Faith

Piers Morgan and Penn Jillette Duel Over Atheism & Religion

Penn Jillette Debates Atheism & Religion With Piers MorganOn Tuesday night, CNN aired a dialogue in which host Piers Morgan and magician and comedian Penn Jillette faced off on religion and atheism.

Particularly striking were Jillette‘s views on the afterlife and Morgan’s own admission that he does, indeed, believe in a higher power. Interestingly, Jillette penned an opinion piece for CNN.com in which he described his interview with Morgan. In it, he wrote:

Last week I was interviewed for Piers Morgan’s show (which used to be Larry King’s show). Piers beat me up a bit for being an atheist (that’s his job) and then beat me up a bit for being a libertarian (also his job). He did this by asking me impossible questions, questions that none of us, Harold, Richard, me, (or Piers), could ever answer.

Considering the subject matter being dealt with in the interview, this is probably a fairly accurate description describing what went down. During the interview, Morgan was more than open — and fiercely adamant – about his belief in a higher power, which is likely one reason why Jillette felt (and rightfully so) like he was being “beaten.” When the comedian challenged Morgan to explain his views, the CNN host said:

“I believe in this superior being — God. Therefore, the questions which always baffle atheists — the hard reality of life — I believe there is something greater out there…a spiritual being that allows comprehension on a scale that we could never understand.”

Jillette responded to this statement:

“If it‘s comprehension on a scale that we can’t possibly understand, aren’t you done? Why do you need to label that as something that’s God or something…why isn’t there a humility to saying, ‘I don’t know.’”

Of course, anyone who watches Morgan knows that he’s not one for backing down. Thus, he quipped back:

“Because I’ve never heard an atheist explain to me…give me any answers to ‘how did we get here’ and ‘what happens at the end of our life.’”

This exchange (and, trust me, there’s plenty more within the clip) is captured, below:

While Jillette stuck fervently to his atheism and plainly stated his view that there is no afterlife, he also defended proselytization. He explained his contention that it is essential that people share their beliefs with others. He said:

“The only way we can share the universe…is by talking very strongly about what we believe.”

In another clip, Morgan asks Jillette questions about his personal views on consuming alcohol and gambling; he even questions whether the comedian ”fornicate[s] with ladies of the night.” During the exchange, Jillette says, ”There’s nothing I like doing more than my show.” Reiterating his belief in diversity and discussion among people who disagree on important issues, he says:

“I always seem to think that the most important thing is individuals…and the most important thing is diversity. And the most important thing is to have someone like you — someone like me — who disagree on a very important issue constantly talking and constantly working it out.”

Below, find footage of this interaction:

Jillette recently penned a book entitled, “God No! Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales.“ The central premise of the book is that ”doubt, skepticism, and wonder“ should be ”celebrated and cherished, rather than suppressed.” Below, watch Jillette discuss this new literary work as well as his adherence to “puritanical atheism”:

Caution: Explicit Language

Of course, Glenn Beck and Jillette have discussed these issues, among others, numerous times (in fact, Jillette appeared on Beck’s television show, which surprised many on the left). While certainly adamant about his non-belief, Jillette is fair-minded and seems to enjoy people who espouse different beliefs than his own.

Comments (166)

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  • OneofMany
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 11:30pm

    An atheist has only theoretical arguments, they can do nothing with the reality of there own being, the reality of love, of personality, the reality of universal morals (i.e., being a coward is not a virtue in any society at any time)…

    They have the supernatural staring them in the face, in fact, encompassing and permeating them and they can only say, well, if I can’t measure it, it doesn’t exist. How do you measure love? How do you measure self-sacrifice? I guess they don’t exist….

    An atheist is an atheist because they refuse to kneel before the Almighty God. They want nothing to do with God and His rules… so guess what… that is what hell is… they will get none of God. Literally, NONE of God or His goodness. They mock Him while He gives them breath to mock Him… utter foolishness.

