Bill Maher's "Religulous" Movie Trailer Released
slashfilm.com — Lionsgate has finally released a movie trailer for Larry Charles ’ documentary Religulous, which follows Bill Maher as he travels around the globe interviewing people about God and religion.
FamilyGuyFan- 3324 diggs
- digg it
- MacBookForMe, on 06/07/2008, -48/+27Wow, that's so very tempting to ...(I am overweight, you know)
- ronk, on 06/07/2008, -14/+31Never liked Bill Maher. But watching the trailer has me appreciating/respecting what he is doing.
Go Bill! - insanebrain, on 06/07/2008, -7/+10no .. I don't know.
- Vigilo, on 06/07/2008, -36/+6You nuthuggers, Bill Maher is a fraud. He dated Ann Coulter for crying out loud. Most atheists take on Global Warming as a religion and instead of preaching sermons on the lord they preach about carbon footprints and carbon taxes. Its just replacing one faith with another its nothing revolutionary.
- Andrwmorph, on 06/07/2008, -11/+8Atheism = lack of faith
- SuperWinner, on 06/07/2008, -13/+3Atheism = something to believe in
- cwmather, on 06/12/2008, -0/+1You have to have faith there is no God. I think you are referring to agnostics.
- bagelmaster, on 06/07/2008, -9/+4Yeah, I don't know what koolaid you've been drinking but I'm an atheist, and I'm also pretty anti-green movement. They both annoy the ***** out of me. Religion annoys me more...but hardcore green movement hippies are pretty ***** annoying too.
- ohnoihavenoname, on 06/07/2008, -2/+5Umm... the medium sized (~200 member) local atheist group I'm on the board of has held debates among its members about global warming, and a slight majority are usually of the "It's getting warmer, but it's not anthropogenic global warming" camp. But keep believing what your pastor tells you. BTW we eat babies too.
- requiem3, on 06/08/2008, -0/+0The only problem with your argument is that the theory of global warming has a lot of factual data to back it up. And how the ***** is global warming a religion?
- Andrwmorph, on 06/07/2008, -11/+8Atheism = lack of faith
- plaing, on 06/07/2008, -14/+3Why all the hate for faith? It's responsible for a few good things too. The Salvation Army, World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, Mother freakin' Teresa. And how about the pillar of Islam that demands charity for the poor? And to sneak up on Joe blow, dropping 'logic bombs' as one digger posted, while ignoring the fact that no reflection on the history of philosophy, medicine, science, or literature can overlook foundational and insightful minds that believed in a god is just a little bit disingenuous. It doesn't help these gentlemen on their highly dubious 'quest for truth' to reduce the worldview of these folks and the billions like them to a superstitious belief in space fairies.
Seriously, it's always funny to make fun of people, but don't believe for a second that faith, violence, and ignorance are intrinsically connected.- jezsik, on 06/08/2008, -2/+8Yeah, religion has been responsible for a FEW good things, but when you look through history, it's been responsible for far more evil. As far as philosophy, medicine and science, religion has tended to stifle these subjects, not promote them.
- doubledmateo, on 06/08/2008, -4/+1Right, because, of course, without religion everyone would have been peaceful and happy. Nobody has ever waged war over anything non religious right? Like money or power? How can you prove that it is solely responsible for more evil than good. IF folks aren't religious than fine, but to try and say that it does more harm than good is impossible to prove and just doesn't make sense to me that people go out of their way to criticize what others believe.
Religion gets corrupted by the same things that all organizations do, greed, and lust for power. That doesn't mean that believing in God is going to somehow make you a worse person though. - mrsteveman1, on 06/08/2008, -2/+8Religion is unnecessary, all the good things people do in the name of religion can be done without it.
Considering the ***** religions push on the world, i can live without them just fine. - doubledmateo, on 06/19/2008, -0/+0"considering the **** religions push on the world, i can live without them just fine." That statement is just fine if what you're saying is that you aren't interested in it. The issue that annoys the hell out of me though is this idea that the existence of religion has some unmistakable negative effect on society. As if the annihilation of religion would somehow make the world a happier, better place, and I that is a totally unfounded statement. You can in no way 'prove' that, then creationists can 'prove' that the annihilation of evolutionary theory would make the world a better happier place.
My point is that regardless of your personal beliefs, you can't go saying that another person's beliefs don't add anything to their lives, because you don't know that.
- doubledmateo, on 06/08/2008, -4/+1Right, because, of course, without religion everyone would have been peaceful and happy. Nobody has ever waged war over anything non religious right? Like money or power? How can you prove that it is solely responsible for more evil than good. IF folks aren't religious than fine, but to try and say that it does more harm than good is impossible to prove and just doesn't make sense to me that people go out of their way to criticize what others believe.
- scotticus, on 06/08/2008, -0/+8"Mother freakin' Teresa" -- who built deathcamps and surrounded herself with the dying instead of using all the money she raised to get healthcare for the sick.
..."no reflection on the history of philosophy, medicine, science, or literature can overlook foundational and insightful minds that believed in a god is just a little bit..."
No but within the group of people I'd call insightful, very few of them believe in a higher power. I'm surrounded by top-notch scientists at work, and would say that probably- plaing, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1sure, throw ***** at mother teresa. what have you done?
and surely you aren't suggesting that your personal group of friends supports the hypothesis that deists aren't insightful..?
and, limiting ourselves to the world of science, do you think da vinci, bacon, descartes, galileo, leibniz, mendel, planck, townes, polkinghorne, ertl, grunbert, schaefer, francis collins, or john houghton are 'not what you'd call insightful?'
- plaing, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1sure, throw ***** at mother teresa. what have you done?
- mrsteveman1, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3Religion is unnecessary, believe in god all you want, but leave the fictional dogma ***** out of things.
- ohnoihavenoname, on 06/08/2008, -0/+5People have done good things in the name of religion, sure. But I don't know if I'd say they were a result of faith. If those people only did those things because of their faith, then I'd be pretty disappointed. I'd hope religious people would do the right thing and help others for the same reason atheists do: Because it's a nice thing to do. They just happen to also have a particular faith. Maybe I'm wrong and am giving them too much credit.
- jezsik, on 06/08/2008, -2/+8Yeah, religion has been responsible for a FEW good things, but when you look through history, it's been responsible for far more evil. As far as philosophy, medicine and science, religion has tended to stifle these subjects, not promote them.
- ronk, on 06/07/2008, -14/+31Never liked Bill Maher. But watching the trailer has me appreciating/respecting what he is doing.
- HuskyPuzzle, on 06/07/2008, -39/+361Hell yeah. Not huge fan of Bill Maher but this movie needed to be made. Looking forward to it...and watching the religious right's backlash after it comes out ;)
- darkciti2, on 06/07/2008, -6/+44Jesus was a zombie.
- nycmac247, on 06/07/2008, -5/+10Actually, vampire.
You drink his blood. He has hypnotic "holy spirit" mind control, etc. etc. - LlamaKing, on 06/08/2008, -3/+8Not only that, but a JEWISH zombie.
- CAPSLOCKISCOOL, on 06/08/2008, -3/+1No, to be a zombie you must have a brain virus. Jesus would have needed to be infected to be a zombie. Also, zombies have no knowledge of their previous life.
- Cavemonster, on 06/08/2008, -0/+10There are a number of Zombie Mythologies. The idea of a zombie virus is a relatively new slant.
- Cavemonster, on 06/08/2008, -0/+10There are a number of Zombie Mythologies. The idea of a zombie virus is a relatively new slant.
- seventoes, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Jesus had a Soulstone
- nycmac247, on 06/07/2008, -5/+10Actually, vampire.
- cr250guy, on 06/07/2008, -7/+33Its unfortunate that the religious backlash will most likely be somehow turned into reaffirming their faith and only making them more delusional. Oh well this movie is probably going to be awesome.
- Violette888, on 06/07/2008, -7/+2Don't let that hinder your optimism. If this movie is following in the same footsteps as Sicko, at the end of our lives we may see the crazies brought to their knees.
- dshPls, on 06/07/2008, -0/+14Lol, what has Sicko changed? Not a thing.
- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -2/+5Ill say this a million times, you cannot argue away religious zealots with reason. If you could there already wouldn't be any. Unfortunately time is the only thing that will allow them to evolve.
- cr250guy, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1We're going to need a lot of time.
- etherreal, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2@lamiaconfitor: Time only allows for more breeding, a la "Idiocracy".
- doubledmateo, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3What has any of these movies changed. This movie will be watched by folks that are already atheist and want to laugh at those that are religious. Just like 'an inconvenient truth' was watched by people interested in Global warming, etc. These movies just pander to the people that already subscribe to their ideas, and are found offensive to those that don't. Laughing and poking fun of someone for their beliefs will never help them change. It just strengthens their resolve and shows them that atheists are mean spirited and self centered.
- Violette888, on 06/07/2008, -7/+2Don't let that hinder your optimism. If this movie is following in the same footsteps as Sicko, at the end of our lives we may see the crazies brought to their knees.
- jake86, on 06/07/2008, -0/+8This'll be one of the few times I tune into Lord, they faux news, just to see their reaction.
- Fargalas, on 06/07/2008, -32/+12This movie DIDN'T need to be made. I support any who choose to be atheist, just as I support those who choose to be religious. If you thought Expelled was bad, as I did, this is worse. At least Expelled attempted to argue that anti-religion was playing a role in science. Religulous, on the other hand, has no goal other to insult the intelligence of those who have chosen to be religious.
RTFA. The argument of religion that Religulous attempts to portray is only the view of fundamental extremists. I have never met anybody, aside from Jehovah's Witnesses(who everybody accepts are nuts), who were anywhere close to such a belief pattern.
