The Atheist Experience 740 with Russell Glaser and Tracie Harris
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- čas přidán 20. 12. 2011
- The Atheist Experience 740 for December 18, 2011 with Russell Glasser and Tracie Harris.
Russell and Tracie read one of Christopher Hitchens' last essays and respond to viewer calls.
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:48- Intro & Announcements - Russell Glasser
01:25- Russell and Tracie read one of Christopher Hitchens last essays
10:29- Mark from Canada (theist): where did everything come from if not God, jailhouse conversions are evidence of God, the weight of the soul, claims C. S. Lewis tried to disprove God but converted himself
25:57- Adam: the nature proving God argument, atheists becoming theists when they face death
32:05- George (atheist): asks if he should tell his kids that there is no God, CZcams dislikes and likes favouring atheists, the Devil's mythology makes no sense
43:03- John: the Unitarian Church and other liberal religions are barely even religions, supporting liberal religions supports the institution of religion
51:40- John: quantum mechanics and the double-slit experiment could prove God
You can read more about this episode on the Atheist Experience blog:
► freethoughtblogs.com/axp/2011/...
WHAT IS THE ATHEIST EXPERIENCE?
The Atheist Experience is a weekly cable access television show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist audience. The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin. The Atheist Community of Austin is organized as a nonprofit educational corporation to develop and support the atheist community, to provide opportunities for socializing and friendship, to promote secular viewpoints, to encourage positive atheist culture, to defend the first amendment principle of state-church separation, to oppose discrimination against atheists and to work with other organizations in pursuit of common goals.
VISIT THE ACA'S OFFICIAL WEB SITES
► www.atheist-community.org (The Atheist Community of Austin)
► www.atheist-experience.com (The Atheist Experience TV Show)
More shows and video clips can be found in the archive:
► www.atheist-experience.com/arc...
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MUSIC CREDITS
Theme song: "Listen to Reason," written and performed by Bryan Steeksma.
► / bryansteeksma
► www.myspace.com/bryansteeksma
NOTES
TheAtheistExperience is a fan appreciation channel on CZcams.
"The Atheist Experience" is a registered trademark of the ACA.
Creative Commons license: BY, NC, SA
► creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Christopher Hitchens changed my life. He is the closest thing I have to an idol. He had the eloquence of Churchill or Socrates, with a mind like a diamond. We are truly the lesser for his loss.
I would 100% agree with you. The fact that i only found out about him after he died, is certainly a regret that I'll carry to my grave, but in his words; everyone is immortal in the works that they've and done and the memories they've left behind.
So that's what will keep be going. I can meet him anytime. I just have to pick up a book of his or watch a debate.
Abhishek Bhujel My girlfriend and I are in the same boat; discovered him after he died.
I suppose the best we can do is to press on in his absence. Let us purge the superstition and dogma from our world not through force or coercion, but through reasoned, lucid examination of the cosmos.
***** No worries, friend. These sorts of things are frustrating indeed; but I consider it a sure sign that we are winning.
If they actually had the chops to refute our arguments en masse, they would not have to resort to trying to silence our opinions. That is a mark of a tacit admission of defeat.
+Abhishek Bhujel I Miss him. Selfishly. Sigh.
He will be missed...
Thank you for everything Hitch!
I've seen many comments that have stated how they have only discovered Christopher Hitchens after his passing. I think Hitch would have been pleased to discover that his body of writings and debates live on to inspire more and more people everyday. Those Christian apologists who have breathed a sigh of relief since his passing had better watch out---here come the onslaught of his many students how know to wield reason and intellect like a hammer.
Bruce Gooding Agreed. It is the mark of a wise, or at least persuasive, individual if their words can carry on beyond their passing and still ring true.
I always enjoy these shows most when Tracie Harris is on. And not just because she has a beautiful smile. But because she often explains the caller's argument better than they do. Which is helpful for those of us who don't speak crazy.
CB, how did life originate? What is your best explanation? Provide science please and not just tossing out the word "abiogenesis". Thank you.
***** You tell me, do you think I need to know the answer to that question before I can say I don't believe the bible? If so, why?
