Ughh... That made me cringe

*promote

Self promoting this video and sending it back into the queue for one more try; last queued Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 8:27pm PST - promote requested by original submitter d3bas3r.

yeah, that *commercial was pretty fucking *terrible
im trying to decide if im viscerally offended because of my history, or just disgusted by the stupidity.

this ad attempts to bring "battered wife syndrome" down to the level of an irrational phobia.

Adding video to channels (Commercial, Terrible) - requested by peggedbea.

comparing spousal abuse to belief in god.hmmmmmmmmm.
is this message in commercial format an attempt to reach out to religious people?
because if it is i am going to add this to the *fail channel.
that's like trying to give directions to a deaf person by using braille.this commercial/message was created for atheists or agnostics who are suspicious of religion and that makes the whole point of the video moot.the language and basic premise would be very clear to someone who is not religious and offensive to one who is.

yeah...that's how you want to start a dialogue,offend the person you are trying to reach.
that rates pretty high on the stupid meter.

"hey man.do you realize your god is vindictive,petty and a genocidal maniac and is based on superstition and mythology going all the way back to egypt,sumeria and the mesopotamia basin? and the bible itself is just a literary hybrid?an amalgamation of astrological and sacred geomantic parables held most dear by the "secret churches"?
you need to free yourself man from that superstitious mumbo jumbo.who cares if you have based your entire belief system on all that.you are wrong.i am right.here...watch this commercial".

uh............yeah.wars have been fought over less.good luck with that though.

Adding video to channels (Fail) - requested by enoch.

Not exactly the best way to get your message across.

While the music and the format is commerical quality, the information and message is not. Its not political nor commerce in its message, but rather, an intolerance of religious views. Lets say we changed this video around to show Islam as the negative religion, and Christianity as the good. Of course EVERYONE, would complain about it. But since its an atheist's point of view, on Christianity, the author, and some of the audience believe, its 'correct' to say. It is in this manner, I feel the nature of the message is an attack on another religion.

There a tag for intolerance?

I don't even understand what this video is trying to say. It doesn't seem to be making a claim at all about God's existence. There is no mention of evidence. There is no mention of facts or truth. There is no real argument other than you might feel free or happier if you don't believe in God. If this changes your belief in God, then you are committing the logical fallacy of appealing to the consequence. If I disregard that argument, there doesn't appear to be anything left.

>> ^enoch:
this commercial/message was created for atheists or agnostics who are suspicious of religion...
[the] basic premise would be very clear to someone who is not religious and offensive to one who is...


Uh.. i think that's the whole point. The shock and awe factor for those on the fence.
You can't be neutral about the commerical and so the individual is forced to confront the accusations.

Those that can be honest with themselves will immediately recognize the similarities and hence the point that's being made.

Those that deny it will be caught in the conundrum which only further proves the original point.

If, however, you're unshakeably devoted to your superstition-based faith, the commerical is irrelevant.
Since your superstitious faith serves as "proof" for any doubts you might have or might incur in contemplating the message.

That was not atheist. It was specifically anti-Christian.

>> ^GenjiKilpatrick:
>> ^enoch:
this commercial/message was created for atheists or agnostics who are suspicious of religion...
[the] basic premise would be very clear to someone who is not religious and offensive to one who is...

Uh.. i think that's the whole point. The shock and awe factor for those on the fence.
You can't be neutral about the commerical and so the individual is forced to confront the accusations.
Those that can be honest with themselves will immediately recognize the similarities and hence the point that's being made.
Those that deny it will be caught in the conundrum which only further proves the original point.
If, however, you're unshakeably devoted to your superstition-based faith, the commerical is irrelevant.
Since your superstitious faith serves as "proof" for any doubts you might have or might incur in contemplating the message.


that makes no sense...
convince an atheist that there is no god and religion is bad?
or an agnostic who has already dismissed religion but is unsure the existence or nature of a creator?
hey..why fly to your destination when you can walk.

if you are correct,and the point of this video is a "shock and awe factor for those on the fence"then these creators of this video are retarded.