The Bible is full of things like creation myths, which humanity has told for thousands and thousands of years. Most religious people today view those particular stories from the Bible just as we view ancient creation myths from other cultures. So why do atheists take those myths so seriously? I don't, and none of the people I know do either.
An atheist can express why he or she isn't religious. They cannot express why others are. The same goes for anyone who is religious pertaining to atheism. There is a fundamental divide in understanding, neither of which is necessarily better.
In short, is it possible to lead an ethical life without God? Of course. Is it possible to be a murderer and still cling to religion? Of course. But are these the common patterns of belief? Absolutely not.
Religion has its Crusades, etc, just as atheism has had communist regimes, among other things. They've both done damage. Why? Because people are often bad. Religion/atheism, has nothing to do with it.
Does that mean religion is fundamentally useless? Perhaps. If so, it obviously suggests the same of atheism. So why prevent people from believing what they feel is right? Neither confers any tangible benefits. Either can be used to justify just about anything.
I don't discriminate against anyone for their beliefs, neither should you. Bill Maher is usually highly intelligent and witty, but he's never been knowledgeable about modern religion. Why encourage further misunderstanding between atheism and theism?
Live and let live, people.- Gutterpunk, on 06/07/2008, -5/+25You *****. "I have never met anybody, aside from Jehovah's Witnesses(who everybody accepts are nuts), who were anywhere close to such a belief pattern." In a single sentence, you just destroyed your whole argument. Don't you understand that the same reason that allow you to say this about a particular religion allows us to say this about *your* religion.
I know JW that talks to ex-members of their religion, I know JW that talk against the blood issue, I know JW that let their kid eat licorice (ie : all of them). The same process that makes you see them as a bunch of nuts makes us see whatever you believe as stupid.
"Live and let live" also applies to ***** you.- Fargalas, on 06/07/2008, -14/+4:/
I respect your views about the Jehovah's Witnesses. I have met many of them, and they are very nice people. However, I have found them pushy, and many other people find them this way, also. My attempt at humor failed, and I'm sorry for any offense it may have caused. It wasn't meant to be a serious statement.
On the other hand, your ad hominem attack probably hasn't done much to bring others to your particular criticism of my argument. Welcome to "troll" status.
Gutter troll lives in gutter. - opticwind, on 06/07/2008, -0/+11Sorry Farg, you made a good argument but he picked up on the hypocrisy. I have to side with him.
- Fargalas, on 06/07/2008, -14/+4:/
- BlueSun420, on 06/07/2008, -0/+13There are religious fundamentalist nutjobs. It's probably true that most religious people aren't fundamentalists, but it's the fundamentalists that this film is making fun of and deservedly so.
There are tangible consequences to these absurd beliefs. Many people decide their political beliefs based on their religious beliefs. As I'm sure you are aware, politics is something that affects everyone to some degree. Considering that these absurd religious beliefs are being used to justify policies that affect me and my friends I think it's more than fair for those beliefs to be subjected to criticism and ridicule.- Fargalas, on 06/07/2008, -5/+3You have an excellent point in your second paragraph, thank you.
However, you are a little inaccurate in your first. The purpose of this movie is not to ridicule fundamentalists alone. It's intention is to group all religious peoples into one Bible/Quran/Torah/Uppanishad/Pali Canon-thumping group, and then commence the humor at the expense of those who are religious.
If you want an excellent movie on religious fundamentalism on a frightening level, watch Jesus Camp. That documentary, like any good documentary, provided only facts and allowed you to make up your own mind about what you were seeing. - scotticus, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2Not to mention that these anti-intelligent ***** routinely criticize and demonize a lack of faith. I love that hollywood is getting the balls to make our voice publicly heard. I really feel bad for people who grow up in regions of the country or in families where being an atheist means you're crazy e.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE0e92kTA28&feature ... )
Movies like this might just let those people know that there are people in this country just like them and that everything will be okay once they get out of their situation.
- Fargalas, on 06/07/2008, -5/+3You have an excellent point in your second paragraph, thank you.
- TheWiseNoob, on 06/07/2008, -1/+7I respect "fundamental extremists" more than those that aren't, but identify themselves as part of the same religion as those fundamental extremists. At least they follow every word of their supposed God. Most believers would rather pick and choose whatever they choose is right, and disregard everything else. That's extremely hypocritical. If you believe in a God and classify yourself with one of the major religions, then you should follow everything that is part of that religion. If you want to believe in a God and follow things you believe is right instead of whatever a church says is, then do not identify yourself as part of that the organized religion. It's basic logic many lack or just don't use because their ignorance toward certain subjects.
- TripMoon, on 06/08/2008, -0/+0Yes, but, the leaders of those religions also chose and discarded various beliefs and books of the Bible that they found inconvenient at the time. Why cannot a reasonable person do the same? So, you have a patchwork of an altered, adulterated religion that these nitwits follow like panting dogs. These people would rather that we lose the freedoms that define this country for their ultimate god. They think we are evil and deserve to go to hell. And, they VOTE against our interests as a country, which affects us all. Look at Iran for a good example of a country overrun by these morons. Look to Mexico for a country with no middle class, which is where we are headed. If you love this country and the freedoms that allow even those brainless freaks to speak out and vote, I suggest you be concerned about them.
- Tenhundfeld, on 06/07/2008, -0/+10"Live and let live"
I completely agree, but I'm not sure that you actually believe what you say.
When two homosexual men want to get married for the socioeconomic benefits and emotional affirmation, do you still say, "Live and let live?" How about when those two men want to adopt a child?
When a 19 year old girl on her way to college realizes she's 3 weeks pregnant and wants to get an do know many religious people who are respectful and understanding of others' beliefs and principles, but the vast majority are fairly close-minded in their certainty that Christianity (as preached by their conservative pastors) is the only correct way to live.
abortion, do you still say, "Live and let live?" How about if she's 30, 10 weeks pregnant, and this is her 3rd abortion?
When a Muslim elected official wants to be sworn into office on the Koran, do you still say, "Live and let live?" How about if an atheist politician doesn't want to include any reference to God in his oath of office?
If you honestly answer yes to all of the above scenarios, then congratulations, you really do believe in a humble, nonjudgmental "live and let live" philosophy, and you are unlike 90% of Christians I interact with on a daily basis.
...removed long boring argumentative paragraph, replaced with below...
Some of the best humans I know are Christians, as are some of the worst. I think my feelings can be summarized with the following quotation.
Befriend those who seek the truth; beware of those who claim to find it. - SquigglyP, on 06/07/2008, -1/+6The problem is that there's no difference between extremist fundamentalists and the "normal" religious person. They both believe the same things, only one doesn't allow the modern world to 'corrupt' the original meanings and readings of whatever holy book they subscribe to. Exposng the fundamentalists will, effectively, expose all of them for the fools they are.
I don't think religious people are stupid - they aren't - but they have been brainwashed by their own parents and the people around them ever since they were born to believe something that doesn't exist. They lie to their children about Jesus and God because they themselves don't know it's a lie. It's a huge lie. The only people who benefit from this lie are those in control of the churches and religions, and these very same people are the ones who attack atheist books and films.
I'm personally fairly tired of the religious hypocrisy going on here. Christians are 'allowed' to make hundreds and hundreds of films annually and sell them, give them away. They are allowed to put fliers and build special buildings and wear T-Shirts and no one says or does anything about it. As soon as I open my mouth about atheism, I get bitched at. One film gets made denouncing religion and it sparks a backlash? If I were putting fliers on people's doors I'd probably have people trying to get me arrested for littering or some other *****.
I don't go around telling everyone I meet what fools they are for believing in their religious BS, but if I mention that I'm an atheist I end up with a dozen people trying to convert me - telling me how it will change my life, make me happy, make everything awesome. It's amazing. I'm glad a film like this is coming out, so people can see what their crazy religion looks like to us sane people. This film isn't trying to make religious nuts look crazy, it's just looking at them from the outside - much like Jesus Camp did.
- Gutterpunk, on 06/07/2008, -5/+25You *****. "I have never met anybody, aside from Jehovah's Witnesses(who everybody accepts are nuts), who were anywhere close to such a belief pattern." In a single sentence, you just destroyed your whole argument. Don't you understand that the same reason that allow you to say this about a particular religion allows us to say this about *your* religion.
- SuperWinner, on 06/07/2008, -9/+4My life suddenly has meaning
- sgtpppr, on 06/07/2008, -11/+3Bill Maher used to be a lot better when he was on Politically Incorrect. It seems lately, he's a shill for Hillary and Zionism. Watch his show now and wait for someone to question US support for Israel. It's always great to see him blow his top and the whole audience not know what to do. Awkward!
- Tyrghast, on 06/07/2008, -4/+11"A giant bunny rabbit came in the night and hid chocolate eggs everywhere. That's the story of Jesus!" -Bill Hicks
- logic07, on 06/07/2008, -4/+4seperate church and state
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muHg86Mys7I- TripMoon, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Who the F*** is digging you down? These pathetic losers really need to get their heads out of their a**es.
- OnlyGirlOnDigg, on 06/08/2008, -4/+4I really liked watching John Safran Vs. God.
- etherreal, on 06/08/2008, -0/+4Safran was great, especially the episode where he was an Atheist missionary in Salt Lake City. Gold, Jerry, GOLD!
- bitterbug, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1I'd never heard of that series before. The wikipedia article makes it sound quite interesting. Dugg :)
- iamafatguy, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Why digg down the Safran reference?
- aratika, on 06/08/2008, -9/+5Funny Movie. If he'd had balls bigger than grape seeds he'd have made it in the Middle East.
Dick.- etherreal, on 06/08/2008, -1/+4There is a difference between "big balls" and "stupid". Bush still is trying to figure that one out, too.
- cusoman, on 06/08/2008, -5/+3Meh. The atheist left's response to Expelled gave me all the entertainment I needed for the year. Talk about overblowing things (and yes, I know the movie overblew things too, but to see such a seriously logical reaction was comedy gold - hint: learn to be happy in all things).