***** Scientists barely even know, so how on earth should the rest of us know?
One thing is unlikely though, and that is "god did it"
***** Troll XD
Horace Ball Good job on completely missing the content of the original comment and then being completely dishonest in your request on how you want someone to answer your question.
FSM did it by the way
Christopher Hitchens was a rare intellect. I miss him alot.
Indeed. But, there will always be more like him in the future. It just takes the right mind to be exposed to the right ambitions.
Damian Freeman Your correct on that score. As much as I respect and miss him there was areas where he seemed to fall short i.e. saying his writing came ahead of everything, including his kids. As a father I find that disturbing.
***** That is a bit disturbing, but that's not what he should be remembered for. I mention in another post on this comment section that we tend to remember great people for the good things, Everyone has flaws somewhere, Hitchens had his. Doesn't invalidate the good work he did though.
Christopher Hitchens. He is sorely missed.
C.S. Ewens He really is; I now struggle to read his stuff as it seems to affect me negatively. I really hope his wife Carol Blue is keeping as well as she can be and has her family near her.
Thanks for sharing that letter from Hitchens.
Great tribute to Hitchens. I especially like that they mentioned that Hitch was controversial among atheists. I don’t know if I’ve seen another person who was so off-the-charts in both confidence and competence regarding religion and politics.
I didn’t always agree with him, but I luckily usually did. And what I disagreed with was part of what made him so much more exciting to watch, than someone like me. He understood how to reach the mentality and priorities of average people. He didn’t speak down to people, he rarely used other people’s specific arguments and managed to easily hold everyone’s attention with words of elegant drama, irony and humor.
~ Eight years later and still missing Hitchens and enjoying TAE videos. Thank you many times over Tracie and Russell!
Cheers, DAVEDJ ~
Still missing him to this day. Didn't agree with him on many things, but miss his intelligence, eloquence, memory, ease of words and wicked sense of humor. His absence is still palpable.
I can't tell you how much I admire what you guys do every week. There is nothing more important than helping to pull people out of the fog of religion. The irony is that it requires the patience of a saint to deal with these dilluded individuals.
Awwwww, Russell gets a bit choked up reading Hitch's essay. Just shows the magnitude of the impact Hitch had on him, and all of us that have chosen to rid ourselves of the shackles of belief.
We miss you Hitch. but your words live on, and help to turn people away from that horrid, disgusting bullshit, every single day.
Tracie's socratic approach is very powerful.
Marc Soucie Come again!
I actually quite enjoyed that first caller. He was very honest and truthful.
This is how a rational argument should be.
This video is worth revisiting. Thanks for reading Hitch's letter, Russel. Also think Hitch would have nodded at Tracie's remarks on critical thought.
I am surprised how so many news outlets failed to accurately represent Hitch. You covered his life and ideas well in the short time allowed. I think it set the tone for a good show.
"Don't keep the faith"! I want a bumper sticker with this slogan on it!
Hitch was the best A terrible lost
What wonderful words he left, beautiful
We miss you Hitch!
Many years ago (when I still had a minor trace of possible belief)..i would have thought Hitchens was a jerk , but having many years ago..realized the reality of it all...i really enjoyed hearing him speak with such eloquence and razor sharp wit. ....My personal favorites are Hitch, Dawkins, and Degrasse Tyson...
Tracie's way of responding to Mark, the first caller, was amazing. She has a very good way of making them think, without openly attacking their actual person. Mark's call really made me happy today, knowing that someone out there is actually questioning some of their core beliefs.
Wow... the 1st caller I'm in love with the integrity!!
You rarely see that!!!!!!!!!
My two favorite hosts. Calm, intelligent, rational. Tracey and Russel never lose their tempers or hang up on callers. Great role models for atheists.
I'm really liking Tracie a lot!
Aaaaaand shes gone
Thanks AE! Great episode!
very good show as always, thanks for remembering Mr Hitchens :)
Here's something I find a little frustrating. I became a full atheist about 3 years ago. I've spent the last 2 years learning every thing I can about atheism, science secular reasoning and also religions. I know more about christianity than most christians. But I also learned about Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism Judaism and others. Ive watched tons of TAE and all of Hitchens, Dawkins, and Harris and others. All this to help prepare myself for the attacks on my stance of religion I was certain would come. Problem is, now all of a sudden no one is bringing it up. It used to come up all the time! I dont want to really broach the subject because I dont want to be "that guy". But damn Im getting annoyed. lol
I feel your pain!
