Sherri Shepherd, Bill Maher Spar Over God: Bill Tells Sherri She Should Go To Psych Ward

Bill Maher appeared on "The View" Tuesday morning to promote his upcoming film, "Religulous," which comes out Friday. When Maher tried to debunk a basic tenet of Christianity, Sherri Shepherd, whose devout religious beliefs have provided fodder for the show before, asked, "When you did this movie, you talked to a lot of people about God — have you ever just talked to God, and asked God what does he think?"

When Maher asked Sherri if God ever answered her, and she said that he did, Maher said: "Well then we should call Bellevue." Bellevue is a New York hospital known for its psychiatric facilities.

Watch:

Previously:
Sherri Shepherd: I "Had More Abortions Than I Would Like to Count" Before I Was Saved
WATCH: Sherri Explains Abortion Remark
Sherri Shepherd: I Thought Earthquake Was Armageddon
Sherri Shepherd Doesn't Get That Whole BC Thing, Insists "Jesus Came First"

Comments

[ramal]

If one truly believed in god the evidence should be so compelling as to convince every believer
to "take up the cross and follow me." Somehow this doesn't happen. Fame, money, comfort all seem to come first.

[flowerguerrilla]

Time is linear, and sometimes one takes up as much as one can, and people can be affected by the love. Used to be a hard liner Christian evangelist. But we have more than enough words floating around - it's truly our acts of kindness that display God's love (what ever one's higher power is) But every person has to decide that even if people are not perfect, God (who ever that is to you) IS, His/her/it's love is perfect, and according to Scriptures I read, it says " His love is made perfect in you". I think that is a growing characteristic. I know for me, sometimes it just comes is waves, when I'm working w/ the homeless, etc., Sometimes (most of the time it feels, I'm a B*tch!)

[AramisMU]

Funny how that logic doesn't work in any other sphere of the world, isn't it?

[Hirnlego]

This is because we humans have invented every religion there is. Some religions unfortunaly have survived.

[mindcaster]

Organized religion and its inspired 'faith' among believers really equates the Placebo Effect, me thinks.

[MajorKong]

If Sheppard claimed that God was speaking to her through her toaster we'd say she was insane. Removing the toaster from the equation doesn't change anything.

[Bocado]

LMAO. Gonna use that on this thumping nutjob on another forum that I talk to.

[ATSJer]

LOL! This is laughable! Your logic relies on a characature of what it means to "hear" from God. "Hearing" from God is not "hearing" his audible voice, as Christians we "hear" from God in various ways; primarily Scripture, reason, experience, and tradition.

I guess when someone stands before a brilliant piece of art and says "Wow, that really speaks to me." We should throw them in a psych ward. Give me a break, no one really thinks "Oh wow, she really thinks that painting is speaking." God doesn't use an audible voice, instead God inspires through various means of Grace. Trust me God is much more creative than to fit Himself into Bill Maher's little box.

[thundermummy]

Think that through before you pat yourself on the back. Many people have had gods speak to them and connect with them and inspire them in the same way you say the big G Christian god works. Saying that God is creative and speaks to you in this way doesn't make him any more real than Venus, Thor, Mithras, Ra or Tubby the Tuba (pick a deity, any deity).

[ominous]

the difference is that you can actually stand before that brilliant piece of art.

[Krackonis]

Actually In the 2000BC Era, we SAW Hallucinations. Then after a time we could only Hear them. Perhaps you should read more. There are book with words that encourage rational thought out there, instead of ones that discourage.

[edgarallenpoe]

If you ask Sherri, I'm sure that she will say the she heard the voice of God speaking to her, and she is not alone in her perception that he speaks audibly inside her head. Those are the people to whom Bill was referring. You don't hear the voice of god the way they do, so you might not need to go to Bellevue.

[Hirnlego]

Reason? Oh boy, religion + reason does not exactly have a good history together.

Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed -- Martin Luther

"Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error." Thomas Jefferson

[Puller58]

Maher is simply inelegantly stating the obvious. People who claim God speaks to them are going to inspire skepticism at the very least.