- nullifidian0, on 06/08/2008, -0/+7Be happy with ignorant lying religious bigots spreading religiously ignorant bigoted lies? No thanks.
- cusoman, on 06/10/2008, -0/+1Do you really throw ID people in the same boat as the fundamentalists you're trying to show here? Think for a bit... fundis are generally against ID too, because it goes against straight up Creationism.
- nullifidian0, on 06/08/2008, -0/+7Be happy with ignorant lying religious bigots spreading religiously ignorant bigoted lies? No thanks.
- darkmonkey00, on 06/08/2008, -2/+2A bigot is a prejudiced person who is intolerant of opinions, lifestyles, or identities differing from his or her own.
- JFenC, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1how about the backlash to this: http://jfcshow.com
- cr4ft, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2YouTube MIRROR: http://youtube.com/watch?v=IMlnmuKk_1o
- darkciti2, on 06/07/2008, -6/+44Jesus was a zombie.
- jedisushi, on 06/07/2008, -45/+244I can't wait. Once a week is not enough Bill Maher for the world.
- dfsjdkflasjk, on 06/07/2008, -4/+31I cannot wait for this to come out.
- malakite33, on 06/07/2008, -3/+15Amen, brother.
- Shuukyoku, on 06/07/2008, -2/+32I don't mean to sound like Bill's mother, but I do hope he's dressing appropriately for the places he's traveling. Not like dressing warm enough, I'm just saying that if you're going to go out and antagonize the religious ***** of the world, wear a kevlar vest.
- xenoc1de, on 06/07/2008, -2/+4When the show isn't on air it is even worse. I went to his show when it came to my town. :)
- sonnybobiche, on 06/08/2008, -12/+6I suspect Maher will be conveniently editing out anyone who doesn't sound like a raving lunatic.
This is the guy that got fired by the network for saying (only a few weeks after 9/11) that the terrorists demonstrated true bravery by being on the planes when they hit and that we're cowards for "lobbing missles from a thousand miles away." Whether it's true or not, whether he has the right to say it or not, one thing is certain: he is a giant douche.- stuffya, on 06/08/2008, -2/+5Yes because lobbing missiles from a thousand miles away is so brave. Truth hurts.
- LemonPress, on 06/08/2008, -5/+2He IS a giant douche though.
- Risingashes, on 06/08/2008, -2/+3The thing with Maher is that he will always say the 100% truth regardless of tact.
You may not agree with him, but it would be a lie to imply that anything he says isn't true.
The unfortunate thing about Maher is that if it wasn't for the constant state of lying and manipulation in the media then he wouldn't be so popular. It would be nice if there was someone other than comedians that actually spoke what they believed as opposed to what they are paid to believe.
- Samburger, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2anyone know when the new season is on?
- sleepyjjk, on 06/07/2008, -27/+200This looks hilarious. Though, most religious people are when asked rational questions about the existence of God.
If God exists, any religious person should have no risk in questioning his existence.- aptanalogy, on 06/07/2008, -4/+22Exactly. I know some religious people, though, who are up front and hones with their doubts, and don't just accept what they're told all the time; they get comfort from faith without complete certainty.They're intelligent enough to understand that they believe what they do because of what they were taught, and they don't make a fuss when someone doesn't see it their way. I find that this is a rare phenomenon, though.
- curtisag, on 06/07/2008, -1/+14You're basically talking about people that are agnostics by definition anyway. They may claim the label as Christian, but if you doubt the existence of Christ, it's pretty hard to be a real Christian. They may go to church and all that, but that's mainly about maintaining ties to your family, friends, and community.
- aptanalogy, on 06/07/2008, -1/+10Technically true. However, someone who is 99% for or against the idea of the existence of God is often colloquially referred to as either a believer or an atheist.
- nullifidian0, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3One can be an agnostic theist (not *knowing* but believing anyway) or an agnostic atheist (not knowing nor believing), or a gnostic theist or atheist (*knowing* and believing/not believing respectively). These last two, I call ***** on.
- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -1/+6then god has already abandoned them, and spit them from his mouth! yay for an understanding and omniscient unconditional loving mass murdering male on a throne of sentient, singing angels!
- curtisag, on 06/07/2008, -1/+14You're basically talking about people that are agnostics by definition anyway. They may claim the label as Christian, but if you doubt the existence of Christ, it's pretty hard to be a real Christian. They may go to church and all that, but that's mainly about maintaining ties to your family, friends, and community.
- xxMarka, on 06/07/2008, -11/+5would you please elaborate on "If God exists, any religious person should have no risk in questioning his existence." because I don't think that I fully understand it.
Unless you mean that if God were real, people would naturally be drawn to the truth..?- RobotBuddha, on 06/07/2008, -1/+14I think he means that there would be as much danger in questioning your belief in god, and as much of an emotional reaction, as if someone asked you to question the existance of a chair. You might look at the person a bit odd for suggesting it, but you wouldn't get angry, because it's obvious the chair exists.
I disagree with the conclusion if that is the point though. In most religions, their gods are 'really' angry, jealous, and vengeful. When torture for all eternity is a stated penalty for questioning your god, I can see why someone wouldn't want to put much thought into that topic.- xxMarka, on 06/07/2008, -0/+2thanks =]
- Gutterpunk, on 06/07/2008, -0/+1Maybe they should put though in why their god was described to them as vengeful...
- Rikkochet, on 06/07/2008, -2/+5How about an analogy? I'm straight. Extremely. If someone questions my sexuality or suggests I'm gay, I'm not threatened. I've given serious thought if I'll ever find myself gay or bisexual and I simply am not built that way. If someone suggests to the contrary, I get no more upset than if they accused me of being a 12 year old girl.
- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1because he is suggesting that if God existed, then God would be rational and caring. but I don't see any evidence of that in any of Gods fans previous writings on the subject.
- Erf32, on 06/13/2008, -0/+0It seems religious people who get angry when questioned about god do so because they don't want to live in a world without a god therefore they are angry that you are trying to reason with them to convert them to something they don't want to be converted to no matter the evidence. Ignorance is bliss and most of them are really happy and wouldn't/couldn't be happy without their "belief."
As long as they don't push it on other people let the little retards play in the corner.
- RobotBuddha, on 06/07/2008, -1/+14I think he means that there would be as much danger in questioning your belief in god, and as much of an emotional reaction, as if someone asked you to question the existance of a chair. You might look at the person a bit odd for suggesting it, but you wouldn't get angry, because it's obvious the chair exists.
- Shawn4168, on 06/07/2008, -15/+8You know, the same statement could apply to atheists. If they're so sure, why are they always trying to silence those who profess a belief in God (the inevitable burial of this comment being an example)?
- aptanalogy, on 06/07/2008, -2/+13Buried for generalizations. It's a mistake to take the word of a crazy vocal few as that of the mainstream.
- Shawn4168, on 06/07/2008, -9/+4Seems like those "crazy vocal few" are always exalted here on Digg though.
- neopolaris, on 06/07/2008, -6/+3The mainstream IS trying to do away with God.
- aptanalogy, on 06/07/2008, -1/+6"The mainstream IS trying to do away with God."
I don't see the connection between other people not believing in gods and your beliefs that there is a god.
- Gutterpunk, on 06/07/2008, -4/+7Because most atheist realize how much religion was responsible for most of the crap they see happening in the world today. A religious person will hate Satan (or whatever) because he is responsible for wars and suffering, and an atheist see the religion in that taking the same role.
In the end, being an atheist fills the same gap as being religious IMHO. And the irony is that an atheist will contest this as much as a Christian would contest the non-existence of God(s).- Mullinsmcd, on 06/07/2008, -1/+4Science =/= Religion. Im sorry but the argument never works. Atheists would happily believe in God if there was scientific ...or really any kind of rational proof.
- rgranger, on 06/08/2008, -4/+2There is actually as much proof of God as there is of evolution.
To be fair, it's hard to exactly say proof of God but I'm talking about Intelligent Design. If you watched Ben Stein's movie EXPELLED a very vocal atheist Richard Dawkins claims Intelligent Design is very practical.
Needless to say ID =/= God but it does lead down that path. So there is rational evidence towards ID and thus rational evidence pointing towards God.
You write "rational proof" however which is totally left to interpretation. For example, being an atheist you likely believe in evolution which there is no "proof" at all, however, there is some evidence even if that evidence is falling apart as more and more is discovered.
What we're seeing with science today is a series of elites similar to the Christian elites of the medieval era blackballing any new developments or anything going against the popular beliefs such as evolution. - bradysdaman, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3rgranger...
you're joking right...no "proof" of evolution...what planet do you live on? Apparently a planet that tells you that a fossil isn't proof...moron
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doF4sNrQtmg
- LoveAndSeagulls, on 06/07/2008, -0/+3the same reason why missionaries won't stop coming to my house.
some people just take it upon themselves to spread their own beliefs - ohnoihavenoname, on 06/07/2008, -0/+6Most atheists I know would never try to silence you. We'd only try to fix misconceptions, show other atheists that they don't have to pretend to believe, and prevent the government from picking sides.
- aptanalogy, on 06/07/2008, -2/+13Buried for generalizations. It's a mistake to take the word of a crazy vocal few as that of the mainstream.
- Larsonal777, on 06/07/2008, -9/+23There is nothing wrong with questioning your faith... the magisterium... by far questions the Catholic faith more than anyone. questioning doesn't mean giving up your faith... it is a means to make your faith stronger.
Sure there are a lot of fanatics in the world who just don't make sense and don't want to question their faith... THAT is the problem. Believing in something without questions is just plain stupid. If you aren't questioning it then you really don't have faith do you because you are taking something as fact (fact of not).