    Report Post » OneofMany  
    • infidelible
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 12:34am

      The problem with the statement is that the term “atheist” tells you what someone does not believe, not what they do. It is as meaningful as grouping people by their distaste for mustard. Some atheists extend their faith not to God(s), but to the idea of an all-powerful benevolent state – they are more insane than the most radicalized jihadi. Well, maybe just as nuts.

      Personally, I am an inclined to go with the philosophy of objectivism as offered by Ayn Rand. She articulates a rather compelling philosophy based on metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, politics, and aesthetics.

      Metaphysics: Reality exists. It makes for fanciful fiction to discuss things that do not exist “in reality”. For instance, if one were to assert that God created the universe, from where did God do it? What does it mean to say that existence was created? More sanely, and succinctly, existence exists. It requires no faith to assert this as one can perceive existence; we can even share that perception.

      Ethics: We pursue our own self interest. If you believe that this imposes no rules on you, that to follow this would enable you to indiscriminately harm others, I would have to wonder about your ability to reason. Your self-interest, your success in this reality, is a function of your ability to get along well with others. Refer to the classic “How to Make Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.

      And so on (as there is no more room). Ask people what they believe, not what t

      Report Post »  
    • NE1
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 1:12am

      ONEOFMANY, Excellent points! I like what a well know pastor once said “The reason some people can‘t find God is the same reason a thief in the night can’t find a police officer, they’re not really looking.”

      INFIDELIBLE, No offense but your post makes no sense. There is no philosophy on earth that can explain our existence and the existence of good and evil other than that God, the creator and THE standard for what is right and holy, exists!

      Report Post »  
    • Down2TheC
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 2:35am

      Follow your beliefs and stop judging people. Can’t blame the guy for not wanting to follow gods defined by men.

      Report Post »  
    • RaisingANewLeader
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 8:48am

      So, the ultimate question, the leap of faith decision that separates atheists and religion is similar. The answer differs very little. But the debates spark amazing aggression, anger, and all sorts of nasty name calling.

      The question? How did it all come to exist.

      Evolution happened starting with the big bang. As improbable as this is, it bears the same leap of faith as the next.

      Creationism happened when an ultimate being (not saying anything as to who because there are many religions this fits with) created everything out of nothing. Why did this happen that he/she/it just decided to make everything? This is a leap of faith here as well.

      Since this board is political in nature, I will make a connection here as well. Instead of figuring out why and to what purpose something is happening, we are squabbling over the problem (not really a problem, but who is right on the beginning). If we could get past this, maybe society would be better having people of faith (since atheism is a faith too) tolerate each other.

      Atheists are the worst at practicing their religion since they show they care about other religions, but I thought it was about the fact religion doesn’t exist. So, um, why do they fight so much over something that doesn’t exist? But religions have a similar problem. It is an individuals journey and relationship with their deity, but they butt in on that journey to squabble about the path the individual chose.

      Report Post »  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 11:23am

      The difference is, you can see some sort of result of the actions of someone out of love or hate. To say “you don’t know so it must be god” is arrogant. Well, if it is god, then we can just stop looking for answers right now because we conveniently have all the answers we need right here in this one book. So when mom gets a tumor in her breast, don’t turn to medical science to help cure her. Just pray it away and the lawd will hear it and heal her. Or do we not have free will? From what I understand god has a ‘plan’ for us all. That negates free will and proves it to be a sadistic god unworthy of me bowing to it even an inch. To have planned cancer and starvation and serial killers and Satan himself is evil. Or did god just not see that coming? Ether way it is an inept and bumbling idiot you worship.
      To say you believe in something because you feel it in your heart with no evidence to back it up is dishonest to yourself and the world around you. You CAN be good without god. You CAN be a successful human being without religion.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
  • jnorth21
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:55pm

    It’s discussions like these that make the quote from Thomas Jefferson that Glenn quotes so often.
    “Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.”