Enoch, what is the point of this video: http://tinyfrog.wordpress.com/2007/07/24/anti-atheist-christian-tv-commerical/

To convince theists that without god the world is fucked? No, they already "know" that.

The point of these videos is three fold -

1. Present a compelling argument/message/premise
2. Assure the indivdual that there is a community that shares their belief
3. Catch the confused doubtful little fishes on the fringes

Could you explain how the producers are retarded for attempting to get a thoughtful reaction out of people?
Or if that just an ad hominem at work because you're offended?
>> ^enoch:
that makes no sense...
convince an atheist that there is no god and religion is bad...

if you are correct,and the point of this video is a "shock and awe factor for those on the fence"then these creators of this video are retarded.

Forgive me Garmachi. I've quoted you cause i think it goes back to Enochs point.
Here's my reply to a friend on facebook that sorta felt the same.

GenjiKilpatrick -

I think the commerical pertains simply (and only) to dogmatic religions that force insecurities onto their followers to ensure obedience i.e. faith.

Like how an abusive spouse or parent wields power over the victim thru fear and manipulation.

It reaches out to those with doubts, those mistreated, or those that think religion is a harmless & personal issue rather than a social/public issue of abuse.
>> ^garmachi:
That was not atheist. It was specifically anti-Christian.

>> ^GenjiKilpatrick:
Forgive me Garmachi. I've quoted you cause i think it goes back to Enochs point.
Here's my reply to a friend on facebook that sorta felt the same.
GenjiKilpatrick -
I think the commerical pertains simply (and only) to dogmatic religions that force insecurities onto their followers to ensure obedience i.e. faith.
Like how an abusive spouse or parent wields power over the victim thru fear and manipulation.
It reaches out to those with doubts, those mistreated, or those that think religion is a harmless & personal issue rather than a social/public issue of abuse.


Very good. Then I revise my statement: This video is not purely atheist. For example, Lord Ganesha allegedly wields tremendous power, yes is purely altruistic. Not a single vengeful bone in his (its?) body. Were I not already an atheist, I would piously worship Ganesha, and be not the least bit shaken by this poorly produced piece of propaganda.

Seems to be quite the *controversy going on here

Adding video to channels (Controversy) - requested by Duckman33.

>> ^GenjiKilpatrick:
Enoch, what is the point of this video: http://tinyfrog.wordpress.com/2007/07/24/anti-atheist-christian-
tv-commerical/
To convince theists that without god the world is fucked? No, they already "know" that.
The point of these videos is three fold -
1. Present a compelling argument/message/premise
2. Assure the indivdual that there is a community that shares their belief
3. Catch the confused doubtful little fishes on the fringes
Could you explain how the producers are retarded for attempting to get a thoughtful reaction out of people?
Or if that just an ad hominem at work because you're offended?
>> ^enoch:
that makes no sense...
convince an atheist that there is no god and religion is bad...
if you are correct,and the point of this video is a "shock and awe factor for those on the fence"then these creators of this video are retarded.


you are coming at me from the wrong angle scooter...check yourself.
you dont know me,nor my beliefs,thoughts,dreams or visions.
so please dont leave your dick waggling in the breeze acting like you do.
i shall ignore the first part of your post,
not because i am "offended" but because it is irrelevant.

now the points you made,especially number 2.
i never thought about it from that perspective.that there would be people who no longer believe but may be surrounded by people who do.i know this occurs on an intellectual basis but did not think about that in this context concerning the video.
on that note i say thank you genji.
that not only answers my incredulity concerning this video but it's actual purpose.
i think thats what you were trying to say in your previous post but it made no sense.
now it does..thanks.
now concerning number 1 and 3..
meh../shrugs.
compelling argument?really? come on man..not even close.
and catch little fish?since when is atheism like scientology?or jehovas witness? mormons?
naw..if the video is to let people who no longer believe in god or religion know they are not alone then i am all for that and retract my retarded comment.
you can email them and let them know you defended their honor justly.