But Bill going around telling people what they believe is stupid even though he doesn't know what people believe is in my mind quite moronic... thats like going up to some random person on the street and making fun of them for being something they aren't...
I'm Catholic and I get a lot of ***** for being so... but most of it... no ALL of it doesn't really mean anything because most of it is ***** for something I don't believe... most people who give the ***** don't even know WHAT Catholics believe. My favorite is Catholics aren't Christian.
Its like getting made fun of someone saying "you're GAY!"... how is this supposed to affect me... i'm not gay... so your statement is false... i will move on now.- aptanalogy, on 06/07/2008, -4/+9But, nonetheless, you DO believe in God, don't you? What if someone were to say that your views on the existence of a deity were epistemologically unfounded? You question your belief system and/or faith, but do you ever question whether there is even a reason for it?
- rgranger, on 06/08/2008, -4/+5Buried for using a big word to try to appear more intelligent than in actuality.
Not only that but that was the only thing that is likely preventing the majority of diggers to comprehend the stupidity of your questioning. - Larsonal777, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1To answer your questions some of which if you read my comment were already answered...
Yes I do believe in God.
I would dissagree with them but not enough to get into a fist fight.
Ok this last ones tough... are you asking if... I question whether there is a reason for my belief system and/or faith... or if there is a reason for my questioning.
My answer is yes and yes... both of which I thought were quite clear in my original comment.
To question why you believe in something you would obviously question whether there is a reason to believe in something... I'm all about finding the truth... not believing in something just because. - sophiaperennis, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2@aptanalogy.
That is a good question, which is covered in St. Thomas Aquinas' work Summa Theologicae. It mentions that the so called proofs of God, are based on metaphysics, and not on epistemology. In the last analysis, questioning God, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, has to be a metaphysical inquiry.
Epistemological philosophy is very useful though, and balances the metaphysical philosophy.
Questioning and critical thinking is a very good tool to use. - nullifidian0, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3@rgranger: if you think 'epistemology' is a big word just used to "appear more intelligent" then you are an ignorant ***** and have no right to argue any kind of philosophy whatsoever. Get back under your bridge, you clueless troll.
- Erf32, on 06/13/2008, -0/+0www.dictionary.com
use it
Don't be mad because somebody has a larger vocabulary than you be mad if they misuse words.
ig·no·rant 1. lacking in knowledge or training; unlearned: an ignorant man.
sounds like you are the ignorant one. Not only ignorant but resistant to looking ***** up and becoming less ignorant. Maybe you could come up with a suggestion of a nice short word he could have used???? No?
- rgranger, on 06/08/2008, -4/+5Buried for using a big word to try to appear more intelligent than in actuality.
- georgemason01, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1The Papacy is the Whore of Revelation.
- aptanalogy, on 06/07/2008, -4/+9But, nonetheless, you DO believe in God, don't you? What if someone were to say that your views on the existence of a deity were epistemologically unfounded? You question your belief system and/or faith, but do you ever question whether there is even a reason for it?
- Elderon, on 06/07/2008, -0/+9I'm fully with you on that, but the thing is people are taught at least when I used to go to church that you had to put total unquestioning faith in God / jesus christ to be "saved". So for some of these people just questioning anything that they read in the bible or were taught in church, is a breach of faith and will send them to hell when they die.
I'm kinda glad I fell out of all of it. I feel much better now than I did when I used to go.- georgemason01, on 06/07/2008, -0/+10"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear." - Thomas Jefferson
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3Doesn't sound like Mr. Jefferson was speaking of the same god that wanted unreasoned faith so much he had someone go out to kill their son in the name of faith or the god that knowingly let a faithful man's family be murdered, all of his worldly goods be destroyed, and ruined his health just to win a bet that the man wouldn't see this as reason to think there was no one caring about his belief. I like Mr. Jefferson's reasoning.
- georgemason01, on 06/07/2008, -0/+10"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear." - Thomas Jefferson
- Vigilo, on 06/07/2008, -12/+2Isn't atheism a religion. Athiests are generally very self righteous like Christians.
- Andrwmorph, on 06/07/2008, -3/+7When you have all the proof its easy to be self righteous.
- TheKillDoctor, on 06/07/2008, -0/+6don't remember who said it but...
If atheism is a religion, then bald is a hair color.- rgranger, on 06/08/2008, -3/+1What a stupid analogy that doesn't address the complications that religion brings.
"Ooh look I have a completely unrelated analogy that I'm using as a response"
Maybe I'm just tired, but these logical fallacies are starting to annoy the ***** out of me. BRB I gotta use the bathroom. - TheKillDoctor, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3Ohhh looky rgranger has an unrelated response to a comment he can't understand. How cute.... midstream in typing it he also needed a diaper change.
- rgranger, on 06/08/2008, -3/+1What a stupid analogy that doesn't address the complications that religion brings.
- nullifidian0, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3No, it's not. We argue from a position of known or exceedingly-likely based on a preponderance of evidence. Theists argue from various positions including authority, dogma, tradition, doctrine, what-if, all-wrong-but-mine, and others, usually reverting to a creative interpretation of a written scripture, without or ignoring evidence, as the ultimate authority.
- DaMarsMan, on 06/08/2008, -5/+1Maybe God doesn't want you to know he exists.
- sleepyjjk, on 06/08/2008, -0/+6If that's the case, why worship someone who doesn't want us to know he exists?
- aptanalogy, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Even better, maybe he's a dick; maybe he'll punish you for believing in him ;)
- Malchus89, on 06/08/2008, -2/+1God is like a ninja...you don't see him but he's right behind you!
Of course, that raises the question of whether or not God is going to bestow some of his divine goodies on me or stealthily slaughter me with a shuriken... - FDL1, on 06/08/2008, -2/+2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal's_Wager
- aptanalogy, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3Maybe an omnipotent DEMON would punish you for believing in him ;)
- trevorh, on 07/03/2008, -0/+1My problem with Pascal's wager is that there are to many conflicting but unprovable things for a person to believe in. Maybe the Muslims are right, maybe the fundamentalist Christians are right it is impossible to know so the wager is just a stab in the dark you hope is right but it is equally likely to make the Deity angrier at you.
- aptanalogy, on 06/07/2008, -4/+22Exactly. I know some religious people, though, who are up front and hones with their doubts, and don't just accept what they're told all the time; they get comfort from faith without complete certainty.They're intelligent enough to understand that they believe what they do because of what they were taught, and they don't make a fuss when someone doesn't see it their way. I find that this is a rare phenomenon, though.
- alapoet, on 06/07/2008, -21/+87This one sounds like a MUST SEE!
- Contrast27, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3As great as this movie looks, I reserve the right to hate all trailer editors.
Apparently the current trend is playing music, cutting it off at the end of a sentence to create tension, then abruptly switching scenes and starting up a different song.
watch it again and count how many times it happens. Or don't because I already did; 7.- Owwmykneecap, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2I don't know bill maher very well (i'm not from the land of creationsists and westboro baptists) but he looks right up my street.
- laytheism, on 06/08/2008, -0/+0This movie looks well produced and extremely clever. Seeing so many religious points of views strung together serves to illustrate the absurdity of these widely varied beliefs. It is clearly is not workable for all these religions to co-exist… in fact, the film appears to illuminate the bigotry of religious groups towards each other’s faiths. I hope this movie is able to find wide release.
Blog post at http://www.laytheism.com.
- Contrast27, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3As great as this movie looks, I reserve the right to hate all trailer editors.
- TheNeptune, on 06/07/2008, -20/+77Who's hungry for some grilled cheese?
- shadeOfGrey, on 06/07/2008, -1/+136mmmm, sacralicious.
- curtisag, on 06/07/2008, -5/+12You sir win the internet. Congratulations.
- SuperWinner, on 06/07/2008, -0/+3can I have noodles with that??
- zulfy26, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1I just ate some. With noodles. :o
- fuzzyshrapnel, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1holy *****. the desire for grilled cheese suddenly makes sense now.
- shadeOfGrey, on 06/07/2008, -1/+136mmmm, sacralicious.
- davydany, on 06/07/2008, -34/+16Jesus told me in a dream last night that Bill Maher was gonna make this movie!
- JoeVet, on 06/07/2008, -4/+24Then you and Jesus are rather slow because Maher had announced the movie on his show long ago.
- geobay, on 06/07/2008, -2/+11Well, to be fair that's pretty good for a zombie.
- JoeVet, on 06/07/2008, -4/+24Then you and Jesus are rather slow because Maher had announced the movie on his show long ago.
- xXMetalJesusXx, on 06/07/2008, -32/+53What looks great about this film, is that it appears to not take itself to seriously. That's the one problem with Docu-Style film these days..particularly Michael Moore films.
As much as I tend to agree with him, not having it shoved down my throat when I watch his films would be nice.
.....that's what she said- zebco, on 06/08/2008, -3/+1Don't you mean 'he said?'
- fungible, on 06/08/2008, -1/+8I don't know if you noticed, but most Michael Moore films are "comedies." He doesn't take himself too seriously, except when he gets to something truly tragic.
- thaistick, on 06/08/2008, -4/+1I saw this comment because it was top spot under "controversial" (aat 8:00pm pst on 6/7)
When you order comments this way, I've found that 90% of the time, the top comment is flabby.
Digg should call it to "most impotent", not most controversial.
- castleking, on 06/07/2008, -53/+21I don't know about this movie. I'm personally an agnostic, but this movie doesn't seem like it has much of a message. I don't see how you can make a full length feature composed entirely of a man catching zealots in logic bombs.
- enntee, on 06/07/2008, -3/+57I think you could make SEVERAL full length feature films composed entirely of catching zealots in logic bombs.
- WhiteRaven, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Seriously, what is the appeal? Isn't it mostly just sad? Do you enjoy pulling wings off flies?