[drblack]

I thought Sheppard was one of the dumbest people ever until Palin .
Superstition and anti-science attitudes will lead to America becoming a third world country.
The reason the USA became so great was a combination of total individual Freedom and scientific expertise. Both are almost all gone.

[ohioan73]

I knew she was ignorant when I saw her talking about how she doesn't know if the world is round or flat because she's been raising a child. That's a non-intellectual tactic for escaping any discussion that threatens to corner them with logic. She even admitted that you have to suspend a lot of logic to believe.

[ohioan73]

Of course I'm divided on this because I am an atheist, too. I tread very lightly on religion for sake of the feelings of believers. I never bring up the subject of religion or God to people because my views are automatically offensive to Christians­/Jews/Musl­ims etc. Its like I'm calling believers liars if I run down the reasons why I'm an atheist so I just keep quiet about it.

The problem is, believers in God don't always show me the same courtesy. Sometimes they think they have the right to challenge and question me, like for example, Sherri Shepard asking Bill if he ever talked to God. That's just condescending to someone who doesn't believe in God. How can you talk to something you dont even believe is there? I suppose Bill started it by making that movie. He is a comedian and he's allowed to push the envelope, but regular atheists like me have to respect believers in the everyday world because they outnumber us.

[thundermummy]

Spot on. I don't call myself an atheist or go out of my way to talk religion either but get ticked when this "God" character gets shoved in my face un-wantedly. Much like a Jew has to deal with Christmas saturating the landscape in December, I have to deal with all religion everyday. That's ok, it's part of the culture, but I will not cow tow to it or "show it respect". Don't expect me to play along anymore than you'd expect a Jew to go to midnight mass. (p.s. Jewish dad and Catholic mom, went to both church and synagogue, left them both too.)

[Eric8869]

YES - that's the point. Religious people shove their beliefs down your throat and you are supposed to be respectful. But if you're an Atheist - somehow you need to keep it quiet as not to offend. That is just BS.

Do you know WHY most religious people are so angry and threatened by atheists? Because they have doubt inside them that god exists and they are doing everything they can to fight against it. So you make them angry by bringing it up.

[Krackonis]

Yes, its a psychological reinforced need to be right. Even when undeniably wrong, we will fight tooth and nail and be mentally satisfied with Serotonin and Endorphins if we win an argument no matter the facts.

This "need to be validated" is very strong in those with closed minds because it is a sizable chunk of what everything is based on. Should you rattle that faith you are rattling the foundations of their mental outlook. It's like finding out their Mothers hated them or your wife doesn't love you anymore. It's that hard on people sometimes.

[steve12]

rick

button project,

I do not find that Maher's mocking someone else's faith is constructive to dialog. I think Maher has every right in the world to make this film. He has every right to mock Sherri Shepherd's or my beliefs. But PLEASE, don't expect me to like it or respect it or think he's doing a good thing.

Don't get me wrong. I think Maher is a talented comedian and satirist. I usually watch his HBO program and will continue to do so, but he's got a hang up on religion and needs to get over it. You don't need religion to kill or persecute people. Mao and Stalin did it quite well without the help of religion. If you don't have religion to justify genocide or mass murder, you'll just find something else to justify the evil. Religion was just so convenient for so many centuries.

Maher - Get over it!!! Religion is not evil. Some people are. Religion is not stupid...a­lthough I admit, some of it does sound a little crazy to a non-believer. Some people are stupid, including possibly the Republican Vice Presidential nominee.

Have tolerance for other people's views, even if you don't agree with them. I will have tolerance for Maher's views. I may even go see his movie.

[drblack]

Bill isn't trying to make religion Illegal or kill anyone over it. That is tolerance.
The extremists of christian and muslim superstition both want to make there superstition law and want to punish those who don't fall into line.
That is what intolerance is.

[thundermummy]

Is it intolerant to say that believing that believing in Zeus in the 21st century is crazy?

[flowerguerrilla]

That was so well said!

