The Contradiction Between Judaism and Atheism

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Most Jews in the world are impressively secular at this moment. And I would say vast numbers of them are actually atheists. Many of these people who fit both criteria of secularism and atheism still find that their Judaism is very important to them. They don't want to give it up. Even some of these people are even rabbis, but they're not gonna be orthodox rabbis because they are rather more explicit with their buy-in.

Bestselling author and friend of the podcast Sam Harris joins Tamler and Dave for a marathon podcast. (Seriously, pack two pairs of astronaut diapers for this one). We talk about the costs and benefits of religion, dropping acid in India, and the illusory nature of (a certain kind of) free will. Then we go at it on blame, moral responsibility, hatred, guilt, retribution, and vengeance. Sam thinks these are antiquated responses based on a belief in spooky metaphysics, Tamler thinks they are important components of human morality, and Dave just wants everyone to get along and be reasonable (like that nice Kant fellow).

Time markers (roughly)

0:00-47:00 Intro and costs and benefits of religion

47:00-77:30 Drugs, the self, free will

77:30-- Blame, guilt, vengeance, moral responsibility, desert.

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