I sense hate in this. That is so the wrong approach do the delusional.- sodade, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1***** yes there is hate. Religious beliefs are fueling the decline of America. What approach do the rational have left to deal with the delusional masses that are ***** us all?
- WhiteRaven, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Seriously, what is the appeal? Isn't it mostly just sad? Do you enjoy pulling wings off flies?
- gravityPersists, on 06/07/2008, -4/+7If you've seen Bill Maher's show, you realize he can pull this off almost better than anyone else.
- FriedTurkey, on 06/07/2008, -3/+12Doesn't matter if the only message is "look at these stupid people". People like going to see these movies because it makes them feel better to look at stupid people. A really smart person doesn't need to watch this movie.
- haydesigner, on 06/07/2008, -1/+1Why not?
- vkiperman, on 06/08/2008, -0/+7An agnostic who is not sure about the truth value of something. Makes sense.
- enntee, on 06/07/2008, -3/+57I think you could make SEVERAL full length feature films composed entirely of catching zealots in logic bombs.
- cheech794, on 06/07/2008, -16/+3Hope the movie is as good as the poster.
- chris1012, on 06/07/2008, -34/+135woot ***** is about to hit the fan! I can't wait to see this movie, I always love it when someone puts religion in it's place, and that is the loonie bin.
- haxderek, on 06/07/2008, -3/+11excrement has hit the air conditioning
- Rikkochet, on 06/07/2008, -1/+7Waste material in the HVAC.
- crapuccino, on 06/07/2008, -1/+8Faeces connects sharply with the oscillating air device.
- WuShuGuShuPORK, on 06/07/2008, -1/+6Ordure is pummeling the rotating blades that keep me cool.
- wizarddoomsday, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3brown butter slaps the wind machine
- LegendRoad, on 06/08/2008, -3/+3*Obligitary "this is why I love Digg" comment*
- xenoc1de, on 06/07/2008, -1/+5There were religious protesters in front his stand up show in my town. The last time I have seen protesters here was maybe 10 years ago before the abortion clinic here was shut down.
- howlinrain, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1The last time I saw them it was outside the movie theater when The Da Vinci Code came out. You would think they would have something better to do than protest fiction, but I guess not.
- chris1012, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Their whole religion is fiction so ...
- howlinrain, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1The last time I saw them it was outside the movie theater when The Da Vinci Code came out. You would think they would have something better to do than protest fiction, but I guess not.
- chris1012, on 06/07/2008, -3/+2**its - the grammar police will understand.
- haxderek, on 06/07/2008, -3/+11excrement has hit the air conditioning
- JulyZerg, on 06/07/2008, -13/+115The face on the sandwich looks like Picard.
*inserts facepalm*- Szandor, on 06/07/2008, -1/+22Or Bono.
*inserts sunglasses* - aquadude, on 06/07/2008, -9/+2Or Steve Jobs.
*inserts spectacles*- digitalarcanum, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2*remove spectacles, insert iAids*
there, Steve Jobs is now a religious icon.
- digitalarcanum, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2*remove spectacles, insert iAids*
- linux4evr, on 06/07/2008, -6/+2Wesley Crusher,
Report to the captain's quarters. - geoboy, on 06/07/2008, -4/+25Or your mom.
*inserts penis*
(yeah, I stole that joke) - dantrc724, on 06/07/2008, -8/+0It doesn't look like Picard at all. Yet you got diggs *shrugs*. Someone seems to agree with you. I wonder if they don't know what Picard looks like too.
- utahnkid, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Well 3 other people dugg you down right before I did so I guess none of us do and you're the only smart one here, huh?
- Greengoo, on 06/07/2008, -2/+4Here's to the finest toast in Star Fleet.... Engage!
- dlite922, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Don't worry, you weren't the only one.
- copypastry, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2YOU DON'T DESERVE... TO WEAR THAT UNIFORM
- 4d669, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1That's the point.
- Szandor, on 06/07/2008, -1/+22Or Bono.
- lybrel, on 06/07/2008, -24/+41I love Bill Maher! And I guarantee this will be funnier to a Christian viewer than that Ben Stein movie was to an Atheist viewer. Well... maybe.
Can't wait for New Rules to come back next month :D - LemonPress, on 06/07/2008, -17/+51You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one- gravityPersists, on 06/07/2008, -30/+3Different message entirely.
Stop using Lennon's words in Dawkin's veins.- LemonPress, on 06/07/2008, -4/+3O RLY?
- BetterOffEd, on 06/07/2008, -1/+11How is it a different message? Lennon was talking precisely about organized religion when he said "Imagine there's no religion..."
There's absolutely no mention of Darwin, the theory of evolution, or Darwinsim in the trailer for the movie nor in Maher's description of the project. I realize that creationism and religiosity often have to go hand in hand, but we don't have to always conflate Darwinism with indictments of organized religion.- Nickooo, on 06/08/2008, -1/+4Uh I think he meant Richard Dawkins, not Charles Darwin. But he's wrong either way.
- gravityPersists, on 06/09/2008, -1/+1Lennon was not talking precisely about organized religion, Lennon was talking about how people live for the afterlife rather than living for today. It is a pacifist song, not an anti-religious sentiment, the likes of which Dawkin supporters have turned it into. How is this "precisely organized religion," I bet you didn't even know that "Imagine no religion" was not even a lyric to the song. And then people try to pin 9/11 on religion as if it were a farce, and not a resounding political statement slammed on us by third world countries.
As a prominent academic and announced atheist, as well as a strong Lennon fan, you can tell me "you're wrong" all you really want to, I don't care. Lennon's song is depressing, because it is impossible, and it reflects just how easy this impossibility is to overcome, but we cannot overcome it. He's not saying dispose of all of our differences and throw organized religion out of the door, you miss the point entirely if that is all you receive from this. - BetterOffEd, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1"Imagine" by John Lennon, Verse 1, 2nd Stanza:
...Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And *no religion* too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace..."
I'm sorry—I'm a bit slow, but you're gonna have to explain to me one more time why you're not completely full of ***** here. Now I'll concede that I may have slightly misquoted him in my initial comment, but he clearly says imagine that there's no religion in the 1st verse (as I outline above). How again can this be alternatively interpreted?
Again—I apologize for being a mental midget and requiring the guidance of such a "prominent academic" such as yourself. By the way: How many 21-year-old "prominent academics" are there out there? You must've been some kind of wunderkind or child prodigy. We're all very honored. Thanks for enlightening us. - gravityPersists, on 06/09/2008, -0/+1Look, if you want to talk about the contributions I've made in the ways of academics and pronouncing atheism, that's someplace else. Let's leave the ad hominems aside.
The alternative interpretation has been provided here already. Lennon never meant to say that organized religion should take a nosedive, merely, taking from the same cup of tea as that similar vision we've all had of what a single race of people would coexist as, I'm talking about Hitler's savage dream here.
The interpretation that should be taken from this is that we must find some means to put aside our differences and coexist.
- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -1/+4Why are you stupid? Stupid people make me sad.
- lazerflesh, on 06/07/2008, -5/+61Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one- stephencr, on 06/07/2008, -10/+8I don't listen to lennon but from the lyrics it seems like he's bashing organized religion, and division in general.
- nullifidian0, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2He's bashing all sorts of sources of division, including nationhood and sovereignty ("Imagine there's no countries"), capitalism ("Imagine no possessions"). To single out religion as the central message is to a) just not get it, and b) play into the persecution complex that so many theists see as their divine legacy.
- lbdinh, on 06/07/2008, -5/+6He's just talking about socialistic utopia. Too bad it'll never work.
- lepton, on 06/07/2008, -1/+10God is a concept by which we measure our pain. -Lennon. I think that expresses it for me. Think of no God, and when you die that's it. The idea is terrifying. We as humans just can't bring ourselves to hold that as true. It is too much. So we invent God and an afterlife. We have to. We are weak, scared. Human.
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+9I dunno, the idea of not being kinda makes me more grateful for the time I do have to be. It'll suck to stop existing in the mental sense, but I'm not really scared of it since my body's materials have been in such a state for the preceding 12 billion years without my feeling any ill effect. Continuing that and allowing other people and life to use my materials to come to be sounds like a nice thing to do to me.
Much nicer than the ever-looping embodiment of pain Buddhism teaches and the threat of an infinite amount of torture and never-ending pain that Christianity offers up. I'd like to continue being, but the prospect of ceasing to be makes me value life more I think. - g33kfu, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1@carpespasm: If I could dig you up multiple times, I could. Our finite state of being is what makes life worth living.
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+9I dunno, the idea of not being kinda makes me more grateful for the time I do have to be. It'll suck to stop existing in the mental sense, but I'm not really scared of it since my body's materials have been in such a state for the preceding 12 billion years without my feeling any ill effect. Continuing that and allowing other people and life to use my materials to come to be sounds like a nice thing to do to me.
- utahnkid, on 06/08/2008, -3/+2I don't need to imagine. I can just look up "Soviet Union" or read "The Giver"
- rawheadrex, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Bringing up Lennon in this kind of anti-religious context is... I don't know. Meh.
I mean read the frikkin' lyrics and you tell me you're willing to let go of not only religion, but also countries, which would obviously lead to the loss of many traditions, and homogenization of culture, not to mention the disappearance of the Olympics and other international sports competitions, as well as POSSESSIONS.
I don't know about you, but as good as that may sound, I'm really not willing to give up some of my possessions. Like my iPhone.
- stephencr, on 06/07/2008, -10/+8I don't listen to lennon but from the lyrics it seems like he's bashing organized religion, and division in general.
- thegallery, on 06/07/2008, -1/+19Copright Violation! Someone call Yoko!
- digitalarcanum, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2ITS ALRIGHT ACTA HASNT BEEN PASSED YET, BUT WERE ON TO YOU, CRIMINAL SCUM!!
