Bill Maher Takes On Religion, And It Doesn't Have A Chance

New York Times:

"Religulous," which comes out on Friday in New York and Oct. 3 in the rest of the country, shows Mr. Maher on a world tour of rapid-cut interviews in Israel, Denmark, Vatican City and Monsey, N.Y., the home of Orthodox Jews United Against Zionism, whose leaders participated in a convention of Holocaust deniers in Iran.

The movie is trying to tap the same spirit that has propelled books crusading against religion, like Richard Dawkins's "God Delusion," Sam Harris's "End of Faith" and Christopher Hitchens's "God Is Not Great," to the best-seller lists. Atheist groups now even have their own dating Web sites, glossy magazines, paid lobbyists and annual cruise outings.

Mr. Charles and Mr. Maher carry their evangelism to a broad swath of targets: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Mormonism, Scientology, even Cantheism, a pot-centric belief system that is often overlooked in theological debate. Buddhism and Hinduism get a pass; interviews with Muslims are intercut with footage of warring jihadis. At the end of the movie Mr. Maher calls on "anti-religionists" to "come out of the closet and assert themselves" in the face of religious extremism. "Grow up or die," he says.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[Mikecoatl]

I appreciate satire as much as anyone. I just wish Maher would have sat on this until, oh I don't know, after the election, for instance?

[bernj]

Agreed. Maher really ain't all that funny anyway. No doubt the idiots on the right will try to link him to Obama despite the fact that there is no such link.

While I believe in God, I have serious reservations about organized religion and the harm it has caused over the centuries, Maher's disrespect for anyone who disagrees with him puts him in the same boat as the folks he complains about. At this point I find him obnoxious and boring.

[SlithyTove]

For crying out loud, it's the religionists that have spilled a million times more blood in the name of their faith (whatever it may be) over the centuries than the anti-religious. There is simply no equivalence here, so he could not possibly be 'in the same boat'. I find him intriguing and intelligent.

[Vr6]

Sometimes we see in others what we most hate about ourselves. Turn the other cheek and understand how religion was created, also why it was and who it benefitted the most.

[QuietNetworker]

I doubt that many of the credulous will bother to watch the film.

[SlithyTove]

They won't -- but Mikecoatl's point is the damage will be done by word of mouth.

[ColeSkinner]

Trailer:

Jesus-figure: What if you're wrong?
Maher: What if YOU'RE wrong?

Is this for adults? Maher 's comedy at its best comes from its intellectual nature, which seems lacking here.

Maher surely believes in right and wrong? Without a standard to measure it, "rightness" is purely subjective, and morality is really just random preference - a by-product of DNA. And so you can't hold Mussolini, or Maher, or Bush accountable for Darwinian programming - it becomes like saying green is superior to yellow.

Without God, you lose any philosophical footing for complaining - you're just announcing your preferences or self-interest, and talk of justice is like a field mouse saying a hawk is unfair.

Most religions agree that it's wrong to steal, wrong to sleep with your neighbor's wife. Why would an atheist refrain from stealing if nobody was looking? The social contract? If nobody was looking - theft at that moment had an obvious benefit and no consequences - what prevents you from it? Because it's wrong? Who says so and why do you care?

The atheist's appeal to rational thought is only one facet of the equation. It is coldly rational for the man with a starving family to kill another for food. It is only the super-rational conscience - our antenna to God - that may prevent him from doing so. People of all sorts ignore their consciences, but to blame God - and not human free will - is to deny the reality of the only

[Jingo]

So deep down, are atheists rampant thieves or do they have some secret belief in God that still keeps them from stealing? Maybe that rational thought process leads them to a form of empathy - I won't steal from you because I wouldn't want someone to steal from me. Maybe a thief is not the type of person they liked or wanted to be. And what keeps Catholics from sleeping with a neighbor's spouse? Sure it's a sin, but you can go to confession and say a few heartfelt Hail Mary's and all is forgiven.

And of course green is superior to yellow. Yellow mixed with blue makes green , so green is a complex color. So there.