I'm shocked by the amount of flack Christians get in progressive circles. I'm a former Christian semi-right wing Republican (still a Christian) who has evolved into a Green (who's voting for Nader). It's true the Christian political Right was used and the sheeple were manipulated to vote for Bush, lead us into war, adopt a pre-fascist racist plan for the New American Century, but don't mock the people if the pastors mislead them! It's usually due to ignorance of what's going on politically, and we can thank the media for that.

Also, Maher wouldn't have said what he did if Sherry were Muslim ...or Jewish . Christians are the new scapegoats in many sophisticated circles.

Actually, American Right Wing Christians are hysterical! But not the people associated with them only by a similar belief in God/the Bible. Often people who say they don't believe in God are 1) angry with God, or 2) don't want to own up to a moral authority (can't forgive themselves, can't believe the injustice in the world.)

Like Sherry says, Have you ever tried to talk to God???

[cobobs]

You are up to something. In a sense, it is not about religion per se. It is about a certain lack of balance. Since no belief system ever encompasses all reality, total immersion in/obsession with a belief system skews reality. In that senses, a fanatic religionist is not different from a fanatic muslim or a market fundamentalist. All such people are bound to hurt others who position or beliefs or attitude contradicts the theory of the fundamentalist. Comfort with and acceptance of the grey areas of life outside one's pet belief du jour is the sign of someone who grasps reality. Having said that, Maher/s lampooning of religion is a suitable antidote to the flood of religious intolerance to which we have been subjected the last couple of decades.

[CountryBeforeParty]

With respect, I disagree.

I think people like Maher have been trying to have reasonable, intelligent discussions on religion for a very long time. But if you have ever tried to have such discussions with those who are "ultra-faithful", and they find that they are being challeneged, or if a shred of doubt is implanted, watch how defensive they become, some get near violent, and relationships have been destroyed as a result.

Religion is good, but it is evil as well. Religion was not invented by God, it is the product of Man, originally meant to help celebrate the faith. But we know what it has become. Perverse, corrupt, racist, divisive, powerful and all about controlling people. That's what Maher finds offensive, and what many of Americans don't like anymore.

Have tolerance? Tell that to church people who are against a woman's right to choose, and think gay people are not entitled to get married. If you're going to try and convert people to your faith, be prepared to be challenged on it

[Bushwillresign]

The Iraq war was started because of people of faith. The people of faith believe in God and the whole religious thing to save themselves from going to the bad place after death. So, in effect, their faith is like an insurance policy that protects them after life is over.
Along came Bu$h playing the fear card about total destruction from Iraq. It was the "believers" that were the most afraid and wanted to destroy Iraq. You would think they would not worry about an attack from Iraq, because they have their "insurance policy with God". This questions their faith.
Then along comes pictures from Abu Ghraib prison showing torture and terrible treatment of Iraqis. The believers were all for the treatment of these people because they were AFRAID.

[Treehuggindirtworshiper]

Just like you we are a work in progress. The Episcopal Church USA addresses a womans choice.Gay­,lesbian and transgender persons are welcome and the Interigty group in the church is working on inclusion in all the scaremental rights.

[Chris]

Country not all faiths are against the right to choose and against gay marraiges. So why do you group them all as one?

[MitTheMan]

The religeous people you're mentioning are extremist. You obviously don't know any truly religeous people.

My Father was a minister for 50 years. He never preached armageddon or prophecy and he actually did not believe in Hell. He also believed that women have the right to choose. He never flaunted his faith in front of others, rather he lived his life as a witness. Although I stopped going to church when I left home, not once did he look down on me. I am not a religeuos person but I don't look down on those that are. Bill Maher is arrogantly condeming those that believe in God. I have never liked the man because he thinks anyone that disagree's with him is wrong.

[RoloTomassi]

NO, YOU get over it; the US public has a hang up about religion, one far more detrimental to our national health.

The neverending defense of religious idiocy is offensive and counterproductive, because anyone with half of a functioning brain knows that religion IS EVIL, and far more harmful to every aspect of life than anything religion regards as evil.