    Do I believe Mr Jillette is wrong? Yes. Is that his opinion to have? Yes it is. He can believe and question whatever he wants, he articulates his points well and I believe he has put a lot of thought into his reasoning, which I can respect.

    Now, do I think Piers is a moronic, loud mouthed, pompous, presumptuous, hypocritical dolt? Of course.

    Report Post »  
  • KusoJiJi
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:31pm

    i got a lot of respect for Mr Jillete. He is one of the few performers from the entertainment community that thinks through his positions and respectful in his approach to explain them.

    Report Post » KusoJiJi  
    • beckwasfox
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 11:02pm

      I can respect an agnostic. There is something truly humble in the “I don’t know statement”. I am not sure that people truly don’t know. I used to say I didn’t but now I wonder if I truly did know and was tying to weasel out of a commitment. Can anyone truly not know there is a God?

      Report Post » beckwasfox  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 12:45am

      Travel the world and view the plight of so many innocent children. Then ask why anyone or anything with the power to stop the suffering of these children would choose not to. Even if you blame it on the Devil or “evil” the fact still remains that your almighty chooses to remain indifferent.
      I’m not claiming there is or isn”t a God. I”m simply stating that there are many reasons to question.

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
    • NE1
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 1:41am

      SOVEREIGNSOUL, God is not “indifferent” to suffering and/or evil. He actually uses suffering for several reasons. When we suffer, God uses our suffering to cleanse the soul from evil. When we see others suffering, God is giving us an opportunity to learn love and compassion and yet “He works all things in conformity with his will.” (Ephesians 1:11) Also, your statements assumes that there are “innocent” people suffering when the bible says “all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” We all stand guilty and condemned before a holy God and yet, he sent Jesus to pay the price for OUR sins so that we can receive mercy by placing our faith in Jesus! Be careful what you ask for, if God were to stomp out evil this moment you, I and everybody would be dust! Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!

      Report Post »  
    • megansmom
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 4:49am

      Dear sovereignsoul:
      God did do something for to help the starving children here on earth: He put you, me, and everybody else here to help them. We just have to do it.

      Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 6:37am

      @Beckwasfox – “Can anyone truly not know there is a God?” Not any more than anyone can truly know there is a god.” That make us all agnostics in a sense. Belief is a different story.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 8:26am

      I don’t recall God ever stating that the world will be without suffering. In fact, it was the downfall of Man in the garden of Eden that kind of guaranteed pain and suffering in life.

      I think the theory is, if you dislike suffering, God DID give you a tool to remedy it – freewill. Go out and do something about it, help others as an individual.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • biggreenboo
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 12:15pm

      @ Ghost… Well said.

      Report Post »  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 4:51pm

      So all those children are starving to death because they are either evil or their suffering is teaching someone else a lesson? Your god is sick…or he just doesn’t exist.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • imnotherbert
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:16pm

      @NE1,
      OK, so tell me, when a 9 year old girl is raped with no one around to see or know but her, her attacker, and your “god”, whose soul is being cleansed? What crime could a little girl possibly commit that would warrant that kind of answer from your “all loving” god? When she pleaded with “god” to rescue her, where was he? Then when it happened again a few years later? And when her father beat her? I know the woman who I am speaking about, and all she ever wanted was for your “god” to give her the slightest consideration. So far, he hasn’t bothered.

      Take off your god-filters, and actually *read* your bible. *Understand* what it *actually* says. If you have the guts to try that, you will see that your “god” is not so loving and forgiving as you seem to believe.

      Report Post » imnotherbert  
    • Cservice
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 8:32am

      @foxholeathiest

      My God is a Savior…. not Tyrant.

      Report Post »  
  • clarity2199
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:30pm

    I love how he makes the comment in his advertising, ‘If god told you to kill someone, what would you do?’ He obviously has no clue on god, to even ask such a thing. Obviously, god would never ask something like that for a person, which is why any sane person would never follow such a voice…cuz it’s not gods. If that’s the best argument he has to offer in his book, who the heck would even buy that?