[SlithyTove]

I submit that Osama Bin Laden is a lot more religious than you are. And so were the Crusaders and the Conquistadores.

Religion and spirituality, or even religion and ethics are very distinct things. Morality and conduct are not forged exclusively through religion, but by something far more fundamental -- tribal instinct, with a dash of game theory thrown in.

The worst atrocities through the ages have been committed by ass*les convinced that they have a direct line to god. You don't see too many Osamas in an essentially secular tribal culture like Japan where no one goes goo-goo ga-ga over god, but where a wallet left on a train has the highest probability of anywhere on the planet of being returned to its owner. Contrast this with a Mafiosi going to confession after completing a hit.

[PaxMundis]

"The worst atrocities through the ages have been committed by ass*les convinced that they have a direct line to god. You don't see too many Osamas in an essentially secular tribal culture like Japan where no one goes goo-goo ga-ga over god, but where a wallet left on a train has the highest probability of anywhere on the planet of being returned to its owner. Contrast this with a Mafiosi going to confession after completing a hit.

Japan is, of course, one of the most ethnically homogenous places on Earth, which means that there is little reason for such conflict. As well, Japan is also a place where you can buy women's used underpants in vending machines. So I wouldn't hold them up as any kind of moral exemplar.

[QuietNetworker]

I'm not sure if I would say this report was an invitation to start
going down the many arguments for theism and specifically
for one g-d candidate...

However, the moral arguments for theism are well dispelled.

In the form of a logical sylogism, here's what you're tring to say:

1. If there are objective moral values then g-d exists.
2. There are objective moral values.
3. Therefore, g-d exists.

Even if we grant the existence of objective moral values, the
argument fails because the first premise is groundless.

The rationale for thinking that objective moral values require g-d
is the assumption that only g-d could ground the objectivity of
ethics.

But, there appears to be no way that the existence of g-d
could ground moral truths--anymore than it could ground
mathematical or scientific truths.

Does a triangle have three sides because g-d exists?
Clearly it's naturalistic.

You also offer the tired epistemological moral argument.

I ask you this...

Is something moral because g-d says so, or is g-d simply wise
enough to know what is moral?

If the former, then g-d is merely a reporter and thus not required...

If the latter, then morality isn't objective...but rather subjective.

Finally, suicide bombers, something you don't see atheists doing,
take these actions while praising their g-d. So clearly, even if
all people who to decend into the lunacy of theism and or
credulity, there would be disagreements about morality.

[SlithyTove]

Argued in true Talmudic style,..gives me such naches, my friend -- well done.

[SlithyTove]

...but you do have your former (subjective, not reporter) and latter (reporter) reversed.

[PaxMundis]

"Finally, suicide bombers, something you don't see atheists doing,"

Not so fast. Google Tamil Tigers and see what comes up.

[pinkyboo]

What gives the make believe Jesus the right to say "what if you're wrong"?

People have the right to argue and good for Bill!

[Hirnlego]

Maher has it right.

Let me demonstrate.
1 There are many religions
2 They cannot all be correct
3 The chances of you believing in the correct god of all the thousands++ we humans have made up during the years are very low.
4 God has not written any holy books
5 We do not know what god finds important
6 Isn't the need for worship such a petty human emotion?
7 Would't god be bothered what we do in the first place rather than what we believe?
8 Is threatening with hell a moral thing to do?
9 Shop around when you pick your superstition. They all interpret religion in different way
10 Believing without evidence is not rational
11 What self interest? Humans are not solely individualists. We have plenty of altruim hardwired. Just look around:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/27/AR2007052701056.html
12 Most people dont choose their religion, it is chosen "for" them

...So a anti-Pascals wager makes more sense.

Religion is the poor mans philosophy

[mdmpo]

I don't like this kind of stuff. I believe in God. Everyone can do what they think is right, but it still bothers me.

[alsm9]

er...we don't all think alike. That's what you as a religious person, needs to learn. And which is why it should stay out of government policy.

