Leaving God

Leaving God

2017, Religion  -   138 Comments
7.48
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Ratings: 7.48/10 from 214 users.

The fastest growing religion in the United States seems to be no religion at all. A 2016 study conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute found that a quarter of the subjects surveyed claimed no religious affiliation, and this surprising figure increased substantially among the younger generation. Even members of the clergy are abandoning religion at a historic rate. What's behind this seismic shift in religious attitudes? Writer and director John Follis explores this issue through the prism of his own personal journey in his absorbing documentary Leaving God.

Follis' religious beliefs were programmed in him from an early age. As an adult, he continued to commit himself to serving his church, and he was particularly attracted to the sense of fellowship with other members of his congregation. But certain tenets of his religion began to pester him. He resented the feelings of guilt he experienced at the mere notion of lust. When his marriage began to crumble, he sought the counsel of his minister, who promptly admonished him from getting a divorce as it was against church doctrine. Yet that same minister would later go through two divorces of his own.

During the 90s, Follis embarked on crafting an ambitious marketing campaign for New York City's Marble Collegiate Church in an effort to revive its dwindling youth audience. The campaign proved a massive success. In spite of these efforts to promote his church and religion, he secretly harbored lingering doubts about the validity of his beliefs. These suspicions only deepened in the shadow of the falling Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. He contemplated the number of people throughout the centuries who had been slaughtered in the name of God. His faith was further compromised when reports of sexual molestation in the church started to spread like wildfire, when one high-profile religious leader after another was shamed by public scandal, and when he began to question the historical veracity of the scripture.

Leaving God is a modestly produced affair. But many viewers will empathize with the deeply personal testimony at its center, and it may also inspire thoughtful self-reflection and debate amongst those who remain firmly committed to their faith.

Directed by: John Follis

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Anonymous Kiwi
Anonymous Kiwi
1 year ago

Good doco! I'm originally from America but moved to New Zealand years ago after not feeling like I was really a part of American society. I grew up in a very religious/spiritual family but always questioned why the long church services and why it seemed that everyone in the church acted differently between home and church, We always talked about the bad worldly things but everyone listened to rap with cursing, violent movies etc.

By the time I was a teenager I was solidly irreligious, but still attended church 'because I had to', but in the background I always wanted to get out and live with my own thoughts. Once the pandemic hit, I was behind a closed border and my parents freaked out now that they couldn't helicopter parent their way for 2 and a half years. Luckily I had a good job, good finances, and had the stability to stay in New Zealand permanently and I witnessed how a mainly non-religious society agrees to wear masks and vaccinate, whereas my religious family in America halfway wore masks and did not vaccinate because of an irrational vision from God or because of some exceptionalism that they feel they will be the one with adverse reactions.

CHRIS A SUTTON
CHRIS A SUTTON
1 year ago

the Bible says of Babylon the great or the world empire of false religion ( which is a dual prophecy) as when Babylon the city was overrun they diverted the waters of the Euphrates river and today Babylon the great ... It says "The waters will flow away from her" People are the protection with some 70+ million religious participants in the southern USA they represent voters and they also represent the moat around the original Babylon and its protection.... Matt 7:13-14 tells us only a FEW will even find the narrow and cramped path that leads to life... and Matt 22:14 "Many are called but only a FEW will be chosen.... and last Amos 3:7 tells us The sovereign Lord God will not do a single thing unless He first reveals the secret or confidential matter to His servants the Prophets" Just as Jesus established ONRTRUE Christianity ...There is only ONE TODAY...Thank you.

GKN
GKN
1 year ago

Amazing to hear that in years of Catholic school, you'd never learned about the Crusades, The Inquisition or centuries of religious wars? My Catholic grade school was a bit more honest than that. Then again I started questioning my faith far younger. By the age of 14. Still I think the main takeaway here is the that all REAL history NEEDS to be taught in ALL schools. It's the case in Europe, as a rule. My son also attended a Catholic school grades 5 thru 12 in France and all that - plus The Enlightenment - was obligatory in the curriculum to get any any govt funding.
That said, I'd also highly recommend some recent books that take Enlightenment era exposure of Church frauds further, by looking at the Gnostics, long condemned as heretics and brutally suppressed for many centuries although more recent scholarship is discovering that nearly all the early Church Fathers (including Paul) WERE Gnostics - and their philosophies were entirely different from what the later Literalists turned the teachings into. For one, they weren't misogynists. God was both male and female, and the since lost goddesses had very important roles. Check out "Jesus and the Lost Goddess" by Freke and Gandy for starts - and don't miss the footnotes! Or just read some of the rejected Gnostic gospels. Very enlightening!

