If you haven't watched the series on the Bible that I'm referring to, it starts here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/k4CotLRygsqsfco.html

@SparrowValentine

3 жыл бұрын

In the beginning, Usefulcharts created the bible series

@screwthenet

3 жыл бұрын

This channel puts out so much great, concise and intelligent, neutral information...yet still fools talk smack and criticize? Stay the course SIR! I am gonna buy one or two of your wonderful charts and look forward to continue seeing your informative and fun to learn vids! ^~^ PE@CE THESE "holy" day seasons.

@screwthenet

3 жыл бұрын

btw...though not a fan of modern "education" systems, I am impressed by your credentials. Well played sirrah.

@SparrowValentine

3 жыл бұрын

@@screwthenet I wish I could buy a couple of charts. That's a lie, I wish I could buy them all. Alas, I live with my parents and everything I am interested in that they are not is "childish" (e.i. Video Games that are literally rated R for a reason..., or history charts, or anything political)

@cuckoophendula8211

3 жыл бұрын

I think it'd be really cool if you started another channel that looked into religious studies stuff by the way

"You dont know anything about Religion" *Drops 2 degrees, a career, and 30+ years of experience worth of religious papers on the haters*

@jedgar63

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, the vast majority of those that agree with the comment have never actually read the bible. Polls asking Christians if they have read the entire bible vary between 10 and 20 percent responding, yes.

@samuelrosolanka3548

3 жыл бұрын

@@jedgar63 They may fear they would become atheist. It happened to me actually. I was raised as a Christian, devoutly believed, then started to think, read the bible, got out.

@bl00dhoney

3 жыл бұрын

@@jedgar63 strictly speaking you don't have to read the Bible to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Plus majority of ppl throughout human history were illiterate

@jedgar63

3 жыл бұрын

@@samuelrosolanka3548 I have been an atheist for most of my adult life, because religion seemed to be an oversimplification of an extremely complex reality. Five years ago I decided to read the entire bible. If I hadn't been an atheist before I read the bible, I would have been one afterwards. But I also found it extremely interesting, and the bible, combined with a general interest of ancient history, has been the main subject that I personally study. It includes the bible, the history of the bible, and the history and mythology of Christianity, of Israel and Judaism, and the history and mythologies of the Romans. Greeks, Mesopotamians, Egyptians, etc. Just because I, and others, do not have a degree, does not mean we are not highly knowledgeable on the subjects. But then, I don't claim to be an expert, or misrepresent myself as one. I am learning for my own sake, not to satisfy others.

@apalahartisebuahnama7684

3 жыл бұрын

@Carlos Adrián Aguirre some people says human at least if not being full blown cynical must at least having faith on something, doesn't matter it's God, religion, love partner, family, friends etc with out that a person can be depressed.

No one, mind you no one, has ever done a more professional, humble, and calm approach to critics as this extremely rational, pragmatic and qualified legend here.

@shanjak1

3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree. I think so many of us are used to seeing very emotional responses to criticism, whereas this is purely an intellectual response. It's very refreshing and I learned a lot watching this.

@PokerAttack21

3 жыл бұрын

People in the "european historical arms & armour" cathegory on KZread are also really good on answering criticism and changing their views if they are found to be wrong. Some good examples are Shadiversity, scolagladiatora, Tod's Workshop and Metatron.

@PokerAttack21

3 жыл бұрын

@the kaiser If you disagree with something please first of all say what it is you're disagreeing with and secondly state your counter arguments.

@benhansberry

3 жыл бұрын

I mean I'd call him a rational, pragmatic and qualified myth, but whatever

@janknoblich4129

3 жыл бұрын

Also him being a theologian made this really great lmao

This is the most polite and kind, “I know wtf I’m talking about, check the credentials.” I’ve ever heard. I do love this channel for exactly that.

@historian252

2 жыл бұрын

He doesn't know what he is talking about.

@bethaniw7640

2 жыл бұрын

@@historian252 let me guess, you do?

@bethaniw7640

2 жыл бұрын

@@historian252 multiple degrees, careers and experience in the field would say otherwise.

@historian252

2 жыл бұрын

@@bethaniw7640 Yes.

@historian252

2 жыл бұрын

@@bethaniw7640 Those degrees mean nothing.

I'm 8 minutes in and I need to stop and comment. From the bottom of my B.A. in General History and my M.A. in the Study of Religion, can I just offer a massive standing ovation for presenting the process of source analysis so beautifully, calmly, and rationally?

That was the most polite mic drop I have heard in a while.

@HIS6171

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly!!! I couldn’t help but chuckle at the polite slap to the cheek. 🤣

@daleduncan5080

3 жыл бұрын

His reply is a work of art! So much respect and admiration for this man. ❤️

@ems7623

3 жыл бұрын

Those who have the most knowledge never need to turn up the volume.

@dogeggsofficial

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. This video was excellent in both its acceptance of other cultures and beliefs, but also shows how some people just can't reasonably argue and debate while at the same time use evidence and truth. I love this channel

@ermilgabuat265

2 жыл бұрын

What a flex 🙏🤣🤣🤣

“That’s DR. UsefulCharts to you”

@RaymondHng

3 жыл бұрын

Tell that to Joseph Epstein at the _Wall Street Journal_ .

@MarathonMann

2 жыл бұрын

LMAO

I came from a background that taught that the Bible is 100% the “Word Of God” and is more literal than Legend. I did my own research and have changed my mind about Biblical Literature but, it has increased my belief, not caused me to disregard the Bible. Thanks you Matt for your dedication because it’s people like you that calms the choppy waters of religion…. Jim from Napa, California

@Theshifttv

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't discount Ron Wyatts discoveries as a hoax and selling snake oil. The word of god has been passed to us and is literal, as well as some metaphorical - like you would normally describe something or compare things. The bible is itself the Word of God.. the same Word that lives in us all... Don't disregard that.. it is one of the most sacred parts of the bible and the belief in the living creator. Check out Ron Wyatt yourself - dig deep like he has - I would put him above this guy who ultimate seeks proof and confirmation from peer reviews.. and worst still , THE MEDIA???? 😭

@jasonworks1454

Жыл бұрын

So how do you get around bristlecone pines being older than the flood by 1,000 years since the fake genealogies of Jesus were printed on trees, after the same people put Jesus to death on them... Can I compost you or are an abomination in a box waiting for your forever box and eternal separation from the ground your God cursed you to care for in this life... Since a living sacrifice to the voice in the garden and the tree of wife might require you put borrowed shit back respectfully where you borrowed it from disrespectfully. 🌋 🌲 🍄 🐿️💥!

