I did this video with Cory Johnston.

Cory Johnston: Mind of a Skeptical Leftist https://damienmarieathope.com/2021/04/cory-johnston-mind-of-a-skeptical-leftist/?v=32aec8db952d

The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIw_d_Ek2L2KNjgT5H7ObdA

Cory Johnston: Mind of a Skeptical Leftist @Skepticallefty

The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist By Cory Johnston: “Promoting critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics by covering current events and talking to a variety of people. Cory Johnston has been thoughtfully talking to people and attempting to promote critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics.”

Witness a mental dynamite explosion, in the revolution that is Damien Marie AtHope: VIDEO LINK

 

I lived through hellish child abuse, reality is real, often painful, and too many people in the world are like selfish cowards that revel in their unkindness. Such kindness-lacking people commonly are heartless to the needs of others, whom they don’t see as similar to themselves. I wish to be different, I wish to be a thoughtful champion of being kind and strive for real bravery, thus I strive to be kind in an unkind world.

 

If I only spend my life pointing fingers, have I not missed a chance to offer helping hands?

I am for non-aggression and pro-social behaviors.

Who Gives a Guck???

I care, not because others care about me, or make me feel valued and cared about most of my life. Where were you for me, where are you now for kids like me??? They are suffering and need us all to Give a Guck. What would you have really done if you were there watching my abuse? Would you laugh at my shame and suffering? So, I was mistreated by all of your looking down on me, talking down to me, thinking I was less than, Thinking you were superior to me, that you did not have to listen to a freak like me. You hate and missed the joy of who I am. Do you need more convincing as to why you too should Give a Guck? I needed all of you and there are a countless number of us that also need us all in the here and now to do all we can to help and care. So the world didn’t care much at all, actually! Well, some see this, hear this, experience this, feel this, and are trapped in this. I am just trying to free the world. Why, you ask??? I think you get it now, but here goes: “I Give a Guck!!!” Because, I, am, a, lion-hearted, kindness-revolutionary, come to remind the world what a superpower kindness truly is.

I am Unruly?

Someone out of the blue realized they did not want a king, but everyone else said don’t fight the monarchy. Well, I would have likely been that person of bravery and so can you. Can you imagine that? Do you need a master or do you want to be free?

Left vs. Right?

“Left-wing politics supports social equality and egalitarianism, often in opposition to social hierarchy. It typically involves a concern for those in society whom its adherents perceive as disadvantaged relative to others as well as a belief that there are unjustified inequalities that need to be reduced or abolished.” ref

“Right-wing politics represents the view that certain social orders and hierarchies are inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable, typically supporting this position on the basis of natural law, economics, or tradition. Hierarchy and inequality may be seen as natural results of traditional social differences or the competition in market economies. The term right-wing can generally refer to “the conservative or reactionary section of a political party or system.” ref

“Hide nothing from the masses of our people…Tell no lies… Expose lies whenever they are told…Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures… Claim  no easy victories.”~Amilcar Cabral”

Let others be inspired by your weakness and your strength. Be a good human, of help to all. We are everything. And we are responsible for everything. So be kind to all, just a good person. I love kind people, I need kind people. 

We rise by helping each other.

“Only scum hurt others more vulnerable than them.”

Different priorities of the left and the right, well, to me.

The right is concerned with respecting the individual against humanity, whereas the left is concerned with respecting the humanity of the individual. Or in other words, don’t care greed is good for some lucky individuals instead of care because charity is good for all individuals. The right thinks it is OK to live and not have humanity, the left thinks it is not OK to live without humanity.

Did you assume on ME?

I was born in Southern California, I was brought into a sick unkind world. I was raised by sick unkind people. I was a light in the dark for my family is way too fond of staying sick unkind people. I was first abused by my first memory. How sad a tale of my abused life was. I was treated by a way of unkindness in the most inhumane way.

I was born in Long Beach, southern California in 1971

I would take on the emotional weight of the world, just to save one child from abuse. 

If the only rights you fight for are your own then you have a lot to learn about the value of rights. Be a good human who is kind! We need you… May the song of my life sing a beautiful rhythm of hope and kindness, like a friend open to all. And may the behaviors I engage in be as an expression of love to the world.

Lesson One

How to think like a mutualistic communitarian anarchist thinker:

So. My wife is screaming ants!!! We are as if invaded by an ant army. They march in line from the outside door power matched their little feet to our cat’s food bowl and water dish. She said do we need an exterminator??? I calmly say no. she said do we need “kill bate” as going to the store now is scary it is like that walking dead show you like. I say no again. She said what can we do???

I calmly point to the dry dead grass outside. I then say see all the food and water for our fellow dignity beings the ants is gone. I said hurry, our fellow dignity beings need our help. She looked at me a little odd??? I said to put both food and water for our followers and they will be more than happy to stay outside. She said but how about this line in the house??? Do we kill them? I ask back should one dignity being needlessly kill another fellow dignity being and still feel they love kindness? I said we don’t have to kill even one. Just put the food outside and they will all follow it back outside.

Problem over and no dignity being was needlessly killed as is good for one action… Needlessly to say this morning only one ant remained walking aimlessly.

Be a good human.

Marquis Amon “That you understand you share the planet with other living things. You were presented with a problem. You understood the problem. The problem was not the ants, no…They needed some assistance, they were there because they were in need. No one owns the planet and we shouldn’t seek solutions that kill outside necessary defense. The logical absurdity of killing as a solution should be met with horror, not practicality. The ants are every bit as alive and important as we are. They have a right to exist.”

 

No Philosopher, I?

I am good at philosophy but this is not due to anyone philosopher than my wife. I don’t read any of them not even one. They are cool I would assume but bore to me and I get philosophy better than some Academic philosopher professors as they have to remember some idea, person, or book to motivate or generate their ideas. I am so naturally creative, I could make it up new every time with not too much trouble, as I think naturally as a philosopher as I am a deep thinker not as a choice but as an internal addictive compulsion to know and understand everything I wish to. As I am will to power.

Learning to love?

What we don’t understand we can come to fear. That which we fear we often learn to hate. Things we hate we usually seek to destroy. It is, thus, upon us to try and understand the unknown or unfamiliar not letting fear drive us into the arms of hate and harm. May I be a friend of kindness. the true empowered warrior like none before.

I, am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo DONE, with unkind people!

We rise by helping each other.

 

I have seen shows where one person saved the life of another and everyone celebrates. I saved my brother’s life. I literally used a fireperson carrying style to throw him over my shoulders and carry him to safety 4 or 5 miles down a mountain in knee-high snow, a snowstorm we both almost died from. I only got a brother completely self-absorbed wining all the way down that he was uncomfortable and cold as the show was covering us and as he was covering me, he was getting more cold snow on him than me. He actually told me him being carrying was harder on him than my carrying him to safety.

But it gets worse, that snowstorm was when I was 17.

At 30-something I got my first device and was completely lacking in a job or money and all my stuff but clothing stayed with my ex-wife. I was forced to live on the street or move in with my mother. My brother told me when he saw I was moved back into my mom: He tells me it’s his mom, as if it is not both of our mom, he actually means the family sees me as a friendly stranger.

Then he tells me, I can’t hang out with you, because I don’t like people with financial problems.

I think to myself, and this is my gift from you, after I am the brother who saved your life??? I am so disappointed at the lack of kindness, my family has shown me. I have always been alone, not liked, and didn’t fit in with any group or person, just my strange little me. In my life almost never have I had real friends and I did not really have a loving family towards me either instead I was hated and mistreated. I am seen as a freak to many, just a no-one of value. I looser, a poor moneyless reach to be disregarded like trash as everyone has before. Will you be different? Are you a friend of kindness? I just want to be a good human.

We need people with the height of bravery, to be openly as kind as others openly hate.

I may never know just how beautiful you are, until you are kind. And, in the end, all we have is each other and life is just too damn short to not be kind. It is not my moment of the greatest selfishness that holds good memories in my heart. No, it is my moment of the greatest selflessness that holds good memories in my heart.

What do you make of some people that have no problem believing in both science and religion?

My response, One is a reality-filled set of beliefs related with science and a non-reality-filled set of beliefs related with their religious beliefs.

I am the far-left, stop calling Democrats Far-Left, they are not!

The sad history of the world has often been little more than oppression by masters, ones that we now call great.  You have to make all kinds of choices in life and I chose kindness.

As you may have started to understand, my life was different.

Here is my first experience with weed at 15, I believe. I had a friend who was telling me about a party he new about where we could get drunk. I was an alcoholic was all in. My friend said he was going to stop by. So the dude was always late, but I loved him. Well, this is not that kind of love story, sorry. But we were close friends for a couple of thugs. He was a gang member but damn I did like him. I had friends in several different gangs. Let’s just say I was gang familiar. I appreciate people.

They saw that in me more than the rest of the world. I actually miss my gang friends. What can I say? I hate the violence but they are still people. I tried to be me no matter what. They never pressured me to join. They even protected me a few times fighting for me on my behalf. I don’t know why humans try so hard to not see others as full people. I come from poverty. I understand hunger and not being able to get bills paid. People will do what they must to survive.

I am sad to say I use to steal food from friends’ houses as I was hungry. I am not happy about it but fuck I had to survive. So I would get my more well-off generally white friends. I said white because my other friend was African American. In fact, my friends were across the board. I was open to people who were on my side. Anyway, sorry for moving off the topic of my first experience with weeeeed.

So my African American buddy calls and said he was sorry they party was still on but now they only got weed they could not get alcohol. I was very disappointed. Damn, I don’t do weed. He said that is cool but have you ever tried it? No, and I don’t think I will. He asked further. Why? I didn’t know. I had heard my mom tell me that weed gives you demons. And I like demons and all but possession, not so much.

But then I thought, I am going to try it. I said let’s go. I am down. He stopped by and we were off. I was in his lowered truck enjoying the soft air rushing against my face from the open window. My arm hangs lazily out the side. I felt like I was dreaming. Then, hey man we are here. It was not a house I was familiar with. I saw three other people and as I got close I recognize two of them, other big dues like myself and my friend. As they welcome us in I see there are about 8 big thugs. I was a thug too so it was all good.

Next, I was showing off my knife as one of them someone I kinda knew from school but was not sure. He was harsher towards me than those who knew me. I started feeling odd, I hope he is not going to start a fight. Then I started getting excited about the weed getting passed around. One big joint. It tastes like shit I thought as I inhale. I forgot to tell you the first funny part. I was wondering when is it going to start? The one guy, who I think what associated with the small house said, hey man have you smoked before?

I, all of a sudden I thought, good Damien, now you are in a room with 8 or so people, I can’t remember fully. And they are all tough and African American. Here I am the only white guy and I am the one who is pure as the driven mud, hey I have not but I am hardcore, so pass that down when you get the chance. The room fell silent. Then loud laughing. Hell, man, we know you are cool or you would not be here and we all got high. It was a good day. But I again as ever was foolish. At first, I don’t feel anything. Then, holy Shit, I got so high. I was fucking stupid high. Lol

I was so high I thought I need to go home as my mom will know I got high. I don’t know what made me think that. I was stupid high like I said and I asked the owner if he had any breath mints? He said “then joking”  use spray deodorant. So it tastes like shit too by the way if you were wondering. Lol

Never forget the person/personal is political as politics are an alter all things are offered to in this life under governments, society, family, etc. Boldly be you. Funniest shit I ever heard: Damien (gives a dramatic voice) “It’s ok to be an atheist but you don’t want to be antitheist and certainly not the proud antireligionist that I so very am. Or in the same line of blotted foolishness try to tell me that I can’t be an antitheist nor an antireligionist and still be kind. I don’t know, I think I manage pretty well, don’t you.

Lion’s Roar

Still, eyes awaken, and vails fall as the beast in me starts quaking. Breathe deep the world within. Brake the silence, terrors male. I stand before you the vanquisher of your dreaded phantoms only to boldly, ask, you what is next. I breathe the fire of the heathens in every word I utter in contemplation of reason. I am the goth lion, I am will to power. Hear my lion’s roar. And as always may I be kind above it all.

Marquis Amon: “The courage to face other’s fears for them. To challenge that which they not dare. You do this, because you care. A kind champion that will do his best to be there. Gods, nor ghosts, or demons may haunt mortal men within thy presence. As you caste the light of wisdom to banish these ethereal fiends from their presence. Offering virtue as a present. That we only have each other, a truth to be seen as self-evident.”

Real quick Fact about me:

I could not read a clock until 7th grade. I did so poorly in school they held me back a year and I had to do summer school several times just to barely graduate. I am not stupid it is nearly impossible to be abused as I was in my life and function normally at school. People don’t know just extreme neglect as child abuse retards the brain making it develop slower or with more issues in function.

Just a scared kid…

I am just a scared kid that grew up looked around at an unkind world and wondering why do they allow it to be this way? How does this unkind would not make them ill at such sad inhumanity? I see it all and my heart grows darker with shame. how did we let such an emotional sickness become a pandemic and why are so few people seeing any need for the mask or life kindness can be it can shield us from a storm, it is the very thing that keeps us warm, kindness.

Please be a good human.

Here is how odd I see it, people, Damien you are so great for being kind without excuses. But you have to stop believing in such good because t takes really hard emotional work, we are not willing t be as brave as you Damien, we hate the world and know your way s better. But see section c5, paragraph 23, and line 1. I just think are you serious? I almost think, am I too soon for this world? I will as always chalk it up as more sad proof there is no such fantasy as gods. And then, well at least I am smart enough to be an atheist. I smile, all is very not good, but fuck it, I am fine, I still have my heart of kindness past it all. Right on. I am dipping in the warm Caldron of peace and love, will you join me? Please be a good human.

Funniest shit I ever heard: Damien (gives a dramatic voice) “It’s ok to be an atheist but you don’t want to be antitheist and certainly not the proud antireligionist that I so very am. Or in the same line of blotted foolishness try to tell me that I can’t be an antitheist nor an antireligionist and still be kind. I don’t know, I think I manage pretty well, don’t you?

The eyes of the world predicted my failure but here I am, I am a survivor, No longer do I hide my face, I no longer fear a fall from your grace for I find my courage plain as day in the human race, may I be a good human. May I put truth above all and valiantly thrust a crusade for truth and caring, which will help show love can and will, in the end, win, if only in my black heart so often close to that Deadman’s plank. I am a fighter, I don’t need you to save me, I don’t need your empty claims of magic in the world, a stumbling block to many, yet, I am no longer one of them, I am will to power.

Say the truth plainly don’t allow pretend but do so with a caring desire to teach as one would to a friend. May I be a caring firebrand atheist. One, with an awakened humanity fully alive in my humanist heart. Desiring to demonstrate my humanitarianism as I fully stand up for truth. It is not either-or but both reality as well as kindness revolutionaries. Ones, who should, be strongly speaking what is right as the truth is not pretended. I am bound by the limitations we all face but may I bravely be a good human past it all…

If you are not helping, please, can you get out of my way?

I am that freak of nature, a power from the anti-power crusaders, warring against the power dynamic to return it back where it belongs- the hands of the people. I am a free-thinking invader into the shell of malignancy infecting humanity which strangles reason out of the world. A proud anarchy theorist, I breathe the fire of the heathens, a thought revolutionary and mental freedom fighter. I am a humanist atheist who desires a better world for us all, one that is kinder, juster, and more rational in its pursuits.

My Favorite Put Down of God Believers?

I was asked what is my favorite putdown of believers. Well, I don’t worry about putting anyone down, my goal is to offer info to challenge what believers think they know hoping to change their minds. When I post other more offensive stuff to religious ideas it is more for the enjoyment of nonbelievers than attacks at believers, though if it offends believers why care as no one has the right to not be offended? My motto is to attack thinking, and not people.

I am a truth-addict and wish to expose falsehoods. But for me, this is a goal, a needed endeavor, or a cause I feel needs championing. It is a worthy cause but it is not what gives my life meaning.

What truly gives my life meaning is the depth of my emotional support and connectedness, in conjunction with my hope, love, care, empathy, compassion, kindness, altruism, etc. for both myself and others.

To yourself be true.

No one was on my side when I started. So, I decide to be on my side, because, damn, I am worth it. Don’t give up if others are not rooting for you, do it for yourself. Others’ lack of a compliment does not tell you how well you did. May, I always strive for my best, no matter who is on my side or not. To yourself be true. I don’t do kindness, rather I strive to live in kindness.

An old philosophy friend of mine, when we first met he first thought of me as arrogant. But it was only a short matter of time that he realized, actually want I said to which he thought me bragging was:

He walked up to me, at a philosophy meetup group and said, “I heard you really like philosophy and are an atheist. But are you sure you are a deep thinker? Because there are just two main types of people who think they are philosophers that specialize and thinkers.” He told me he was a thinker, a deep thinker. I said yeah, I am a deep thinker. I am so deep in my thinking that I am deep like the ocean. I am so deep others may drown just following me.

What an odd turn of fate.

To be one never protected, by the world like a child being abused, when I need you the most. And here I am, the one who gives kindness back to the world freely in a way not afforded me. What an odd turn of fate. It is a very honorable human who strives to help when their lives had little of that. I am proud to say, I too, am such an individual. I am like a candle in the dark. I only wish to help bring light to the world.  I don’t find it as any example of mental health to live in this world and it does not bother you at all. Me, I cry inside for all who suffer. You are not alone, I see you. What happens to the ones forgotten harms the humanity of us all. Be a good human do all you can, lives are on the line. How could one of honor do any different?

Have you ever made a graduate list? It is an amazing mind and heart-opening gift to you and your humanity. Be emotionally considerate of others. I have said it before, although I am a very wise person, the wisest thing I have ever done was to be kind.  Feel free to share anything from me or about me. I hide from no one. I am an open person with an open life. I feel the personal is political. Do you feel like you are liking to many of my posts or think there is some limit to how much you can respond? I say feel free to be you but be kind. I want to thank all of you for your support that you did give and the acknowledgment you have shown me. I love you all.

My people are the ones who are kind.