- caborobo, on 06/07/2008, -8/+2A Perfect Circle's cover is absolutely amazing!
- digitalarcanum, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3and you say that I'm going to hell, but I'm not the only one. You do good deeds because a fake boogey man tells you to. I do them because my conscience and morals compels me to do so.
- gravityPersists, on 06/07/2008, -30/+3Different message entirely.
- StabmasterArson, on 06/07/2008, -18/+11Finally...
This movie will be hysterical.
Maher will be funny too. - jholmes8, on 06/07/2008, -30/+16This will no doubt be very controversial - even though i'm not religious, I don't really believe in tromping on others beliefs. I'll wait and see though if the humor is in good taste before passing judgment but I can only imagine with Maher that this will cross the line in many ways.
- lazerflesh, on 06/07/2008, -2/+11I think that you should watch the movie first. I agree that we shouldn't stomp on peoples beliefs... but if you *really* think that than you need to take a look around. Look at the major things happening around us right now.
Faith based judges, nationalistic xenophobes- America is in the hands of complete idiots with a religious agenda. In order for there to be equality religion needs to be confronted on a massive scale.
People are and should be allowed to have their own personal beliefs- but these concepts should not become powerful entities that control peoples lives that aren't related.
While I'm at it I'd like my family back.- jholmes8, on 06/07/2008, -6/+1I have no argument with what you said - I simply think the movie will be walking a very very thin line. I have no problem with controversial humor and think this movie definately looks like it could be very funny but movies that are funny at the expense of others beliefs can be hard to watch. Basically it depends on what angle he makes this movie funny - if its "Your stupid for believing that" then its not of any benefit to anyone. If its style is more "Why do you think that when this has been proven, etc, etc" then it would be more my style.
- BetterOffEd, on 06/07/2008, -1/+7As far as that "very thin line" goes, I hope he ***** on it, then lights it on fire, then crosses it several times.
Why is it that people's religious beliefs are the only thing in this world that are not allowed to be subject te even the slightest bit of criticism? (Please answer me--I'm not being facetious here. I'd honestly like a thoughtful answer.) - RobotBuddha, on 06/07/2008, -0/+4"I have no problem with controversial humor " conflicts with "I'll wait and see though if the humor is in good taste". Nobody thinks they have a problem with controversial humor. Giving any care to good taste though, usually means they do.
- BetterOffEd, on 06/07/2008, -1/+7As far as that "very thin line" goes, I hope he ***** on it, then lights it on fire, then crosses it several times.
- jholmes8, on 06/07/2008, -6/+1I have no argument with what you said - I simply think the movie will be walking a very very thin line. I have no problem with controversial humor and think this movie definately looks like it could be very funny but movies that are funny at the expense of others beliefs can be hard to watch. Basically it depends on what angle he makes this movie funny - if its "Your stupid for believing that" then its not of any benefit to anyone. If its style is more "Why do you think that when this has been proven, etc, etc" then it would be more my style.
- crimsonalucard, on 06/07/2008, -6/+5What if the person's beliefs are completely insane? What if I told you I believe a gold fish with 6 testicles created the universe? What if I planned on teaching my kids, your kids, and educating the whole world about this gold fish with 6 testicles? I'd rewrite textbooks, create museums that contradict science...
Don't tromp on my beliefs!- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Stinky the Gold Fish! My Messiah!
Ave Piscari!
- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Stinky the Gold Fish! My Messiah!
- stalman, on 06/08/2008, -2/+5Tromping on peoples beliefs is the only way we'll ever make any progress.
- 335io07, on 06/08/2008, -5/+0Yeah, going to hell. Real progress.
- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -2/+1Do you not see the irony in the fact that you are tromping on my belief that people should feel free to tromp on peoples beliefs any time they wish?
- vkiperman, on 06/08/2008, -1/+5Atheists' beliefs have been put down and tromped long enough. No?
- lamiaconfitor, on 06/10/2008, -0/+1You are missing the point. Who will loose in the end?
- vkiperman, on 06/08/2008, -1/+5Atheists' beliefs have been put down and tromped long enough. No?
- lazerflesh, on 06/07/2008, -2/+11I think that you should watch the movie first. I agree that we shouldn't stomp on peoples beliefs... but if you *really* think that than you need to take a look around. Look at the major things happening around us right now.
- yunebug, on 06/07/2008, -21/+7Surely it will be a completely-biased piece of "documentary" from Bill's standpoint.
OK! I'll take it. :0)- Frostman3D, on 06/07/2008, -1/+3of course it will. When has he ever really listened to another point of view without attempting to crucify it?
- kru1e, on 06/07/2008, -28/+261This is going to be great, finally a mainstream anti-religious film.
- lazerflesh, on 06/07/2008, -2/+8Yeah, he's got a lot of cash flow- I'm sure it will be nicely made.
- flashback99, on 06/07/2008, -12/+7Erm, what about The Golden Compass??
- heroesdietrying, on 06/07/2008, -1/+9I love His Dark Materials but the Golden Compass movie SUCKED. They also removed all the references to the fact that the government in Lyra's world is the Church.
- ComradeGoby, on 06/07/2008, -1/+15You mean the movie that toned down the anti-religion message of the book so that it is not "offensive" to Christian viewers?
- ICSU, on 06/07/2008, -1/+10Golden Compass?
http://www.the-editing-room.com/goldencompass.html
DANIEL CRAIG
Oh, the Magisterium. You guys must be the symbol of religion that religious folks are all pissed off about.
SIMON MCBURNEY
Actually, in the movie we’re just a symbol of conformity and blind obedience.
DANIEL CRAIG
Er, so organizations like the Catholic League saw conformity and blind obedience, then decided it must represent their religion?
SIMON MCBURNEY
Yeah. Kinda telling, huh?- lazerflesh, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2Y'know... I went to see the Golden Compass expecting some giant anti-establishment flick and was severely dissapointed. The Church really ***** this one up- I was sad at the end that someone lost a lot of money and that a lot of kids weren't going to see an awesome fantasy type movie just because a consensus group of zealots decided to attack a movie.
- ophello, on 06/07/2008, -7/+5Not sure it's anti-religious. Certainly not pro-religion, but not blatantly anti...it's just satire.
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2To many people of faith the mere thought of questioning the validity is anti-religious. If it were right then I don't think that it would be a big deal, but it seems rather telling that when you even propose the idea that they could be wrong it's taken as offensive to many religious people.
- JFallon126, on 06/07/2008, -4/+14I agree that it's about time the non-religious demographic gets a movie expressing their POV. However, I dearly hope this is not an "anti-religious" film. Exposing the ridiculous religions for the fraudulent and potentially harmful shams that they are? Great. But if this film tries to pull that unnecessarily antagonistic "all religions are evil and anyone who isn't an atheist is a moron" angle I'm going to be really disappointed. As someone who can best be described as a deist and has family that is "Christian" I can tell you personally that religion does a lot of good but like anything it can be perverted and abused. As long as this film makes the distinction between the "religious" and the zealots/crackpots it is probably going to be an incredible documentary.
- Andrwmorph, on 06/07/2008, -4/+10Religion does do a lot of good. Its great for controlling stupid people.
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -1/+3Religion may do a lot of good, but it does so quite inefficiently. Harvesting 10% of someone's income through a collective lie, then spending much of that money to help perpetuate and substantiate wherever possible that lie, then using the remainder to help the unfortunate as a means of telling the group that their faith is there to help people seems a lot less efficient than if someone were to simply donate 10% of their income to the red cross.
- dantrc724, on 06/07/2008, -0/+4Who said this will be anti-religious? Granted it will be satirical and poke fun at religion, but it's a big target. And since it will be a documentary, it is far from mainstream. I would not call documentaries mainstream, not in the US anyway.
- ch33sehead, on 06/07/2008, -1/+6Kingdom of Heaven was pretty anti-religious.
- ICSU, on 06/07/2008, -1/+9realistic = anti-religious
Kinda telling, huh? - ricemonster, on 06/08/2008, -2/+1How was it anti-religious?
- ICSU, on 06/07/2008, -1/+9realistic = anti-religious
- nmcvicke, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2There have been plenty of mainstream anti-religious documentaries. It's just that most of the time they don't have a big budget or aren't widely distributed. The audience for this sort of movie doesn't reach very far....
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3What do you concider to be mainstream if it's not something that has large backing and wide distribution? Obviously some things make it through to be known by the masses without those two things, but what documentary could be said to have that trait?
- DaMarsMan, on 06/07/2008, -75/+13Bill Maher is a douche bag. He can suck my balls.
- CannedMango, on 06/07/2008, -8/+4I don't think those two sentences are connected...
- fanclerks, on 06/07/2008, -7/+15Awww... don't like being confronted with the reality of your stupid beliefs huh?
- diggdowner, on 06/07/2008, -7/+7Okay, I dugg you down, but he IS a member of PETA, so you do have a point.
- TheSeeker11, on 06/07/2008, -6/+3No doubt he can suck your balls; the question is does he want to, or more importantly, do you WANT him to? I'm guessing the latter.
- SuperWinner, on 06/07/2008, -3/+4very christian of you to say that...
- jdunlop2179, on 06/07/2008, -14/+180Wait.... you mean all those wars were fought over nothing?
- dondara, on 06/07/2008, -3/+47No, there was money made. So the wars were just and righteous.
- Biks, on 06/07/2008, -5/+2AND all those big buildings with all that stained glass..
- lbdinh, on 06/07/2008, -8/+3They were fighting for God's love. And who gets to go to heaven, muslims or christians. He who controls the holy land, controls heaven.
- vkiperman, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1The wars were almost never fought over nothing. They were fighting for dominance and prestige, land and wealth, resources and an expanded gene pool, and other stuff. But, more often than not, they were fought in the name of imaginary deities (nothing).