@iamafan7492

10 ай бұрын

How did your belief increase after learning that the "historical" events of the Old Testament are just myths and legends? As an example, a video in this channel deems the book of Exodus and the character of Moses as simply mythology. However, if a Christian believes in Jesus, Moses is "historically" real because Jesus speaks about being with him. Therefore, in what area did your belief increase?

@darrylviljoen6227

9 ай бұрын

​@@iamafan7492just because a story isn't true doesn't mean it's not worth hearing.

@camelotduroy1168

9 ай бұрын

@@iamafan7492 Usefulcharts answers your question in video : some stories are better, more useful, more inspiring, and more profound when they are symbolic rather than historical

Wonderfully clear explanations! Side note: I've started to think that those who call others "atheist" often don't seem to know what that word means. I suspect that for many, it just means something like "bad person" or "you don't believe in MY god, so you're an atheist."

@Song2LongUnsung

Жыл бұрын

Precisely, they assume atheists are contrarians by nature and refuse to acknowledge all the valid reasons such an ideological position could exist.

@rogerstone3068

Жыл бұрын

Sadly, there are just as many on the atheist side who will describe literalist or ludicrous theology, in order to mock how absurd it would be for anyone to believe such rubbish. It's not a helpful way to debate anything. We need to learn to listen and to respect, even where we think we are in complete disagreement.

@micromikael4806

Жыл бұрын

interestingly, the same did the roman pagan wen the early christian didnt believe in theirs.

@soupycask

Жыл бұрын

I think they mean as another way to say "you must be ANTI-religion", as atheists are always depicted as hateful bigots who hate religion and anything and anyone associated with it, which is of course not accurate.

Good Job, I believe that you did a professional job in touching these issues.

@mohamedkoblawi4175

3 жыл бұрын

ikr, some people are so easily riled up

@Clevernaut

3 жыл бұрын

Agree

@Animeskwl

3 жыл бұрын

I cannot agree enough with this.

@davidstenow5055

3 жыл бұрын

I read this as Good Job, of the Book of Job 😅

@chrispychip6569

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidstenow5055 Same lol

I've "disagreed" with some biblical theories or comments you've made but I've always respected your learned presentation. People should learn to gut up and deal. If i see or hear something i question or disagree with, i research it, ask questions or i ignore it. Folks, that's called adulting. That said, I didn't know you were a Jewish convert. I will say i always assumed you were agnostic. I just never cared because, as even you say, this is a history channel, not a religion one.

@MikeCoville

3 жыл бұрын

I second this comment. Well said.

@LordJagd

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I’ve rarely heard of many people converting to Judaism, from what I understand it’s a long hard process. It sounds like he did it to join the same religion as his wife, but I wonder if it’s just a cultural thing or if he actually believes in the Judaic god as his form of “theism”

@RachaelMarieNewport

3 жыл бұрын

@@LordJagd you do realize that the Jewish God is the same as the Christian God and also Allah of the Muslims, right? All three are Abrahamic religions and all three consider Abraham as the patriarch of their faith and that all of them are descendants of said Abraham.

@LordJagd

3 жыл бұрын

@@RachaelMarieNewport They're claimed to be the same god by the religions themselves, but to be honest there's a lot of huge differences between those three gods, especially between Islam and the others - god in Islam asks for things and says things that the god of Christianity wouldn't. Also, in Christianity most people think that Christ was also god, so that's a fundamental difference between the Christian and Judaic gods.

@RachaelMarieNewport

3 жыл бұрын

@@LordJagd I didn't say there were no differences between the 3, in fact there are massive differences in each branch, especially in Christianity. All three have an extremely fundamentalist and uber conservative sect or sects in them, all 3 have more moderate and liberal sects as well. The church where I was baptized was originally part of the Church of Christ, but split with them in the 1800s over wanting to include the organ and other musical instruments in their services and became known as Disciples of Christ to differentiate them from Church of Christ. Which is not the same as Church of God which is very popular in the Southern US. Also radically different from the church I belonged to and the interdisciplinary college group I was a member of after I graduated from high school. Both were fundamentalist and conservative. The church was an Assembly of God church which is Pentecostal. The group was led by a young couple who pushed the Evangelical message and believed in the literal truth of the Bible. My mom was raised as Christian Scientist and then converted to Episcopalian church (US version of the Anglican church). I have relatives who are Catholic as we all as many other Cristian sects. I have family members who are agnostic or atheist. Some like me turned to non Abrahamic religions. I became Pagan myself. Yes converting to Judaism is a lengthy and difficult process because they unlike Christianity and Islam do not proselytize and make it clear you have to seriously want to join them. Learning Hebrew is only part of the process. And if you are in a country that doesn't practice infant circumcision as a matter of course like the US until the mid 80s, you have to undergo adult circumcision at least traditionally since it was part of the covenant. In fact one of the controversial issues in the early Christian church was over whether Gentiles had to be circumcised and follow a kosher diet. Much of what Paul did to increase numbers in his travels was to say Gentiles did not have to do those things. Later many Westrrn counties adopted circumcision as a public health issue and it was pretty routine in them until recently. My son who was born in the US in 1987, and we were asked and his dad said to go ahead. I am not sure if I would make the same decision today. Muslims also practice infant circumcision.

I am an atheist. And I don't care if you are a theist or not. You do a great job. And you are extremely fair and accurate in your approach. I like using people like you as an example to militant atheists (those that think anything to do with religion is wrong) as an example that you can believe in a god and still do great history. Thank you.

@secularidiot9052

Жыл бұрын

Church of Satan atheists (atheists who think anyone who believes in a deity is insane) are some of the worst to encounter as a more liberal atheist. They will literally blow up over someone commenting "God bless you" or "Amen", and will say you're not a "true atheist" for defending people just minding their own business. They're the hyper literalist evangelicals of the atheist world. Thanks for coming to my TEDTalk

@colinpierre3441

Жыл бұрын

Can I ask what moved you to become an atheist? Or what turned you away from religion?