Do you know what I am? An authentic life expressing itself. My wife just told me the most amazing way to look at my abuse of being alone from my family. That I was not truly raised by them. That is why I stayed such a beautiful human. Damn, I fucking love my wife. I scream to the world, “I win” because I know in the letting go I can. If you know of god, what Exemplary behaviors are you doing in the world? Because I am told by you that God is love. Just a heads up, one of my least favorite things is unkind people.  My thinking is strong like a bomb and deep like the ocean as well as so creatively imaginative it is as if a star shining brightly.

I never believed you that I couldn’t change the world and I still don’t!

We rise by helping each other.

Hug the pain away?

One of the worst things this virus has done to me is it has stolen my ability to hug strangers. I love everyone. I don’t even like handshakes. I always think, what the hell, and have I just bought something? I want to boldly and openly apologize to the world for my past harm of unkindness, I truly have tried to change. I ask for your understanding, for back then, I was not brave enough to be kind.  I hurt people from age 5 to age 22. I am now 48 and rethinking my long-ago actions. May I be, naturally therapeutic.  Sometimes it’s good to get away from people and just breathe without expectations that glorious free being you are.  I have worked hard in my life but another true fact is I have basically lived paycheck to paycheck most of my life. I understand working people.

What’s wrong with the homeless?

I have been homeless before sleeping in a car at -19. I had only clothes to pile over me to stay warm. I feel deeply for all homeless people. People use to see my face and turn away, they would talk down on me as if wanting human dignity was a task they could not bear, my touch, the vile thing of the disregarded ones. We are not nothing. We are all past it all just another being of dignity.

Why be kind in an unkind world?

I am opening my heart to everyone, be kind. This may sound foolish to you now but I think you will one day change. This call for kindness is the kind of life message from one dignity being to another, be kind. We only have one very short life, how proud I am that I can be counted among the brave. You know the ones that saw a cold world and only wanted to make it shine. If you don’t get that then it’s just not the point in your journey yet because I will tell you. There will come a day that you remember this interaction of one genuine heart to another. The most beautiful thing in the world. Take care. I am rooting for you. For I am an impossibility remover.

Will they see the good human in you?

I always think on my future Wikipedia page, will they be kind? Will they say I brought good to the world? Will, they think highly of how I have lived my life? Will they see the good human I have become? I think all this as I will be gone, my life story will tell the rest.

Please be kind.

When people demand of me, to give an account for why they should even value kindness? I pause, breathe Damien, they know not what they do. An alarm is screaming in my mind. I emotionally run for the doors. I wisely think I am hearing a message here. I see what is right I see what is true. I think if someone came up to you and demanded you to defend loving any child. I think would have to emotionally step the fuck back, before any of that yucky gets on my nice humanity. But I am the sturdy tower, the silent one of a thousand stories that can’t seem o get others to value his call for kindness. how truly odd this world is. And there I am all dressed up with nowhere to go. But as always, it is my plight in life, to be the better human, and I stay kind.

May I be brave enough to reach for the glory of kindness. Please be kind.

Being kind in an unkind world to unkind people treating me unfairly is a true sign of my hights of bravery.

Sorry, I am just Dreaming of another world.

I don’t like this world, please can we make another, a kinder one? The world gave me its gods its hate and harm, its very shame. To which I only think, wow, how the world needs me, a kind unbeliever fighting for good, and why is being kind so hard for some people?

I am a real far-leftist, Hi.

Yay right… SQUEEZING the top 1% ought to be the most natural thing in the world for politicians seeking to please the masses. Yet, with few exceptions, today’s populist insurgents are more concerned with immigration and sovereignty than with the top rate of income tax. This disconnect may be more than an oddity. It may be a sign of the corrupting influence of inequality on democracy. You might reasonably suppose that the more democratic a country’s institutions, the less inequality it should support. Rising inequality means that resources are concentrated in the hands of a few; they should be ever more easily outvoted by the majority who are left with a shrinking share of national income. https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2018/07/21/as-inequality-grows-so-does-the-political-influence-of-the-rich

Bro, what the hell?

I once got two of the weirdest questions at my atheist-humanist outreach. The first was as a theist inquiring “as an atheist how do you stand up for yourself without god?” So, it to me is like asking without believing unbelievable things lacking justification for warranted belief, how do you stand up for yourself. Moreover, the first one could not get how you could love or believe in yourself without god. And the other as an atheist what is your opinion on spousal abuse?

The second theist did not think without a god I could be moral and not abuse others. So, it to me is like asking without believing unbelievable things lacking justification for warranted belief, how could be moral and not abuse others. I am floored at just how deluded some believers are about living life free of myths and imagery friends. I tried to set the record straight. I am an atheist-humanist, and I not only believe in good, I wish good for others and to actively do things to promote good.

We rise by helping each other.

I always write my passion. Great writers to me take silence and give it a voice. They gave our hurt a cry it sometimes didn’t even know we needed. I see such a rare skill, to be so emotionally vulnerable. It often enables an enjoyable self-journey in the mind. Be an example, not a warning. Often to me, it seems like there is only one way to win, decide you can! Moral fear and Moral love (which together motivate my axiological ethics)?

How are we not smarter than people of the past?

Look, I found proof of the first religious mythology with both types of general-themed deities now found throughout the world. Sky father and earth mother. So to recap, mommy and daddy. Can’t you see that? The people of the past did not know “science” but they did know, family. So, to simplify, it as we don’t have three hours for me to fully brake it all down for you but thankfully I was prepared enough to through together a three-hour video instead. How sad it is that we now suffer under some ancient dud’s mommy issues. Not me I am a proud supporter of mental health therapy.

I wish my life to be an expression of love to the world.

I don’t what another child to have to overcome their childhood. End Abuse!

How can you tell if you are loved?

I assumed I was not really cared about but maybe some? No, not much at all.

Here is another one of my sad life stories. Let’s just call it the store.

“The Store”

For so many there is no place like home. Me, I wanted to be any place but my father’s house.

I am not sure how old I was, but I think 11 to 13 years old. I was raised in a very abusive environment and a fundamentalist Christianity cult faith. My father was so religious and strict we could not watch nor movies, almost no music unless god related. No sports, just god. And their rolly-polly book. So you are a little caught up. We never went almost anywhere as all things generally related to god. Thus when he asked me if I wanted to go and look around the store. And I was thrilled. All the wonderful things. Not that he was even buying anything for me. In my sad life, just looking at things others could buy thrilled me. I was overjoyed when he sad at the door of the store go on, as he could see my excitement in my eyes

I just stood there. I was not sure if he was kidding. We just looked at each other. Then he said, now run along. I want to be quick. I asked him, dreading him saying, there is no time. I was thinking it is just over there, hopefully he will let me see a few more beautiful things at the store. This was almost like an amusement park in my sad abused mind. When you truly have next to nothing, everything seems special.

So he said again go now and hurry up. I was gone. I felt high drifting off among the shelves of toys I would never own but I could dream and I was dreaming a wonderful day and… I realized it was a few minutes. But he had only given me a few minutes. I was scared, as I calmly but with intent. He was right over there, wasn’t he? I felt dread trickle down me. Wait, was I too long? Had I errored and he was made to look for me? I panic. My heart is racing, look up at the clock. But I don’t fully understand how to read it. I am the unwanted thing, the bother, the problem. No need to care about Damien. Let that little beast fend for himself. I was thinking I failed to cut off my looking at all the wonderful colors. I am an artist but lived in an art and creativity desert.

Just the Bible I could not fully read. I ran outside. I know I will find the car. Relief flooded over me. I speedily pushed past the people trying to get out the door. Free now I can finally look outside. I view the toes of cars. I don’t know what to do. I turn and look back, nothing. Where is my father? I think he is likely worried about where I was, right? I started to doubt. He is very mean to me. No, he would leave me, that is crazy. I only walked away from him like he said, a few minutes. Nothing more. Again I feel as if I have been bad, or done something wrong. I decide I can’t just stand there. So I start walking down the sea of cars. Not having been in many parking lots walking around not making much of it. All the cars and I don’t see mine. I am setting and hot.

Where is my father? I am dreading almost finding him. I think he is going to be so mad. I think if I go back in the store someone else can help me. But then I looked up and down. I don’t know who I should talk to. I am a child statue, I stand and the adults Flow around me as if a rock in a stream. They don’t even notice me. So I look for someone in charge. I ask someone and they said they would help. I was saved. I was reborn. I felt great. Then his face darkened. Sorry, kid, I tried him three times on the loudspeaker. Dread anew. I felt cold chills. I started feeling sick. Did he leave me? Then how could he just leave me? I was just stuck in the store. Where could I go what could I do? What did I do to deserve this? There I sit getting hungry and scarred. I was fully alone. Hours went by. I was the crying statue others didn’t even see. It was almost as if I got smaller.

A bad child in time out. I was morning my sad childhood, when I heard the man who had been ignoring me ever since he had last called for my father. It may have been 3 or so hours. And my father finally called? I first thought I hope he was not mad at me. I eagerly asked what did my father say and when will he be there? He looks scared, what is wrong? Is be hurt? Your father said he decided to go home he had things to work on. He can’t come right now but in an hour or two, he doesn’t know his girlfriend is off work and will go out of her way to get me. How do you know if it’s love?

I was asked, Can you explain more, please. I have a sociopath mom and cousin. My mom was pure evil. I can’t believe you are a sociopath. You are such a nice guy.

My response, I am doing all I can, it is my life mission, a kind world.

Sociopath vs. Psychopath: What’s the Difference?

“You may have heard people call someone else a “psychopath” or a “sociopath.” But what do those words really mean? You won’t find the definitions in mental health’s official handbook, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Doctors don’t officially diagnose people as psychopaths or sociopaths. They use a different term instead: antisocial personality disorder. Most experts believe psychopaths and sociopaths share a similar set of traits. People like this have a poor inner sense of right and wrong. They also can’t seem to understand or share another person’s feelings. But there are some differences, too.” https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/sociopath-psychopath-difference#1

Do They Have a Conscience?

“A key difference between a psychopath and a sociopath is whether he has a conscience, the little voice inside that lets us know when we’re doing something wrong, says L. Michael Tompkins, EdD. He’s a psychologist at the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center. A psychopath doesn’t have a conscience. If he lies to you so he can steal your money, he won’t feel any moral qualms, though he may pretend to. He may observe others and then act the way they do so he’s not “found out,” Tompkins says. A sociopath typically has a conscience, but it’s weak. He may know that taking your money is wrong, and he might feel some guilt or remorse, but that won’t stop his behavior. Both can and often do lack empathy, the ability to stand in someone else’s shoes and understand how they feel. But a psychopath has less regard for others, says Aaron Kipnis, PhD, author of The Midas Complex. Someone with this personality type sees others as objects he can use for his own benefit.” https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/sociopath-psychopath-difference#1

They’re Not Always Violent

“In movies and TV shows, psychopaths and sociopaths are usually the villains who kill or torture innocent people. In real life, some people with antisocial personality disorder can be violent, but most are not. Instead, they use manipulation and reckless behavior to get what they want. “At worst, they’re cold, calculating killers,” Kipnis says. Others, he says, are skilled at climbing their way up the corporate ladder, even if they have to hurt someone to get there. If you recognize some of these traits in a family member or coworker, you may be tempted to think you’re living or working with a psychopath or sociopath. But just because a person is mean or selfish, it doesn’t necessarily mean he has a disorder.” https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/sociopath-psychopath-difference#1

I know I am a high-functioning sociopath but I never use it as an excuse to not be kind.

“I have a sociopath mom and cousin. My mom was pure evil. I can’t believe you are a sociopath. You are such a nice guy.” – Questioner

My response, Psychopath is a mental health issue that is in the brain from birth more generally. Only 10% have experienced extreme child abuse. Commonly sociopaths improve by 45 years old after life-experience. So, a young sociopath is likely much more toxic than an older one. But I am referencing a trend not a have too, so take it as my thinking, which is that most of the time this is likely so but no such thing is commonly true about psychopaths, some can get better few may see any need too. Psychopaths know and are aware of their behavior and don’t really care this too can happen in a sociopath but is more likely to be something close to very bad social skills then evil desires to harm others, thus relate more to a biological lifelong mental health problem. But sociopaths that are generally something related to extreme child abuse as over half commonly lived lives of pain and aggression and the PTSD gift is becoming heartless.

I scored a #3 and most Psychopaths would be a #1. I could harm lots of people but I would likely do it in overreacting violently then do something like them that they may enjoy hurting others, my issue is wanting to throw a glass at someone for raising their voice to me. If you were kind to me I am generally calm. But scare me and you might get hit as violence is more my second nature. Let me help you understand. You, I am guessing had a fight or too in school, right? My first experience being expelled for fighting was 1 grade. I beat a kid that bit my art with his mouth. He was in the hospital for a bit.

I have a rage extreme when I fight like your death is my only chance at life so going too far is an ever possibly. My uncle was like me three gang members tried to mug him at an ATM and like I probably could he murdered them all. He is serving time do to what they said was not self-defense as he quickly overpowered them, being crazy strong happens in a few of my family like me. Several of my family are like me but likely either colder and care even less than ai do but lack the abuse to turn them violent as can be easier to me.

Yes, it is very hard sometimes. I likely care less than you. Most people that take the test that are like you, now I am just guessing in general not as if I actually know you, is 7 to 9. Most counselors would be 8 to 10 commonly and very codependent people are 15 to 20 which 20 is the highest. The top and the high number suffer from feeling too much the bottom makes the world suffer for them in a way but actually, both are in mental health need.

My response, You don’t see just me you see 20 years of mental health therapy.

My response, I also have a BA in psychology with sociology, and someone intervention training, and I also want to stop all abuse in the world as I know the harm it still has on my life. It is sad right that I don’t even get my feeling back I lost them as a small child cold, alone, and hiding under the tarp that covered the lumber that he had in our backyard. I explain in a post that may have been when I broke and became not vary caring.

My issues are lower care thus if angered I could overreact and why I strive to champion kindness. I don’t feel any need to be kind to most people but I know that it is a very honorable thing to do to be kind so I want to be better than my family or my mental health issues, I want to be will to power. So determined that not even being less caring will stop me from caring. My will is that of a Lion. That is one of a few reasons why I call myself the Goth Lion.

“Thanks for educating me. I’ll share this with you. I have PTSD and have had lots of counseling. When my folks passed away, there weren’t any tears. But when my first dog [and best friend] died I cried my heart out. I could never understand that. . . what it meant about me. But from her I got unconditional love, from my parents I got squat. I never could feel anything for them.” – Questioner

My response, I appreciate your acknowledgment. I understand quite well how to be cruller but I am a person of honor so I desire to be kind.

Medical Neglect

As a child with parents in a cult, I experienced “Medical Neglect”

“Medical neglect is defined as a parent or guardian’s failure to provide adequate medical or dental care for a child. This is particularly applied to cases where medical care is needed to treat a specific injury or illness, and lack of that care seriously jeopardizes the child’s health. This can also be applied to instances where the child is in need of psychiatric help or emotional counseling, and the parent or caregiver refuses to provide it. Under law, medical neglect is considered to be a form of child abuse and is therefore illegal. Parents who are accused of medical neglect, or not providing their children with necessary medical care, can be charged with child abuse.” ref

What Counts as Medical Neglect?

“There are several situations that could be seen as medical neglect by law enforcement or CPS workers, which could result in charges against the parent. The list that follows is not complete, but will provide you with an idea of what kind of situations could result in accusations of medical neglect:

1. refusing to financially support the treatment required for a child’s acute illness, without a good reason.

2. ignoring the recommended advice of a doctor with regards to a treatable or curable condition.

3. failure to administer prescription medication to a child that has been prescribed by a doctor.

4. choosing not to seek medical help for a severely ill child. This could involve a lethargic child with a fever above 103 degrees, or an unresponsive child who has lost consciousness.

5. refusing to take a child to the emergency room when they have sustained a severe injury, like a broken bone, or deep laceration requiring stitches.

There are certainly other situations that CPS or doctors could claim are medical neglect. But these should cover the basics, and give you an idea of what potential scenarios could end in medical neglect charges.” ref

A little on my life: Video

The Tear that Binds

Tears well in the pools of my eyes, slipping free as if a welling from blow demands they move. Then, there they are, slipping over the edge of my eyes, falling with a heaviness that seems to strangle their way down inside me. I feel them sliding down now, a thousand knives of the past sparkle in my mind. Sliding on, I am unraveled with each new drop. Broken free now, they drip off my chin. How long it seems as they rush their way to the earth below. My head swims, throwing me far past this and I see memories flipping past, I am again lost in time… Mom, I will miss you. Love your son…

I am an Out Atheist, Antitheist, and Antireligionist as a Valueized Ethical Duty.

How can we silently watch as yet another generation is indoctrinated with religious faith, fear, and foolishness? Religion and it’s god myths are like a spiritually transmitted disease of the mind. This infection even once cured holds mental disruption which can linger on for a lifetime. What proof is “faith,” of anything religion claims by faith, as many people have different faith even in the same religion?

When you start thinking your “out, atheism, antitheism or antireligionism is not vitally needed just remember all the millions of children being indoctrinated and need our help badly. Ones who desperately need our help with the truth. Three things are common in all religions: “pseudo-science,” “pseudo-history,” and “pseudo-morality.”

And my biggest thing of all is the widespread forced indoctrination of children, violating their free choice of what to not believe or believe, I hate forced hereditary religion.

Any mind that thinks it is never wrong is in that fantasy are demonstrating how wrong in thinking it truly is. Religions are the things people do until they require facts. In this way religions are like organized lying. If you are a religious believer, may I remind you that faith in the acquisition of knowledge is not a valid method worth believing in. Because, what proof is “faith”, of anything religion claims by faith, as many people have different faith even in the same religion? Faith is the socially acceptable make-believe seen as reality.