as for me being offended...well...i'll play nice.
i was not offended in the least.why would i be?
thats just a concentrated drop of pure silly.
and what i wrote was not an ad hominem.
if i had written ONLY that they were retarded,or satan spawn..blah blah blah..then you would be correct.
but i made a statement and ended it with an opinion on the producers mental capacity=not an ad hominem attack.

let me conclude with a hearty thank you genji.
but i still stand by my statement if the purpose of this video was to change the hearts and minds of religious folk,or convert in some bizarre way an atheist.but to let a person know they are not alone?
thats ok in my book.

Wow Enoch. Surly much?

- I never asserted anything about your beliefs hence the question mark after the last sentence.
I'll be sure to be more particular about my sentence structure and voice this time tho.

It's cool that you can see where i'm coming from on the second point. I'll expound on 1. and 3..

1. The intent would be to make a compelling/convincing point. Tho that doesn't mean it's compelling to everyone.

The batter victim argument appeals to my sense of logic..
It does seem abusive to tell someone they were born a fuck up, must jump thru contradictory hoops, and love some abstract thought deeply or truly enough. Otherwise, they'll suffer eternally.


3. I don't think atheism has some exalted status that makes you immune to all theist rebuttals.

I think you're construing belief or non-belief as definite absolute black or white.
It seems more accurate to imagine belief as a continuum.
These ads are pecking at those in the middle that could fall one way or the other.


- So if you're in the middle but logic is your bag. The abusive god premise might appeal to you and pull you into a more certain absolute atheism.

If you're in the middle and feelings are your thing. The pitiless indifference argument might sway you back into the church or personal spirituality.


- I only started a discussion with you because you seemed to be sorta naysaying the video without much justification other than " well that's dumb and would never work. And the people that made are dumb to think they're making a point"

All the comments above were just my two (maybe more) cents.

i know bud,
thats why i said thank you.
text lacks nuance and your clarification made all the difference.
i still disagree with points 1 and 2.
they are ineffective.maybe from your perspective they would have some merit but i dont see any.
i say that not as one speaking for himself but due to the fact i deal with fundamentalists,agnostics and atheists on a daily basis.
so my naysaying was coming from that perspective.
a fundamentalist would find this video offensive while the agnostic has already walked away from religion,or never was religious to begin with and since this video deals with a biblical god,the video then makes no sense in purpose...and if you are already an atheist this video is entertainment and serves no purpose at all.hence the "retarded" comment.

one final note.
it is a point i make often and get flack for it but you just stated it.
"3. I don't think atheism has some exalted status that makes you immune to all theist rebuttals."
if this is true,then you can not,by definition,call yourself "atheist".
you are agnostic which literal translation means "not-knowing".
which in my mind is a much more honest statement.
thanks for replying genji.
and thanks for using the term "surly"..that was cute.

The discussion here has convinced me that this commercial was in bad taste. If I could take back my upvote, I would. I upvoted originally because I think atheism commercials in general is something we could use more of.

Comment hidden because you are ignoring dag.(show it anyway)

Cheesy presentation, but thinking about the ideas behind it, maybe not completely nuts. I've often thought that the "I'm a sinner" , "thank you Jesus for dieing for my sins" stuff really feeds a certain psychological outlook - for people who want everything to be their fault.

^Indeed. Reminds me of Ruth Benedict's thoughts on the difference between shame societies and guilt societies.

Just... awful.

In the midst of serial killers, pedophiles and pastors wanting to kill gays, i can understand how this video came into light, people can badmouth it all they want to, but I have seen what Christianity does to people. It tears them apart emotionally, sexually and psychologically. Perhaps in another several years this might be more appreciated, only after another event like the Witchtrials or another Crusades....at any rate I thought the message it was trying to convey was obvious, dont be a christian because the religion/relationship really messes you up.