@secularidiot9052

Жыл бұрын

@@colinpierre3441 For me, it's a long story. Deconverting isn't just one Eureka! moment that completely destroys our faith. It's a slow burn that eventually bursts into a rejection of faith. I eventually saw scientific explanations as being more logical than superstitious ones, so I stopped believing.

@humbaba55

Жыл бұрын

@@colinpierre3441 Hi, sorry it took so long to reply. I was raised nonreligious. I learned about Greek, Roman and Norse gods before I ever heard of the Christian god. Religion just never came up much growing up. However, when I was older I gave it more thought. Many of my friends believed in a god. So I studied religion. The weird thing is that, while I never believe in a god. I was superstitious. I believed in psychic's etc. That is because I had no tools to tell the difference. One day I picked up a Skeptical Inquirer magazine. It gave me the tools to discern the difference between science and pseudoscience. And I used those tools to look at religion. Plus, I have a background in history and mythology. Sorry for the length. If you would like more information, let me know. This is the short version. Good luck and keep up the good work.

@colinpierre3441

Жыл бұрын

@@humbaba55 It's no problem, I myself am very busy at times so I don't mind waiting a day or 2 to receive a response... this topic deals with our very purpose of existence, so it is something worth waiting to hear. I have done quite some research on atheism myself even though I am a Christian, because we always need to keep searching for truth and considering new information as time progresses. It's interesting that you believed in psychic's, although I do admit that there are some strange things that humans are able to pull off at times that I can't find a good explanation of how it was possible. In any event, I stay clear of most religions because they are riddled with corruption and hypocrisy. However, I do believe in the Bible and how it harmonizes with historical findings and accounts. So the question I would like to ask you is have you ever read the Bible and do you think it is a morally beneficial book?

Catholic here: I LOVE your work, and you have contributed greatly to my own research in making a very detailed “inspiration chronology” Bible-reading plan. Thanks so much for your hard work!

@adaptercrash

Жыл бұрын

Well there's a whole bunch of them and you can even print your own if you want to be a real catholic

@TheHoggopogo

Жыл бұрын

@@adaptercrash What do you mean by that?

@Lucas-yf1es

Жыл бұрын

@@adaptercrash You need to take into account that the catolich church has changed a lot since the 17th century

@adaptercrash

Жыл бұрын

@@Lucas-yf1es yeah we use to go to church, I shouldn't have to I'm not severe catholic only limited by its very own downfalls

As a muslim I personally enjoy these videos as they shed alot of light on the subject of interpreting holy texts like the bible, torah or the quran. Please do not get discouraged by these fundamentalists.

@rogerwilco2

3 жыл бұрын

I found your comment inspiring, as I haven't heard such comments from muslims before.

@asema.1484

3 жыл бұрын

@@rogerwilco2 you could have but they weren’t addressing their religion

@aldamon

3 жыл бұрын

Fundamentalists? The Quran Is the word of Allah, how could any Muslim not believe in it 100%?

@hullie7529

3 жыл бұрын

@@aldamon Progressive Muslims maybe? I don't fully understand it either, but maybe that's the future for Islam to make it more palatable to the modern western world.

@aldamon

3 жыл бұрын

@@hullie7529 not now, not ever my man, what wasn't part of the religion when it first came will never be a part of it and is not a part of it today, there have been many innovators in the past and they all failed and ended up in the dust bin of history, thanks to our scholars shouting from the mountain tops and warning against them. ;)

As a devout Christian, I have to say that this has been one of the most interesting and informative series on religion I have ever seen. It's nice to see an unbiased take on the subject for once.

@jstrick85

3 жыл бұрын

It’s not unbiased though

@NPC-bs3pm

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed. As a OLD (not by birth age) fashioned Christian I like to see the level approach. Scripture is 🔆SACRED🔆 Historical records📜(not accurate per se but must be rigidly accepted when concerning spiritual matters of it)

@kfiraltberger552

3 жыл бұрын

@@jstrick85 it really is though. It sees both sides and concludes one is very lacking in comperison of the other, which is a very fair conclusion to make

@austinkatona7516

3 жыл бұрын

@@kfiraltberger552 No, his bias is a part of everything he says, the difference is that he tells you what his bias is for you to take into account.

@2eleven48

2 жыл бұрын

@@NPC-bs3pm ..excuse me, but if you are going to use a Latin phrase please don't apply 'per say, but ''per se' which is Latin for “in itself”, “as itself”. I must add that I'm bemused that a person will recognise inaccuracy, but still abide 'rigidly' by the tenets of a religion. Where is the full understanding between you and God with this sort of thinking?

I'm an Episcopal priest and got my early seminary education in the 1950s. How I wish I had had your charts available then. As one who takes the Bible seriously, It is refreshing to hear of your work to make Holy Scripture meaningful by putting religious writing in its historical setting without presenting it as literal reportage. Bravo!

Love your channel. You truly offer a fresh voice. My only criticism isn't even your fault. But since watching your videos KZread has been recommending me a bunch of worship resource videos and Christian apologist videos. It's okay, you're worth it!

@UsefulCharts

Жыл бұрын

Haha. Sorry about that!

@beatrixwickson8477

Жыл бұрын

@@UsefulCharts No problem. That Bible Unearthed is a great book btw. Love from Tasmania!

4:20 lol it's like you've spent your entire life preparing to crush this comment and many similar to this. Quite impressive!

@UsefulCharts

3 жыл бұрын

Haha.

@rogerwilco2

3 жыл бұрын

Hahahahah.

Speaking as an Orthodox Jew here: while I believe in the Hebrew Bible, in terms of knowledge, you’re using the terms “myth,” “legend,” and “history” correctly. I do not know whether the Bible is real, and in terms of the scientific method, the standard you’re using is perfectly correct. Don’t listen to the haters.

@nathanlevesque7812

2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if science is the method here. It's certainly empirically sound, but I think experimentation is required.

I attended a Bible literalist Christian school for 14 years from age 4 to 18. I didn’t know half of the stories in the Bible let alone which ones had a touch of history and which were pure fiction until I started watching this channel. I officially denounced my faith two years ago and from then on I’ve been learning more about the faith I left then I ever knew while I was still practicing. This channel has instilled in me a sort of respect for the Bible not as an unquestionable moral guide but rather for what it is, an excellent look at the evolution of ideas and values from a group of peoples that still exists today. Thank you for helping me develop a healthy respect for the Bible and for religion as a whole instead of the blind hatred many others succumb to.