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -3/+3No. Oh no. HELL no. Most wars that are fought with religion as a central theme throughout time were actually power struggles for land, mineral wealth, population control, and as a way for leaders to settle squabbles without fighting each other directly. Fighting a war in the name of a faith just allows one to more easily get their soldiers psyched up and sure they'll win.
"Religion is considered by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful." - Seneca
- anemptygun, on 06/07/2008, -6/+48From the director of borat?
- Oranjy, on 06/07/2008, -0/+23Maybe the director, was the director of Borat.
- flashback99, on 06/07/2008, -0/+17Interesting how Borat also gave a confrontational insight into conservative america alongside the humour.
- poiuytrewq44, on 06/07/2008, -2/+9Maybe Maher will run naked through a Sunday Morning Mass battling God with a toothpick. Now THAT'S comedy.
- equinoxChild, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2more sexy time for maher
- Chronoped, on 06/07/2008, -10/+43That there Bill Maher ain't got nothin' on Buddhism, no sir...
Ah, the joys of a clean conscience...- GregIsLegend, on 06/07/2008, -8/+30I'm an atheist, Buddhism is my favorite religion.
- Cerebron, on 06/07/2008, -4/+3I'm not sure it counts as a religion, not in the sense that christianity/islam/hindu are.
- lugerlg, on 06/07/2008, -0/+11Buddhism is a philosophy
- desertDenizen, on 06/08/2008, -2/+1Then you'd probably love Taoism. It's the lean-n-clean version of Buddhism.
- crimsonalucard, on 06/07/2008, -12/+19Hahaha in Buddihsm you crazies believe that everyone including animals will be reincarnated after death. Yeah.. not much more crazy then believing in a talking snake.
Also one thing interesting about buddihsm is the hierarchy of reincarnation. The goal of every living being is to eventually reach enlightment through reincarnation. A bug wants to be reincarnated as a mammal, the mammal then wants to be reincarnated as a human and the human will find enlightment. The interesting thing about this chain is that before a Woman can reach enlightment, she must be reincarnated as a man. Buddhism isn't immune from the old sexist and obsolete moral values of the past.- RobotBuddha, on 06/07/2008, -0/+15Not all Buddhist sects believe in reincarnation. That said, I'll agree there's HUGE amount of crazy spread through most of them.
- zenbyo, on 06/07/2008, -0/+7In chapter 12 of the Lotus Sutra Buddha explains that Women are able to attain enlightenment.
- Colesif, on 06/07/2008, -0/+7While I'm no Buddhist, I am educated enough to know that is only one form of Buddhism that believes in that. Zen Buddhism, a more modern form of Buddhism does not believe in reincarnation.
- Chronoped, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1You know, just like most other things, Buddhism can be seen with a historical bias, meaning that things we see as sexist now were regarded as normal several hundred years ago. However, one of Buddhism's greatest aspects is its ability to evolve with the times, yet still maintain its original principles. I don't think you'll find many people who are sexist because of Buddhism. Instead you'll find people who are sexist because of their cultural upbringing.
...And why does reincarnation sound so crazy? Until I see undeniable proof that reincarnation can't exist, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it. Sounds like a logical, efficient natural process. - krillinhazuki, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2There is a TOOOON of ***** in Buddhist sects, just like anything else. I'm a Soto Zen practitioner (enlightenment doesn't exist, god doesn't exist, reincarnation doesn't exist, zazen meditation just enriches how you live the one life you have, to put it plainly), but even within Zen there are quite a few odd-balls. Those Rinzai fools like to chant and are all big on enlightenment. Ew. And the Tibetans are off the charts crazy when compared with soto zen. That said, even the craziest Buddhist sects are still WAY more grounded than Judeo-Christian beliefs.
- sKiLLa182, on 06/07/2008, -10/+9Um, Buddhism has some pretty ***** up beliefs too. Take Buddha himself, the story of Buddha is no less crazy than the story of Jesus. Also, believing in re-incarnation, dhali-lama, etc. I'd say he's got quite a bit on Buddhism.
- Chronoped, on 06/08/2008, -0/+6The story of an indian prince who experienced culture shock when he got out into the world, searched for answers to the big questions, and came up with some good ideas on the way? What's so crazy about that? Are you debating his existence or the commotion he caused throughout asia?
Believing in the dalai lama? Do you mean supporting a man who is trying to liberate Tibet, encourages cooperation between religions, and promotes a joint effort between science and spirituality?
You don't have to make that many leaps of faith in Buddhism.- sKiLLa182, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Supporting a man from birth because you believe he's reincarnated? Yes, crazy. They don't follow him because he's trying to liberate Tibet, they follow him because they religiously believe he is their reincarnated leader.
I'm sure there's plenty of people out there trying to liberate Tibet, but monks aren't bowing down to them. I wonder why.
Yes I agree it's the least crazy religion out there, but it's still a religion, and it's still based on a story that likely never actually happened and spiritual beliefs that are impossible unless you reason with yourself the definition of "enlightenment". Passing on a story by word of mouth is usually just a tad unreliable, too.
- sKiLLa182, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Supporting a man from birth because you believe he's reincarnated? Yes, crazy. They don't follow him because he's trying to liberate Tibet, they follow him because they religiously believe he is their reincarnated leader.
- KeepOffMyLawn, on 06/08/2008, -2/+1Yeah...do a bit of reading up on Siddhārtha before you equate his story to that of Christ...it's nowhere near similar, and you obviously have no idea what you're talking about. Jesus Christ I hate ignorance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha - krillinhazuki, on 06/08/2008, -1/+0The thing to remember here is the Buddhists do not take their stories as fact. We do not have scriptures like Christians. Are most of the stories about Buddha probably *****? Yes. Are most of the stories about Jesus *****? Yes. The important thing are the lessons you learn and the knowledge of how the world works you gain from hearing them. They're 90% parables. Just like Jesus, most of Buddha's adventures were written long after his death, sometimes several hundred years. Its not about the facts in the story, but the lesson, and both Buddhists and Christians alike who see them as anything but parables are kidding themselves.
- cambob76, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1You have no idea what you are talking about. Read a book or two.
- sKiLLa182, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1What am I wrong about?
- Chronoped, on 06/08/2008, -0/+6The story of an indian prince who experienced culture shock when he got out into the world, searched for answers to the big questions, and came up with some good ideas on the way? What's so crazy about that? Are you debating his existence or the commotion he caused throughout asia?
- 1dog, on 06/07/2008, -2/+4Maybe Jesus was a Buddhist. Maybe the Catholic church has just manufactured a lot of *****.
- triskele, on 06/07/2008, -1/+8That's because buddhism isn't a theistic religion. There are practitioners that believe in various deities, but theism isn't part of being a buddhist. Taking the unfathomable supreme being(s) out of the picture provides a lot less fodder for the critics.
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1I dunno, reincarnation and the whole heirarchy thing without evidence for either leaves a good bit of material. Why not just build a set of morals off something we can find evidence for?
- Chronoped, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3Because reincarnation or not, Buddhist morals can be successfully applied to daily life.
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1I dunno, reincarnation and the whole heirarchy thing without evidence for either leaves a good bit of material. Why not just build a set of morals off something we can find evidence for?
- JustFender, on 06/07/2008, -3/+26I'm no Buddhist, but I've read a few books by the Dalia lama, and the one thing that makes Buddhism my favourite religion is what he said and it was something along the lines of using logic and rational thoughts to become enlightened and then if empirical evidence goes against that clearly your understanding is wrong and needs to be rethought. it's the only religion I've ever heard of that does that, willing to get rid of its old beliefs if they are proven to be wrong.
- JFitzpatrick, on 06/07/2008, -0/+3I'm sure he's said it in more than one place (because it certainly merits saying more than once) but I recall it from the early part (perhaps even the introduction) of this book:
The Universe in a Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality
http://www.amazon.com/Universe-Single-Atom-Converg ...- JustFender, on 06/07/2008, -0/+4ah yeah, that is the book i read it in. "understanding the nature of reality is pursued by means of critical investigation: if scientific analysis were conclusively to demonstrate certain claims in Buddhism to be false, then we must accept the findings of science and abandon those claims". It's a good book.
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1What about when the majority of evidence points to the idea that there isn't any reason to believe in reincarnation, gods, a spiritual realm beyond that of imagination, and that any of the good things of their faith that aren't based on material and reason aren't likely to be true?
- Chronoped, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2I'm waiting for proof that reincarnation is impossible. Buddhism doesn't have any gods. And when speaking of truth, Buddhists work with science to get their points across, instead of attacking science like many other religions.
- JustFender, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2when it does they rethink it and modify it so it fits. It'll also be the reason why different Buddhists believe different things, like the different sects. An example would be the idea of God, Buddhists believe nothing is independent, everything has a cause and effect and nothing has no cause. However, for there to be a God then there would have to be something which had no cause, God, therefore there cannot be a God because everything has a cause, and if the God did have a cause then obviously there was something greater so that would be the God, and the other essentially nothing, and it would go on infinitely making God pointless anyway. If evidence was found, material or logic, that proved there was a God though this would be rethought or even scraped all together seeing as there would be a God so it would'nt be right.
- JFitzpatrick, on 06/07/2008, -0/+3I'm sure he's said it in more than one place (because it certainly merits saying more than once) but I recall it from the early part (perhaps even the introduction) of this book:
- ogleby, on 06/07/2008, -13/+0Buddhism is my most hated religion because, while it is 100% as wrong as all the other religions, the pricks who're into it have the nerve to stand next to me in wailing on other religions because they fancy themselves to be somehow better. STFU, your religion is evidently wrong like all the others. If the Dalai Llama were so into reason, he wouldn't be a ***** buddhist, now would he?