Atheism or disbelief in things like ghosts, goblins, and gods is the thing people do when they require their beliefs to be based on reason and evidence derived from our provable reality, not myths or wild unfounded speculation. And belief in gods, monsters, and religions are the things people do until they require facts to justify their beliefs instead of just their emotions.  Faith is commonly claimed as personal but this is avoiding its deep social connected group-thinking nature as seen in faith believers that claim to completely have faith belief in a holy book they hardly know nor may have never fully read.

Shine Baby Shine!

I talk openly about my child abuse, not to be salacious but as a form of activism against this harm of our children, and to give hope to other broken kids like me. I am not the thing abuse made, I am a shining star of hope arising from the dark stained postcards of my past.

“Child’s Eyes”

I find a sanctuary of hope, in the Armageddon of my life.
I see a sweet young child and I think if we are all born with love.
Where do we learn to hate?
And why?
I look into the eyes of the young child Only finding a gentle love with an uncorrupted honesty.
I think,
how I wish not to know,
hate!
I wish only for the innocence of love.
I wish the dark postcards of my heart were blank
but how can a piece of wood turn back into a tree?
How can I forget the pain inside of me?
I wish to forget.
I wish to unlearn.
To be cleansed by love and set free.
I look down into the child’s eyes wishing for what I can never have again,
My own innocence, religion you robbed me of that!

Life is to damn short to not be kind. Stay strong.

May I Help be the Voice of Reason

Heroes often hide among us until they express their act of bravely. May I too be so brave. I aspire to the heights of courage, supporting radical kindness in an unkind world. But I do so valiantly, knowing that we rise by helping each other. May I be a good human and support radical kindness as a positive proactive way to further real change in the world. If good people do nothing then nothing good may be done. Thus, I am responsible. I never wanted to be the one to work as an activist but a good person cannot sit silently by, doing nothing, when the atheist movement is in such need.

I was in college to be a mental health therapist, which I would have enjoyed. Unlike the shit, I have to endure as the out activist, like I am now. In fact, I would likely be financially well off but instead, I chose humanity and possible poverty if needed in order to help change the world as much as I can. It was the work mistake of my life but the proudest thing I have ever done in my life. We rise by helping each other. The pain of the mind is some of the most lasting pain just as freedom of the mind is some of the most lasting freedom. May I be someone who can make anyone feel like someone of value. Human-Kind. Be both…

Here is a comment to this from a Fan and Friend:

“Damien, like a heart surgeon or a singer like George Straight. You are a person that people depend on. It would be sad if you quit. But It would be understandable. It’s a hard life, standing up against the culture of delusion. How much suffering was involved to abolish slavery in this country? How long the fight against prejudice and bigotry been going on. How is it that these things are still around. Why is religion still popular. Because there are people out there that are bad and use other people’s weaknesses to benefit themselves. I call them parasites. We all know how hard it is to get rid of head lice. Or other diseases such as smallpox. It is changing, but how long will it take until religion will go down in history books, what will they call it. Christian and Islamic mythology. That’s why you do what you do. All I can say is, like a soldier who sacrificed his/her life for humanity. Does the word Hero have any meaning to you? Because that’s what people consider you to be. I wish only the best for you. Good luck my friend.”

Messages from fans:

  • A Comment from a fan: “Thank you for being an inspirational word master. Lol. I really like your content, character and most of all for staying strong through your work while being constantly provoked, mocked or even threatened. I have your back and there are thousands more that are with you, to challenge the hell out of disturbed with a little love and compassion.”
  • Another Comment from a fan: “Damien, you were a victim of what you call Christofascism (christian and fascism) as well as religiofascism (religion and fascism). And now you are a warrior for the victims of religious oppression. Imagine what it would be like if we didn’t have people like you out there. (Religion run amok, untethered). Thank you, Damien Marie AtHope.”
  • Another Comment from a Fan: “You argue atheism from a wide variety of angles. There is the rationalist rebuke, then there is the axiological rebuke. The former is truth-based, the second is value-based. While reason alone will suffice for some, most people believe emotionally, and the axiological aspect of showing them why religion produces immorality rebukes the emotional/ pseudo-moral component of faith as well. You package a lot of argumentative clout into short phrases for your lovely artwork.”
  • Another Comment from a Fan: “A favorite thing about what you do is your creative and generous way of sharing all your knowledge for the good of humankind. I admire & respect your ability to approach an inherently hostile subject with humor & genuine love. You are passionate about what is good and what is real. You strive to endow others with knowledge to better their own understanding. You have a pursuit of honesty and integrity. You tackle the nonsense of religious claims that are unmerited unsubstantiated and untenable. You make this all simple and easy to grasp for the leity.”
  • Another Comment from a Fan: “Damien, what I like about you is because you try, you try to be honest, you try to be kind, you try to be good to those less fortunate just because it’s the right thing to do, you try to promote love over hatred, you try to be a good person! (Those are just the first reasons that come to mind when I think about you.)”
  • Another Comment from a Fan: “Damien, I have never seen any single human being who is so devoted to unfolding some of the absurd things about religion and examine it in very scientific and ration way. Bravo”
  • Yet Another Comment from a Fan: “Damien, I love what you’re doing for the atheist community bro. You’ve been an inspiration to me. Just keep being a positive influence. We need you. Us atheists need you.”

“Damien, you seem like a nice guy on a crusade to stop wooly thinking vis a vis reality. I think this is a Sisyphean task inasmuch as everyone distills reality as much, or more, from their experiences as reason. You are engaged in the proverbial kitten herding. I prefer your anthropological postings. I think you do too. I would abandon the philosophical stuff (which I don’t understand anyway) for the exciting new stuff we’re learning about human evolution… Just a thought.” – Commenter

My response, I am at my core a thinker. I will thus explain and expose all kinds of thinking and philosophy is a big part of that but yes, to me, personally, I get greater enjoyment from PrehistoryHistory of the worldArchaeologyAnthropologyAnthropogenyArchaeogeneticsGeneticsGenealogyZooarchaeologyand Ethnography.

Marquis Amon– “To be honest, Damien I think your philosophy is just as an integral part of your methodology and interest as anthropology. In fact, I recall you saying that philosophy is a key component to your atheism. That philosophy is an essential thought process to interpret the data of ontology and axiology. And, given that the commenter does not understand philosophy, it could help them in their thinking. I know you have written many articles explaining your philosophies, and since you use them in many of your pre-history writings, for example, the evolution and archaeological findings regarding religion.”

Again, may I remind you, I am an Out Atheist, Antitheist, and Antireligionist as a Valueized Ethical Duty.

How can we silently watch as yet another generation is indoctrinated with religious faith, fear, and foolishness? Religion and its’ god myths are like a spiritually transmitted disease of the mind. This infection even once cured holds mental disruption which can linger on for a lifetime. What proof is “faith,” of anything religion claims by faith, as many people have different faith even in the same religion?

When you start thinking your “out, atheism, antitheism or antireligionism is not vitally needed just remember all the millions of children being indoctrinated and need our help badly. Ones who desperately need our help with the truth. Three things are common in all religions: “pseudo-science,” “pseudo-history,” and “pseudo-morality.”

And my biggest thing of all is the widespread forced indoctrination of children, violating their free choice of what to not believe or believe, I hate forced hereditary religion.

Here are some of My Written Discussions, Responses and Debates

I tried to do things without help but now I must ask for help to get done what needs to be done. We rise by helping each other. Many fans have wondered how My Book is coming along” (all art represented is my art as well). I have been taking a break from reworking the writing in my book yet to be published, as I am overloaded with all the other things like event planning public as well as video blogging speaking I am doing. It’s a big task I took on, it’s also very complicated, it’s like a story of everything in the evolution of religion. It’s so hard for some people to see the big connections I make as it needs good critical thinking so it needs to be more high school less college. lol

I am trying to make everything a little easier, but I have doctorate-level thinking and I get that is a lot for some.

May we all aspiring to the greatness of being strong reasoned thinkers with truly strong hearts of kindness.

More than just atheists I hope my thinking inspires people to be rationalists who strive to use critical thinking putting reason at the forefront thus as their only master even over their ego. As well as from such thoughtfulness may we all see the need for humanism and secularism, respecting all as helpful servant leaders assisting others as often as we can to navigate truth and the beauty of reality. I strive to be and wish for others to be more than just atheists, may we all aspiring to the greatness of being strong reasoned thinkers with truly strong hearts of kindness.

Here are three video Chats With famous atheists:
1. Matt Dillahunty: discussing on atheism and philosophy
2. Aron Ra: discussing using anthropology/archaeology
3. David Silverman: discussing on firebrand atheists uniting

Aron Ra interviewing me on my “Archaeological/Anthropological Understanding of Religion Evolution”

My thinking on the Evolution of Religion: I always like to openly address my thinking, so no one has to guess my thinking. Here is my thinking, on the evolution of religion both a thing or possess that the elements or themes of religion to me most likely were formed, spread, remade, spread and remade some more repeat, and repeat, and so on. But I want to make it clear these are my reasoned speculations of what

I believe the evidence and reasonable points of conjecture or inference put together helps explain the formation of religion in human prehistory to history. I also wish to address that some things I am epistemically certain mean ABC. Others, I think are the most likely of with the best of a few elements or most quality that fits what can be known or reasoned. It could also involve explaining the best thinking relating to what it seems the evidence could be suggesting.

Thus, the beast even a few somewhat similar possibilities than even less I have things that I only am sure but the evidence seems to employ, that to me, I thought just explain it as one loose reference whole of the course of religion total thus looking far above seeing it all played out like a family tree. I am taking on the entire institution all over the world throughout all time so forgive me, if I have to shorten it down to one book, not bigger than one could hold, and my goal is always the truth.

This will not change if later I am shown as wrong in some lines of thinking. I desire it to truly know. And as my goal is not focusing on one religion, nor one country, nor one region, nor any limited expanse of space or time that could relate to the evolution. I looked from before stone tools to Jesus and the bible and beyond.

I see the need to impressing on you that all this no matter the religion is interesting as mythology but most hold a deep potential to inspire justify harm as easy as some seem able to use it to help other love their flawed reality scrip religions which I say believe as you want but beliefs have ethical consequences but the behaviors they are likely to inspire.

I wish to offer what is worth to help others in our fight as reality-revolutionaries as atheists. Someone has to stick up for reality and I proudly accept the job. I am not saying religions can’t be fun as a social event or add people in faking their way through but in our law decisions or altering any humanitarian effort to help all in need. So, while religion, in general, could potentially be fun as movie plots I dislike hearing mythology misclassified as something reasonable as if it is even comparable to today’s science. We as a society should stand strong from such threats to our shared humanity.

Personally, I prefer to be around people that are either safe for me or are willing to try to be. If what one calls love, lacks respect, few would be convinced that there was love involved.

Hate is an ugly thing to wear in front of others.

I am a Reality Revolutionary! Strongly standing up against pseudo-science, pseudo-history, and pseudo-morality!

One of the lowest memories of my childhood abuse didn’t even involve direct physical abuse. Rather the of the things that hit me the hardest was the deep profound realization that I was not loved by my father. I was less of importance to him than the lumber he has stacked up in the back yard.

I came to this realization, huddled, wet, and shivering. I was starving as usual no food for me until later tonight whenever that is my father got back from picking up my brother and sister from the babysitter. As if a wet dog looking to hid in ant refuge available. All I was afforded was a one-foot by two-foot space cramped in between the lumber as there was just enough room so I could hide at least a little from the thunderstorms all around. The water was wet and cold. I am as if holding myself from touching this invading water as if it is not satisfied with my small pitiful attempt at escape. There I sit with the sharp boards ever pushing in my back.

I felt only the hint of a tear as I think about my younger sister and brother somewhere else kept safe, warm, fed… Not for me. I have to endure this inhumane fate all the while knowing that they are love unlike me. I am the unwanted thing, the problem, the bother. I feel the tears as I realized fully, I am not simply alone I am not loved at all. I then feel myself brake and I have never been the person I was. I am a survivor of much unkindness and why I so passionately promote it. Please strive to be kind. End child abuse!

House all the homeless for free, now!

It is the least we can do if we want to say we have a just society, right?

De-value the Homeless?

You can do as your humanity moves you, but me, I am on the side of the homeless and I am likely always on the side of the oppressed or being treated with injustice. I also have no time for the hate of people. My people are those who are kind to everyone. Be kind…

Think before you speak, others are listening.

I was once told by my sister that I was ruining the family for exposing my religious dad cheating on my mom. Other words of kindness from her involve me telling her about my sexual abuse to which she sarcastically said, “what? Did mommy touch your pee-pee?”

May I be counted as one among the brave?

Always above everything be teachable and never limit who or what you can learn from. I learned the sweet beauty kindness, after a beginning in life that quite often lacked it profoundly. May I be much better than what was done to me and may I forever be open to learning and not just one type of education, for there is value in both humanity and reason. May I be brave enough to be kind!

End abuse… Please!

I was starved as a small child but I sought out information on what grasses or other similar things around me were edible. I have eaten grass due to hunger. I have eaten dog food due to hunger. I ate random berries I thought could be eaten without being sick and I was limited though, I could only forage from the area I was living in of orange county a part of southern California, inner-city California. I cry thinking anyone could do this to any child and sadly that child was me. End abuse… Please!

I hate abuse, the scars others make in a moment, we end up having to wear for a lifetime.

May I not be a silent watcher as millions of children are subjugated almost before their birth let alone when they can understand “thought” or truly use reason logically and it is such vulnerable innocent minds, which religious fanatics are fond of forcibly coercing, compelled, constrained, and indoctrinated in the mental pollution that religion can be. So my main goal against religion is to fully stop as much as possible forced indoctrination, one could ask but then why do I challenge all adults’ faith? well, who do you think is doing the lying to children in the first place. End Hereditary religion, if it’s a belief let them the equal right to choose to believe.

My mom is dead but I don’t believe in any heaven or hell. “Live now

I don’t believe in afterlives but if there was such a thing we all go to one heaven as all religions or no religions show similar near-death experiences and only 10% have so-called negative near-death experiences. But from all my studying I have learned that almost all religions today have a shared set of mythology theme connections going back around 7, 000 years ago. It was spread from 6,000 to 4,000 years ago. Anyway, my point is that they believed in an earth mother and a sky father but even they got that from earlier ideas and mythology originally around 100,000 years ago. Humans learned somehow or related way from the Neandertals to bury the dead and about something that the humans turned into the persuasion that involves the belief in spirit afterlife. And science has observed children before the age of 7 do seem to be fond of animistic type thinking. I think it is thus natural to believe in spirits and souls. I also understand all this, so I don’t believe it.

“We mourn over what could have been and should have been, and death seals it by saying “this is all it is.” –  We mourn over what could have been and should have been, and death seals it by saying “this is all it is” –  Debra Van Neste

As I look back on my life it is amazing how much I have changed or become. At 17 years old I was in a world of ever-present danger to react with acts of aggression, even some violence but not on the weak. How wonderful that hardly anyone today can believe such things of me.

“Damien, I have a question: Who/what gives humans value?”

My response, We give value, as value is an awareness and judgment, it is an emergent property of validation; the ability to use critical thinking and logic in a useful way, to conclude worth, benefit, or good.

Don’t let ANGER become an unethical behavior.

I want to make a difference in the world and try to bring hope and new thinking to others where I can. I also wish to champion kindness as often as I champion challenge in thinking and hope for wisdom as much as reason or doubt. I see it is easier to break others down than help them see a way back up. More than just my disbelief in religion and gods or all woo-woo, I hope people get how much I care about humanity and all the different people who are apart of it. We rise by helping each other. May I be thoughtful and care, as well as seek knowledge and share. May we all be good humans to ourselves and others.

It is just as important to challenge one’s own behavior as to challenge the behavior of others.

I don’t generally assume everyone agrees to the facts and that it is often upon me to help them navigate truth. How can we silently watch as yet another generation is indoctrinated with religious faith, fear, and foolishness? Religion and it’s god myths are like a spiritually transmitted disease of the mind. This infection even once cured holds mental disruption which can linger on for a lifetime. What proof is “faith,” of anything religion claims by faith, as many people have different faith even in the same religion? When you start thinking your “out, atheism, antitheism or antireligionism is not vitally needed just remember all the millions of children being indoctrinated and need our help badly. Ones who desperately need our help with the truth. Three things are common in all religions: “pseudo-science,” “pseudo-history,” and “pseudo-morality.” And my biggest thing of all is the widespread forced indoctrination of children, violating their free choice of what to not believe or believe, I hate forced hereditary religion. Religion and it’s god myths are like a spiritually transmitted disease of the mind. This infection even once cured holds mental disruption which can linger on for a lifetime. I am not the thing abuse made, I am a shooting star blazing bright, shining far pass my past. If you are a religious believer, may I remind you that faith in the acquisition of knowledge is not a valid method worth believing in. Because, what proof is “faith”, of anything religion claims by faith, as many people have different faith even in the same religion? Do you want what is true or want what you believe without concern for what may actually be true?

Am I a survivor?

I fell as you tripped me again and from your hate, I remove myself from such mind and being corruption freely walking into the gates of love so longed for. You have not beaten me, you cannot stop me, you don’t want me to live, to thrive, to be all the best I can be but you hate and yet I am still here, a survivor, a full life liver, a thriver, as well as a warrior for kindness and compassion, reaching the care I was rarely offered, as a gift to the ones so desperately oppressed under your harsh gaze. May we all be free and the positive best we can be, I know I am as best I can. I am here growing stronger every day. Who am I, you ask, I respond loud and proud, I am a survivor and even in these chains from my past, you will not stop me. Sometimes, we need to see the truth, that many people are liars and deniers while claiming they are believers. Once we stop seeing the dignity of others we feel free to violate them with impunity. But when dignity is a friend respect has become one’s path. I am a survivor! I am a Thriver!

I am an anti-religionist, not just an atheist, and here is why summed up in three ideas I am against. And, in which these three things are common in all religions: “pseudo-science”, “pseudo-history”, and “pseudo-morality”. And my biggest thing of all is the widespread forced indoctrination of children, violating their free choice of what to not believe or believe, I hate forced hereditary religion. And my biggest thing of all is the widespread forced indoctrination of children, violating their free choice of what to not believe or believe, I hate forced hereditary religion. As well as wish to offer strong critiques regarding the pseudo-meaning of the “three-letter noise” people call “G.o.d” (group originated delusion)!  Childhood Indoctrination is often the gateway drug, to a life of irrational magical thinking superstitions, like ghosts, gods, or guardian spirits.