@elanordeal2457

Жыл бұрын

so sorry to hear that maddie - it’s a shame that people teaching the bible with poor biblical literacy has pushed you away from the faith. i urge you to look up Michael Heiser either on youtube or listen to his Naked Bible podcast on spotify/apple. Heiser is a very knowledgeable Old Testament scholar who both regularly interacts with modern biblical criticism / scholarship yet also has a pragmatic view of the faith. He is a very smart christian man who doesn’t just blindly believe. It’s a shame that there are many christians who cannot answer the concerns of doubters, who then eventually get pushed away. God bless you sister.

@SaintRegime

Жыл бұрын

Other options on youtube are Testify and InspiringPhilosophy. Each show their sources throughout all their claims, so it's easy to go fact checking them. And they're clear on what claims are archeological vs reason/logical (not sure the term).

@DigzGuy

Жыл бұрын

Great that you are now learning more about the christian faith. Now I would challenge you to pick up the Bible itself and go through it Genesis to Revelations. You'll learn plenty more than on this channel!

@marktrain9498

Жыл бұрын

It's quite a fascinating document, from a historical, political, and cultural standpoint. Unfortunately, religions generally discourage people from looking at the actual historical, political, and cultural standpoints.

@antonliakhovitch8306

Жыл бұрын

I was raised atheist and hold very deep atheist beliefs, but I've recently started interacting more with various theist friends and I'm trying to better understand how they approach the world -- why certain things that seem blatantly obvious from an atheist point of view may look much different to someone who was raised differently. This channel has been immensely helpful, because it clearly separates scientific/historical facts from myth, legend, and faith.

I can’t believe that you had to explain all of this. I studied some of the Old Testament 20+ years ago at uni, and your analysis of the verbal traditions was what we learnt then. Love your work!

I love it when you can whip out the "Actually.... I am an expert. Here's my PhD." Keep up the great work!

@teresagrabs488

3 жыл бұрын

@@mustafarahi8670 I say, "Flex away." It's fun to school people who make assumptions from time to time. I enjoy flexing mine when trolls like to school me on public policy and politics.

@recoveringsoul755

3 жыл бұрын

love this channel. I also sometimes watch another channel who doesn't have a degree, but he has read all the religious texts, and also the Nag Hamadi, Targums of Palestine, Emerald Tablet of Thoth, Gospel of the Holy Twelve, Essene Gospel of Peace and more, as well as historical documents from the time. I know I'll never be able to read all of these and study with anyone, so it's interesting to be sure.

@Ronnet

3 жыл бұрын

It's a credit to him that he has been so objective on this subject that people thought he was an atheist. Typically when a abrahamic theist speaks on this subjects it's quite clear that their believes are affecting their argumentation.

I'm an orthodox christian, and I agree with almost everything you said in the series so far and even if I did not It’s still a great series

@vincenzorutigliano5435

3 жыл бұрын

I like this series but I prefer septuagint numbers than Masoretic personally

@iamnotachickennugget7655

3 жыл бұрын

that’s cool! what kind of orthodox church are you? i am greek orthodox

@djordjejaric3214

3 жыл бұрын

@@iamnotachickennugget7655 I'm serbian orthodox

@serbianstallion8321

3 жыл бұрын

@@djordjejaric3214 Im as well an Serbian orthodox christian but i'm more of agnostic i'm only culturally christian because Serbian national identity is deeply tied with orthodox christianity.

@imokin86

3 жыл бұрын

Orthodox Christianity is a very respectable and deep tradition, I think. Free from literalism and full of interesting symbols, philosophy and stories. (I'm an atheist but interested in church art.)

I’m Christian and a physician and I am such a fan of your work! I think those who are religious need to treat historical analysis as a science- it can be used in many ways, sometimes “helpful” and other times surprisingly in relation to your beliefs. Thank you for all your work!

This was at best, the most kind but very impactful read I have ever witnessed! This just reminded me, that when facts are involved there’s no need to reciprocate the given energy! I love your work by the way ✨

I'm a minister.. your channel is great..

@bl00dhoney

3 жыл бұрын

@Ousmaila Bouba I'm a Supreme Minister

@AaTagPag

3 жыл бұрын

@@bl00dhoney okay so basically, I’m monkey.

@bl00dhoney

3 жыл бұрын

@@AaTagPag congratulations

@jedgar63

3 жыл бұрын

To many people, including ministers, the bible is not literal history. It is about the messages in the bible, and the theology; a combination of parable, allegory, moral teachings, and history.

@chandlerrodgers5415

3 жыл бұрын

I’m palpatine. Do it!

This video was very well-presented and well-executed. It might sound a bit strange, but this is probably one of my favorite videos on your channel just because of the personal connections you made to your own life and research; this really helped strengthen your claim. Excellent job!

@UsefulCharts

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I know you've been watching for a long time so that means a lot 🙂

@Nooticus

3 жыл бұрын

One of my new favourites too!

@helenat2446

3 жыл бұрын

Agree. And I would definitely read or listen to Matt’s autobiography. What an interesting life and thanks for sharing it with us.

You are my hero. The beginning of this video is perfect in describing what i have been doing. This has truly helped hold me up and inspire me to push myself harder

I love these videos. Its a brilliant series. I appreciate the work you have put into it. I can't wait for more .

Ooo Matt over here flexing on everyone with his degrees and his way around the world/religious-non religious beliefs. Great job

@stephanieho6162

3 жыл бұрын

I literally clapped when he brought up his PhD. XD

@hannahstahl1857

3 жыл бұрын

@@stephanieho6162 exactly

@PeterP_

3 жыл бұрын

@@stephanieho6162 My reaction too lol. But I was mostly surprised that there is a field of "Psychology of Religion". Makes perfect sense when you think about it, but it was unfamiliar to me.

@anniekallen4472

3 жыл бұрын

Useful Charts brought RECEIPTS!

I did not expect you to look like Jack Black.

@emmanuelolivera6526

3 жыл бұрын

I dont think Jack Black expected to look like Jack Black either.

