!! He’s a intelligent individual.

[francesbrezner]

Thank you for providing us with different outlooks and philosphies. As a Jew who came to Orthodoxy later in life I did a lot of reading into other religions to make sure I was comfortable with my choice. I don't believe Sam Harris speaks with an understanding of religion and religious thought but rather as a person who is sure he is right and puts down other lines of thought. Loved the "13 year old" discussion. So true!

[gregoryhead]

GOD said "I am testing you Gregory." Lightening roared and I thought Jesus Christ I love You, and I thought I love You Yahwea. Then God said "I love you Gregory " and I got in my car.
⛈ Praying to not get hit by lightening saved my life, in front of people, witnesses, who heard Yahwea's voice roar. 🙏