[mdmpo]

I don't think it should be in government policy. I strongly believe in the separation between church and state. I would NEVER support that. I just don't like this type of satire. Like I said, it's something I believe in. You are assuming an awful lot in your response to me there. Most Christians are not evangelicals. And most evangelicals are not Christian. At least not in my book.

[SOOKOOYAH GURL]

And you, I am, sure bother him.. Why is it hard for you to respect that others don't believe in Jesus, Mary and who ever knocked her up?

No one is saying that you can't be a Muhammed Freak or a Jesus lover, but your craziness is destroying the world because you think in terms of: "GOD TOLD YOU IN A DREAM", rather than thinking logically!!

We are spending 10 BILLION a month in Iraq because "God told George "DUMBY" Bush to invade iraq. Do you see how insane this is? And the sadder part is that more than half of the country went along with it!

I assume when we get closer to the election we will here McCain and Palin injecting God more into it!

What a joke!!

[hypnotoad72]

Just remember - it's not as much the "rule of law" as it is "spirit of the law". Deliberate or even bicker about the laws and if they're in a book called "Bible", "Quran", or "Russell T Davies", forget the spirit and the meaning and society will fall apart.

Wait, that's happening. Never mind. Go back to being petty, thank you!!

[alsm9]

Oh please. Society isn't falling apart. It's the same as it's always been. Pick up a history book!!

[myangeldog1]

The weaponry has gotten out of hand....too bad our morality hasn't exceeded our technology.

[Hirnlego]

I believe you may have too much faith in religion and far too little for mankind itself.

[fiberoptimist]

I am personally looking forward to seeing Bill's flick, but I think, politically, the timing of this is horrible. It will create a backlash that will cause the right-wingers to circle the wagons. It's just the kind of divisive issue that can be used as a wedge. Bill - what are you thinking?

[Rhubarbarian]

That is exactly what my husband (who used to be a big Maher fan but now, not so much) has been saying for months. It will rally the right-wing base just like the gay marriage issue did in 2004. We are both liberal Christians, but we find right-wing Christians almost as scary as Muslim extremists. I respect the opinions of atheists and agnostics, but Maher is down right insulting of anyone who has any religious leanings. I usually don't agree with Andrew Sullivan (except that he's for Obama), but was so glad when he called Maher down on how insulting he is to those of faith. Bottom line, I will go see Bill's movie as I am a big fan and admire him for being on the board of PETA, but the timing of this is asinine.

[dtrobert]

Considering that religious people have nothing but open (most of the time) contempt for atheists, I take your objections with the grain of salt they deserve. "I respect the opinions of atheists and agnostics": you'd be the first Christians to do so. You like to *say* you respect our opinions, but I'm pretty sure that in your heart of hearts, you say to yourself: "poor lost souls, they'll be going to hell, I'm sure. At the very least, they're not going to heaven!". Don't dare claim you don't believe in hell; the belief in hell is even more fundamental to Christian theology than the belief in heaven. That kind of condescension if at the heart of all religions; to a man (woman), you all believe that you are right, and we are wrong.

You just can't take that we feel the same way about you.

Hypocrites.

[hypnotoad72]

It's always bad timing, so that's why people say it anyway, I suppose. Of course, major election years are 2 years apart and that's when all the fringe elements start to come out.

[plymouth44]

You go Bill! All religion and the books they call doctrine are man made. Religion is nothing but tomorrows mythology. Religion was created by man to control man. The masses must be ruled. Man will not fear another man he can see, but he will fear that which he can't... Thus the gods were created. Only the foolish who lack thoughfulness will fall for this manipulation. Become spiritual not religious. Remember from the teachings of Christ, the man not the god, have no teacher, do not call me rabbi(teacher). Your search is personal do not be fooled by those who seek to control you and take your money. Only the weak minded will follow such meaningless dribble. Just like our political system. Division by belonging to a GROUP for the lost and insecure. Don't be a party member. Be a thoughful American. Be a thoughtful human being.