@foxfoster1

3 жыл бұрын

He’s shown his face before

@earthworm-filledstomachbyc4254

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like him, too!

@samaccardi

3 жыл бұрын

A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.

@Frenchnostalgique

3 жыл бұрын

Reminder that all these people were Jack Black

Matt, love your channel ❤️❤️ Much love, mutual respect to you, your family, and your channel! Great work you do here!

Thank you for creating this channel. I'm excited to have found a reliable source of infomation on various topics.

Matt, I want to be you when I grow up (No seriously, I’m currently finishing my BA in history and anthropology with a focus in religious social reformation, and I’m hoping to go on to my MA and PhD. Thank you for inspiring me for all these years)

@UsefulCharts

3 жыл бұрын

Awww, thank you!

I’m seeing a lot of “as a Christian...” and “as a Muslim...” comments, so my turn : as a secular humanist and atheist (yes, the a-word 😱) I was very impressed by your scholarly approach and unbiased presentation of the varying biblical myths and legends. As a nonbeliever, you made me feel included in a discussion a lot of people think atheists shouldn’t be involved in, even though we are *very* much affected by religion and its influence on, well... everything. So thank you very much, and keep up the amazing work.

@Melissa-dd7ys

2 жыл бұрын

I am also a humanist and atheist. What you said was what i was thinking, just more eloquent.

@sandomingue

2 жыл бұрын

Ironically, the word “atheist” appears on a lot of UsefulCharts’ comment sections more than “Christian” or “Muslim”

@josephang9927

2 жыл бұрын

Marxism also affects me and it does not work anyway but people still shill it.

@silentbyte196

2 жыл бұрын

Why did you say the A-word bro. I am disgusted, dishonoured and trembling with anger. How dare you.

@marafty3776

2 жыл бұрын

myth legend and historical

I have only recently discovered the Useful Charts channel...and I thoroughly enjoy the videos I have watched so far. I feel bad that people have reacted in such a way that you even felt the need to make this video...but even so...I have appreciate your well thought out response...and have learned from it. I look forward to viewing more of your videos in the future!

Honestly it’s videos like the ones you make that make me wanna go into theology and mythology, you’re very good at presenting your Information that I wanna keep learning more!

This man is tranquility incarnated. He literally sat down for (at least) half an hour and told everyone in the most polite way possible why they are wrong to dismiss his video and kept his cool even though clearly the amount of work needed make these vids is clearly too monumental for some dude online to go BULLSHIT. This channel was such a great find!

@raymondbeecroft4209

Жыл бұрын

I usually comment on music. This presentation was very informative whether you are very tradional or liberal in your beliefs. It is good and correct to be open to other concepts of anything in life if you respect your brain's ability to function. Bruce Meredith.

@EH23831

Жыл бұрын

Funny you should say that he’s tranquility incarnate- I use his videos to help me fall asleep- not because they’re boring! Far from it! he just has a soothing voice and cadence 😊

Best part is point long out the idiocy of saying you're not ”qualified”. Never judge someone’s qualifications, you’re usually wrong.

@hochung8

3 жыл бұрын

r/dontyouknowwhoiam/

@mangot589

3 жыл бұрын

IKR? It’s like, “Boom”!

@davicbertiz6977

3 жыл бұрын

That person, if he/she watched this, maybe surprised because he/she just found out about Matt's profession.

@canyouguesswhatami8301

3 жыл бұрын

they just got owned, i would've been so embarrassed.

@realdealdaveabramyk9005

3 жыл бұрын

When people care more about the credentials than the quality of the work produced it becomes problematic. The reverse is also problematic. Useful charts is a great example of quality work by someone qualified to do so and sources to back up his claims

My daughter and I are impressed with your responses. We have been thoroughly enjoying watching these series you present and your other videos, and we look forward to continuing to see your work. Thank you very much.

Well done! Keep up the good work. This will truly help many who are looking for answers and enjoy what historic and anthropological facts can tell us.

Most polite rebuttal of KZread comments ever, you must be Canadian. As a half-Canadian theist, I loved it!

@UsefulCharts

3 жыл бұрын

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

@MrVincentTremblay

3 жыл бұрын

@@UsefulCharts oh shit you are? Cool

@lobstered_blue-lobster

3 жыл бұрын

".....half-canadian theist...."????????????

@translarrybutz

3 жыл бұрын

@@lobstered_blue-lobster im guessing that means that one of their parents immirgrated from Canada and the other did not

@lobstered_blue-lobster

3 жыл бұрын

@@translarrybutz I heard that in Canada people non-whites don't refer to themselves as Irish-Canadians/Black-Canadians/Fillipino-Canadians etc. They also refer to themselves as *Canadians.*Pretty sure he is reffering to that just as you said now that I re-read it. I originally thought he was indicating he was half-theist and half-atheist which is...you know.

The best thing you said here was probably “those aren’t the only two choices”. That’s true for so many situations, I wish more ppl would understand that.

@TheUnique69able

2 жыл бұрын

Even if the religious texts have a kernel of truth when it comes to human nature and society, the central premise of a deity with transcendent attributes falls flat on its face. When looking at the texts from an objective perspective using reason and science proving it’s falsity, the grand claims in it in my opinion dismisses the entirety of it

@TJCampbell78

2 жыл бұрын

Especially in politics

@onewxrldmusic7303

2 жыл бұрын

Yes religious videos particularly Judaism, Christianity and Islam is very difficult to do because of opposition by literalists. But I do recommend your courageous yet calm approach

@cedartheyeah.justyeah.3967

Жыл бұрын

@@TJCampbell78 Yep. From what I've heard, the political spectrum used to be well, a spectrum.

I applaud your clear statement of your credentials and viewpoint. I've found this series very educational and your professional use of graphics makes much easier to follow. Congratulations and thanks for all your great work.

Your charts and videos rock!! Thank you for making history so interesting. Please keep them coming.

The fact people have the audacity to literally say “You are uneducated in this matter” is baffling to me, who are you to decide that?? You cannot take everything you read or write as literal, at the end of the day all religions are correct in some way and the only way to dispel any would be if you literally lived during that time or in the after life. Anyways thank you for the video!

@mangot589

3 жыл бұрын

Because that’s the favorite catchword here on the internet. ‘Uneducated”. If you don’t agree with somebody, or have a different opinion, you’re “uneducated”. They LOVE that word. And considering some the grammar/spelling they use, I find it amusing.