If there was a god, then it is evil and enjoys our suffering or an uncaring god that sits and does nothing.

Thus, even if there was a god, I would never worship it.

However, I am also for a Free Secular Society. I am not for oppression or abuse of religious believers and want a free secular society with both freedoms of religion and freedom from religion. Even though I wish for the end of faith and believing in myths and superstition, I wish this by means of informing the willing and not force of the unwilling. I will openly challenge and rebuff religious falsehoods and misunderstandings as well as rebuke and ridicule harmful or unethical religious ideology or behavior.

On my death, I plan on donating all my writing, art, etc., or anything of importance to atheism or humanism and will give it all to atheist and humanism organizations if they want it.

 

“Do Epic Shit”

(((Content Warning, I talk real about some of my abuse)))

My dad just called about my mother who has been very ill is about to die very soon. My mom has Alzheimer’s not is unresponsive and lays in bead 24-7. I have a rocky time with my mother from her spanking me then telling my father and he would spank me again. And she did not stop my father from abusing me either with her knowing him ad telling on me anyways to me is more harm. She also sexually abused me with excessive enemas and putting her finger in my ass as part of it. Then as she too was being abused by my father she had enough telling us she was leaving. I was so happy I could burst. Well, my bubble burst already when she walked out the door leaving me and my younger brother and sister. I was so broken I thought I would die. I had told my sister and brother that my mom told me we were leaving.

How stupid I was to think her saying she was leaving that we would be going with her. Among us children, we had drawn straws, and How overjoyed I was when my younger brother drew the shortest straw… I didn’t go live with my mom until almost 13 and my abuse from my father got 10 times worse. My father even broke my sacrum and tail bone area by spanking me with a 2×4. I was as you would guess a little resentful to them both for a long time but my mother unlike the scum my father is apologized and strived to make amends to me. So now I am feeling all kinds of feelings from my past. I feel for my mom leaving but I am happy she will go quick. Having Bias Blindness is easy as biases happen without even trying, however, the removing or overcoming of bias takes a lot of work.

So I call on the world to:  Do no Harm and do Help

I am a positive person by choice and action and work to improve myself and others if I can.  The hard work one puts into self-improvement is a lifetime gift to their wellbeing and likely that of others around them as well. A lot of people may think my schooling is in philosophy or anthropology but it was schooling for counseling. Thus, because I have schooling in psychology as well as I am an atheist/humanist writer that persuasion is my guiding thinking of things others may not focus on. I am currently about to publish an atheist book called: “The Tree Of Lies and Its Hidden Roots, exposing the evolution of religion and removing the rationale of faith.”

Be a Champion of Humanity

Normalize people being nice to you without assuming they wanna sex. I strive to be nice to everyone but out of humanity, not sex seeking. I am not claiming to not have sex needs but it is not why I do kindness. I think people of high character should express humanity as freely as others seem to champion hate. I see so many people who fear the plague and yet have a sickness in their humanity that doesn’t bother them at all. I see the ones without fear, the commonly maskless much worse as many champions that sickness of humanity to the depravity that removes all good, not only having a deep sickness in their humanities even than the first but lowly express this same contempt for their own lives. Not to mention their profound depths of selfishness/self-centeredness of not caring how their risky behaviors harm us all.

You can choose to be anything, so please choose to be kind.

(((Warning contains violence, animal harm, and child abuse)))

Here are the three traumatic things my father did to me:

1. THE CHRISTMAS TREE EVENT

My extremely religious fanatic father in a fit of rage and religious anger because my mom dared to buy a Christmas tree and celebrate a pagan holiday like Christmas in his godly home, my father took a long hatchet or an ax (I can’t quite remember which) and Chopped up the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments on it and presents under the tree. I was around 6 years old, just to add a reference. I actually thought he was next going to hurt my mom or us too, it was terrifying. I was not sure if someone was going to get killed next, he was in such a religious rage. Then with the strings of lights dragging across the floor and ornaments rolling everywhere, he crammed parts of the tree into our fireplace. All three of us kids and my mom where crying but my mom begged him at too least save the presents, saying we can give them out on a different day, PLEASE. He calmed just a bit for a fleeting moment and conceded to only save them to not waste money. The smell was strong coming from the fireplace with the thick smoke of undried wood and pine nettles in the air. Speaking of pine nettles, they were popping out of the fireplace and starting small poofs of fire on the carpet below. now I feared the house burning as hot as my father’s religious rage. So, then I cried out to him father please put out the fire it is going to cause the carpet to burn and could burn down the house. He turned to look at me with the long hatchet or an ax. As he turned to me I say his eyes and felt cold run through me, as he had an evil glint in his eyes like saying, “what would make that a bad thing” but then he seemed to catch some amount of sanity and started rushing to stop the fire that threatened to kill us all.

2. The End OF THE CAT

My father was mad at my sister and got his bow and arrow, gathering us kids into the back yard to be taught a lesson of following his orders, I was around 8 or 9 years old just for reference. I thought in terror one of us was going to be harmed or killed I feared deeply for my sister. There we were my brother 5 years younger, my sister 2 years younger and me standing in a line my father stood a few feet away. Next, he pulled back the bow and arrow and the terror increased he looked at us all individually, my brother and sister were shaking I told them don’t look as my father said I am now going to shoot my sister’s cat. My sister was screaming, “NO, please don’t kill her” while she closed her eyes tight to not see my father’s inhumanity. My eyes were open while hers were closed then to my horror my father with evil glee shot the cat. It went halfway then the cat took off running, scampering up over the fence and disappeared screaming. My father laughed and I feared and hated him even more than I ever had before. He was a monster.

3. The 2 X 4 SPANKING

I was around 7 or 8 years old just for reference. My father and his friends were at the table. I was playing under the table because they were avoiding me, and I wanted them to play they had been reading the bible for hours and I had nothing to do. My extremely religious fanatic father was a would not let us have almost any toys nor could we listen to the radio if it was not his religious shows nor tv at all but one hour a week for a nature show called Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Nor could we go to a friend’s house or have friends over either as he wanted to ensure nothing not religious occurred. A side note we did not celebrate any holidays nether was a big deal made on our birthdays either as my father said all that takes away from glorifying god and acting if a human was in some way special. Back to me under the table, I started taping the men on the legs then scampering away so they could not get me. Doing this I only little more than a few hand swats. They were too busy reading bible verses. So, I started hitting them in the legs than one in the crotch. I did not realize how much that hurt I was just playing rough to be noticed. The man yelped and stood up my father asked what happened he said your sun hit my crotch but don’t worry about it he is just a kid I don’t think he was trying to hurt me he has been hitting our legs playing with us for attention.

My father said no he must learn, and I am going to hurt him, so he never does that again. He grabbed my arm hard pulling me into the garage saying I am going to spank you good raging with anger. He had a long wooden paddle he hit me with almost every other day. He was out of control he had me pull down my pants and bend over. I was crying and shaking in terror. He hit me hard a few times then slammed the paddle into a worktable breaking it. I then thought ok it’s over I was punished and now he broke the paddle. No, he was far from done hitting me he had just started. He was even angrier as it broke. Saying don’t think you are now going to get it easy or something like that. He said that old paddle was too soft of a wood good thing I have been working on an Oak one but haven’t had a chance to test it out yet so you of the three children get to experience it first. I was trembling and already in pain from the hits he had already one. I cried please no but he haply hit me, again and again, each time switching to hit the table with a terrorizing crack saying see this is way better wood. I don’t know how many times he did this, 5 to 8 times, I guess. Then it cracked and was broken too from hitting the worktable. He was even angrier his beloved new paddle. I was sobbing and falling to the ground in pain and fear, thinking what now! He said to get back up there I am not done with you yet. I was scared out of my wits what was he going to use now then I saw his eyes land on a baseball bat size of 2×4.

My heart dropped. He said I am going to use this 2×4 on you and then you will get what you deserve. He hit me and I could hear it cutting the air all the way until it slammed into my rear and upper legs the 2 or so times before my hands went up as the pain was so extreme, like being burned, This was until I in terror put my hands over my rear to shield myself. It was involuntary to protect myself as much as I could. Then the 2×4 slammed into my hands and they almost went numb with pain. He was enraged, saying get your hands out of there then swung higher I will just hit somewhere else that is when with a crack he broke my tailbone and end of my sacrum in my lowest part of my back at the end of my spine it was the most excruciating pain I had ever experienced in my life I feel to the floor in sheer agony shaking like a dying thing. He looked down at me holding the 2×4 in his hand like a bat saying I guess now you have had enough I hope you learned your lesson. I to this day at 48 still feel pain in my tailbone and end of my sacrum. I have had to pain shots to help elevate this, but I have never healed right.

Positive Parenting and Atheist Parenting Info

Spanking Debate: Positive vs. Negative Discipline

I am Anti Spanking

Father is an “F” word

Ho Father…

I want you to understand what I went through and how your parenting affected me and what it produced. So you can understand what I want is your shame and what evil you need to make amends for.

You may have been my father but you were never my DAD.

I felt fear as a child because of you.

I had to steal to eat as a child because of you.

I felt stupid as a child because of you.

I had to eat dog food as a child because of you.

I had to go to the bathroom outside like a dog as a child because of you.

I felt shame as a child because of you.

I had to break into my own house as a child because of you.

I had no friends as a child because of you.

I was made unsafe as a child because of you.

I felt unlovable as a child because of you.

I felt everything I did was wrong as a child because of you.

I felt mistrust as a child because of you, wrong as a child because of you.

I was humiliated for who I was as a child because of you.

I felt alone because you had babysitters for my brother and sister and not me as a child because of you.

I learned to value hate over love as a child because of you.

I was abused as a child because of you.

I was neglected as a child because of you.

I was abandoned as a child because of you, you took me to a store and intentionally left me.

I was misused made to be your masseur and slave as a child because of you.

I felt I could never be good enough as a child because of you.

I was made into a secondary dad to my siblings and punished for their wrongs as a child because of you.

I never knew love from my father but I did understand hurt as a child because of you.

I lost my sweet innocence as a child because of you.

I feared life more than death at times as a child because of you.

Instead of looking into my father’s eyes and seeing love, I saw selfish darkness.

You committed many sins against me but most of all your biggest problem is you are selfishness. I think that has more to do with why you committed such atrocities and have the problems still today.

so FUCK You for fucking up me…

In my life, I was rapidly abuse, spanked, hit physically, lacked shelter and medically neglected, not properly clothed, emotionally and psychologically abused, abandoned, severely neglected, starved, etc. etc. etc.

I have overcome a lot, had much counseling but I never got to say FUCK YOU ex-father. You didn’t win. I have….

YOUR ex-son

p.s. This is very heartfelt and raw for me, it is me talking to the fucker that was my father but never a dad. I have not talked to him intentionally for about 20-30 or so years…

“Sometimes we just do what is right even if it is hard but being kind in this way is a gift to your own humanity.”

There is only one way to become a philosopher?

“Philosophy (‘love of wisdom’) is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophical methods include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument, and systematic presentation.”  ref

Instead of reading other philosophers to become a philosopher, I read the subjects explaining each philosophy then took or borrowed from the subject ideas. I then arranged it or remade it into something all mine.

Witness a mental dynamite explosion, in the revolution that is Damien Marie AtHope: VIDEO LINK 

What do you make of some people that have no problem believing in both science and religion?

My response, One is a reality-filled set of beliefs related with science and a non-reality-filled set of beliefs related with their religious beliefs.


Cory Johnston: Mind of a Skeptical Leftist:
LINK 

Cory Johnston: Mind of a Skeptical Leftist @Skepticalcory

The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist By Cory Johnston

Promoting critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics by covering current events and talking to a variety of people. Cory Johnston has been thoughtfully talking to people and attempting to promote critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics. He needs our support. We rise by helping each other.

@Skepticalcory Cory Johnston:

Redneck isn’t an insult

This time around Cory talks to Chris Watson from the Postmodern Polymaths Podcast about why redneck isn’t.

Using Full Sentences with Ben Burgis

This week Cory talked to Ben Burgis about logic, housing, libertarians, and identity politics.  You can find Ben’s content.

Prairie Solidarity

This week Cory talks to Clinton from the Alberta Advantage podcast to talk about politics on the prairies from a leftist.

Where Did The Atheist Community Go?

This week Cory talks to Jeremiah about what the hell happened to the atheist community and a little bit of…

Learning About French Politics

This week Cory talks to guest Leto Anor about French politics and they try to compare it to Canadian and America.

The Skeptical Leftist Visits the Cellar

This week Cory spent some time on the Cellar Door Skeptics talking about Justin Trudeau and criticism from the left.

Community Care and Mutual Aid

This week Cory talked to Pheonix from the Youtube channel PheonixRising87 about mutual aid, helping our community…

The Gamestop Incident with a Leftis…

This week is a bit different. I talked to 2 people who know more than I do about the Gamestop situation with the…

Ending Overpolicing with Alex Vitale

This week Cory talks to author and academic Alex Vitale about some of the problems with policing and what some of…

Life, Parenting, and Politics

This week Cory talked to Kirstin about what it’s like living in small-town Alberta and not being a conservative…

Smells Like An-Crap

This week Cory talked to Some Random G33k about anarchism and why anarcho-capitalists aren’t actually anarchists…

Complaining About Conservatives

This week Cory is joined by Buddy the Lumberjack from the Cellar Door Skeptics (cellardoorskeptics.com) to basically…

Talking Qanon with Travis View

This week I talked to Travis View from the podcast Qanon Anonymous. We talked about some of the things that…

Organizing the Left with Nora Loreto

This week Cory talked to Nora Loreto, who is a journalist, organizer, and activist about what’s stopping the left…

Building an Anarchist World

Cory and guest Felicia Entwistle of the Utah Outcasts podcast and youtube show talk about anarchism and the world…

Talking Anarchism with Robert Evans

Not much for notes this week. I managed to get none other than Robert Evans of the Behind the Bastards podcast…

The Road to Marxism

No real notes in this episode but this week Cory talked to Justin Clark who is a public historian about how he came…

Decolonization and Anarchism

You can check out where to find Joey as well as read the Foes and Comrades segment of this show…

Bolivia, Latin America, and US Interv…

In this episode, I talked to my friend and cohost from Skeptarchy, Kevin,  about Bolivia and how the US…

The Day After the US Election wit…

I wasn’t sure what to make of everything going on with the US election so I talked to my friend Amy from…

Canadian Lefties Just Chatting

I don’t have much for links for this episode but I was joined by Matt from the podcast Nooks and Crannies to chat…

A Qanon Explainer

For the blog post including links that go with this episode go to my blog…

Anarchism and Ableism

Links for new…

White Supremacy and News wit…

Check out Occultae Veritatis https://ovpod.ca/ Links…

Shawn Vulliez full interview

The audio version of the full-length interview with Shawn Vulliez from the Srsly Wrong podcast

Full interview from the upcoming episode

This is the full interview with Shawn Vulliez from the Srsly Wrong podcast for patrons onlyl

Questions or topics of interest

The Gamestop Incident with a Leftist and a Financial Advisor

Living in Separate Realities

Ideological Bubbles

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

Would we not often do better lighting a candle, than cursing at the darkness?  We need people with the height of bravery, to be openly as kind as others openly hate.  

I strive to be a good human ethical in both my thinking and behaviors thus I strive to be:  Anti-racist, Anti-sexist, Anti-homophobic, Anti-biphobic. Anti-transphobic, Anti-classist, Anti-ablest, Anti-ageist, and as Always ???? Antifascist ????

In fact, I want to strive to avoid as much as I can bigoted thinking towards others based on their perceived membership or classification based on that person’s perceived political affiliation (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics), sex/gender, beliefs (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics), social class (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics), age, disability, religion (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics), sexuality (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics), race, ethnicity, language (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics), nationality, beauty, height, occupation (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics), wealth (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics), education, sport-team affiliation, music tastes or other personal characteristics (Well: within reason, justice, and ethics).

Although, I am a “very”, yes, VERY strong atheist, antitheist as well as antireligionist, My humanity is just as strong and I value it above my disbeliefs. My kind of people are those who champion humanity, the one’s who value kindness, love justice, and support universal empowerment for all humans, we are all equal in dignity, and all deserve human rights, due self-sovereignty.

Damien Marie AtHope (“At Hope”) Axiological Atheist, Anti-theist, Anti-religionist, Secular Humanist. Rationalist, Writer, Artist, Poet, Philosopher, Advocate, Activist, Psychology, and Armchair Archaeology/Anthropology/Historian.  Damien is interested in: Freedom, Liberty, Justice, Equality, Ethics, Humanism, Science, Atheism, Antiteism, Antireligionism, Ignosticism, Left-Libertarianism, Anarchism, Socialism, Mutualism, Axiology, Metaphysics, LGBTQI, Philosophy, Advocacy, Activism, Mental Health, Psychology, Archaeology, Social Work, Sexual Rights, Marriage Rights, Woman’s Rights, Gender Rights, Child Rights, Secular Rights, Race Equality, Ageism/Disability Equality, Etc. And a far-leftist, “Anarcho-Humanist.”

My webpage: https://damienmarieathope.com/

My blog: https://damienmarieathope.com/blog/

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=2728663

Here is our conversation prior to the video:

My message: Cory Johnston, It seems we have some similar interests and I was wondering if you would be open to a recorded video discussion on all the things we have in common like anarchism, humanism, socialism, and atheism. 🙂 I only do my videos on 11am central time zone on Saturdays. Let me know if you are interested? Damienmarieathope.com and Damien.marie.athope@gmail.com

“I will shoot you an email later today. Thanks for the message.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, We rise by helping each other. Have you seen my video from yesterday? Randal D. Rauser, a Canadian Baptist theologian, and in this video gets owned with little effort: LINK Here is the blog: LINK

“Cool, watching it now.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, He wants to read me a script and I wanted a real conversation. He is bad at dealing with people. I have training in intervention and can manage crazy people, intoxicated people, or very angry people and keep going. He gets a few questions asking for clarification and he is offered then attacks me then leaves.