And your right about one thing, religion isn't stupid--it's the complete suspension of critical thought in preference of fear-soothing, childish fantasyworld thinking; in the end stupidity is far too benign a term to apply to religion.

[DaObamaMama]

Billy's just telling it like it is now!
He is a straight shooter and she needs to just realize he is the smartest man alive.

__________­__________­__________­__________­_
The video that left America speechless­...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iIYRZWBd9Y

And made me cry...

[thundermummy]

WoW! I need some crackers for that cheese!

[sassafra]

bellview is as good a place as any for sherri to get help dealing with her break from reality.

[MarcInCA]

Maybe she should ask God if the earth is flat or round.

[rayofhope]

The question we all must ask is why was religiom created. The answer is to control the masses. If there was no religion we would have total madness in our society. Understand the history of what we are talking about and why it was creatred. We can pontificate about the logic and reasoning about what it is suppose to mean, but we all must understand the phycholigical premis behind the concept of religion. It would take a lifetime to try to explain the why and reason, and that is just a tip of the iceburg. So before we go on this tangent of what is religion think about the purpose and reason behind the history and each individuals understanding of their specific belief system.

[goodog]

"If there was no religion we would have total madness in our society."

Over the top, much?

As if there's nothing good in humans unless we're tricked to behaving?

We were tricked into a war -- well, most of y'all were -- by a man comparing his imaginary friend with their imaginary friend. They say, now, that a million Iraqi's have died as a result of that make-believe battle.

Whatever madness we forestall by believing in God, let's not pretend that belief in God is not madness too.

God is our main excuse for avoiding personal responsibility.

My heinous behavior is allowed, because it's the work of the lord.

[rektruax]

I find it more likely that if the god myth had not been invented (actually, it may be safer to say expanded upon) the rulers and con men of ancient times would have just found another way to keep the masses in check. In fact, history is rife with "alternative" crowd control, including but not excluded to other silly beliefs.

While I understand your point, I don't think it's worthy of a lifetime study to ponder why people believe. The masses have only had access to education (other than the church) for a comparatively few generations. While most of the major religions have been around in one form or another for more than a couple millennia or so. With each passing decade the god thing becomes less logical and less relevant.

The smart ones will figure it out. The rest can (and will) worship their mythology into extinction.

[Bubba Gump]

"It is he (God) that sitteth upon the circle of the earth...." (Isaiah 40:22 KJV)

[Smirk]

Circle, not sphere. :0)

[NoWMDs]

Even Isaiah knew the earth was round...So why doesn't Sherri believe it?? Even the Catholic church finally conceded it not all that long ago? Just like they admitted that Galileo was actually right...Th­e earth does revolve around the sun.

[CBS]

Pain relief from religion..­..

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/oct/01/medicalresearch.humanbehaviour

[joceeco]

I am going to comment on this article before I even read it, because Sherri Shepherd has got to be the dumbest woman on earth, she makes Sarah Palin look like Einstein. Sherri should not be allowed to live near human beings. Every time I hear or see Sherri, I get dumber and dumber and dumber and....

[lilylin]

Marx said religion is the opiate of the people, he also talked about capitalism imploding.­...Is Carl the true prophet? sounds like he had a better angle on the mind of the creator . I've noticed that people of faith get really upset when questioned about their beliefs. Isn't that contrary? If faith was real than it should follow that it does not have to be defended. it would be a fact not a feeling...­. Anybody following me ?

[Bubba Gump]

"If faith was real than it should follow that it does not have to be defended. It would be a fact not a feeling...­." You have an amazing and true point! I too have noticed how people of faith tend to get touchy when someone questions or simply asks some questions of their faith. For Christians, it makes me wonder if they've grasped Jesus Christ's teaching that if someone slaps you on one cheek, then turn the other toward that person also. (Matthew 5:39)

[Kerris]

Yes, very true. Many so-called people of faith are holding on so loosely and tenuously to what they believe that they lash out at anyone who may rock their branch (I happen to believe in a god and have a faith, but I don't include myself in that bunch because I am secure in the knowledge that faith is deeply personal and not something I need to shove down anyone else;s throat -- leaving me very free and secure to believe as I choose. That is why I used to love America unreservedly, when separation of church/faith and state made us all so secure and free.).