Marsha
Marsha
2 years ago

What a journey you’ve had…yours ended as a result of self-examination which led to your truth. Religion has been the excuse to fight wars, to hate, to kill…oh, almost forgot…and to worship the god of money. Practicing religion, regardless of it’s name, is a fool’s game that allows rituals to take the place of thought…kinda like the 60’s protest song so applicable now…one line speaks volumes - “hate your neighbor, but don’t forget to say grace.” Here's a secret: practice empathy and treat others as you would want to be treated. All the gobbledegook comes down to that.

hinjolicious
hinjolicious
2 years ago

25:58 Isaac is not "being directed to kill his son", it's Abraham!

Dave F
Dave F
2 years ago

911 was your 'trigger'....mine was a visit to Vad Vashem Children's Memorial in Jerusalem during a pilgrimage tour of Israel a few years back. Enjoyed your video.

David Dieni
David Dieni
2 years ago

As I was playing with my mates in the school yard of the Local Catholic primary school, a young hooligan rode past on his bicycle and shouted "religion is the opiate of the masses"

I was 10 years of age, and It made more sense to me than 5 years of bible studies. Shortly afterwards I was attending Niddrie State school. "Thanks be to God" for young hooligans on bicycles

Keith Sauerwald
Keith Sauerwald
2 years ago

RELIGION IS, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THEN BIGGEST LOAD OF BULLSHIT IMMAGINABLE. WITH ONLY THE WEAK AND THE FEEBLE MINDED BELIEVING IN IT. THE BIBLE SHOULD BE RENAMED...."THE LIES AND UNTRUTHS OF RELIGIONS." From the very first word to the very last word, it is the biggest pack of untruths, lies and fairy tales, ever to confront society. There is simply not one iota of truth in all religious factions that abound on this planet, that can be proven to be actual, ever to have happened or, more so, not to be in existence, never has been nor ever will be. Religion is the biggest, faked and the biggest confidence trick, known to all who reside beside us, on this planet with an unbelievable number of fools and weak minded people who believe in it. So ignorant and stupid in fact, that if I were to say that I will, ask my pet bird to fly me to somewhere outside Australia, you would say that is impossoble. Yet, the naive ones among us are silly enough to believe me if I were to say that I will go to heaven when I die, knowing full well, that there is DEFINITELY NO SUCH PLACE. If all of those stupid religious factions were to be outlawed fore ever, no longer would we have the violence we currently know of, happening, as we have seen it in the past and currently, at the present time'

Cecilia
Cecilia
2 years ago

Dear John, My sister asked me to watch this because she said it is exactly how she feels. She is currently struggling with her faith. I appreciate seeing this because it does give me a perspective for her journey. My belief in Jesus far surpasses my Catholic religion. The fact that Jesus took the form of man tells me he understands how weak we humans are. He taught us to love others as we love ourselves. We definitely fall short of this all of the time. Even Jesus' disciples betrayed him right up until he died on the cross. My heart melts when I read that Jesus said to his Father, please forgive them for they know not what they do. That is what I think of religions. They are institutions trying to provide a place for us to grow spiritually and closer to God. But they are all being facilitated by flawed human beings and I daily recall Jesus' words while dying for our sins on the cross. I will have you in my prayers and all those that have left God. I love all of you.

mauricio
mauricio
2 years ago

Congratulations, John Follis.
Great documentary!!!!
Greetings from Mexico City

Charlie
Charlie
2 years ago

Catholic schools in the 50's, 60's and 70's made a whole lot of psychologist wealthy in the 80's and 90's.

john gregg
john gregg
3 years ago

John,,, it is as Promised...