[PaxMundis]

"Your search is personal do not be fooled by those who seek to control you and take your money. Only the weak minded will follow such meaningless dribble. Just like our political system. Division by belonging to a GROUP for the lost and insecure. Don't be a party member. Be a thoughful American. Be a thoughtful human being."

The very idea that you are allowed to think for yourself and choose your own path is due to Judeo-Christian philosophers. The Renaissance and the Enlightenment, while causing many to reject orthodox belief, nonetheless came out of religious thought.

[editorjuno]

Eurocentric horsepuckey -- humans have been been thinking for themselves throughout history and all over the world. Lao Tze, The Buddha, and Sri Shankara didn't need your "Judeo-Christian" tradition in devising their revolutionary ideas of a "path." Was Spinoza one of those "Judeo-Christian" philosophers -- does rejecting tradition come "out of religious thought?" That position is like saying abolitionism came out of slave-holding thought -- it's sequentially true, but entirely beside the point!

[Ironfox]

Nonsense, to think for yourself is the essence of much of ancient Greek philosophy, from Socrates to Epicurus.
'True believers " usually have a low tollerance for ambiguity and an inability to sustain a metephore. Christianity, particularily, Roman Catholicism, seldom bothered to make their arguments plausable; it is plain that they have little respect for human intelligence , and indeed little belief in it's existence.
From Iranus of Leon ( " to lie in defence of the faith is no sin" ) to Augustine independent thought was not only discouraged but condemed. Until the reformation the reading of the Bible by individuals, without benefit of clergy was forbidden. A clergy that makes it's living by assuring idiots that it can save them from an imaginary hell. Your assertion is absurd on its face and in substance.

[SlithyTove]

There were thinkers across the world, from Iran through India and China, who were writing books while Europeans and Semites alike were still living in caves.

[partisanpolitico]

Why do the faithful get all exercised when someone questions their religion? Evidence maybe? Scientific method?.........look, believe what you want. The answers to the great questions will eventually be solved, and the future US will look back at the current US with kindly benevolence and be amazed at all the dark ages we had to suffer thru at the hands of religion.

[wml209]

Looking fwd to seeing this film Friday, here in the city!!! Organized religion & I have never seen eye to eye...

Thanks Bill!!

[sofla954]

What? God can't stand up to some hard-nosed skepticism?

The problem with religion is that they all believe the other ones are wrong... atheists just believe that all the religions are wrong and that mystical stories are not needed to explain the universe.

[sustainable]

IMHO the most strident atheists are the most preachy, boring, lecturing, hectoring, hating, censoring a-holes in the world.

Its like they make a religion out of no religion.

[alsm9]

Having an opinion is not the same as being religious. Please. Your fear is so transparent.

[Hirnlego]

Not true. Much less dogmatism and blind faith with doubters than the religious.

[deliriousgod]

I don't consider myself an atheist but I feel safer in their company than I do in the company of Religious fanatics. My God isn't so small as to blame people for doubting the existence of an omnipotent entity composed completely of Love who lets all this Horror go on in his name.

[SouthpawSass]

"...myself an atheist... My God ... doubting an omnipotent entity ... in his name."

I don't mean to sound picky, but let me play "devil's advocate" - pardon the pun.

After claiming yourself an atheist, you refer to your God, as in "My God" then you put your God in thinking mode as in "not blaming people". Then you refer to your God as a "him"...

I don't have a problem with you being an atheist, but I don't think you're following the rules.

[oliv0128]

s/he said: "I don't consider myself an atheist." So I think you must have misread.

[kzzylee]

Read deliriousgod's first line again - I don't consider myself an atheist.

[Ironfox]

And I don"t think yoy can read.

[SouthpawSass]

My sincere apologies... I completely misread your post in that I read everthing so fast, I absolutely overlooked "don't"... It's the one word that should have been clearly seen and made all the difference in what you wrote.

A big "DUNCE" to me. < : I

[PristineLady]

I had a chance to see this film at an advance screening and it rocks!!! Congratulations!!!