@rogerwilco2

3 жыл бұрын

It is what religion does to you.

This is the most polite smack down I have ever seen.

Excellent work, sir. I admire your patience in having to deal with several of these comments, which I can imagine are frustrating. And thanks for sharing your educational background--wonderful stuff!

I just found the channel and am loving it so far. Keep up the amazing work!

Matt, let me just say that I have my personal beliefs, and your videos have not compromised this. You are personable, professional and a delight to follow!

Dang, that "you are not qualified" remark really backfired!

Thank you very much for your series/ uploads. Your series really help me understand more about things that you upload. Keep up the good work and Gob bless you

Thanks for creating focused, clear, concise and well balance programs on very controversial, sensitive and important issues. The material you cover in your presentations are well put together and fair in their treatment. I rarely disagree with your treatment of most subjects. Keep up the outstanding work!!!

As a practicing Catholic, I thought that your series was a very well done. In the end, the important aspects of the Bible are the messages it teaches (Loving God, loving thy neighbor, etc).

@senpainoticeme9675

3 жыл бұрын

That is correct but the problem lies with those who believe in 100% literal Bible interpretation. It is impossible to change their minds, and if presented with evidence that disproves their theories (i.e, the age of earth or dinosaur fossils) they simply discount the scientific qnd archeological evidence because for them "faith" trumps all.

@j.p.sumando56

3 жыл бұрын

To me the Bible is meant to serve as a guide to being good, through stories, and legends, that kinda snuggly fit into history, which is sweet.

@TGTDestiny

3 жыл бұрын

I think many difficulties come from how far back the events of the Old Testament go. But As a Pentecostal, I believe that the New Testament has concrete historical evidence to back up the events described. But each to their own, every individual is free to believe in the things they want too.

@skerion7956

3 жыл бұрын

@@senpainoticeme9675 God claims to be the truth so if young earth is false the only thing that tells me is the story wasn't literal I don't know why so many people have a problem with that.

i had a conversation with my mom a couple of months ago where i said something about not understanding the bible entirely literally and she started getting a little snippy about it until i was like.. well do you believe the earth is 5000 years old or do you believe it's billions of years old? she said billions of years and i was like well see you don't believe everything in the bible is literal either. i kind of think it blew her mind. she'd just never even considered it.

@Questionablexfun

3 жыл бұрын

YES and as I learned with my dad who is a devout Christian IN seminary, you’re correct in that many just doNOT consider these things! :)

@kfiraltberger552

3 жыл бұрын

@Stratis Georgilis what punctuation is there to be added...? Also Eminem has punctuation just not in the correct positions.

@dalegamburg8995

3 жыл бұрын

each day of the lords is a 1000 years.when you multiply 6,868 of the Jewish calendar you get a far more reasonable numbet,the book I read said it adds up to 4.5 billion years, sorry I read the book 20 years ago some details r fuzzy think its psalm 92

@sagelaw5997

2 жыл бұрын

@@dffndjdjd Well that's intense

@Line...

2 жыл бұрын

at least your mother believes the earth is billions of years old

Your work is inspiring. Please don't stop. Also in this video, your calmness and intelligence and how clearly articulate, is what I and my kids aspire to be.

Love your channel, and really respect your willpower, and professionalism as well. Turning this into something educational is refreshing.

the way intelligent people make their cases is just so refreshing to watch. great job, no wonder you have a phd!

Thanks for sharing your background, making it easier to appreciate the value of your interesting videos. Sensing a binge coming on.

You are so wonderfully articulate, thorough and sincere. I enjoy all of your content fully and hearing you speak frankly and as factually precise as possible is such a treat. Thanks for all the great work and grace 😊

Then there is my friend who said "Just because they have a PhD doesn't make them a real doctor". Face palming, eye rolling true story.

@highpath4776

2 жыл бұрын

Historically Doctor meant Teacher (which may explain Luke as a Doctor, rather than a Physician - difficult to follow actually). anyway, one question one of my friends worked on, and I dont know if he succeeded was trying to match the genology timelines of Jesus/David and the Kings of Israel/Judah and the rulers of the immediate eastern civilisations'.

@sail2byzantium

2 жыл бұрын

Wow. Incredibly ironic on that one as Saints Ambrose, Augustine, Jerome, Gregory the Great, Thomas Aquinas, etc., etc., even lacked the PhDs (though Aquinas had a Master's), and none had MD's and yet they're all considered Doctors of the Church within Roman Catholic tradition. Face palming and eye rolling, indeed!

I am a devout Christian, and I enjoy this series. I appreciate the format in which you present your information. It is nice, too, to hear your personal connection to the subject matter.

You are absolutely my go-to source for comparing time along with events and persons. Nothing short of a fantastic job. Thank you, young man.

Love your videos, and I didn't realize you were making these Bible history videos until today. Thanks for the videos, I am finding them very educational

Thanks for this. I'm an atheist, from an evangelical Christian background, and I think your materials are perfectly pitched. If sensible voices like yours weren't out-shouted by the extremists the world would be a much better place. Best wishes ;0)

@dani3670

2 жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree more!

@sadiea4381

Жыл бұрын

If you don’t mind my asking…What was it that caused you to turn away from an evangelical Christian background to becoming an atheist? Of course I realize that just because one has a “background” in something, it does not automatically identify him/her as whatever that something is. But, since you’ve identified yourself as an atheist I’m just curious as to how you ended up going in the complete opposite direction?