For Review and Information …Radical Gender Honest Atheist Humanist history of sex...John
Book Revamps World History of Sex

SEX THE WORLD HISTORY;THROUGH TIME, RELIGION AND CULTURE by John R. Gregg, is a daring exploration of human sexuality from the ancient to the modern world. ' (30 illustrations)

ILLUSTRATED 3 VOLUMES:= SEX, THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY, THROUGH TIME, RELIGION AND CULTURE, Volumes, I,II,III...... 900+ ILLUSTRATIONS

A cross-cultural examination of sexual beliefs, the book traces sexual practices, the unusual and the transcendent, throughout the worlds’ cultures. A deep look at world religions and their control of sex, the book explores and exposes complex relationships between spirituality, sexuality, and the treatment of women throughout history. The book revamps previous historical interpretations of gender fluidity in worldwide cultures.

While women were exalted as leaders and priestesses in many cultures, they suffered a drastic loss of power and prestige over time. The supremacy of the Mother Goddess throughout most of human existence, and her relatively recent fall, is detailed.

Other themes are; the existence of bisexuality in the majority of human cultures, the influence and abuses of the Church, the history of sexual slavery including World War II, child brides and forced marriages, historical perspectives on homosexuality, the origins of the LGBTQ and Feminist movements..

Included are works of mythology, erotic artwork, and literary excerpts. These weave together a multicultural and historical tapestry which we can now see reflected in our contemporary world. It offers in very readable form an encyclopedic tour of the sexuality of humankind!

Eleno
Eleno
3 years ago

this is sad he put to much trust in man instead of God. He sought answers in man instead of the bible. Not once did he say I opened my bible to find out for myself. This is another lazy man who likes to blame others instead of himself. Singles groups for 20-30 year olds are limited to prevent predators 40 yr old single men who can't find someone his age, can take advantage of a 20 year old. There were plenty of answers for his questions if he was only willing to find them. This is a joke of a film and is very anecdotal.

Ivan
Ivan
3 years ago

John, always enjoy seeing documentaries of personal journeys. Appreciate you taking the time to share, I have never had a religion (though baptized). Secular family, I would say at least 3rd generation ... your comments about the Clergy Project are right on. I cannot imagine how world shattering these changes are (worldview, family, community). Again, thank you sharing, and all the best ...

Karen
Karen
3 years ago

Welcome to reality John. Indoctrination as a child is very difficult to overcome. Congratulations at leveling up and using your critical thinking and research skills. Far too many people are comfortable believing and not questioning. It is easier to follow than lead. I loved your question to the minister at the Bagels and Bible study. "Is it true?" Of course it's not. If it were true, there would be prima facie evidence to support the truth. Instead, we get people mumbling about "believing" and ranting about anecdotal experiences. Mind you, a cursory look into the psychology of belief tells us that human beings are hard wired to belief when they can't explain things. It makes them feel in control to have the "answers" even if it means making them up. Have you ever watched the episode of "Through the Wormhole: Did We Invent God"? It is brilliant. Thank you for sharing your journey. Continued success. And, remember, adults shouldn't have imaginary friends.

Jay
Jay
3 years ago

John, the one thing that stands out in your film is that you really never met Jesus. You surrounded with people that talked about Jesus, but never found HIM. Let me tell you my story. As you I grew up in a catholic setting and went to catechism, memorized the 10 commandments and try to be good. I thought that was God, until my father changed his life from an alcoholic to a new born Christian. He told me about this and thou I had great respect for his change, I was too happy with my life. At 22 I went to a pentecostal church, gave my life to Jesus,...and the most amazing thing happened. I felt this joy, this peace and started reading my Bible. My experience is described by C.S. Lewis as "surprised by joy". Think, how do you know your parents are your parents? Not because someone told you, or a document affirm it, you trusted in them and little by little you became convinced. It's the same with God, trust him and he will reveal to you. If we had nothing to be ashamed of, than we did not need God, but the fact that we all have sins testifies to the need for a redeemer. My story is not as dramatic as the ones you here about people that found Jesus in jail. Remember satan is in the business of religion also, that's why is so important to get to know Jesus personally!