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 11:42pm

      ” Obviously, god would never ask something like that for a person, which is why any sane person would never follow such a voice…cuz it’s not gods.”

      Yeah, God would never tell someone to kill a child, especially not one named Isaac. That certainly never happened in the Bible! Oh, or telling his own son to suicidally give himself over to a crowd that would torture and kill him. Wouldn’t do that! Or encourage wars, call for stonings or killings for certain behavior, or neglect to tell the entire world (short of one drunk and his immediate family) that he was going to flood everything and kill everyone.

      Come now. The Bible is full of God-sanctioned or God-mandated killings.

      Report Post »  
    • Goldwaterite
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 11:45pm

      God told Abraham to kill his own son. God also commanded Joshua to kill every Canaanite… there is a vast track record of God killing or commanding the killing of many people in the Bible. I think the point Penn is ultimately making is: what is more probable? That I am hearing the voice of an invisible almighty being, or it is a figment of my imagination. using Occam’s razor we would most likely think we were mistaken rather than hearing the actual voice of God

      Report Post »  
    • NE1
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 1:34am

      LOCKED, as a Bible believing, Creationist, Conservative Christian, I say, you are absolutely correct. God even ordered the slaughter of men, women and children (see Joshua 6:17-21 and Ezekiel 9:5 for instance). Don’t forget though God is sovereign over his creation and no creature has the “right” to anything from God, including life! Unfortunately, American Christianity has turned the Biblical God into a tame, doting old toothless Grandfather figure who is just “nice.” Yet the bible says:

      “See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.” Deut 32:29

      It is God’s prerogative to bring life and to take it, we are guilty sinners before him, he owes nobody mercy! This truth is even rejected by “Christians.”

      Report Post »  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 2:11am

      That’s not God, that’s the random chaos of the universe. The bible is mother goose for adults.

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • Down2TheC
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 2:37am

      Ahem… heard of a dude named Abraham?

      Report Post »  
    • imnotherbert
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:18pm

      CLARITY2199

      Actually *read* your bible. Your “god” ordered the slaughter of entire nations. Or does genocide not count?

      Report Post » imnotherbert  
    • imnotherbert
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:58pm

      @NE1
      I presume that you are a conservative, so you should know that with rights come responsibilities. If you create a life, your are responsible for it.
      If you tell your child to go beat up another child then you are guilty, and bear bear the responsibility for your actions. If you see your child beat up another child and do nothing to stop it, you are *still* guilty even if you did not explicitly tell your child to do that.

      “It is God’s prerogative to bring life and to take it, we are guilty sinners before him, he owes nobody mercy!”

      What you are doing is trying to do is assert the sovereign right of your god to do whatever he wills with his creation, but absolve him from any responsibility for it. One who asserts their rights while shirking their responsibilities is a… well, a liberal. :)

      Report Post » imnotherbert  
  • tckid17
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:27pm

    I stand for Penn Gillette, you gotta see his show at the Rio in Vegas.

    Report Post »  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:22pm

    Two bobbleheads that don’t know the Lord from a lizzard…

    Even the demons know God…You think that demons will be in heaven? No they won’t. Faith in Christ ALONE is our salvation…

    Report Post »  
  • qpwillie
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:17pm

    I think an atheist is someone whose mind can‘t or won’t reach beyond what they can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. Sorta like a possum looks at life.

    Report Post » qpwillie  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:22pm

      ROTFLMAO

      I hate to laugh at my atheist friends, but that was well said!

      Report Post »  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 12:38am

      You people really need to look into philosophy. Aristotle is the brain child behind the renaissance. You are paraphrasing the philosopher behind the dark ages though. Plato.