Not to hard to find an argument on the internet
You are't alone...I am "that girl". You are ok :)
If there isn't a god, why are all the planets shaped like meatballs...
Checkmate Atheist
Because of gravity. Why would god make planets in the shape of meatballs?
God could have made the planets any shape he wanted, but no he wanted spherical planets, just like how gravity "makes" planets.
It's called sarcasm..
r'amen
If italian mamas weren't creator-godesses why are all the meat-balls shaped like planets?
If Christianity isn't real then why are vampires scared of crosses? Check mate Atheists!
i am a huge Hitch fan and did okay with your approach to his death, well done. Two sides to every argument.
Thanks for the video!
wow a video you can comment on amazing
55:40 YE CNNIT CHANGE THE LAWS OF PHYSICS, CAPN'
Awesome responses Tracy and Russel.
This was a very good episode. Thanks guys and merry christmas/happy holidays or whatever. =)
*Ahem* Excuse me Tracy, but I called in today thinking logic and reason wouldn't be brought into the conversation against me!
I hope you guys had whiskey in those cups or you're not really celebrating Hitch in the proper way :D
Johnny Walker Black was Christoper's drink of choice.
Couldn't put it any better. Bravo, sir.
Thanks for uploading :)
Mark, That feeling in your heart isn't god, it's the onset of angina, you should see a doctor.
First 48 seconds
that staring is so awkward
o.o o_o ...........................................
Great video.
this was a great episode
One of the best of us.
Man, I really choked up when Russell spoke of Christopher :( I will miss him. Safe winds, wherever you are, good sir...
The best two presenters IMO. Great show.
I loved Mark. He's my favorite caller so far. You guys had such a thought provoking discussion, and he never once refused for the sake of refusing. His honest attitude, like you guys mentioned, is what I hope for in many theists.
@papermermaid
lol those moments are always great, I also love the pauses and delays in news stations when they are switching from one location to another. Or people that record crappy commercials with a lot of time on them just staring at the camera..
Friggen great.
two of my favorite hosts!
tracie's socratic method with that first caller was brilliant! well done
Well said!
wow you guys rock!
I'm going to Austin from Australia on exchange! Wooh! I could see these guys live!
Mark's call was the best one in ages.
There never will be another like him. He was head an shoulders above the rest and I will miss his wonderful wit and delicious voice.
The first caller said his life really changed for the better. He mentioned 3 things that changed in his life. He quit using drugs, turned away from other criminal activity, and found/came closer to God. Now, 2 of those things are proven to have a positive change on your life. It can be shown exactly how they improve your life. The 3rd is just a feeling and really has no bearing on quality of life.
Both quitting drugs and quitting criminal activity can be done completely without any belief in a higher power, though.
I love the awkward music at the start.. lol
Nice dedication to Hitchens. Glad they did that, as he deserves praise.
I just love Russell's face while that first caller is talking xD
I like the first caller's attitude and understanding. He actually is open-minded to what they're saying
Hitchens had a death bed conversion when he asked for a priest. He proceeded to convert the priest to atheism.
Well said.
LOL just got a Billy Graham add at the beginning of this vid :)
First question I'd ask is "So how do you explain Muslims and Hindus attributing their changed lives to their gods or religions?" Millions feel the same way as Mark but they are not Christian. But it is basically what Tracie said. You can be wrong.
"I am absolutely convinced that the main source of hatred in the world is religion and I think it should be ridiculed."- C. Hitchens
We have lost one of our Horsemen but because of him, we have millions of ex-herd members who will credit this intellectual for their ultimate escape. That alone is one incredible accomplishment. I can only dream of doing such an honorable thing during my tenure here.
I like the first caller, he didn't get angry and turn to name calling. he had a conversation like an adult. I'm proud of him xD
Loved the Scotty (ST-ToS) quote at 55:41!
Beautiful words about Hitchens, and hope for a fantastic show, and at 11:15 minutes in they're back to the same old drek.
hitchens was brilliant, in your face, and in his grace a man to be reckoned with and admired. i will truly miss you hitch. your light has dimmed but will never go out.