@mikeharrison1868

Жыл бұрын

@@sadiea4381 A long and complicated story - probably too long for KZread. Let's see... My decision to allow Jesus into my heart was sincere, but very emotionally based. At the time I was taking drugs. I wanted to believe, but thought Christianity was intellectually bankrupt. Came across some Campus Christians who were using the apoplogetics of Francis Schaeffer, etc., so that "gave me permission" to allow my emotions to dictate. So, foundations were strong but brittle? (Initial evangalism - hey guys Jesus is really cool . Pass joint.) I converted, full of the Holy Spirit and joy, etc. Then got into discipleship, attended an interdenominational Bible School, worked with Youth With A Mission for a year. Always believed all Christians should love each other. Fought against doubt, against my (hetero)sexuality. (Timothy said we should treat women as mothers and sisters.) Noted that a lot of churches spent a lot of time arguing against other churches rather than for the lord. Heard too much false teaching - especially grating to hear "Hebrew" or "Greek" being used to argue against the plain meaning of scripture. Prophecy on the basis of the OT, rather than the New. Anti-intellectualism, anti-science. Biblical hostility to a gay friend that I really just wanted to hug. Left that church for another, and a year later it came out that the pastor of the church I left was using "unorthodox counselling techniques" with female members of the congregation. Managed to hold it together for another three years. Went off to a foreign country to learn the language to prepare to be a missionary. Away from the support of my brothers and sisters, I ... had the time and space to ... think what I really thought, ... feel what I really felt... I started to see how emotionally messed up I was. I had no idea what human beings even were. Over a period of six months, all the god stuff started falling away. Unfortunately, because I was "raised" with Schaefferian absolutes, heading towards a more liberal Christianity didn't seem to be an option. It was all or nothing. So, with knowledge of the fires of hell awaiting me if I chose wrong, I eventually made the decision to utterly renounce god. Hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Over the next few years I read and read and read - anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, counselling. And I made non-Christian friends, and even acquired non-Christian lovers. As a general rule, my life, thirty five plus years on, is now emotionally rich and rewarding, and comfortable. But revisiting the trauma (as here, or in encounters with volubly religious people) is difficult. I am ever so happy to have gotten free, to be able to live my life in kindness to all of good will. Best wishes for your journey.

@davidafolayan5707

Жыл бұрын

@@mikeharrison1868 You must be a great wonderful young man, but there is something I want you to know if you have not be able to know it before. Jesus Christ make it clear to everyone who believes in Him, He said Love your God with everything in you and the next is your neighbor. The biggest problem is: how can you love God you don't see but claimed to love others? This lead us to what Jesus Christ said in summary that, once you love others you love God. Been atheist or not doesn't change the facts, the fact is LOVE. But Mr. Mike Harrison, you don't have to run away from Christianity to proof yourself right or wrong, the reason is, in as much Human Beings exist, always expect good or bad. Have a wonderful day. God bless you in Jesus Name, Amen and Amen.

@mikeharrison1868

Жыл бұрын

@@davidafolayan5707 Hey dude, I was a Christian from 75 to 86. Young man is totally inappropriate and patronising. I've heard all the arguments. I've thought carefully about them. Not interested in brainwashing myself again.

Having been educated in Argentina as a Catholic, I must say that the metaphorical character of Genesis has been widely accepted for years. And I'm amazed at the resistance I find in the comments.

@ValKagamineNyan

3 жыл бұрын

i’m chilean but same, i honestly thought everyone took the old testament as metaphorical, and that people who took it literally were small minorities. it wasn’t until i started spending more time on the internet that i realised how massive they actually are.

@pabloleyes5574

3 жыл бұрын

@@ValKagamineNyan De hecho, tengo la Vta edición de Ediciones Paulinas de la Biblia, traducida en equipo por el Dr. Evaristo Martín Nieto, y en el estudio preliminar aclara que el valor es teológico y no científico (que sí es histórico, pero como la historia de una caída y su redención). Tiene notas al pie esclarecedoras: por ejemplo, sobre Caín y Abel, que según el Genesis eran uno pastor y otro agricultor, dice en la nota que al hagiógrafo no le interesa explicar cómo vivían los primitivos cazadores y recolectores; sino que usa esas profesiones que eran las que el común de la gente podía entender.

@ayoiawe

3 жыл бұрын

Those commenters are mostly american protestants mostly evangelicals fundamentalists, Seeing the bible as literary.

@kmills2554

3 жыл бұрын

I think the anglosphere is pretty toxic as far as properly understanding the world for what it is. This is coming as someone who grew up in rural Canada and still lives there. There is a level of arrogance built into the logic of the culture. This is to say it is essential to the rationalization of our society. It makes it really hard to properly see outside. I'm not trying to excuse it, it is of our own creation so we have only ourselves to blame. But it kind of has to be carried around with you when you are trying to understand the disconnect between the anglosphere and the rest of the world. It's really messed up it feels a bit equivalent to the citizens of Rome in the Italian peninsula as things started to get Shakey in the third century. When it's all you've known and the logic of society says that what you have created is the greatest there ever was conceiving of anything different is almost impossible.

@charlescole1766

3 жыл бұрын

@@kmills2554 It's not even the Anglosphere, it really is--with exceptions like Ken Ham--Americans and only Americans.

Am so glad i found your site and feel so lucky to learn from you. Amazing .

Love the way you explain everything , just found your channel and am enjoying it a lot !

They really thought that ancient Egypt pulled a Hannah Montana movie and just collectively decided to never mention the Exodus

@BluePenguin200

3 жыл бұрын

Omg Hannah Montana 😭😂 I love this comment so much

@kingdom1872

3 жыл бұрын

What was missing in Hanna Montana movie?

@rileyclark84

2 жыл бұрын

@@kingdom1872 At the end of the movie Miley convinces this entire town that found out she was Hannah Montana to never mention it again and everyone goes on their merry way

@polpol2739

2 жыл бұрын

it actually can make sense - according to the story it was very humiliating to eygpt and the pheroh , and according to the story he was very strong headed pheroh- so it makes sense he can order to not write it in the first place

@kellysamuel3383

2 жыл бұрын

@@polpol2739 yes but literally everyone else could still write about. It’s not like other people aren’t going to run into 2 million travelers.

I’m a Jew, and I agree. You did a great job presenting this information.

@ashesfalldown492

3 жыл бұрын

Fellow Jew, and I agree. I ended up buying the biblical chart from his site for Torah study to keep lineages straight. Lol. I love his channel and how he has presented this

Your charts are useful! Also I find your videos to be well informed and informative. Though I have different spiritual convictions, your expertise and interests are appreciated. Keep up the good work my friend.

I thoroughly enjoyed what you have presented in this series. Thank you for putting forth the effort in spite of the touchy subject and the haters that follow.

as a christian, i'm loving the series, keep it up :)

@greenergrass4060

3 жыл бұрын

Same! I love learning about history :)

I’m delighted that you’ve chosen to share your years of education and immersion with us. Thank you for allowing us to benefit from your expertise!

