Episode 030: “…And Living Without Faith” With David Young

Show Notes

Intro music: Ventura Tyler Bates

Featured music: Why Does The Sun Shine They Might Be Giants

Hi Pilgrims,

David Young shares how his evidence based skeptical worldview shapes his life as well as discussing where there are some bridges of commonality with the Christian faith shared by Steve & Tammy.

I  continue our delightful talk with David Young. David is a sceptic, a materialist, an atheist, and well, also my friend.  In the first part of our talk David shared his very heartfelt story of being diagnosed with the degenerative illness ALS or “Lou gehrig’s disease”.  In today’s podcast though david shares with us how he developed a sceptic’s mind and outlook on the world around him.  And how that worldview has shaped him for the better.

Even in the cab ride home after our interview with David, Tammy was still processing what David had shared saying she wished she had known someone like David when she was growing up.  At one point she said, “Steve, I was never taught to question.  To examine evidence…I was told the Bible says it and that settles it.

And here’s the thing…David isn’t out to undercut my faith.  If anything friends like David and others like him in my life who actually help renew my faith in God and humanity.  He probably wouldn’t put it in those terms but what I look for in people I surround myself with are the ones producing the fruit in their lives Jesus talks about… love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-

David Young

control.”

When I was younger I would have insisted that only a Christian could produce those attributes in a meaningful way….why, because that was what I was taught.  But now, I realise those fruit can be manifest in many folk outside my faith tradition.  Jesus didn’t say there was a regular kindness and a super Christian kindness, he just encouraged the crowds following him to be kind.

David is an atheist…and he’s kind…and I know you’re going to love what he has to say on today’s show.

Peace,

Steve

Podcast Index:

7:20 – How David became a skeptic

22:12 – Skeptics in the Pub

27:13 – Effects of Tribalism

35:11 – Morality & Ethics for a skeptic

41:00 – Bible & Morality

46:25 – Are we wired for Belief or Unbelief?
Check out this episode!