“I think I’ve heard him debate Matt Dillahunty. I wasn’t impressed by him then either.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, Have you seen me chatting philosophy with Matt Dillahunty it is a way better video? I try to treat everyone the same regardless of who they are.  I can get angry or frustrated, like anyone. Even though I strive to be kind to everyone, a goal of mine is to have the truth is my friend and I know we welcome truth in kindness and respect. I am way more likely to take hard advice from a friend than an adversary. I am very smart and an amazing free thinker. Other famous atheists are cool even if we have different thinking and approaches we are all needed to me. Different people connect to different things. I support all in the quest for truth and would be more famous if I destroyed others and was mean but I am a builder and a designer no longer a brake and destroyer unless that is rationally or ethically required. I just want to help the world, I just want to be a god human.

“Damien Marie AtHope Chats With Matt Dillahunty on Atheism and Philosophy | Damien Marie AtHope” https://damienmarieathope.com/2018/02/damien-marie-athope-chats-with-matt-dillahunty-on-atheism-and-philosophy/?v=32aec8db952d That is my blog post on Matt.

“Cool, I’ll check it out.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, I like them a lot, Matt Dillahunty does, I like him and would welcome his friendship, but he also says things that I think should be said differently, possibly altered to improve accuracy, and a few are wrong. I told Matt I was interested in having a discussion/debate with him on how he claims to know any beliefs and how he claimed knowledge, I was looking for something not often seen to good thinkers, thinking openly together, on important questions, a very deep friendly analyzing of these subjects, as deep as possible to find reason-truth. He did not seem that interested, maybe that will change one day. Whatever, I will just keep being me, striving to be a good human. I think he knows what I am, I think he likes me but I get how I affect others in general, I am different, I am a lion. No one is really ready for me. I love my style as my style can cut through all the bullshit. lol

“Nice.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, It is self-created not any other philosophy than my wife. I never read any famous philosopher. They all seem boring and my mind is a raging fire of deep thought.

“A lot of philosophy is a slog to get through. I enjoy it but I can’t sit and read for long.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, If I was not a deep thinking person that originates my own philosophy including my anarchism and socialist or atheist thinking all my own with not a lot from others. I think first then head to research its reasonableness. But I also often just realize it is right more as well through pure reason. I think we should educate ourselves but I love ideas not who thought them. I only want truth not swallow fake opinions. Would you also like my blog post about being interviewed by Aaron RA about my prehistoric religion knowledge?

“Aron Ra & Damien Marie AtHope: Discuss Using Anthropology/Archaeology & Prehistory/History Against Religions” https://damienmarieathope.com/2018/02/aron-ra-damien-marie-athope-discuss-using-anthropology-archaeology-prehistory-history-against-religions/?v=32aec8db952d

YouTube Damien Marie AtHope Interviews Aron Ra: https://youtu.be/DYCVbOtLbI8

My response, That is the blog post and video if interested. Have you looked at my website?

“I did take a look the other day.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, What did you honestly think? It is OK to not like something. I am just wondering.

“It’s good. Websites are kind of whatever you want them to be. It looks like everything is easy to find and it all looks good. I really wish I had the time to work on a website to centralize all my content. I had a great one for my old podcasts and stuff but when the old shows died I gave it up.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, I am willing to help promote you on my website. I like what you stand for. We rise by helping each other. In fact, I how we start doing a collaboration. I am hoping we become good friends. Or I am hopeful of it. If you want to that is. I assume you like me. Lol

“Lol so far so good, I’m happy to collaborate and we should book a time for you to come on my show some time and talk about your political philosophy.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, Yes. I am time-limited due to my wife working from home. But I wanted you to get I admire you. People are quick to tell you what they don’t like but tend to hide when they like someone. Nor me. Not.

“That’s fair. I’ll shoot you my calendly link and if you can find something that works that would be awesome.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, I always tell what I am thinking. Not always good. lol

“It’s a good trait to have even if it doesn’t always get the best reaction.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, I will look as I am excited about doing your show.

“Cory Johnston Podcast interview Info, Hi, thanks for picking a date on my Calendly. I really appreciate it as it can sometimes be quite difficult to match schedules with potential interviewees. If you don’t know yet this is for both audio and video and will be around 45 minutes. I like to set aside an hour just in case we go a bit long but the goal is to keep to 45 minutes. In case you haven’t seen it yet, check out this doc for more information on what will help us get the best out of our chat.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, You are a champion for humanity thus you win my respect. There are few people I like a lot and you seem really my kind of thinker. It is not like anti-capitalist atheists grow on trees, not yet. Lol You are a man of value and that is hard to do. I see the wisdom in you and I want to throw gas on it so you burn so bright others in need see the light of hope. We need people like you. I am not blowing smoke. If I don’t see the true power you have Why would I waste my time??? I have 150,000 following me, and you don’t have the same I believe, but you are not limited in quality due to others not seeking your value and I do see it.

“I appreciate that very much. Have a great day.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, You too, I am going to give you my anticapitalistic blog post so if you want you can see my thinking on this. Anticapitalistic ME: I do so much for Free as a Form of Financial Activism: https://damienmarieathope.com/2021/04/anticapitalistic-me-i-do-so-much-for-free-as-a-form-of-financial-activism/?v=32aec8db952d

My response, Me at 14 or 15, I was a little wiled. As I am sure, you already guessed. lol

“Still on for tomorrow?” – @Skepticalcory

My response, He’ll yea, I look forward to it.

“Me too.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, Do I support anarchist thinking? Of course, I want to be a good human. Do I support socialist thinking? Of course, I want to be a good human. Do I support liberalism? Of course. Progressive? Of course. I want to be a good human. 

“That’s the key there. I, along with many anarchists) tend to think that everything is political so by being a good human you have good politics. I’m really looking forward to talking to you.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, See we understand, I see my entire life as an act of political revolution.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

“There’s no better way to live.” – @Skepticallefty

My response, I just want to be a good human. So, I live a value-driven life.

“That’s definitely a goal worth reaching for.” – @Skepticallefty

My response, Here are three new blogs you may like:

My response, I just showed myself living that value-driven life behavior, I tried to be a good human, and this is something I always strive for, with everyone, even with these people, we communicated as best I could. Hate is an error all can commit, stupidity is sadly the temptress some can’t seem to let go of. Foolish as fuck, to me, falling hard in their humanity, so shameful as hell…

“Cool, I’ll get on as soon as I can and let you know.” – @Skepticalcory

“It was a lot of fun. We’ll definitely do it again.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, Great, here are some more: 

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

“Anyone who knows, and knows that he knows, makes the steed of intelligence leap over the vault of heaven. Anyone who does not know but knows that he does not know, can bring his lame little donkey to the destination nonetheless. Anyone who does not know, and does not know that he does not know, is stuck forever in double ignorance.” – Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, 1201 – 1274

This reminds me of Rumsfeld, and his “unknown unknowns” – he didn’t like them, which is understandable if your work is warfare? Yet there’s also a lot to be said for knowing that it’s okay not to know. We can’t know everything. Will knowing more make us safe? Are we in danger? If we are then from what? Or who? Perhaps often from someone who knows, and knows that they know? Perhaps danger also lurks if we do not raise our heads to plan a path (or at least its ethical direction), a path marked by all these destinations? What’s your view?” – Sune Nightingale Sustainability group coordinator

My response, I strive to live a value-driven life, I just want to be a good human. What do you mean by “uncertainty” and what are you applying it to, as well as how do you view its fullness or limitations.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

My response, What do you mean by “uncertainty” and what are you applying it to, as well as how do you view its fullness or limitations.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

“The future is unknowable even if one knows one knows many things. The hours of our lives are where we can live. A quote, “ Inch by inch, life is a cinch; yard by yard, life is hard.” – Commenter On LinkedIn

My response to the Commenter, I would be more careful than that and I would say some things in the future is unknowable. You know tomorrow we will still enjoy love and flourish under kindness. And I know that we rise by helping each other. I will need air, food, shelter to survive well and if I lack them all I will die. See telling the future. lol

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

Damien, so, I guess I mean in the sense that it’s not possible to know everything, that it’s an evolving thing anyway, that trying to know everything could also end up making us feel like the donkey?” – Sune Nightingale Sustainability group coordinator

My response, Sune Nightingale  “it’s not possible to know everything” is a truth claim with a burden of proof obligation. So what is your justification? I was told I will never figure out religion, guess what I did not believe such an empty claim nor do I bye yours either. I was told no one knows why there are pyramids across the world and no one ever will because some things just can’t be known. I called bullshit and guess what? Not only did I figure that out but 100 other amazing never before realized archeology/prehistory facts. Do you want to know how??? My art.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

My response, Sune Nightingale My art on the pyramids across the world.

Atheist Republic (15,469 followers) –

“What do you make of some people that have no problem believing in both science and religion?”

My response, One is a reality-filled set of beliefs related with science and non-reality-filled set of beliefs related with their religious beliefs.

“Noah had no problem devising a scientific experiment with sending out doves from the ark, while still holding fast to his religion.” – Commenter

My response, I showed him some of my art.

“Personally, I’m not convinced the biblical Ararat was what is called that today. More likely a whole range perhaps in Eastern Turkey or further North. And I’m convinced the Flood was 2500 BC. Just a few hundred years before the time texts such as Epic of Gilgamesh were written.” – Commenter

Flood Accounts: Gilgamesh epic (4,100 years ago) Noah in Genesis (2,600 years ago) https://damienmarieathope.com/2019/05/flood-accounts-gilgamesh-epic-4100-years-ago-noah-in-genesis-2600-years-ago/?v=32aec8db952d

Kura-Araxes Cultural 5,520 to 4,470 years old DNA traces to the Canaanites, Arabs, and Jews https://damienmarieathope.com/2020/12/kura-araxes-cultural-5520-to-4470-years-old-dna-traces-to-the-canaanites-arabs-and-jews/?v=32aec8db952d

Genetic studies on Jewish DNA is not 6,000 years old but has origin links to about 20,000 to 30,000 years ago?https://damienmarieathope.com/2017/10/genetic-studies-on-jewish-dna-is-not-6000-years-old-but-has-origin-links-to-about-20000-to-30000-years-ago/?v=32aec8db952d

Jewish People with DNA at least 13,200 years old, Judaism, and the Origins of Some of its Ideas https://damienmarieathope.com/2017/09/jews-judaism-and-the-origins-of-some-of-its-ideas/?v=32aec8db952d

“Look at archaeology of Sharappak, Tell Fara. It has a Flood layer around 2500 BC or maybe earlier but much later than 4000 BC. It is the one key site connected to extant accounts of Noah and his predecessors. Especially the ‘Instruction of Sharappak’. This document has extant copies dating to Sharappak area around 2200 BC. It is clearly originally written before the Flood because it does not mention it while Sumerian King Lists and Epic of Gilgamesh oldest texts (and Genesis of course) do mention it. Copies were then written of it after the Flood perhaps which might be what survive as extant texts today. The oldest extant prose literature surviving.” – Commenter

My response, My art, I am good. I showed him some of my art.

“Ashurbanipal (from his famous library texts) mentions stone text tablets of prose he had deciphered from before the Flood. The earliest start of prose writing was, archaeologists think, the Fara Period (from Tell Fara area sites) which started no earlier than 3000 BC. So this means the earliest predate the Flood and date from 3000 BC or later. So this puts the Flood later than say 2900/2800 BC.” – Commenter

My response, My art, I am good. I showed him some of my art.

“Lovely art, yes. And I tend to agree with some of your views.” – Commenter

My response, I appreciate your support. I also want to thank you for showing high character in admitting that, I am proud of you. We rise by helping each other. I once knew nothing.

Damien AtHope, such good artwork certainly helps you get your points across clearly.” – Commenter

My response, I am just trying to be a friend to the world. We need people with the height of bravery, to be openly as kind as others openly hate. Would we not often do better lighting a candle, than cursing at the darkness?

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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My response, Sune Nightingale Here is what matters. In the end, all we really have is each other and life is just too damn short to not be kind. I have few beliefs I hold double in and that is because I have valid and reliable reason as well as evidence to support them. But most of all may we be good humans past it all.

  • Philosophical Skepticism, Solipsism and the Denial of Reality or Certainty I want to clarify that I am an Ignostic, Axiological Atheist, and Rationalist who uses methodological skepticism. I hold that there is valid and reliable reason and evidence to warrant justified true belief in the knowledge of the reality of the external world and even if some think we don’t we do have axiological and ethical reasons to believe or act as if so. Thinking is occurring and it is both accessible as well as guided by what feels like me; thus, it is rational to assume I have a thinking mind, so, I exist. https://damienmarieathope.com/2015/08/philosophical-skepticism-solipsism-and-the-denial-of-reality-or-certainty/?v=32aec8db952d
  • Extreme Skepticism: Solipsism? Solipsism (from Latin solus, meaning “alone”, and ipse, meaning “self”) is the philosophical idea that only one’s own mind is sure to exist. To me, solipsism is trying to limit itself to rationalism only to, of, or by itself. Everyone, including a Solipsist, must appeal to rationalism or use it irrationally, as it is the mind to which all possible knowledge flows; consider this, if you think you can reject rational thinking as the base of everything, what other standard can you champion that does not at its core return to the process of mind as we do classify people by intelligence. If you cannot use rationalism what does this mean, irrationalism? A Solipsist, is appealing to rationalism as we only have our mind or the minds of others to help navigate the world accurately as possible. https://damienmarieathope.com/2017/11/extreme-skepticism-solipsism/?v=32aec8db952d

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

“If you don’t mind I might just use this in a future episode for my channel and podcast. I’ll give it my own spin and credit you with the content.” – @Skepticalcory

My response, Please use anything you want that I have, any art any idea. Any content, as I said I like you as a friend.

Everyone should feel free to copy and paste “any” of my stuff. I don’t care if they are copied and shared for free, to further education and freeing the world to think more. I want the credit of course, as I deserve. it’s only people wanting to use them in their own book or publications, if so they owe me $250.00 for each publication, of each art.

Video 1 “opening speech” Secular Social Justice Conference Houston

Video 2 “Feminisms of Color” Secular Social Justice Conference Houston

Video 3 “Finding Economic Justice” Secular Social Justice Conference Houston

My involvement and response to the lecture “The “State” of the Therapist”

My Quick response from the lecture “Parental Alienation: An Attachment-based Model”

Explaining My Axiological Atheism and Some of My Thinking

We all benefit with more atheists in government.

I Do Not Value Accommodationism

All Religions are Myths and all Gods are Lies

I Hate ReliGun

Demand Respect For PEOPLE not beliefs or Ideas

I don’t respect your religion and I don’t have to

Anti-Tooth-Fairyist

People Have Rights, Ideas Don’t Have Rights.

The Myth of Police Protection: Serve and Protect, Not My Job!

How do you determine truth?

Axiological Atheism Values Ignosticism and Igtheism

No god and Not Agnostic

Axiological “value theory” atheists devalue god concepts and value humanity

What makes an Axiological Atheist different then a believer who values

What good is FIREBRAND atheism?

All gods are moral monster myths

Religions are just irrational conspiracy theories of reality.

Why would anyone be an Anti-theist and Anti-religionist

No, god is not real because you think you feel him!

Response to the ridiculous flying horse video

My poem “Sunshine”

Explaining Axiological theism, Axiological agnosticism, and Axiological atheism

The Axiological Analysis of God

Bible god an unintelligent or immoral designer 

So what is the real christian problem?

All humans have value 

I have an open relationship with the truth…

No logic in an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving god.

The God Box is Just a Container of Shared Ignorance

Rational thinking not thinking blindness.

There is no god

I realized god had walked away from the facts.

Bigfoots, Unicorns, and Gods the rational conclusion using axiology

open marriage

Kind to people even when attacking their religious beliefs

The empty god box

Hell is unreasonable

Do not value bigotry I value people

Axiological Atheists

Finding humanity

Learning to care for you

A poem to my wife

Axiological atheism: Atheism, Anti-theism, Anti-religionism, and Secular Humanism

Axiological Atheist addresses Ignosticism/igtheism

Atheist Doing Good Because it’s Good.

Atheist standing up for Planned Parenthood.

Questions on Morality: Atheist & Theist

Firebrand Atheists Unite

A Critical Conversation on Theism

Katie Klabusich: Why Can’t We Talk About Sex?

Dr. Indre Viskontas: “The Justifying Mind” The Origins of False Belief

Valerie Tarico, PhD. Speaking on Birth Control

My Journey to Disbelief then Axiological Atheism

Debating Christians on Bible Slavery

American Atheist Challenges Calgary Street Church

Atheist in a Wheelchair challenges a street preacher.

Life’s Mountains: My original spoken word/ poetry

Sunshine: My original poetry/Spoken word

Religion Presentation at the meetup: Firebrand Atheism

Only Human: My original poetry/Spoken word

Trapped in Property Without Property

What is Homelessness & Why Should we Care?

Axiological Leftist: the harms of capitalism & the dangers of anarcho-capitalism

Rise of Hierarchy and the Fall of Women

My interview: “Left at the Valley & Active atheists Radio show”

Axiological Atheist: truth seeker for good

A Conversation Between Axiological Thinkers

Questions, Challenges, and Dialogue

“The Phil Ferguson Show” interview on my life and my being atheist.

Error Crushing Force of the Dialectic Questions and the Hammer of Truth

One of my original poem/spoken word: “One Day”

“Real Anarchist”

To Think or Not to Think

What is a god?

A little on my life: child abuse, religion, and my atheism

Atheism and Emotions?