      Religion is canned philosophy for stupid people. You fall in like with Plato and the lefts worship of the collective and you don’t even know it.

      SOAB you people are dumb!

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • Darren
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 1:02am

      I like my canned religion and I’m not stupid. In fact, I like Plato.

      Report Post » Darren  
    • Down2TheC
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 2:43am

      Atheists only refuse to believe things just because they are told to. Most have the humility to know that they don’t know. (Not the crazy Athiests in NYC or anything like that) Tell me you’d have the same faith you have now in a vacuum. Without someone raising you on the Bible or whatever, you’d have found the same beliefs. If you were born in Saudi Arabia, you’d still somehow be a Christian. Who’s the one with the open mind of greater capacity really? I say Penn, not you.

      Report Post »  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 7:44am

      Down2TheC,
      If I had been born in Saudi Arabia and had the same knowledge of the physical world, I would still have concluded that there had to be an intelligent first cause with a specific purpose in mind. Therefore, I wouldn’t have been an atheist.

      In Exodus 3:14, Moses was told by the creator “I am that Ayah (Is – ’causer’ to be or first cause)”. I may not have known about Yahshua and his part in the plan without the Bible which reveals the most logical explanation of how everything fits together but I would have had to conclude that it is impossible that pure chance could have created a system that works so perfectly. At the so-called “big bang”, if one quark had acted differently, the whole thing would have resulted in chaos.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
  • Liberalsrdinks
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:08pm

    I believe in God and your right there isn’t one what happens? we both fade to black, You don‘t believe in God and I’m right what happens? :)

    Report Post »  
    • Iman
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:28pm

      What?

      Report Post »  
    • AMY
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 11:57pm

      Think about it, Iman.

      Report Post »  
    • SovereignSoul
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 12:49am

      What if you believed in god but followed the wrong religion. then what!?

      Report Post » SovereignSoul  
    • MAProg
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 12:52am

      Pascel‘s wager doesn’t consider the various gods to choose from. What if you believe in the wrong god?

      Report Post » MAProg  
  • Darren
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:52pm

    ““The only way we can share the universe…is by talking very strongly about what we believe.””

    I very much agree with Jillette on that. Be respectful but firm.

    Morgan did throw out a good comeback regarding Jillette’s proclamation of atheism telling Jillette something to the affect of, “you guys are all wrong but I don’t have any explanation”.

    Report Post » Darren  
  • The_Outlaw
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:42pm

    I really like Penn Jillette, He’s a great entertainer and magician.
    I also used to be an athiest until Jesus Christ saved my life in 1994.
    I hope that one day, Mr Jillette will open his eyes and see the light on this subject.

    Report Post » The_Outlaw  
    • beckwasfox
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:44pm

      He probably will. Often, an open mind leads to an open heart.

      Report Post » beckwasfox  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:25pm

    Witnessing God’s miracles and having a real relationship with Him all depend upon how much that person wants to put of himself into the relationship. The sad part – satan comes around. But, doesn’t anything in life, finding the best part of us, require our best effort.

    Report Post »  
    • Restored One
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:36pm

      When I tuned in they were talking politics and Obama, and that was interesting. As for the Atheist part….whatever. I thought that Penn was very articulate and on point. Piers should be on HLN, his show is so Behar.

      Report Post »  
  • godhatesacoward
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:23pm

    Faith is just that faith. Either you have it or you don’t. No one living today can say one way or the other. I for one choose faith. I sure hope that the good Lord would not ask me “to kill my child”. If so, I guess I’d be going to He!! .

    Report Post » godhatesacoward  
    • Darren
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:48pm

      “I sure hope that the good Lord would not ask me “to kill my child”. If so, I guess I’d be going to He!! .”

      Yikes, that whole line of thought is creepy.

      “Faith is just that faith.’

      I agree. In fact, I find Lillette having to rely on faith just as much as Piers.