That takes some courage. Hope you are well :)
That first caller was very civil.
Not to mention absolutely stunning!
i love how they take on callers who call like they have this spectacular ephiney that "there is a god! who/how do you think everything got here?"... i would probably hang up just because i answer that question on EVERY show. they are great at handeling that same damn question. & i never get tired of hearing them answer it either. love this show!
Yeah, you showed him! *rolls eyes*
Tracie, I loved how you deduced if there was a weight change that there would be a physical entity to study. That is also commonly made to contest this claim in science literature.
LOL I just love your smile!
I think it would be really useful if the Atheist Experience would consider having an episode or more that would be devoted to providing advice. So many times callers call in like the first one that you can tell are really searching - they are truly looking for advice not just debate. I think people would be helped by this to get people thinking.
I just think it is so cool that they invite people to join them for lunch etc, ... sure wish I lived close enough to do so..
What a refreshing dialogue that they had with the Christian at the beginning of the show, no logical fallacies on either side, just solid analysis on what is believed and why it is believe.
Wow, I didn't notice that until you said, but it looks that way.
Damn Tracie was on FIRE during this video asking clear, concise questions and being respectful in the process. She was even able to clarify her questions even better if the caller didn't originally understand. Brilliant.
Oh right! Haha, I have to remember that for the next time this comes up.
Anybody else see Russell's eye-roll at 26:03? That was pretty funny :)
Russell and Tracie are great together!
I LOVE how Tracey answers these callers....she lets THEM do all the work for themselves by asking them questions, and making them think.
@Danthepest1 It was genuinely refreshing to hear someone who has an idea of what they believe, but appears to be open minded and actually wants to take on board new things to consider.
that better be a damn fine single malt in that there mug there! A fitting tribute, and great show as ever cheers all and happy nondenominational all inclusive festive holiday time to all o yous!
They had some nice callers this show.
@EntinludeX You captured my thoughts too, I was fighting not to lol when the first caller said his opening line. But you have to admit, in the end he was not a foolish guy, he was willing to actually think!
Wow! Tears...
hahaha i heard them laughing at the first caller
the more i hear of Tracie Harris the more i realise how her approach is so good, I really like they way she reasons stuff out. she has a perfect lesson how to speak to a theist without being aggressive but stil making the correct points
The hitch effect shall go on forever !
I LOVE TRACIE. she has such a good approach to these religious people who call in with stupid questions and proclamations. she really gets them to reflect and think about the things they are saying and thinking.
I have had multiple sclerosis for over 10 yrs & am now experiencing effects from it. My best friend is a christian & she pleaded for me to believe in god & that god exists & start praying for "god" to help me. Even though she cried and I knew that she was sincere in her supplication, I told her I STILL need evidence to believe in gods.
Sickness hasn't made me wonder if deities exist. Being proactive about treatments is a much better course of action to take.
O.o What the BLEEP was that last caller talking about LMAO!
The phrase "mind-forged manacles" is from a poem by Blake.
I am glad that Russell brought up where Hitchens was at odds with much of the atheist community, because nothing could be of greater value to a man, who held the act of being contrarian as the highest virtue, than to be characterized as a contrarian himself. Great job Russell. Hitchens would have appreciated that. We can all learn from Hitchens. The best way to push human understanding further is to question everything, especially the principles of those who are ideological closest to you.
The callers on this show were notably pleasant to listen to.
I like the first caller. He sounds open and willing to debate. He also wasnt dismissive or overly persumptious. Good caller all in all. Anyway thatll do it for me. Off to study :)
Which is also why we 'agree where the chair is'. Most, if not all of the particles of a macroscopic object are 'measured' by interaction with other particles by the time we observe them.
This comment made my night! :D
Actually, there DOES happen to be an argument SIMILAR to the one used by the caller at the end that major physicists are looking into.
It entails a little bit more than just the observer effect though. I don't know if anyone's heard of it, but it's called The Big Wow theory, and it's by an Italian physicist named Paola Zizzi. The idea is to apply Penrose's Orch-OR model of consciousness to the wave-function of the universe.