A few words about my Gender

Talking with a newish atheist

Interview of Atheist Feminist writer Dr. Karen Gorder Garst

Addressing Outreach q & a about doing debates/discussions

Addressing Atheism, Anti-religionism, Politics & Society

Addressing Issues of Becoming Atheists as Adults

Interview of Formal Axiological Atheist Dr. William Kelleher

Fighting a Troll? How to philosophically handle a troll with the “The Hammer of Truth”

One of my original poem/spoken word: “Open Heart & Open Arms”

Interview of the cool progressive Atheist Comic Steve Hill

Atheistic or Naturalistic Morality

Damien Marie AtHope chats with Gregory B. Sadler, Ph.D. on bringing philosophy into practice.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Animism: Respecting the Living World by Graham Harvey 

“How have human cultures engaged with and thought about animals, plants, rocks, clouds, and other elements in their natural surroundings? Do animals and other natural objects have a spirit or soul? What is their relationship to humans? In this new study, Graham Harvey explores current and past animistic beliefs and practices of Native Americans, Maori, Aboriginal Australians, and eco-pagans. He considers the varieties of animism found in these cultures as well as their shared desire to live respectfully within larger natural communities. Drawing on his extensive casework, Harvey also considers the linguistic, performative, ecological, and activist implications of these different animisms.” ref

My thoughts on Religion Evolution with external links for more info:

“Religion is an Evolved Product” and Yes, Religion is Like Fear Given Wings…

Atheists talk about gods and religions for the same reason doctors talk about cancer, they are looking for a cure, or a firefighter talks about fires because they burn people and they care to stop them. We atheists too often feel a need to help the victims of mental slavery, held in the bondage that is the false beliefs of gods and the conspiracy theories of reality found in religions.

“Understanding Religion Evolution: Animism, Totemism, Shamanism, Paganism & Progressed organized religion”

Understanding Religion Evolution:

“An Archaeological/Anthropological Understanding of Religion Evolution”

It seems ancient peoples had to survived amazing threats in a “dangerous universe (by superstition perceived as good and evil),” and human “immorality or imperfection of the soul” which was thought to affect the still living, leading to ancestor worship. This ancestor worship presumably led to the belief in supernatural beings, and then some of these were turned into the belief in gods. This feeble myth called gods were just a human conceived “made from nothing into something over and over, changing, again and again, taking on more as they evolve, all the while they are thought to be special,” but it is just supernatural animistic spirit-belief perceived as sacred.

 

Quick Evolution of Religion?

Pre-Animism (at least 300,000 years ago) pre-religion is a beginning that evolves into later Animism. So, Religion as we think of it, to me, all starts in a general way with Animism (Africa: 100,000 years ago) (theoretical belief in supernatural powers/spirits), then this is physically expressed in or with Totemism (Europe: 50,000 years ago) (theoretical belief in mythical relationship with powers/spirits through a totem item), which then enlists a full-time specific person to do this worship and believed interacting Shamanism (Siberia/Russia: 30,000 years ago) (theoretical belief in access and influence with spirits through ritual), and then there is the further employment of myths and gods added to all the above giving you Paganism (Turkey: 12,000 years ago) (often a lot more nature-based than most current top world religions, thus hinting to their close link to more ancient religious thinking it stems from). My hypothesis is expressed with an explanation of the building of a theatrical house (modern religions development). Progressed organized religion (Egypt: 5,000 years ago)  with CURRENT “World” RELIGIONS (after 4,000 years ago).

Historically, in large city-state societies (such as Egypt or Iraq) starting around 5,000 years ago culminated to make religion something kind of new, a sociocultural-governmental-religious monarchy, where all or at least many of the people of such large city-state societies seem familiar with and committed to the existence of “religion” as the integrated life identity package of control dynamics with a fixed closed magical doctrine, but this juggernaut integrated religion identity package of Dogmatic-Propaganda certainly did not exist or if developed to an extent it was highly limited in most smaller prehistoric societies as they seem to lack most of the strong control dynamics with a fixed closed magical doctrine (magical beliefs could be at times be added or removed). Many people just want to see developed religious dynamics everywhere even if it is not. Instead, all that is found is largely fragments until the domestication of religion.

Religions, as we think of them today, are a new fad, even if they go back to around 6,000 years in the timeline of human existence, this amounts to almost nothing when seen in the long slow evolution of religion at least around 70,000 years ago with one of the oldest ritual worship. Stone Snake of South Africa: “first human worship” 70,000 years ago. This message of how religion and gods among them are clearly a man-made thing that was developed slowly as it was invented and then implemented peace by peace discrediting them all. Which seems to be a simple point some are just not grasping how devastating to any claims of truth when we can see the lie clearly in the archeological sites.

I wish people fought as hard for the actual values as they fight for the group/clan names political or otherwise they think support values. Every amount spent on war is theft to children in need of food or the homeless kept from shelter.

Here are several of my blog posts on history:

I am not an academic. I am a revolutionary that teaches in public, in places like social media, and in the streets. I am not a leader by some title given but from my commanding leadership style of simply to start teaching everywhere to everyone, all manner of positive education. 

We need to teach compassion and that aids in seeing others like one’s self, and when one feels similar to others one cares more about them generally. So we needed to instill solidarity to aid humanity’s cohesion thus alleviating some of the errors of dignity and respect. Walk softly on the hearts of people, strive for care, and see them as just another you.

Friendship and Kindness are My Superpowers.

I want to explain something I don’t really tell people. I am trusting you and I want to help make you stronger like me. Everything I post generally is related to some form of my activism. Even me saying cool or sweet is not random.

I go on religious people’s posts say nothing bad comment on something not threatening so they stop seeing me as an enemy. Once someone feels safe you can start slowly suggesting ideas that make them desire to change. If you are seen as the enemy they will reject truth even if they think you are right because they don’t trust an enemy. Being a friend first is disarming. So people are more likely or willing to be challenged by a friend but not an enemy.

Friendliness and Kindness are superpowers for activism changes.

Somewhat wise people may get all too concerned with their abilities but a truly wise person drops such self-focused thinking and narrows in on being good, doing good, and inspiring good in the world. Are you wise?

A Post on LinkedIn:

“Please stop degrading average people and making them feel undervalued. Nothing wrong with being average.” – LinkedIn Commenter

My response, I am, very much, above average but that is only, then a requirement, to be a servant leader, only trying to be of help to others as a way of life, and an example of high character. Also, I see all different wonderful thinking common in the average that is too often lacking in the minds of those seeing themselves as elite, and that thing is humanity to simply give out of a true abundance of love and unity. I realize the wisest thing I have ever done was to choose a life of kindness in service to others. For I know we rise by helping each other. We are all needed. May I be an honorable person, a truly kind and good human.

Just a College Dropout?

Yes, that is me, I dropped out, 7 classes in my Masters in Psychology, and I had earlier turned atheist in 2006 upon rethinking my values as well as finally thinking the hell with capitalism, I decided I am leaving college and going to just go help humanity directly as an out activist and do it for free. It was the worst business choice but also the most humanitarian thing I have ever chosen in my life and of which gives me the deepest humanist pride.

Sad, Homely, and Little-Nothing, me…

I suffered extreme child abuse, all would have been lost if not for teachers stepping up where my family failed, even one gave me $500.00 to start Truck Driving school as I had no money, and was half-homeless and my family barely cared and would not help but my ex-teacher did. I cried when he gave me a check for the money. I hope to be such a true champion of humanity like that. May we all be good humans who are kind to everyone. Be the change.

I welcome everyone, as a friend, across the world as my work is not self-seeking but rather in building humanity. We rise by helping each other. We are all truly one. It is about time we started acting like it!

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

The religious person hearing the horror that was my life: 

“Keep your head up, god gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.”

My response, I am will to power, not due to a god giving me any spark or anything. No, what has brought life to me is the very humanity growing strong inside me. We rise by helping each others. I for one, am good without god, and others can and do as well too. We are the shining new humanity, and we hold our own hearts raised, in pride to the sky, see all the stories of all the helping gods, are only found in the real hands of humanity working as one.

From Wikipedia, Atheistic philosophies, category Atheist existentialism,

and Secular humanism:

Axiological, or a kind of constructive, atheism rejects the existence of gods in favor of a “higher absolute”, such as humanity. This form of atheism favors humanity as the absolute source of ethics and values, and permits individuals to resolve moral problems without resorting to God. Marx and Freud used this argument to convey messages of liberation, full-development, and unfettered happiness. One of the most common criticisms of atheism has been to the contrary: that denying the existence of a god either leads to moral relativism and leaves one with no moral or ethical foundation, or renders life meaningless and miserable. Blaise Pascal argued this view in his Pensées. French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre identified himself as a representative of an “atheist existentialism” concerned less with denying the existence of God than with establishing that “man needs … to find himself again and to understand that nothing can save him from himself, not even a valid proof of the existence of God.” Sartre said a corollary of his atheism was that “if God does not exist, there is at least one being in whom existence precedes essence, a being who exists before he can be defined by any concept, and … this being is man.” Sartre described the practical consequence of this atheism as meaning that there are no a priori rules or absolute values that can be invoked to govern human conduct, and that humans are “condemned” to invent these for themselves, making “man” absolutely “responsible for everything he does.” ref

On Axiological Atheism

Keywords: antitheism, atheism, God, humanism, theodicy.

Abstract.

“In this article written for the collection of philosophical essays on topics of the contributors’ own choosing the author presents his personal grounds that make it impossible for him to believe in God. These grounds are primarily axiological and boil down to the following argument. Because from the point of view of theism God is absolutely good by definition, negating his goodness means negating his existence. There is no universally recognized and rationally valid concept of goodness in general or moral goodness in particular. On the contrary, the content of this concept varies substantially depending on various normative standards from which different subjects proceed. At the level of direct intuition, the author shares a certain version of consequentialist normative standards whereby the moral significance of any activity depends on whether it increases or minimizes the suffering for other sentient beings. According to these standards, which the author describes as “humanistic,” God cannot be seen as morally good. This is probably possible from the point of view of various theistic normative standards, but the author does not share them intuitively and does not see any decisive rational arguments in their favor that would lead him to renounce his own “humanistic” intuitions. Accordingly, the author cannot perceive God as absolutely good (in the moral sense) and therefore as God. It is this position that can be described as “axiological atheism.” refAndrey SERYOGIN

Highlighted YouTube reply: The Man The Legend, @Damien AtHope  Um, no socialism is good. They’re all selfish.

My response, Ok, explain that fully now point by point, and then if you have something better than opinion we can review that. I am looking forward to hearing your answers. Thanks.

The Man The Legend,  @Damien AtHope that socialists are terrible and selfish?  You want to tax me to pay for your computer to make these terrible videos. That makes you selfish.  If people cared about what you said, you should be able to get money through support of your product and buy your own stuff.  If that’s what you did here and you’re proud of that, then that’s called capitalism.”

My response, What would you mean by a “good person,” please explain that fully so we know we are on the same page as to what qualities are needed to encompass this concept?

Trump Troll and my Anarchist Atheist Response?

Yes, I am Actually an Atheist Anarchist

Atheist Anarchists Discussion

Interview with Anarchist and Firebrand Atheist Courtney Connatser

My Atheistic (socialist-anarchist) Humanism?

I am an Anarchist and Strive to Fight Injustice

I am a “Real Anarchist” not an “Anarcho-Capitalist”

A Different Kind of Atheist: Axiological, Methodological, Anarchist, Universal Ethicist, Realist, and Rationalist

My response, I am cool with that. And as an anarchist so should the students have all voting rights as well. You don’t limit freedom then tell them you are freedoms champion.

“Let’s really be anarchists…. Include parents as well in a “principal’s council” when big policy changes are being developed or enacted. (Or at the district level).” – Commenter on LinkedIn

My response, Of course, I want all to be equal. I just want all to be good humans, kind to all.

I experienced a hell childhood but that mistreatment only in the long run is now a reason I strive to be kind to all. Bad, is harmful but being more than what is done it thus can inspire a desire for a greater good as well.

I was hated from birth due to being born somewhat intersex. My religious parents saw me as not a man or a woman.  A “mostly man” it seemed was just no good.  I see how stupid bigotry is.  I saw how women were treated as less too just by being born a woman.  How can that bigotry, be reason? It is not, women are people not less at all but equal.  I saw them hate people of color just because they were born that way.  I saw that such bigotry was, not reason.  I saw them looking down on others not living in their town, city, state, country, area of the world just because they were born somewhere different on a map. I realized such bigotry was, not reason. I saw people harmed and hated because they were born into a different religion. I realize that such bigotry is not reason. I saw them put down people because of the time they were born. I realized thinking less of someone just because they are older or younger than my birth date is bigotry and not reason. Or looking up to rich for being born rich. As well as looking down on others because they were born poor. All of it is ignorance, self-centeredness, and hate not reason.

I just want to be a good human.

I enjoy different types of music. From rap to death metal. From Spanish/Hispanic to Nordic music. I enjoy classical and electronic dance. I enjoy funk to pop. I love music.

“Do your music choices match your mood?  Damien AtHope – that’s a wide-ranging repertoire ????” 

My response, See you get me, YES, MY music choices do match my mood.

Bilal A. Salaam SBA• Transformational Behavior Coach ???????????????????????? (We/Us/Our) #Ubuntu #Maat #NguzaSaba #Sankofa #defundRACISM – (Specializing in culturally specific transformational behavior)= Only WEAK, SCARYOnly WEAK, SCARY Males need #GUNS to settle every dispute. #GUNS are the generic viagra of mentally impotent bullies and the tools of undercover weaklings, and future abusers…

My response, I agree my wise truth spiter. And let’s not forget, the biggest gang, and their gun problem, that everyone hides from, the fucking POLICE! NOW I am talking to the police, hi, well not that I have you listening, I want you to Stop Feeling Proud! I don’t know what cops are all winning about, I am from Southern California, gangland USA baby. I was born in Long Beach City, my mom, well, she went to Compton highschool. I have been stabbed, jumped by a gang, shot at, and what do you know, I am so brave, I don’t even own a gun. My people, are the Kind.

Broken Parts are Still Beautiful?

We rise by helping each other.  I am not the thing abuse made. No, I am a shining star blazing so bright now I can bring light to the darkness of the world.  We are not in this life alone,  what happens to the ones forgotten harms the humanity of us all. I was hated at birth for the crime of not being born a full man. I am somewhat intersex, my religious parents saw me as a mistake,  not a full man and not a woman.  I was seen and treated like a homeless freak that had broken into my parent’s house and was sleeping in one of their beds, every night, but they just could not find a way to make me leave.  I was hated, so now all I strive to do is love.

You mean, treat everyone like a human being? 

I had a whole lot of abuse, so much I got PTSD. You are not alone in this I experience this suffering every moment of my life some times it’s easy other times it’s too much to breathe. And don’t think us good teachers/leaders can’t see you, we do and you are loved. I say just try to do the best you can and to the rest, I guess, just keep your chin up, friend. I just want to be a good human, like the teachers who loved me when I needed it the most.  I am in a large part who I am as a friend of kindness due to amazing teachers. I feel for you and all abused or neglected people,  I love you all. You matter if only to me. Calm the inner to control you. You got this. We abuse victims, hopefully, realize the mentality of victimization. We learn methods they use to try and control, the real hard way abusive way. That’s why we’re we all should be so passionate and advocate, so much and so hard, for those without a voice. Because, truly, you do not know how it feels to speak and not be heard.

Good Human?

Oh my friend, I understand, or I am willing to try as your voice matters. Don’t let anything get you down. You were made perfect, and if you think not then it is our chosen behaviors that are our resume to the world as to who we are as a human, I hope they see I was doing the best I could to inspire kindness. This world will get you down, but I am striving to raise a generation of kindness hellions. Let me say this, you’re more than your roots. And the sum of your parts is not one part. You’re you, so just be. And there is so much damn beauty in being you. 

What does the story of your behaviors say about you?

We all have a choice and our behavior tells the story. I will strive to care for the world with a heart of kindness. I want to be a safe place for the vulnerable, the abused, the unloved, and the oppressed. I want to be a champion for the bullied and the threatened. I want to be a loud voice for those with no voice at all. I just want to be a good person. I want to live a life of love and kindness trying to be of service to others all I can.

Kindness is everything to those in need.

This is Funny

I was asked, you say you fight for humanity, damien, but do you really think you would die for it? I thought, be kind Damien, they know not what they do. Be thoughtful, Damien. I breathe. Ok. Here is the thing I take my life as the most amazing gift humanity has and I……. I think, breathe. I close My eyes. I would, I say. Trying not to fucking unload on this dude, so hard his children will have nightmares. I, instead, strive as always to be a good human, kind to all. 

I just realized how I can best explaining it to anyone. I would eagerly push you and others out of my way to be the first in line to die for humanity if so needed just trying to be a “good” human, kind to all, even in this unkind world.

If you speak like fire, don’t be surprised if you get burned?

I want to help others, and I speak my values openly, so I expose myself to possible violence or even murder. This is not just opinion as actually, as I have had several actual death threats due to my out activism and strong unpopular ideas. But I am ready to die if speaking out brings this, trying to change things or save the world. Someone needs to do it and be so bold or things will not change. We all need someone brave to speak the truth. I am just trying to be a good human living a value-driven life.

    People that have a greater purpose will never really just “fit in.” All of us have the innate ability to discern what is right and just, and when we choose to act based on that, then there will be places and people that we won’t fit in with.” – LinkedIn Commenter

My response, Truly a speaker of authority, found in the wellspring of his humanity. I see you and the great person in you.

Damien AtHope, you already have a village. I clearly know that Bilal A. Salaam SBA doesn’t take connections lightly. Neither do I, although I will sometimes allow trolls temporary access to me (In my heart of hearts, I hope that the experience will enlighten them). So that voice that is trying to remind you of anything/everything negative, tell it – “I am embraced, accepted and I have a MoFo’N village!” Have an awesome day, good human! HUGS, Tamyko” – LinkedIn Commenter 

My response, I deeply, feel the wave, from the deep ocean of humanity you sail on. I am touched and honored. Hug.

