Aug 26 2008
Bill Maher’s Anti-Religion Movie
[Fox News]
“Religion is detrimental to the progress of society.” That’s my favorite quote from Bill Maher’s often brilliant, but often unfocused “documentary,” called “Religulous.” It opens in early October right after its debut at the Toronto Film Festival.
The articulate, quick-witted comedian sets out in this film — which was supposed to have been released last Easter — to prove that line is true. Directed by Larry Charles, the man who put “Borat” together so skillfully, “Religulous” is blatant about Maher’s feelings: religion is bad. All religions are bad. They are ruining everything.
If you go for that, then “Religulous” is for you. Unlike Michael Moore, whose controversial films at least allow stories to be told, Maher is not interested in other viewpoints. Rather, “Religulous” is a long Maher spiel that pauses only to underscore his own points.
Alas, it doesn’t. Unlike “Borat,” or even a Moore film, “Religulous” is a dead end. In the last quarter, the laughs peter out as we realize the exploration is pointless. The film concludes with a long, very not funny, tedious speech by Maher — in which he rails against religion — that should clear theaters before the credits start rolling.
Read more here.
[From me]
Reading this just makes me sad for Maher. I have no ill will towards him only sorrow that he is that angry towards religion. I’ll just pray for him.
What do you think?
[HT] Mark Mansheim
9 responses so far
Mahr is a guy I have a hard time listening to. He comes across as very elitist. Usually, if you don’t agree with him, then you are weak minded. He’s one of those guys that makes a living off of being very negative and insulting. I don’t have a problem with him giving his opinions. I just don’t like the way he does it. In any effect, this isn’t a surprise to me.
Michael’s last blog post..First Day of the Semester
I’m just very thankful that Mahr lives in the United States and has the freedom to speech either for or against religion…If he doesn’t like what he sees here or if he doesn’t like religion, I’d encourage him to go to Indonesia or Thailand or Saudi Arabia and express his displeasure with Islam…Go for Mr. Mahr…been nice knowing you!
I’ll be praying for him and for those who will be drawn in to this movie. I predict it’ll be like #9 the week it comes out…and then disappears to DVD (the very back shelf at Walmart)…
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..A Journey of a Thousand Miles
Now, wait a minute. Don’t we, too, ‘preach’ against “religion”? I don’t want religion. I want a relationship with God. I try very hard to get my congregation to realize that a religion is just man’s way to try to find God. True Christianity is God reaching down to man.
However, I imagine that no such truth will be presented in “Religulous”.
Rick Boyne’s last blog post..Here’s what I’d like to see!
I went to see some other comments on this and it seems that many didn’t really enjoy the film. I agree that he often does come across as elitist even when he trys to say that he isn’t. He has a way of bring up some great points. There will probably be some things in the movie that churches should pay attention to so that we aren’t the religious idiots that Mahr and those like him see. I’m also most tempted to see it for the reasoning of understanding –kinda like talking to 3A on here, reading “They Like Jesus but not the Church,” or actually having a coversation with someone who I know doesn’t get the relationship.
Okay, my argument is that Maher is, in all actuality, religious! He may suggest and even believe otherwise, but the truth is, EVERYONE holds some form of religious belief. Most people define a “religious belief” as something that involves worship and prayer, but that isn’t the full definition of what truly constitutes a “religious belief.” Theists revolve around their own religious beliefs as well - a belief that God exists. Materialists, like Maher if I’m not mistaken, place their Materialism in the pulpits of their hearts and minds and this belief system is at the core of all other beliefs and motives. Hence, Maher, who claims religion is bad, is likewise religious but simply “defines” his religious belief differently. Materialism is a religious belief at it’s core. I agree that a relationship with Christ is the essence of our true faith and beliefs - which makes us Theists who believe in God. He needs to pick up a copy of “The Myth of Religious Neutrality” and reassess his true beliefs - he’s totally missed the reality of his own “Religulousness.” lol.
Michael,
I can’t watch him either. That is why the TV has a on/off button.
Steve,
Yeah he is fortunate to live in a country he can say all that. What if he lived in a Muslim country?
Rick,
Well said.
Janna,
I’m hoping A3 will chime in.
Christa,
Thanks for dropping by. I agree he has a religion he just doesn’t see it.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Bill Maher’s Anti-Religion Movie
None of us should have “religion.” We should be spiritual. Maher is actually a Jew by birth. It would seem he’s not a practicing Jew though. Sadly, most of the reason most people choose not to be associated with any type of religion is due to Christians.
Funny thing is Maher is right. I am tired of religion also. However, I do want people to come to and have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus. Down with religion! Up with relationship.
Bill(cycleguy)’s last blog post..You Just Gotta Laugh!
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