      Report Post » Darren  
    • cariboodragon
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:46am

      If you would kill your child because “ anyone ” told you to do it you would be a complete idiot.

      Report Post »  
    • cariboodragon
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:53am

      If you would kill your child because anyone told you to you are a complete moron.

      Report Post »  
    • fixitjamie
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 5:17am

      Interesting screen name. I though God loved everyone.

      Report Post » fixitjamie  
  • REDNECK CALIPHATE
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:23pm

    He says, the fifth thing, that GOD does all these evil things, does he not understand that those evil things are not done by god, but by satan? That‘s one of the weakest arguement atheist’s have is that, “If there’s a God then why are there rapists and murderers?” Duh, Satan is working just as hard to destroy us as God is trying to help us.

    Report Post » REDNECK CALIPHATE  
    • LibertarianForLife
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:27pm

      If God is all powerful, how did lucifer so easily decieve him? The answer is that neither of them exist, and your letting your imagination take hold. Grow up and drop big brother.

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:33pm

      I don’t recall Lucifer “deceiving” God? He did rebel against God and took 1/3 of the angels with him. But the answer to that is the same as the answer to our plight. Free will.

      You do not believe, that is fine. But please do not pretend to understand what we believe.

      Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:49pm

      the only argument is this, my friend.
      “Free Will”.

      Report Post »  
    • MAProg
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 1:23am

      “those evil things are not done by god, but by satan.” The question is that if god is supposedly all-powerful and all-loving, then why is Lucifer allowed to act at all? Since Lucifer is allowed to act and cause harm, it either means that god cannot stop Lucifer, or chooses not to. One would mean that god is not all-powerful, the other would make a strong case for god not being all-loving. (If I’m repeating myself, I appologize. I responded earlier but the comment didn’t seem to go thru).

      Report Post » MAProg  
    • imnotherbert
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 9:34pm

      @REDNECK CALIPHATE,

      Yeah, your “god” didn’t work very hard to stop that woman I know from being raped when she was nine, while her attacker didn’t have to work very hard at all to get what he wanted.
      Come to think of it, your “god” didn’t lift a finger to stop the all the attacks on children by his priests in his “one true church” now, did he?

      Report Post » imnotherbert  
    • imnotherbert
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:29pm

      @TROLLTRAINER

      “I don’t recall Lucifer “deceiving” God? He did rebel against God and took 1/3 of the angels with him. But the answer to that is the same as the answer to our plight. Free will.”

      How do you know this? (I’ll give you a hint- if you are going to blather on about Revelation 12, you are wrong. That is end times prophesy.)
      Also, I would like to point out that what you are in effect saying is that god willfully and knowingly created beings (Lucifer and his angels) that would betray him and be cast out to ultimate destruction. How is that moral in any way?

      “You do not believe, that is fine. But please do not pretend to understand what we believe.”

      If you engage atheists long enough, you may just come to find many of them know more about the bible than most Christians. I can respect a Christian who knows what he believes and why, even if I don’t agree. I can’t respect someone how only knows what they have been spoon-fed by some pastor or theologian yet arrogantly assumes they know more than others.

      Report Post » imnotherbert  
  • loriann12
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:22pm

    Or kill you because you won’t convert/don’t believe what they believe.

    Report Post »  
  • sooner12
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:14pm

    I saw the videos and I didn’t see Piers “beating up” on Penn Gillette and I don’t think any atheist is able to dispel the existence of God….He (God) has too much history and compared to Him atheism is relatively new.

    Report Post »  
    • imnotherbert
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 10:37pm

      @TROLLTRAINER

      “Still disagree though, I believe because I know intellectually it is right. Jesus Christ was real and He rose after 3 days. Many people saw Him and millions have gladly given their lives to horrific deaths because of their relationship with Him.”