“You are gifted Damien AtHope All those who despise are realizing the gravity of humanism amid pandemic, climate change, wars, etc…” – LinkedIn Commenter

My response, I am honored by your gift of kindness.

To be a good human requires, paradoxically, very little and quite a bit, as it requires us to practice a reverence for life, all life. It requires us to do all that we can to enhance and assist all life that we chance upon or interact with, to combat those acts or inactions that restrict or harm life. It seems simple, but in practice, it requires a life-affirming commitment to other creatures. Helping, not harming. With that in mind, I suspect you are indeed, a good human.” – LinkedIn Commenter

My response, You express a value-consciousness and sang the humanity of the heart. Wise.

Bilal A. Salaam SBA1st degree connection 1stTransformational Behavior Coach ???????????????????????? (We/Us/Our) #Ubuntu #Maat #NguzaSaba #Sankofa #defundRACISM – (Specializing in culturally specific transformational behavior) Well, YOU ARE a good human, you ARE NOT trash, you are the Phoenix risen from those lonely ashes to spread your flames of truth and humanity to all those you come in contact with, I for one am glad to have connected with your DIFFERENT SPIRIT. You are a breath of fresh air, a free spirit, and not a robot… STAY FREE MY FRIEND. STAY DIFFERENT. STAY AUTHENTICALLY YOU!” – LinkedIn Commenter

My response, I am honored by your kind expression of support and love.

“I am a psychologist and you are a valuable and vital member of humanity, even if you have not been treated as such. Continue to be you, fight the good fight against inhumanity and unjust exploitation of innocence and of just consideration of all of Mother earth’s life entities. Do not give up!” – Psychologist LinkedIn Commenter

My response, I thank you for your care and thoughtfulness. I am pleased, to see a fellow skilled in psychology. I openly expose all of me, not out of any need at all. I had 20 years of all tips of mental health therapy from marriage and sexuality counseling, to group counseling, to individual counseling, to school counseling both individual and group, etc. I also spent time in a treatment center, due to my mental health troubles. I do it (expose myself fully) rather as an act of revolution, so any others watching or reading can be inspired and edified. I am, as always navigating, my thinking and actions, in the paradigm, of my striving at being so naturally therapeutic good human, that I can be almost an impossibility remover for as many as experience me. I realized long ago I am responsible to be good…

Damien AtHope. It is extremely hard to be in the tail ends of the “normal” curve in life. The natural order has placed us there for a purpose, we are the rebels, the challengers and innovators, and the conscience and moral compass of humanity, however, it is that we do not participate in the trappings of what others call “normality.” Keep on keeping on.” – Psychologist LinkedIn Commenter

My response, I appreciate your support, I am just trying to be a good person, I am a high-functioning sociopath.

“Read “Crazy Wisdom,” which might be out of print. It certainly reinforced my own Don Quixote mission in life. Adelante soldados de Don Quixote!” – Psychologist LinkedIn Commenter

My response, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. You are a good person, and we need more good people. (Pardon me while I hijack this comment): I am not posting this really towards anyone nor is it against anyone. But I bet anyone, you could not make it through the entire front page of my website and think I need to read anything, in fact, you will advise everyone you know, to read it as soon as posable. What I have figured out will be like a nuclear bomb, it will change so much thinking used now. It is beyond anything you think it could be, it is a quest for truth and humanity not ever so honestly done or offered so freely to the world in the history of the knowledge in the world. I have figured out so many unknowns it will make some feel as if you don’t know much at all. No matter your education or schooling I am something never seen before. I am so wanting love to rule the world, but first, you need to learn how to think free and have actual knowledge to build one’s beliefs on.

“Thank You, Damien!!! I agree with everything you say, it takes some people years to break away from Religious educations/indoctrination, but education, i.e. World History, Philosophy, and Science teach only humanity and the human spirit is the force!!!” – LinkedIn Commenter

My response, I appreciate your deep humanity and thoughtfulness to post such a kind response. Hug.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

I am open to being called out if my behavior requires it.

Always feel free to tell me if I am doing anything you feel unconfirmable with. I honor your voice. You can tell me off. I am no better than you, or anyone. You may need to remind me of your needs, from time to time, if you change in feelings as well. I am intense but please know my heart is sweet. I am humble.

“Speak the Truth to The People…To identify the enemy is to free the Mind… Free the Mind of The People… Speak to the Mind of The People… Speak Truth” ~Mari Evans”

We are our best valuing ourselves and others. And as a good human, that is just what I strive to do with everyone.

Will I die for rights if need be? Hell yes, what the fuck did you think I was going to say? Are you paying attention? 

Antifa Strong. And no, I don’t associate with other Antifa, dude, you can read it on the internet if you don’t understand.

Tell it, loud, for the students in the back choking on the unreason that there is such a thing as a better human. News flash to the haters. You are responsible for how you behave in this life. Hate is the shame people sadly smear on themselves trying to look better than others.

I say, “more kindness,” please, and no hate. Yes, Black lives Matter. Antifa Strong. Thanks.

“Damien, You forgot including being a douchebag, in your list of descriptors, an empty vessel full of self-hate” – Challenger on YouTube

My response, I wonder is this your example of a good person?

Hate of others is a shame?
 
We are our best when we are both loving and kind. And kindness creates a home for love to be safe.
 
Hate of others is the shame people sadly smear on themselves trying to look better than others.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Low Gods “Earth” or Tutelary deity and High Gods “Sky” or Supreme deity

“An Earth goddess is a deification of the Earth. Earth goddesses are often associated with the “chthonic” deities of the underworldKi and Ninhursag are Mesopotamian earth goddesses. In Greek mythology, the Earth is personified as Gaia, corresponding to Roman Terra, Indic Prithvi/Bhūmi, etc. traced to an “Earth Mother” complementary to the “Sky Father” in Proto-Indo-European religionEgyptian mythology exceptionally has a sky goddess and an Earth god.” ref

“A mother goddess is a goddess who represents or is a personification of naturemotherhoodfertilitycreationdestruction or who embodies the bounty of the Earth. When equated with the Earth or the natural world, such goddesses are sometimes referred to as Mother Earth or as the Earth Mother. In some religious traditions or movements, Heavenly Mother (also referred to as Mother in Heaven or Sky Mother) is the wife or feminine counterpart of the Sky father or God the Father.” ref

Any masculine sky god is often also king of the gods, taking the position of patriarch within a pantheon. Such king gods are collectively categorized as “sky father” deities, with a polarity between sky and earth often being expressed by pairing a “sky father” god with an “earth mother” goddess (pairings of a sky mother with an earth father are less frequent). A main sky goddess is often the queen of the gods and may be an air/sky goddess in her own right, though she usually has other functions as well with “sky” not being her main. In antiquity, several sky goddesses in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Near East were called Queen of Heaven. Neopagans often apply it with impunity to sky goddesses from other regions who were never associated with the term historically. The sky often has important religious significance. Many religions, both polytheistic and monotheistic, have deities associated with the sky.” ref

“In comparative mythology, sky father is a term for a recurring concept in polytheistic religions of a sky god who is addressed as a “father”, often the father of a pantheon and is often either a reigning or former King of the Gods. The concept of “sky father” may also be taken to include Sun gods with similar characteristics, such as Ra. The concept is complementary to an “earth mother“. “Sky Father” is a direct translation of the Vedic Dyaus Pita, etymologically descended from the same Proto-Indo-European deity name as the Greek Zeûs Pater and Roman Jupiter and Germanic Týr, Tir or Tiwaz, all of which are reflexes of the same Proto-Indo-European deity’s name, *Dyēus Ph₂tḗr. While there are numerous parallels adduced from outside of Indo-European mythology, there are exceptions (e.g. In Egyptian mythology, Nut is the sky mother and Geb is the earth father).” ref

Tutelary deity

“A tutelary (also tutelar) is a deity or spirit who is a guardian, patron, or protector of a particular place, geographic feature, person, lineage, nation, culture, or occupation. The etymology of “tutelary” expresses the concept of safety and thus of guardianship. In late Greek and Roman religion, one type of tutelary deity, the genius, functions as the personal deity or daimon of an individual from birth to death. Another form of personal tutelary spirit is the familiar spirit of European folklore.” ref

“A tutelary (also tutelar) iKorean shamanismjangseung and sotdae were placed at the edge of villages to frighten off demons. They were also worshiped as deities. Seonangshin is the patron deity of the village in Korean tradition and was believed to embody the SeonangdangIn Philippine animism, Diwata or Lambana are deities or spirits that inhabit sacred places like mountains and mounds and serve as guardians. Such as: Maria Makiling is the deity who guards Mt. Makiling and Maria Cacao and Maria Sinukuan. In Shinto, the spirits, or kami, which give life to human bodies come from nature and return to it after death. Ancestors are therefore themselves tutelaries to be worshiped. And similarly, Native American beliefs such as Tonás, tutelary animal spirit among the Zapotec and Totems, familial or clan spirits among the Ojibwe, can be animals.” ref

“A tutelary (also tutelar) in Austronesian beliefs such as: Atua (gods and spirits of the Polynesian peoples such as the Māori or the Hawaiians), Hanitu (Bunun of Taiwan‘s term for spirit), Hyang (KawiSundaneseJavanese, and Balinese Supreme Being, in ancient Java and Bali mythology and this spiritual entity, can be either divine or ancestral), Kaitiaki (New Zealand Māori term used for the concept of guardianship, for the sky, the sea, and the land), Kawas (mythology) (divided into 6 groups: gods, ancestors, souls of the living, spirits of living things, spirits of lifeless objects, and ghosts), Tiki (Māori mythologyTiki is the first man created by either Tūmatauenga or Tāne and represents deified ancestors found in most Polynesian cultures). ” ref, ref, ref, ref, ref, ref, ref

Mesopotamian Tutelary Deities can be seen as ones related to City-States 

“Historical city-states included Sumerian cities such as Uruk and UrAncient Egyptian city-states, such as Thebes and Memphis; the Phoenician cities (such as Tyre and Sidon); the five Philistine city-states; the Berber city-states of the Garamantes; the city-states of ancient Greece (the poleis such as AthensSpartaThebes, and Corinth); the Roman Republic (which grew from a city-state into a vast empire); the Italian city-states from the Middle Ages to the early modern period, such as FlorenceSienaFerraraMilan (which as they grew in power began to dominate neighboring cities) and Genoa and Venice, which became powerful thalassocracies; the Mayan and other cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica (including cities such as Chichen ItzaTikalCopán and Monte Albán); the central Asian cities along the Silk Road; the city-states of the Swahili coastRagusa; states of the medieval Russian lands such as Novgorod and Pskov; and many others.” ref

“The Uruk period (ca. 4000 to 3100 BCE; also known as Protoliterate period) of Mesopotamia, named after the Sumerian city of Uruk, this period saw the emergence of urban life in Mesopotamia and the Sumerian civilization. City-States like Uruk and others had a patron tutelary City Deity along with a Priest-King.” ref

Chinese folk religion, both past, and present, includes myriad tutelary deities. Exceptional individuals, highly cultivated sages, and prominent ancestors can be deified and honored after death. Lord Guan is the patron of military personnel and police, while Mazu is the patron of fishermen and sailors. Such as Tu Di Gong (Earth Deity) is the tutelary deity of a locality, and each individual locality has its own Earth Deity and Cheng Huang Gong (City God) is the guardian deity of an individual city, worshipped by local officials and locals since imperial times.” ref

“A tutelary (also tutelar) in Hinduism, personal tutelary deities are known as ishta-devata, while family tutelary deities are known as Kuladevata. Gramadevata are guardian deities of villages. Devas can also be seen as tutelary. Shiva is the patron of yogis and renunciants. City goddesses include: Mumbadevi (Mumbai), Sachchika (Osian); Kuladevis include: Ambika (Porwad), and Mahalakshmi. In NorthEast India Meitei mythology and religion (Sanamahism) of Manipur, there are various types of tutelary deities, among which Lam Lais are the most predominant ones. Tibetan Buddhism has Yidam as a tutelary deity. Dakini is the patron of those who seek knowledge.” ref

“A tutelary (also tutelar) The Greeks also thought deities guarded specific places: for instance, Athena was the patron goddess of the city of Athens. Socrates spoke of hearing the voice of his personal spirit or daimonion:

You have often heard me speak of an oracle or sign which comes to me … . This sign I have had ever since I was a child. The sign is a voice which comes to me and always forbids me to do something which I am going to do, but never commands me to do anything, and this is what stands in the way of my being a politician.” ref

“Tutelary deities who guard and preserve a place or a person are fundamental to ancient Roman religion. The tutelary deity of a man was his Genius, that of a woman her Juno. In the Imperial era, the Genius of the Emperor was a focus of Imperial cult. An emperor might also adopt a major deity as his personal patron or tutelary, as Augustus did Apollo. Precedents for claiming the personal protection of a deity were established in the Republican era, when for instance the Roman dictator Sulla advertised the goddess Victory as his tutelary by holding public games (ludi) in her honor.” ref

“Each town or city had one or more tutelary deities, whose protection was considered particularly vital in time of war and siege. Rome itself was protected by a goddess whose name was to be kept ritually secret on pain of death (for a supposed case, see Quintus Valerius Soranus). The Capitoline Triad of Juno, Jupiter, and Minerva were also tutelaries of Rome. The Italic towns had their own tutelary deities. Juno often had this function, as at the Latin town of Lanuvium and the Etruscan city of Veii, and was often housed in an especially grand temple on the arx (citadel) or other prominent or central location. The tutelary deity of Praeneste was Fortuna, whose oracle was renowned.” ref

“The Roman ritual of evocatio was premised on the belief that a town could be made vulnerable to military defeat if the power of its tutelary deity were diverted outside the city, perhaps by the offer of superior cult at Rome. The depiction of some goddesses such as the Magna Mater (Great Mother, or Cybele) as “tower-crowned” represents their capacity to preserve the city. A town in the provinces might adopt a deity from within the Roman religious sphere to serve as its guardian, or syncretize its own tutelary with such; for instance, a community within the civitas of the Remi in Gaul adopted Apollo as its tutelary, and at the capital of the Remi (present-day Rheims), the tutelary was Mars Camulus.” ref 

Household deity (a kind of or related to a Tutelary deity)

“A household deity is a deity or spirit that protects the home, looking after the entire household or certain key members. It has been a common belief in paganism as well as in folklore across many parts of the world. Household deities fit into two types; firstly, a specific deity – typically a goddess – often referred to as a hearth goddess or domestic goddess who is associated with the home and hearth, such as the ancient Greek Hestia.” ref

“The second type of household deities are those that are not one singular deity, but a type, or species of animistic deity, who usually have lesser powers than major deities. This type was common in the religions of antiquity, such as the Lares of ancient Roman religion, the Gashin of Korean shamanism, and Cofgodas of Anglo-Saxon paganism. These survived Christianisation as fairy-like creatures existing in folklore, such as the Anglo-Scottish Brownie and Slavic Domovoy.” ref

“Household deities were usually worshipped not in temples but in the home, where they would be represented by small idols (such as the teraphim of the Bible, often translated as “household gods” in Genesis 31:19 for example), amulets, paintings, or reliefs. They could also be found on domestic objects, such as cosmetic articles in the case of Tawaret. The more prosperous houses might have a small shrine to the household god(s); the lararium served this purpose in the case of the Romans. The gods would be treated as members of the family and invited to join in meals, or be given offerings of food and drink.” ref

“In many religions, both ancient and modern, a god would preside over the home. Certain species, or types, of household deities, existed. An example of this was the Roman Lares. Many European cultures retained house spirits into the modern period. Some examples of these include:

“Although the cosmic status of household deities was not as lofty as that of the Twelve Olympians or the Aesir, they were also jealous of their dignity and also had to be appeased with shrines and offerings, however humble. Because of their immediacy they had arguably more influence on the day-to-day affairs of men than the remote gods did. Vestiges of their worship persisted long after Christianity and other major religions extirpated nearly every trace of the major pagan pantheons. Elements of the practice can be seen even today, with Christian accretions, where statues to various saints (such as St. Francis) protect gardens and grottos. Even the gargoyles found on older churches, could be viewed as guardians partitioning a sacred space.” ref

“For centuries, Christianity fought a mop-up war against these lingering minor pagan deities, but they proved tenacious. For example, Martin Luther‘s Tischreden have numerous – quite serious – references to dealing with kobolds. Eventually, rationalism and the Industrial Revolution threatened to erase most of these minor deities, until the advent of romantic nationalism rehabilitated them and embellished them into objects of literary curiosity in the 19th century. Since the 20th century this literature has been mined for characters for role-playing games, video games, and other fantasy personae, not infrequently invested with invented traits and hierarchies somewhat different from their mythological and folkloric roots.” ref

“In contradistinction to both Herbert Spencer and Edward Burnett Tylor, who defended theories of animistic origins of ancestor worship, Émile Durkheim saw its origin in totemism. In reality, this distinction is somewhat academic, since totemism may be regarded as a particularized manifestation of animism, and something of a synthesis of the two positions was attempted by Sigmund Freud. In Freud’s Totem and Taboo, both totem and taboo are outward expressions or manifestations of the same psychological tendency, a concept which is complementary to, or which rather reconciles, the apparent conflict. Freud preferred to emphasize the psychoanalytic implications of the reification of metaphysical forces, but with particular emphasis on its familial nature. This emphasis underscores, rather than weakens, the ancestral component.” ref

William Edward Hearn, a noted classicist, and jurist, traced the origin of domestic deities from the earliest stages as an expression of animism, a belief system thought to have existed also in the neolithic, and the forerunner of Indo-European religion. In his analysis of the Indo-European household, in Chapter II “The House Spirit”, Section 1, he states:

The belief which guided the conduct of our forefathers was … the spirit rule of dead ancestors.” ref

“In Section 2 he proceeds to elaborate:

It is thus certain that the worship of deceased ancestors is a vera causa, and not a mere hypothesis. …