Linda Best
Linda Best
3 years ago

Hi John, I perceive you seek truth. So have I. I can honestly say that I know God, and love God very much. My relationship with my Father began when I was 12. My parents were very difficult to live with, so I called out to Father loudly and emotionally , from my soul:
"Jesus! Help me!" Immediately, God gave me her love. (I choose not to refer to God as "it", for she is Mother and/or Father]) Along with Her love, I was given the truth that Jesus is not God. Also, that God is my true parent. In 2015 I found "divinetruth.com" and 2019 I found "new-birth.net" Through Dr. Samuels Jesus corrected the fallacies of the New Testament (and the Old). Bible- based Christianity is false. Jesus' true mission, as to the Way to God, is by praying from your soul, for God's Love. I have passionately desired ever- increasing love. Now I also have ever-increasing Truth!

floki
floki
4 years ago

as a 20 year old practicing muslim. i really found this documentary amazing. it really shows the struggles i have been through and questions i have asked to myself, and im still asking. spiritual journeys are different for all of us. i choose to believe in islam in my journey, wish you the best luck in yours. i dont know if you will choose to practice a religion or be a nonbeliever or believe in something else just stay in peace. stay blessed love you all

Meshach
Meshach
4 years ago

Troubles -
main issues in the Christian's mind in the world today that is causing turmoil for fervent but naive believers

short background:
With Jesus' advent there was a lot of difference in his revelation of god from others. Judea was already under heavy Roman oppression and aggression and to the romans Judea was a very troublesome place. The festival of feasts that happened every year was a like reminder to jews and romans that god did it once in egypt in Moses times and the people expected him to do it again. A silent strong message to the Romans which increased tensions between both every year at that time.

Jesus instead of fortifying people's faith by promising protection, said things like, friends do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot harm your soul but instead fear God.... - He was asking them not to fear even during bodily harm, of being murdered which is a contradiction of todays' octane fueled preaching for keeping you on high emotions always. Jesus always preached this way another example 'You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.' what did he mean by 'but not a hair will perish' ? he was referring to eternal life.

he was referring to eternal life-his only promise to all . not so with today's blessing preaching which is all about this life.
with blessing preaching and church groups' whatsapp pictures of david defeating goliath and jerico walls coming down- its all about this life, thus picturising stuff neither Jesus nor the apostles offered to the people. This actually is infuriating naive people when help is not coming as if a promise was not kept. Then when reality of life strikes it is unthinkable betrayal.

Jesus said in beautitudes "Blessed are you who weep; you will laugh"
He was always referring to eternal life as an endpoint solution. Neither did he promise deliverence from the romans and enemies who hate them to this day nor did he promise deliverance from the religious leaders who were doing things that were really unbeareable for them.

The reason why he preached good news to the poor ? they were burdened a lot yes, but He did not promise the poor riches he promised them eternal life; James gives a glimpse,"Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? " He wants to give them eternal life as a solution, not hefty riches and consolations in this world.

In fact, he said "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation "

what is eternal life ? Jesus was resurrected in an eternal spiritual body and his only sure promise to all the believers was to resurrect them the same way on the last day. They will have spiritual bodies. They will be sons and daughters and heirs along with him in a real sense with power and will inherit his kingdom (Luke 21 -he stood among disciples they thought he was a ghost cos the doors were locked. he said as Luke describes "touch me and see for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have"-a person with flesh and bones entering a locked door)
this can be seen in almost all the epistles :

"as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. "

who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

The difference between a person who fairly believes in god and today's hardcore believer is that the former accepts one important fact- life is life. it has ups and downs. I knew such a person who during a huge loss said something like 'I know there is a god but life is life and I don't expect him to keep me away from every trouble'. The latter kind though believes that because they are so close to God he should protect them with a high level care compared to others. This is also because of above said charismatic prosperity preaching- feeding people with a large portion of that expectaion and when all that is lost they feel betrayed, the immature or hypocritical believers only add fuel to the fire the fallen leaders' attitude doesn't help needless to say. If there's any 1st step for today's hardcore believer - life is life. bitter truth - people in all places will step on you when you stumble with very few exceptions.