      How do you know this? (I’ll give you a hint- if you’re going to blather on about so many people have had a personal experience with god and all that, those are subjective personal experiences and do not qualify as evidence. Also, those experiences can be recreated in a lab. If you insist on using those personal experiences as evidence, then you *must* allow for the fact that every person who has that same experience in *any* *other* *faith* has just as valid a truth claim as you.)

      Report Post » imnotherbert  
    • TalkingSnake
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:36am

      One is never obligated to prove a negative. In fact it is logically impossible.
      The burden of proof lies with the person making the claim.

      If you don’t know, it’s OK to say that. And hence, you should withhold provisional consent.

      Report Post » TalkingSnake  
  • Iman
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:14pm

    Kind of moot discussion. Just as no one can prove God no one can disprove God. We only know what is taught to us and not by having a first hand encounter. No one ever came back from the other side and told anyone alive today what really lies beyond or not. Believers on either side are led by a blind faith.

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    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:17pm

      er…Jesus Christ came back from the other side and told us about it…Just sayin’

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    • Iman
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:27pm

      Troll trainer. No disrespect but I did say no one alive today was ever confronted directly from the other side. We just believe because we do.

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    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:37pm

      Ah, I see that now.

      Still disagree though, I believe because I know intellectually it is right. Jesus Christ was real and He rose after 3 days. Many people saw Him and millions have gladly given their lives to horrific deaths because of their relationship with Him.

      Do you have a relationship with Christ? Or do you just believe for some other reason? Maybe because your parents did? If so, you are missing something. Turn to the Bible to find out what.

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    • jb.kibs
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:47pm

      many people have “came back from the dead” and spoke of it within hospitals.

      Warning: If God isn’t real to the majority in the world, then racism and genocide will eventually prevail until there is one “genetically superior” race left. “Under God”, we are all brothers and sisters… not so much “under genetics”. good luck to the minorities. you’ll need it. ;)

      Which of these best describes you?
      do you believe we are all connected through God, giving us rights which come from God and not from another mortal being? Or.. do you believe that we are only connected through genes, and our rights come from men who know better than other men or who are deemed genetically superior?

      Follow the path of God or struggle through the thicket of life.

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    • jsDway
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:48pm

      You are so right TROLLTRAINER! JESUS is God!

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    • Iman
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:59pm

      I am not saying you are wrong. But every religion has their Book. Believers of all faiths are as devoted as you are to their religion. Even atheists are as devoted to their thoughts. The leading cause of wars and the leading cause of loss of lives through the centuries is due to religion or lack of. It seems to be two sides of the same coin.
      We only know what we are taught and choose to believe or not. I respect you for your devotion but everything you say is not from your first hand experience of actually having met Jesus or God. That would be awesome. So we must look into our hearts as you do and come up with our own truth as you did Peace be with you.

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    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:09pm

      That is not true.

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    • Iman
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:12pm

      JB. If you must know I believe in unalienable rights given to all of us by the creator. No mortal can can take that away. Our Declaration of this country is a work of genius.

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    • YAHSHUARULES
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:19pm

      Not so. There are awesome testmonies of people who were dead and did come back to life and either experienced heaven or hell, had transforming experiences. Check out the ministry of Messianic Jew Sid Roth who reports on signs and wonders. He has a archhive of all the people he has had on his show “Its Supernatural” going back to about 2005. Take the time to watch some of them. It might open your eyes to an awesome and loving God. We all are born into this world with a universe size hole in our being and nothing will fill it except a relationship with our Creator. He fashioned us to be in relationship with Him, but he gave everyone free will to chose not to be in that relationship. For fellowship with our Creator to be legitimate – it can’t be coerced, it must be chosen. But without that relationship you are already dead. There is a difference between living and being ALIVE. The Word of God says we were created in His image to partake of His very nature but searching for God in the realm of the human intelect only creates a god in the image of MAN. One only finds God by REVELATION. The Bible says “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen 1v7 but the enemy of your soul the devil says lets create god in MANS IMAGE. That is religion NOT RELATIONSHIP.
      See some of the testimonies of those who have found the difference:
      http://www.sidroth.org/site/PageServer?pagename=tv_itssupernatural

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    • MAProg
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 1:03am

      @trolltrainer: “Many people saw Him and millions have gladly given their lives to horrific deaths because of their relationship with Him.” This statement is true for many ideologies and faiths, it doesn’t necessarily make them true.