I cannot express how truly refreshing it is to view this information in a calm, rational, and logical fashion. I wish more people were open to this form of expression. Thank you for the wonderful content. God bless.

A very interesting, intelligent and logical explanation by the creator and author of Useful Charts ! Looking forward to more and more useful charts from you. Keep it up.! 🤔

You crushed this. Watching your videos has really provided me stable ground through my questions about my faith. This might be my favorite video on the channel so far.

His silver playbutton looking lonely... Why isn't this man at 1M yet 😭

@nashvillain171

3 жыл бұрын

Probably because the channel isn't enough about chart making.

@janmelantu7490

3 жыл бұрын

He’s 70% of the way there!

@oscarzavala5183

2 жыл бұрын

I did my part

amazing clarity of thought, thank you for this, your an amazing historian, and great humanist, love your usefulcharts series, and find them a good source of information...

That was the most eloquent and patient way to say ✨deal with it 😎✨ bravo. I've binged watched so many of your videos.

This has got to be the most beautifully executed mic-drop to anyone questioning your credentials and credibility I have ever seen.

This is an excellent response, albeit two years later, on your responses to some of your less happy comments. I normally knit to whatever you put up new, but I was pushing to finish a sweater vest and just sat on your channel page and looked around to see what was on offer while I started with the gospels, I have now gone through the whole series. I love the way you handle so many different topics. And being descended from a Fitzgerald, oh boy, that was a revelation. I did graduate work in history, and find the careful way you approach things plus the visuals just a joy.

I think you are super awesome, how you hold yourself in the thick of negative angst is brilliant. Not many can hold back emotions, processed forward in a ‘matter of fact’ manner. Bravo 👏🏼

I always love the irony of people angrily saying that people assume to know about a subject, when they themselves assumed that the speaker is unqualified.

@randomsandwichian

3 жыл бұрын

I personally believe nobody can be more than 50% right on any given personal experience on anything, you know just what you know, not the unknown unknowns. It would take something like actually doing PhDs, countless exposures like his and even going against your own believes to even breach that mark, and yes, he's surely much more qualified to be touching this subject.

@photinodecay

3 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the internet :)

Jew here (yemenite and Ashkenazi) and I love your work, methods, and perspectives. Also very interesting to hear your background as I'm currently stuvk in India waiting for immigration services to resume so my wife and I can return to the promised land (NYC lol)

I've been watching your videos with much interest and anticipation...but with this video you made me into a fan. Finally, someone who seems to try and have an open mind and approach to history and religion. Thanks for inspiring me too keep researching our world history. 👍👍👍👍

You are so patient and generous with your time...an example to all of us...I would never be able to do it!

People who can’t separate their spiritual beliefs from their scientific practices cannot be historians

Thanks, Matt! As a theist who follows Jesus with both his intellect and faith fully engaged, I appreciate the thoughtful, well reasoned analysis and interpretation you offer here. As someone who shares in some of the same religious and cultural history as you, I’m really proud of all the work you do!👊🏼

Thank you for the series, I laughed, I cried, I reflected... I learnt. Definitely looking forward to more of your works - across the board (not just religious history). Also taking the time out during my downtime to go through the series again for bits I missed, those I would like to look up from other sources and all of it For that reason thanks for sharing some reading and cross-reference material (again from religious material and everywhere else)

keep up the good job .. u have an amazing skill of story telling and simplified ideas. all the best from a fellow history buff.

The funny thing is that the non literal interpretation is actually the canonical one (or at least the primary) for many traditions, including catholism, since a long long long time ago. Fundamentalists are just weird.

@diestormlie

3 жыл бұрын

And a lot of Fundamentalists will insist that Catholics aren't Christians, that they're some kind of Idolatrous Polythiests.

@TrollsFormers05

3 жыл бұрын

@@diestormlie But again, who cares about american evangelicals anyway

My favorite comment is the one that “can only assume that you are an atheist....” because Jesus claimed it was historical and that the Jews and Muslims agree. It reminds me of an exchange I had with a coworker a few years back when I worked in a costume shop. We were working on some pieces for a local production of the story of John the Baptist. After a production meeting in which we discussed the story of the play and its characters i.e. John the Baptist, King Herod and Salome etc., one of the stitchers who had been eavesdropping with great interest interjected with the question, “does the Bible tell us what happened to King Herod after that?” To which I replied, “the Bible doesn’t tell us what happened to Herod in the end, but the Roman Histories do”. She looked at me for a while and came back with the follow up question, “but if it doesn’t say so in the Bible, how can we know that it’s true?”. I found this exchange very informative about the world view of bible literalists. They don’t recognize any other written source on the topic of Bible characters and events as legitimate. They also can’t see why anyone would find that suspicious. Like the viewer who made the above mentioned comment who thinks the concept of a belief in God and theology is exclusive to Abrahamic religious tradition, my coworker thinks historic accuracy is a concept exclusive to the Bible. It’s called being brainwashed.

Appreciate the depth and integrity. Please keep going. Your work is great!

Well said sir !, and right on the mark. Your actually a breath of fresh air to anyone with an open mind for just the facts.

Keep on keeping on dude. I bought your biblical family tree poster for my father in law and he’s a priest. Contextual, not literal, reading of scripture is required to maintain the cultural relevance of religion

20:53 That's called circular reasoning. "It says so in the bible that it's true, so it must be true!" Astounding that people cannot think things like this through.

@Brociphice

2 жыл бұрын

While you could say it is a misinterpretation, it is not circular. The New Testament is different set of documents than the Old Testament. The Bible is a collection of numerous books and using one to check another is not necessarily circular as long as the proof for the initial document is not entirely grounded in the other. If one were to prove the reliability of the Gospels and came to believe that Jesus was God, then they may take his words to mean that the Old Testament is literal. Proving the deity of Christ makes this interpretation and option.

@TolerantAcceptingModernCommuni

2 жыл бұрын

Its not circular reasoning actually, I am a muslim, and if you accept Bible comes from God, and God is truthful, all he says is true.

Excellent! It is a pleasure to listen to you. Your explanations are knowledgeable and differentiated, comprehensible and debatable. I am very impressed and delighted. Thank you very much.

Bro, you shut them DOWN !! I looooove your videos and cant get enough man... keep it up

Awesome job man. Your doing a great service to the world tbh.