Meshach
Meshach
4 years ago

I have experienced prophecies being fulfilled exactly - stuff that you don't hear 'other' people do. which means that there is a Holy Spirit, which means the concept about Jesus is true .
The story in short:
The apostles were sent to all over the world
They spoke about resurrection The Lord confirmed this by doing the kind of miracles that no one else did - that's why they believed - they already had their gods, their little magics were already there. Horus story was already there when Luke did miracles in Egypt and set up its Church in the middle of a kingdom which had multiple gods. cos He did things none had done.

When they believed God gave them all the holy Spirit and they all began to experience doing miracles. This was unheard of before.
Giving them the holy Spirit was also a confirmation that they were sons.
these miracles were so startling they all endured without giving up things what their master, Lord and brother endured (an egyptian for Judean Jesus!)

Miracles do happen today and the Lord is still including new members into his family with startling miracles that I know for sure. Why it does not go to 'main stream media' kind of Public I do not know.

If you'choose'the tap in your power theory how come you believed it ? Science doesn't prove it.
it shouldn't be I believed it because I liked it - and I don't believe something I don't like

Your hate for the fallen is right - but it is like saying I don't follow traffic rules because I've seen corrupt cops. is it logical? (who killed Jesus ? why ?)

the atheist theorists note that they are really good at selling too ! (few on the other end could match their excellence at it) looks like something is at stake and they've gotten the better of you.

Paul
Paul
4 years ago

Forgot to mentioned the insightful symbolism of the three wise monkeys. It would make a desktop screen for all desktop and laptop computers owned by all religious institutions. Too bad I am unable to reproduce it with this comment so you just have to watch the documentary.

Paul
Paul
4 years ago

Correction to my previous post : . . .Also bear in mind that this “dogma” was shaped by culture and political incentives to benefit mostly the elite and not for reasons that benefit the “common good”. . .

Paul
Paul
4 years ago

At its core, belief in God originates from deep within the human psyche and not from external sources in particular religious institutions. An individual’s Faith is based on intrinsic values that were innate in mankind long before institutions dominated and controlled what the four main religions believe and enforce today.

Therefore, when an individual states that he or she does not believe in God be sure to take into account that this person was influenced by years of dogma imposed on him or her from birth. Also bear in mind that this “dogma” was shaped by culture and political incentives to benefit mostly the elite and for reasons that benefit the “common good”. They had the means (military and self made laws) to maintain tyrannical governance over the weak, naive and illiterate population.

When someone states that they no longer believe in God (as depicted and preached by their respective dogma) has finally seen the hidden agenda of institutions which have over time have abandoned “the truth the way and the light”.

It is my informed guess that it will be the atheist who turns our attention to the “kingdom of God within us”.

“Only this have I found: I have discovered that God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes." Ecclesiastes 7:29

Robert Gorlee
Robert Gorlee
4 years ago

`Yeah do it in the road, like the animals. Baphomet will love it.

Grace
Grace
4 years ago

I am not surprised of a great falling away, in fact it is recorded in the Bible that these things will come to pass. You can say you don't believe in the God of Abraham, not Allah, but you will ultimately be judged by the creator of the heaven and earth. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the fourth man in the fire, the promised Messiah.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 King James Version (KJV)
2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

paul caden
paul caden
5 years ago

Paul from Canada. This well made movie is a true revelation and it certainly mirrors my experience, having been raised as a staunch Irish Catholic who almost got suckered into a seminary and the priesthood just before puberty which was part of the RC game plan. This would have totally ruined my life and I shudder at the thought of having to face no sexuality for the rest of my life and the requisite consequences! No wonder so many priests became pedophiles, had secret sexual relationships with cleaning ladies etc because they had to lie in order to keep their jobs.

Tim from Canada
Tim from Canada
5 years ago

Very watchable. Very informative. Very good.

What we really need is a whole team of Ph.D-level researchers and other academics to do a *scientific* study of religion before we make too many decisions that will have lasting but *still unpredicatable* results. We need to get to a place where we CAN predict instead of (quite possibly) finding out that our species actually requires religion in order to have any stability - and finding it out the unintelligent hard way.

John Follis
John Follis
5 years ago

Ramen!!!