      Report Post » MAProg  
    • TalkingSnake
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 12:45am

      Which part of the Bible trolltrainer? The part where god extols us to stone a woman to death who is raped in the city but does not cry out loud enough? Or the slavery instruction manual section where we’re taught to beat them but not hurt their eyes? Or perhaps it’s one of the more harmless but equally important stanzas describing the 30 shekels my neighbor owes me if his ox runs over my maidservant.

      Do you admit that you pick and choose the verses in the bible that suit you?
      Doesn’t that seem odd that the creator of the universe would leave that unsavory stuff in his magic book?

      Report Post » TalkingSnake  
  • GoGamecocks
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:11pm

    “The central premise of the book is that ”doubt, skepticism, and wonder“ should be ”celebrated and cherished, rather than suppressed.”

    Without doubt, there is no faith. I often tell atheists/evolutionists that they have much more faith than I do.

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    • MAProg
      Posted on August 18, 2011 at 1:10am

      I’m not sure how that logically follows. The atheist position is that there is no empirical and measurable evidence to prove that god exists. Because of this lack of evidence, the atheist accept the null hypothesis, that there is no god. Similarly, you believe in a very specific god. If I told you that Zeus was god, you’d require proof that he is. It wouldn’t be accurate to describe your disbelieve in Zeus as “faith.” The atheist just takes it one step (or god) further than you do.

      Report Post » MAProg  
  • pilgrim2497
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:02pm

    The bat that flits at close of eve
    Has left the brain that won’t believe.
    The owl that calls upon the night
    Speaks the unbeliever’s fright.

    William Blake

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  • pma_guy
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:01pm

    At the end, Jillette better hope he can pull his A*s out of a hat. Fool.

    Report Post » pma_guy  
  • Snorkelbacon
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:00pm

    Penn is da Man!!!!!!!

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  • stereojoe
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:58pm

    Dear God,

    That is the most sense, I believe, I have ever heard Piers Morgan speak. I didn’t know he had it in him.

    …I still like Penn.

    Report Post » stereojoe  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:56pm

    Penn is a very sharp guy. I’m sure most of you will falsely accuse him of being otherwise because you disagree with him. Too bad for you.

    Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:58pm

      Actually no, I like the guy. He is intellectually honest and that means a lot. I hope someday he can see the truth, I believe he will eventually.

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    • jb.kibs
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 9:24pm

      he’s saying, “i don’t know”, and “beyond comprehension” are the same concept… that we all believe the same thing, except one defines it as God and the other doesn’t define it.

      I’d rather define it as something, than try to talk about this “thing” that noone can describe or ever discuss because there is no definition. thanks. ;)

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    • Mad Az Hell
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:04am

      For anyone claiming to be an “ Atheist” is an exercise in intellectual suicide. Follow me… If the smartest man in the world uses roughly 10% of the capacity of the human brain, and lets say for arguments sake that Penn is that smart. Would it be fair to believe that God may exist in the 90% of knowledge that we lack? So, at best, there really is no such thing as an “Atheist”, only Agnostic.

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  • pavepaws
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:55pm

    And all of this is important,how?

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  • ares338
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:55pm

    It‘s kind of like the dyslexic atheist who does’t believe in “Dog”.

    Report Post » ares338  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:52pm

    The blind debating the blind…How droll…

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    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:58pm

      What if that for which you stand IS that for which you’ve previously fallen?

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 10:00pm

      Repent. Keep on trying. Fall again ,repent again. The one who endures until the end.

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