What most "people of faith" or so-called Christians have in their lives in America today is ignorance and fear. That is all.

[phoenix2000]

It's quite sad that "god" and "religion" is suppose to bring us, as a people, closer together. That "god" and "religion" is to promote peace, love, equality and loving your fellow man(or woman) Yet, there are those who use "religion" to spread hate, fear and bigotry. To spin, twist and manipulate religion to fit their own agendas. These are sad times we live in.

[MalloMel]

"It's quite sad that "god" and "religion" is suppose to bring us, as a people, closer together. That "god" and "religion" is to promote peace, love, equality and loving your fellow man(or woman)"

Not hardly. Ever read the old testament? Well, what you are talking about is the New Testament. That's where Jesus comes in.

God seems like a sociopath, someone who I wouldn't want in my neighborhood, but Jesus seems ok... Someone who I wouldn't mind having as a neighbor.

Jesus is kinda cool, but that God guy has got to go. I wouldn't want him in my neighborhood, and definitely wouldn't want him any where near my daughters.

[Thad]

That...com­es across as a little anti-semitic, I think.

I know plenty of people in the Jewish (and, for that matter, the Christian) faith who don't take the fire-and-brimstone stories of the Old Testament literally.

For my part -- and here's where *I* offend people who hold deep religious beliefs -- for my part, I like superhero comics; I consider them the modern American equivalent of the old myths and stories and fables. I like Batman. I think there are some good moral lessons on how to live your life that you can gain from him. But wearing tights and meting out vigilante justice is not one of them.

(And you want to talk about contradictions between God's characterization in the Old and New Testament? Try looking at 70 years of Batman. The difference between Adam West and Christian Bale only begins to cover it.)

That probably sounds like I'm trivializing religion. I like to think of it more as elevating superhero fiction. Hell, Joseph Campbell made a career out of that sort of comparison.

[Chris]

mallo you mention god and religion but yet refer to only the two holy books of christianity. If you issue is with Christianity that say that. I am sure a Buddihist would be supprised to learn their religion is not about love and peace.

[EileneLepht]

That hate, fear and bigotry comes straight from the pulpit. When a preacher gets up there and yells at you what you should or should not be doing, tells you your only way to salvation is in doing what he preaches..­.he turns out his flock of 200 or more to go out among the masses to spew the same judgemental crap they have had "preached' to them. Religion in this country is all about passing judgement on your neighbor.

[Bubba Gump]

That must change. And with God's help, it will!

[martinchill]

from the post below this one on the huffpost front page:

"Researchers at Oxford University, led by Katja Wiech, recruited 12 nonbelievers and 12 practising Roman Catholic students. In the tests, participants were shown either an image of the Virgin Mary by the 17th-century Italian painter Sassoferrato or Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century Lady with an Ermine. After looking at the picture for 30 seconds, the volunteers were zapped with electrical pulses for 12 seconds. Each time, they were asked to rank how painful the shocks were on a scale of zero to 100.

The researchers describe how Roman Catholics and nonbelievers reported similar levels of pain after viewing the Leonardo painting. But the two groups responded very differently to the Virgin Mary painting, with Catholics experiencing 12% less pain."

i bet they didn't consider that the image of mary may have caused pain for former catholics.

[MalloMel]

OK, I'm sold. Where's a church? I've got some money in my pocket and just can't wait to give it to them. Think I can buy my way into heaven?

[Bubba Gump]

No, you can't buy your way into heaven. In Acts 8:9-24, a man named Simon attempts to purchase the gift of the Holy Spirit of God with money (verses 18 and 19). But the Apostle Peter rebuked Simon.

In my opinion, the American church loves money too much and depends upon God too little. "For the love of money is the root of all evil...." (1 Timothy 6:10)