Justin
Justin
5 years ago

As a disciple of Jesus Christ let me just say how delighted I am that you, unlike most church people, have been honest and have left off all religion. Very well done.

Actually, your problem is not that you believe or don't believe, but quite simply you, like most people, have been just religious, and have never met or experienced Him who is your owner. That means you just do not have faith therefore, as His speaking to you is what authors faith in the first place.

I commend you, and suggest you leave aside all ideas of your own on the subject, and enjoy your life. There is no point campaigning on the subject of atheism etc., as if there is no God in your experience why waste you time.......

Science offers you a great religion. You have no reason to be, and utter annihilation without hope, justice, or appeal just the moment you die. Enjoy what you have.

Your problem, is not irreligion. It is simply that, like most people, you are not one of God's people to begin with. He did not make you. He does not love those who are not His, who do not know Him.

God bless you with a long and a happy life.

Albert
Albert
5 years ago

It is not surprising that one would not find the divine in an organization whose emphasis is on fostering human relationships or another whose emphasis is on building the organization.

Larry
Larry
5 years ago

Great documentary, exactly how I feel.

Tim
Tim
5 years ago

What a charming and honest little doco.

alexey y noshchenko
alexey y noshchenko
5 years ago

A Bible has only once answer for all our problems: It is a god sent you challenges to test you faith! What horrible lie, it is scam of all centuries

Richard C Condon
Richard C Condon
5 years ago

Great video. One tiny error - it says that Isaac was told by God to kill his son. It was Abraham that was told to kill his Isaac.

CH2517Joan
CH2517Joan
5 years ago

This portraits the journey of many a believer to atheism. It does mine. Thank you for making this film, and the honesty and integrity.
I've been crying a lot because of the loneliness I still feel at times. I hope to find a place to connect again.

Matt
Matt
5 years ago

The glimpse of "Heaven" that some of us has seen is just our brains releasing DMT in mass amounts, which will bring forward your deepest sub-consciences' thoughts.
which is, in most of us, a god of some sort.
i am not a believer of any god, but I have experienced this and it immediately helped me rest assured that there is no god.

Chantal Gaultier
Chantal Gaultier
5 years ago

A religious system is not what the Creator intended. Churchianity is the bastardization of a spiritual walk and relationship with the Father through Christ and the Holy Spirit. He proves Himself to the ones who are serious and not just playing religious games. Time is short to choose because very hard times are coming soon. If you don't know what I'm talking about, please see the 'conspiracy' section in this video collection in order to further educate yourself. :-)

Sarah Hervey
Sarah Hervey
5 years ago

This story is also mine.
I like to joke about how my teenage rebellion was GOING to church haha. Growing up, my mom was a manager for Planned Parenthood and my father was a professor of Political Science and Philosophy... I was always taught to value education and to fight for social justice and equality. My childhood was very lucky.
My father passed away in my adolescence and my family moved to Iowa and long story short I somehow found myself involved with church friends & like he says in this film - I’m talking, laying hands on people in prayer for healing-speaking in tongues-hands in the air worship- type of church community. I joke about it being a “teenage rebellion” bc the fights I had with my mother were due to her worry over my saying things like people were healed.
*fast forward past my analysis of why I think I ended up there to me leaving*

This documentary was SO much my story too. I left the beliefs in the Bible, god, and the church (in that order). And hearing stories similar to mine are always good to hear & have someone to relate to about it, because it is not too easy to find other non-believers who once identified as a Christian (veryyyy much so). Grateful I came across it!

Ru Desrosiers
Ru Desrosiers
5 years ago

Nice video. Well done. Thanks for posting. I became an atheist in the Fall of 2012. Atheism is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am done with the tribal concept of a Deity or deities for ever and ever. I would like to act out my journey out of Christianity in a documentary. Atheism brings me joy and a lasting peace of mind.

Simeon
Simeon
5 years ago

@Richard
"Of course not. Meaning is what you definite it to be..."

ok... it is... But I was thinking about 'objective meaning' or, perhaps better word is, ‘purpose’ of the universe and all of existence... Not just psychological, subjective meaning - without we couldn't even get out of the bed in the morning. So, I was talking about meaning or purpose that will not perish forever... and this universe, in this state as we see it today, will cease to exist... but that is not the end...