If you like hard-hitting sacrilegious comedies, check out "COMING SOON" - a far more controversial film that'll get your mind spinning for weeks! (It's still streaming for free at http://www.comingsoon.cz. Both films are HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended!!!

[PristineLady]

I had a chance to see this film at an advance screening and it rocks!!! Congratulations!!!

If you like hard-hitting sacrilegious comedies, check out "COMING SOON" - a far more controversial film that'll get your mind spinning for weeks! (It's still streaming for free at http://www.comingsoon.cz.Both films are HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended!!!

[AngryCitizen]

I like Maher, until he goes on one of his anti-faith rants. I am as liberal as you can get. I am gay. I am a democrat. I am a person of faith. He disregards my quiet faith in every attack and who really knows? I will never know if I am wrong; he will for sure know if he is wrong.

[Mysticalsister]

I feel the same way. His rabid anti spiritual crusade really turns me off. I don't think he really knows how much his prejudice infuses his other opinions, or how much they turn off his audience. I respect atheism as a point of view, and I also think that we must have separation of church and state to be a functioning democracy. It deeply concerns me that no one is speaking passionately about this. Bill could be a great advocate of this point of view, but he loses those of us who do believe in God, or have faith in something greater, when he treats all faith as if it were a form of insanity. His position is a counterpoint to the same self-righteous zealotry that we see in the worst of the christian right. I wonder why Bill doesn't recognize that behavior in himself? If he gave us the benefit of the doubt, that we have faith but don't want to impose it on him or the government, we might have a place from which to begin the dialogue this country desperately needs.

[RobinSeattle]

You're confusing spirituality with religion.

Spirituality is the individual contemplation of one's place in the grand cosmic scheme and what what scheme might be and how it might best be expressed.

Religion is joining the army. It is the MRE of spirituality. You eat whatever it is they hand you and recapitulate it and expressing ideas contradictory to that sect's ideas is frowned upon, sometime even via the local legal system (Saudi Arabia, for example).

Spirituality takes into account all possibilities. Religion tells you to ignore other possibilities. In that way, religion is little more than a glorified tv show. You are given a series of stories in a box that is some "holy" document and told to become invested in them emotionally and philosophically.

So religion isn't spiritual. It is just a bowdlerized hustle for those who think Reader's Digest is profound literature.

[alsm9]

"His position is a counterpoint to the same self-righteous zealotry that we see in the worst of the christian right."

How so? Because when I think of the worst of the christian right, I think of groups like the Westboro Baptist Church who show up to vet funerals with signs that say "god hates f*gs" because they think the Iraq war is a result of the USA's "accepting" views of homosexuality. Maher's hardly as hateful as this don't you think? My opinion is you, and anyone who finds his brand of satire offensive is just threatened.

[noobles]

His show revolves around opinions, and Bill isn't the only commentator out there. His contempt for religion and belief in God is his view, among many many other views which people watch his show and standups for.
Recently, Andrew Sullivan basically made the point that most religious people are able to differentiate with faith and real world matters, and apply rational thought to the latter. Maher is basically perplexed and angry as to why such thinking is suspended for the former.

[Adrienne Williams - Huffpost Blogger]

I don't know -- even not having faith is everyone's right in the USA -- why are we knocking him because he doesn't believe in your god or the history of it? I'm going to see the film because I like satire...

[SlithyTove]

And what did you think of that other brilliant film, Dogma?

[PaxMundis]

Dogma was pretty much the only Kevin Smith movie I could stand.

[Hirnlego]

"he will for sure know if he is wrong."
Actually we don't know this. We don't. Maybe God(s) actually prefer sound skepticism before all the blind faith?
And if there is no afterlife then there is nothing to know. Zip. Nada.

[kellygrrrl]

I am so looking forward to this film.

can't wait to see all the CrazeeRadicalFreaks marching in Protest and simply proving the point

[jeplanet]

Can I get a "HELL, YEAH" ???

[Jamesdean]

Bill Maher is simply awesome. love that guy.