In the other European nations, the Slavs, the Teutons, and the Kelts, the House Spirit appears with no less distinctness. … [T]he existence of that worship does not admit of doubt. … The House Spirits had a multitude of other names which it is needless here to enumerate, but all of which are more or less expressive of their friendly relations with man. … In [England] … [h]e is the Brownie. … In Scotland this same Brownie is well known. He is usually described as attached to particular families, with whom he has been known to reside for centuries, threshing the corn, cleaning the house, and performing similar household tasks. His favorite gratification was milk and honey.” ref

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

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Hinduism around 3,700 to 3,500 years old. ref

 Judaism around 3,450 or 3,250 years old. (The first writing in the bible was “Paleo-Hebrew” dated to around 3,000 years ago Khirbet Qeiyafa is the site of an ancient fortress city overlooking the Elah Valley. And many believe the religious Jewish texts were completed around 2,500) ref, ref

Judaism is around 3,450 or 3,250 years old. (“Paleo-Hebrew” 3,000 years ago and Torah 2,500 years ago)

“Judaism is an Abrahamic, its roots as an organized religion in the Middle East during the Bronze Age. Some scholars argue that modern Judaism evolved from Yahwism, the religion of ancient Israel and Judah, by the late 6th century BCE, and is thus considered to be one of the oldest monotheistic religions.” ref

“Yahwism is the name given by modern scholars to the religion of ancient Israel, essentially polytheistic, with a plethora of gods and goddesses. Heading the pantheon was Yahweh, the national god of the Israelite kingdoms of Israel and Judah, with his consort, the goddess Asherah; below them were second-tier gods and goddesses such as Baal, Shamash, Yarikh, Mot, and Astarte, all of whom had their own priests and prophets and numbered royalty among their devotees, and a third and fourth tier of minor divine beings, including the mal’ak, the messengers of the higher gods, who in later times became the angels of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Yahweh, however, was not the ‘original’ god of Israel “Isra-El”; it is El, the head of the Canaanite pantheon, whose name forms the basis of the name “Israel”, and none of the Old Testament patriarchs, the tribes of Israel, the Judges, or the earliest monarchs, have a Yahwistic theophoric name (i.e., one incorporating the name of Yahweh).” ref

“El is a Northwest Semitic word meaning “god” or “deity“, or referring (as a proper name) to any one of multiple major ancient Near Eastern deities. A rarer form, ‘ila, represents the predicate form in Old Akkadian and in Amorite. The word is derived from the Proto-Semitic *ʔil-, meaning “god”. Specific deities known as ‘El or ‘Il include the supreme god of the ancient Canaanite religion and the supreme god of East Semitic speakers in Mesopotamia’s Early Dynastic Period. ʼĒl is listed at the head of many pantheons. In some Canaanite and Ugaritic sources, ʼĒl played a role as father of the gods, of creation, or both. For example, in the Ugaritic texts, ʾil mlk is understood to mean “ʼĒl the King” but ʾil hd as “the god Hadad“. The Semitic root ʾlh (Arabic ʾilāh, Aramaic ʾAlāh, ʾElāh, Hebrew ʾelōah) may be ʾl with a parasitic h, and ʾl may be an abbreviated form of ʾlh. In Ugaritic the plural form meaning “gods” is ʾilhm, equivalent to Hebrew ʾelōhîm “powers”. In the Hebrew texts this word is interpreted as being semantically singular for “god” by biblical commentators. However the documentary hypothesis for the Old Testament (corresponds to the Jewish Torah) developed originally in the 1870s, identifies these that different authors – the Jahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, and the Priestly source – were responsible for editing stories from a polytheistic religion into those of a monotheistic religion. Inconsistencies that arise between monotheism and polytheism in the texts are reflective of this hypothesis.” ref

 

Jainism around 2,599 – 2,527 years old. ref

Confucianism around 2,600 – 2,551 years old. ref

Buddhism around 2,563/2,480 – 2,483/2,400 years old. ref

Christianity around 2,o00 years old. ref

Shinto around 1,305 years old. ref

Islam around 1407–1385 years old. ref

Sikhism around 548–478 years old. ref

Bahá’í around 200–125 years old. ref

Knowledge to Ponder: 

Stars/Astrology:

  • Possibly, around 30,000 years ago (in simpler form) to 6,000 years ago, Stars/Astrology are connected to Ancestors, Spirit Animals, and Deities.
  • The star also seems to be a possible proto-star for Star of Ishtar, Star of Inanna, or Star of Venus.
  • Around 7,000 to 6,000 years ago, Star Constellations/Astrology have connections to the “Kurgan phenomenon” of below-ground “mound” stone/wood burial structures and “Dolmen phenomenon” of above-ground stone burial structures.
  • Around 6,500–5,800 years ago, The Northern Levant migrations into Jordon and Israel in the Southern Levant brought new cultural and religious transfer from Turkey and Iran.
  • “The Ghassulian Star,” a mysterious 6,000-year-old mural from Jordan may have connections to the European paganstic kurgan/dolmens phenomenon.

“Astrology is a range of divinatory practices, recognized as pseudoscientific since the 18th century, that claim to discern information about human affairs and terrestrial events by studying the apparent positions of celestial objects. Different cultures have employed forms of astrology since at least the 2nd millennium BCE, these practices having originated in calendrical systems used to predict seasonal shifts and to interpret celestial cycles as signs of divine communications. Most, if not all, cultures have attached importance to what they observed in the sky, and some—such as the HindusChinese, and the Maya—developed elaborate systems for predicting terrestrial events from celestial observations. Western astrology, one of the oldest astrological systems still in use, can trace its roots to 19th–17th century BCE Mesopotamia, from where it spread to Ancient GreeceRome, the Islamicate world and eventually Central and Western Europe. Contemporary Western astrology is often associated with systems of horoscopes that purport to explain aspects of a person’s personality and predict significant events in their lives based on the positions of celestial objects; the majority of professional astrologers rely on such systems.” ref 

Around 5,500 years ago, Science evolves, The first evidence of science was 5,500 years ago and was demonstrated by a body of empirical, theoretical, and practical knowledge about the natural world. ref

Around 5,000 years ago, Origin of Logics is a Naturalistic Observation (principles of valid reasoning, inference, & demonstration) ref

Around 4,150 to 4,000 years ago: The earliest surviving versions of the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, which was originally titled “He who Saw the Deep” (Sha naqba īmuru) or “Surpassing All Other Kings” (Shūtur eli sharrī) were written. ref

Hinduism:

  • 3,700 years ago or so, the oldest of the Hindu Vedas (scriptures), the Rig Veda was composed.
  • 3,500 years ago or so, the Vedic Age began in India after the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Judaism:

  • around 3,000 years ago, the first writing in the bible was “Paleo-Hebrew”
  • around 2,500 years ago, many believe the religious Jewish texts were completed

Myths: The bible inspired religion is not just one religion or one myth but a grouping of several religions and myths

  • Around 3,450 or 3,250 years ago, according to legend, is the traditionally accepted period in which the Israelite lawgiver, Moses, provided the Ten Commandments.
  • Around 2,500 to 2,400 years ago, a collection of ancient religious writings by the Israelites based primarily upon the Hebrew Bible, Tanakh, or Old Testament is the first part of Christianity’s bible.
  • Around 2,400 years ago, the most accepted hypothesis is that the canon was formed in stages, first the Pentateuch (Torah).
  • Around 2,140 to 2,116 years ago, the Prophets was written during the Hasmonean dynasty, and finally the remaining books.
  • Christians traditionally divide the Old Testament into four sections:
  • The first five books or Pentateuch (Torah).
  • The proposed history books telling the history of the Israelites from their conquest of Canaan to their defeat and exile in Babylon.
  • The poetic and proposed “Wisdom books” dealing, in various forms, with questions of good and evil in the world.
  • The books of the biblical prophets, warning of the consequences of turning away from God:
  • Henotheism:
  • Exodus 20:23 “You shall not make other gods besides Me (not saying there are no other gods just not to worship them); gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.”
  • Polytheism:
  • Judges 10:6 “Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the sons of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; thus they forsook the LORD and did not serve Him.”
  • 1 Corinthians 8:5 “For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords.”
  • Monotheism:
  • Isaiah 43:10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.

Around 2,570 to 2,270 Years Ago, there is a confirmation of atheistic doubting as well as atheistic thinking, mainly by Greek philosophers. However, doubting gods is likely as old as the invention of gods and should destroy the thinking that belief in god(s) is the “default belief”. The Greek word is apistos (a “not” and pistos “faithful,”), thus not faithful or faithless because one is unpersuaded and unconvinced by a god(s) claim. Short Definition: unbelieving, unbeliever, or unbelief.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

Expressions of Atheistic Thinking:

  • Around 2,600 years ago, Ajita Kesakambali, ancient Indian philosopher, who is the first known proponent of Indian materialism. ref
  • Around 2,535 to 2,475 years ago, Heraclitus, Greek pre-Socratic philosopher, a native of the Greek city Ephesus, Ionia, on the coast of Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor or modern Turkey. ref
  • Around 2,500 to 2,400 years ago, according to The Story of Civilization book series certain African pygmy tribes have no identifiable gods, spirits, or religious beliefs or rituals, and even what burials accrue are without ceremony. ref
  • Around 2,490 to 2,430 years ago, Empedocles, Greek pre-Socratic philosopher and a citizen of Agrigentum, a Greek city in Sicily. ref
  • Around 2,460 to 2,370 years ago, Democritus, Greek pre-Socratic philosopher considered to be the “father of modern science” possibly had some disbelief amounting to atheism. ref
  • Around 2,399 years ago or so, Socrates, a famous Greek philosopher was tried for sinfulness by teaching doubt of state gods. ref
  • Around 2,341 to 2,270 years ago, Epicurus, a Greek philosopher known for composing atheistic critics and famously stated, “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him god?” ref

This last expression by Epicurus, seems to be an expression of Axiological Atheism. To understand and utilize value or actually possess “Value Conscious/Consciousness” to both give a strong moral “axiological” argument (the problem of evil) as well as use it to fortify humanism and positive ethical persuasion of human helping and care responsibilities. Because value-blindness gives rise to sociopathic/psychopathic evil.

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

While hallucinogens are associated with shamanism, it is alcohol that is associated with paganism.

The Atheist-Humanist-Leftist Revolutionaries Shows in the prehistory series:

Show one: Prehistory: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” the division of labor, power, rights, and recourses.

Show two: Pre-animism 300,000 years old and animism 100,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”

Show tree: Totemism 50,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”

Show four: Shamanism 30,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”

Show five: Paganism 12,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”

Show six: Emergence of hierarchy, sexism, slavery, and the new male god dominance: Paganism 7,000-5,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Capitalism) (World War 0) Elite and their slaves!

Show seven: Paganism 5,000 years old: progressed organized religion and the state: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Kings and the Rise of the State)

Show eight: Paganism 4,000 years old: Moralistic gods after the rise of Statism and often support Statism/Kings: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (First Moralistic gods, then the Origin time of Monotheism)

Prehistory: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” the division of labor, power, rights, and recourses: VIDEO

Pre-animism 300,000 years old and animism 100,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO

Totemism 50,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO

Shamanism 30,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO

Paganism 12,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Pre-Capitalism): VIDEO

Paganism 7,000-5,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Capitalism) (World War 0) Elite and their slaves: VIEDO

Paganism 5,000 years old: progressed organized religion and the state: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Kings and the Rise of the State): VIEDO

Paganism 4,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (First Moralistic gods, then the Origin time of Monotheism): VIEDO

I do not hate simply because I challenge and expose myths or lies any more than others being thought of as loving simply because of the protection and hiding from challenge their favored myths or lies.

The truth is best championed in the sunlight of challenge.

An archaeologist once said to me “Damien religion and culture are very different”

My response, So are you saying that was always that way, such as would you say Native Americans’ cultures are separate from their religions? And do you think it always was the way you believe?

I had said that religion was a cultural product. That is still how I see it and there are other archaeologists that think close to me as well. Gods too are the myths of cultures that did not understand science or the world around them, seeing magic/supernatural everywhere.

I personally think there is a goddess and not enough evidence to support a male god at Çatalhöyük but if there was both a male and female god and goddess then I know the kind of gods they were like Proto-Indo-European mythology.

This series idea was addressed in, Anarchist Teaching as Free Public Education or Free Education in the Public: VIDEO

Our 12 video series: Organized Oppression: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of power (9,000-4,000 years ago), is adapted from: The Complete and Concise History of the Sumerians and Early Bronze Age Mesopotamia (7000-2000 BC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szFjxmY7jQA by “History with Cy

Show #1: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Samarra, Halaf, Ubaid)

Show #2: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Eridu: First City of Power)

Show #3: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Uruk and the First Cities)

Show #4: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (First Kings)

Show #5: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Early Dynastic Period)

Show #6: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (King Lugalzagesi and the First Empire)

Show #7: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Sargon and Akkadian Rule)

Show #8: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Naram-Sin, Post-Akkadian Rule, and the Gutians)

Show #9: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Gudea of Lagash and Utu-hegal)

Show #10: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Third Dynasty of Ur / Neo-Sumerian Empire)

Show #11: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Amorites, Elamites, and the End of an Era)

Show #12: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Aftermath and Legacy of Sumer)

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

The “Atheist-Humanist-Leftist Revolutionaries”

Cory Johnston ☭ Ⓐ Atheist Leftist @Skepticallefty & I (Damien Marie AtHope) @AthopeMarie (my YouTube & related blog) are working jointly in atheist, antitheist, antireligionist, antifascist, anarchist, socialist, and humanist endeavors in our videos together, generally, every other Saturday.

Why Does Power Bring Responsibility?

Think, how often is it the powerless that start wars, oppress others, or commit genocide? So, I guess the question is to us all, to ask, how can power not carry responsibility in a humanity concept? I know I see the deep ethical responsibility that if there is power their must be a humanistic responsibility of ethical and empathic stewardship of that power. Will I be brave enough to be kind? Will I possess enough courage to be compassionate? Will my valor reach its height of empathy? I as everyone, earns our justified respect by our actions, that are good, ethical, just, protecting, and kind. Do I have enough self-respect to put my love for humanity’s flushing, over being brought down by some of its bad actors? May we all be the ones doing good actions in the world, to help human flourishing.

I create the world I want to live in, striving for flourishing. Which is not a place but a positive potential involvement and promotion; a life of humanist goal precision. To master oneself, also means mastering positive prosocial behaviors needed for human flourishing. I may have lost a god myth as an atheist, but I am happy to tell you, my friend, it is exactly because of that, leaving the mental terrorizer, god belief, that I truly regained my connected ethical as well as kind humanity.

Cory and I will talk about prehistory and theism, addressing the relevance to atheism, anarchism, and socialism.

At the same time as the rise of the male god, 7,000 years ago, there was also the very time there was the rise of violence, war, and clans to kingdoms, then empires, then states. It is all connected back to 7,000 years ago, and it moved across the world.

Cory Johnston: https://damienmarieathope.com/2021/04/cory-johnston-mind-of-a-skeptical-leftist/?v=32aec8db952d  

The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist (YouTube)

Cory Johnston: Mind of a Skeptical Leftist @Skepticallefty

The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist By Cory Johnston: “Promoting critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics by covering current events and talking to a variety of people. Cory Johnston has been thoughtfully talking to people and attempting to promote critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics.” http://anchor.fm/skepticalleft

Cory needs our support. We rise by helping each other.

Cory Johnston ☭ Ⓐ @Skepticallefty Evidence-based atheist leftist (he/him) Producer, host, and co-host of 4 podcasts @skeptarchy @skpoliticspod and @AthopeMarie

Damien Marie AtHope (“At Hope”) Axiological Atheist, Anti-theist, Anti-religionist, Secular Humanist. Rationalist, Writer, Artist, Poet, Philosopher, Advocate, Activist, Psychology, and Armchair Archaeology/Anthropology/Historian.

Damien is interested in: Freedom, Liberty, Justice, Equality, Ethics, Humanism, Science, Atheism, Antiteism, Antireligionism, Ignosticism, Left-Libertarianism, Anarchism, Socialism, Mutualism, Axiology, Metaphysics, LGBTQI, Philosophy, Advocacy, Activism, Mental Health, Psychology, Archaeology, Social Work, Sexual Rights, Marriage Rights, Woman’s Rights, Gender Rights, Child Rights, Secular Rights, Race Equality, Ageism/Disability Equality, Etc. And a far-leftist, “Anarcho-Humanist.”

I am not a good fit in the atheist movement that is mostly pro-capitalist, I am anti-capitalist. Mostly pro-skeptic, I am a rationalist not valuing skepticism. Mostly pro-agnostic, I am anti-agnostic. Mostly limited to anti-Abrahamic religions, I am an anti-religionist. 

To me, the “male god” seems to have either emerged or become prominent around 7,000 years ago, whereas the now favored monotheism “male god” is more like 4,000 years ago or so. To me, the “female goddess” seems to have either emerged or become prominent around 11,000-10,000 years ago or so, losing the majority of its once prominence around 2,000 years ago due largely to the now favored monotheism “male god” that grow in prominence after 4,000 years ago or so. 

My Thought on the Evolution of Gods?

Animal protector deities from old totems/spirit animal beliefs come first to me, 13,000/12,000 years ago, then women as deities 11,000/10,000 years ago, then male gods around 7,000/8,000 years ago. Moralistic gods around 5,000/4,000 years ago, and monotheistic gods around 4,000/3,000 years ago. 

Damien Marie AtHope’s Art

Damien Marie AtHope (Said as “At” “Hope”)/(Autodidact Polymath but not good at math):

Axiological Atheist, Anti-theist, Anti-religionist, Secular Humanist, Rationalist, Writer, Artist, Jeweler, Poet, “autodidact” Philosopher, schooled in Psychology, and “autodidact” Armchair Archaeology/Anthropology/Pre-Historian (Knowledgeable in the range of: 1 million to 5,000/4,000 years ago). I am an anarchist socialist politically. Reasons for or Types of Atheism

My Website, My Blog, & Short-writing or QuotesMy YouTube, Twitter: @AthopeMarie, and My Email: damien.marie.athope@gmail.com

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