@corynski
“Yes, truth is you've been lied to since birth by parents, clergy and teachers......”

Not for me... I was born into communist family and society. Nobody around me have spoke about God or something religious. At least not in a good way. It was completely “atheistic” community, so to speak... In orthodoxy, knowing God is empirical... everything else may be delusional. But that is not communicable, so I will not going to try explain that...

“...but until someone can explain to me why an omniscient, omnipotent god would create a world where every living organism must eat another living organism.... just to stay alive himself..... I'll call that fiction...”

God has not created such a world... Death is parasite on the Gods creation... Everything is in fallen state, and it is because of man. Also it is temporary... Everything after “big-beng” is product or effect of man’s misused free will... Spacetime and everything else was not like this, when God created world... If God was to create universe and intelligent beings without free will than it would be just mindless robots... But God is Love... And He believe in us... He puts His trust in us... Natural world (animals, plants... even planets and suns...) suffers in death because of us (see: Romans 8; 20-22)...

I recommend book by John S. Romanides, “The Ancestral Sin”, to anyone who want to see what is the difference in understanding of the sin, world, salvation, etc. between Eastern Orthodoxy and western Christianities... so, Corynski, if you really seeking some answers, try and read this book...

sorry if my english is not correct...

best regards!

corynski
corynski
5 years ago

Yes, truth is you've been lied to since birth by parents, clergy and teachers...... men create gods and goddesses..... thousands of them..... every culture creates its own gods, and that's why they don't teach anthropology to children either. They taught me that Christopher Columbus discovered America too, another lie. Of course we would all like a god in the sky, but until someone can explain to me why an omniscient, omnipotent god would create a world where every living organism must eat another living organism.... just to stay alive himself..... I'll call that fiction. Mythology is the correct term we should be using......

Sonny corbi
Sonny corbi
6 years ago

Organized religion worships segregated “god” - true but I don’t see my first comment posted? Was it rejected?

Sonny corbi
Sonny corbi
6 years ago

Organized religion worships segregated “gods”

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

Morgan Freeman: "When did I say I was a man of god?"

Interviewer: "You're not a man of god?"

Freeman: "No (laughing)"

That clip was the best part of the documentary! LOL

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

@Simeon

The universe just IS. What meaning you apply to it is your own.

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

@Simeon "… Existence of everything is not meaningless. Your life is not meaningless…"

Of course not. Meaning is what you definite it to be. Nothing that exists naturally has meaning as an attribute. Meaning is an attribute of the one contemplating it.

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

@bobby "Voltaire said 'if God is good and God is all powerful, whence comes evil ???'

Evil comes from men who do not folllow God. He does not force us to follow Him.
There will always be evil but woe to the man who from who evil comes
Is that not evident, Voltaire?"

If your god is good and all powerful he should eliminate evil. If he doesn't it is because he is either bad or not all powerful. Or both. Is that not evident, bobby?

Richard
Richard
6 years ago

@Fintan "The minister in the bible discusion meeting asked a reasonable question of him if one considers that the bible maybe more about truths then facts. I guess the narrator could'nt really see the distinction."

Truth is that which is in accordance with fact or reality. Truth is fact. One requires the other.

Simeon
Simeon
6 years ago

I have always wondered, as an Eastern Orthodox Christian, how can anybody believe in man made versions of "christianity" or "god", which are all kinds of western versions of Christianity. There is only one Truth, and He is Lord Jesus Christ. Truth is Being! Eastern Orthodoxy is not religion. It is Apostolic, continuous, tradition of relationship with living God Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Eastern Orthodoxy is infinitely different of all kinds of western christianities, as well of all other religions, because it is reveled by God, and not made by man (ie. Pope or some protestant reformers)... Check it out, and return to the roots. Existence of everything is not meaningless. Your life is not meaningless. Do not be deceived by ancient liar and deceiver. God bless you!

bobby
bobby
6 years ago

Voltaire said "if God is good and God is all powerful, whence comes evil ???"

Evil comes from men who do not folllow God. He does not force us to follow Him.
There will always be evil but woe to the man who from who evil comes
Is that not evident, Voltaire?