You know what's the most retarded belief of Zen Buddhists? The whole "live in the moment" thing. Why? Why not cherish memories, or savor anticipation? Aren't those equally important parts of living? For the record, it's because of ideas made to brainwash peasants into docility. You're not allowed to want anything, all you're allowed to do is continue living your ***** life. That's buddhism, The Great Peaceful Religion (Of Oppression). It's no coincidence that Buddhists are oppressed all the time. That's what the religion is designed to do. I guess maybe Buddhism is the best religion after all, if we are measuring success by how well a religion is able to oppress and brainwash people.
Bite me, buddhists.- malex, on 06/07/2008, -0/+5Least informed bitch-session ever.
- greenanji, on 06/07/2008, -0/+1being stuck in your mind must be hell
- Chronoped, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2You have an amazingly shallow perception of Buddhism. Maybe if you spew more ignorant hate at the internet, you'll sound smarter.
- krisscofield, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1Oh I'm sure he'll cover the soft-dictatorship of the Dalai Llama, the absurdity of the monk's celibacy, the rampant violence and child abuse in Tibet...y'know...silly stuff like that.
- GregIsLegend, on 06/07/2008, -8/+30I'm an atheist, Buddhism is my favorite religion.
- myass666mlong, on 06/07/2008, -25/+1who s thad¿¿
- rasbill, on 06/07/2008, -12/+4i havent been to the theater since donnie brasco came out, but i see myself lining up on oct 3rd
lord have this grilled cheese - diceau, on 06/07/2008, -13/+25Wow see all the crazies within religion? Where do you begin trying to have a proper discussion with people like that...? Good luck.
- crimsonalucard, on 06/07/2008, -2/+8Proper discussion about why a talking snake is real? About how an organization called a church made millions believe that the world was created in 7 days? Why have a proper logical discussion when your beliefs aren't even grounded in reality?
- flashback99, on 06/07/2008, -0/+4I think it will be interesting from the point of view of people who think they are grounded in reality, yet are faithful, to see their beliefs actually talked about, rather than hidden away behind taboo.
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3It usually comes down to compartmentalization in my experience. Someone who sees them self as rational and grounded in reality but has faith has often (once again to my experience) never been encouraged to chase the nuts and bolts of how and why their faith works as much as they're encouraged to chase such things in regard to the rest of their life. It's fine to question and wonder about how a car's many complex parts work or why music is so universally appealing, but to question how God's act of sending part of himself for us to sacrifice to him so he could forgive us works in detail, or to question why God doesn't simply stop Satan and bad things from happening when he's supposed to be all knowing and all powerful are usually discouraged, if not totally made taboo by threat of hellfire.
- TheWiseNoob, on 06/07/2008, -0/+5Try billions, not millions.
- flashback99, on 06/07/2008, -0/+4I think it will be interesting from the point of view of people who think they are grounded in reality, yet are faithful, to see their beliefs actually talked about, rather than hidden away behind taboo.
- dantrc724, on 06/07/2008, -2/+1You can start with me. Of course I'm not a religious person, but am a faithful one. I believe what I want and not what a church wants. I'm not lazy enough to take every word at a church on "faith". It is ultimately what you personally believe in; not your family, your parents or your church believes.
Errr, wait, I guess I wouldn't be considered one of the "crazies within religion". Forget I mentioned it.- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2Just curious then, what would your describe your faith to be? Care to share some details? I love to hear individuals self-found beliefs. Sounds like you may be deist or loose Buddhist, but that's just a guess out of my butt since many people who reject organized faith seem to fall into one of those categories.
- diceau, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2I would but I've had enough of debating religion online ... and in general, now I just want it to go away.
- diggrnumber1, on 06/08/2008, -1/+2you don't. that's the point of the movie: the discussions will be ridiculous.
- Breticus07, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2yeah but what I figure is that he finds the craziest looking people out there that believe in religion and interviews them. It's just like when the news came to our town, who did they decide to interview? the biggest redneck in town of course. now people think we are all rednecks
- crimsonalucard, on 06/07/2008, -2/+8Proper discussion about why a talking snake is real? About how an organization called a church made millions believe that the world was created in 7 days? Why have a proper logical discussion when your beliefs aren't even grounded in reality?
- chauncer, on 06/07/2008, -9/+13There were one too many cut-music punchlines in that clip, still Maher is one of the more vocal anti-religion activists so this should be interesting to see.
- drplump, on 06/07/2008, -10/+52I want to see the fat redneck kick his ass while telling him how great god is. It will be like the people from West Virgina when asked about Obama. He doesn't have to alter anything just show what some religious people really think!
- lbdinh, on 06/07/2008, -0/+2Yea...that redneck can't possibly be helping the Christian cause.
- howlinrain, on 06/08/2008, -1/+0Hey boy you go ahead and mock that there religion and God of mine boy and we guns have sum prawblems!
I know that isn't EXACTLy what that guy said but he may as well have since he is still coming across as an idiot and isn't going to help anything by acting that closed-minded.
- howlinrain, on 06/08/2008, -1/+0Hey boy you go ahead and mock that there religion and God of mine boy and we guns have sum prawblems!
- lbdinh, on 06/07/2008, -0/+2Yea...that redneck can't possibly be helping the Christian cause.
- slavetolust, on 06/07/2008, -9/+7That looks great. Can't wait to see it.
- Molle7, on 06/07/2008, -13/+29Link to the trailer @ apple.com:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/religulou ... - september11th, on 06/07/2008, -31/+7the movie looks bogus. im not offended by anything in the trailer but it seems to rely on doing just that. he goes around 'hay guyz lol talking man in the sky wtf is that?" i dont really see the point hes trying to make. people are not going to change their opinions on their religion because of this movie. im not religious and i understand some of his points, but im not going to go around harassing people about what they believe in. the only part that seems legit is showing the influence of religion in america in the government. but for the most part it just seems to be bill maher making a movie about himself being a dick.
- avenu420, on 06/07/2008, -2/+11I think he's trying to make the movie just as silly as organized religion is.
- dondara, on 06/07/2008, -0/+2Bah, he'll never be able to do that. Pretending wine is blood and stale crackers are bones? Barbaric.
- MScrip, on 06/07/2008, -2/+6> "the movie looks bogus."
This is a documentary. Bill Mahar is documenting what people say about religion. If he interviews 50 people, there could be 50 different ideas. And this film lets us all see those ideas in one movie... a documentary. - Croaton, on 06/07/2008, -1/+9"'hay guyz lol talking man in the sky wtf is that?"
I hope you understand that this is acctually a valid question to ask... and it should be something that people around the world keeps with them all the time.
I think this movie is trying to shed some light on how strange and dangerous it is that, atleast in USA, you are almost not allowed to ask that very question. Belief in "God" is becoming the norm and as the red-shirt-redneck put it... "If you start questioning my God then you'll have a problem..." - JoeVet, on 06/07/2008, -1/+11I disagree. The more people see it is alright to think logically and laugh at those who believe in talking snakes the less pressure there is be for the rest of us to conform to the extreme right and their medieval standards of morality. The more we laugh at them the less people will feel pressured into blindly accepting their idiocy.
- Yage2006, on 06/07/2008, -1/+5But ridicule is often a good tool discourage people from believing silly things.
Of course it doesnt work on the lost causes but it will plant the seeds of doubt in the ones with brains.
- avenu420, on 06/07/2008, -2/+11I think he's trying to make the movie just as silly as organized religion is.
- Mikhail101, on 06/07/2008, -9/+17I dont think ive been this excited to see a movie, this is gonna be "controverstial" and i like that people need to get there heads out of the sand.
- ophello, on 06/07/2008, -1/+7there: location: over there
they're: contraction: they are
their: possessive: their heads out of the sand
if you've passed the 5th grade, there's no reason you should have trouble with these.- cyn1kal, on 06/07/2008, -5/+0if you've passed 5th grade geography, you should realize that not everyone in the world lives in an English speaking country.... especially people named "Mikhail"
- ophello, on 06/07/2008, -0/+3im not so thick that i will presume your country of origin based solely on your username.
all the same, if he gets offended, it isnt my job to ensure he speaks english. he should be grateful someone took the time to correct him. i wish more people would correct me.
that being said, dont feel that its your obligation to police me for being insensitive. you're wasting your time. i have nothing against Mikhail101.
- ophello, on 06/07/2008, -0/+3im not so thick that i will presume your country of origin based solely on your username.
- cyn1kal, on 06/07/2008, -5/+0if you've passed 5th grade geography, you should realize that not everyone in the world lives in an English speaking country.... especially people named "Mikhail"
- ophello, on 06/07/2008, -1/+7there: location: over there
- gravityPersists, on 06/07/2008, -10/+30I'm going to be with everyone else who will be protesting this movie when it comes out.
Not to protest, I'll be in line!- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3And Ill be the guy who is surreptitiously tazering you.
- theshizzler, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Et tu, bro?
- carpespasm, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Far better to try and strike up meaningful and hopefully eye-opening discussion with the people making the protest. To just walk by and into the theater just lets them feel like "the atheists" are having their way and not listening to reason. It's a whole lot more effective a way of showing them you're not just some nameless demon and that perhaps some of the things they think may not be as well-founded as they think. That or the whole poking the bears thing. People who claim to represent the spirit of a religion of peace yelling at someone who expresses no faith at all can be an eye-opener to some.
That and they'll probably head home after the first couple days, then you can go from the show outside to the show inside.- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1they aren't going to listen to reason, no point in talking to the ceiling hoping it will become a floor.
- lamiaconfitor, on 06/08/2008, -0/+3And Ill be the guy who is surreptitiously tazering you.
- Frostman3D, on 06/07/2008, -48/+11I've never cared for Bill Maher, he's a smug ***** and he's hellbent against religion. He's got some kind of vendetta.
- skeen07, on 06/07/2008, -4/+24I think his 'vendetta' is clear as day: religion is bogus. Duh. And smugness does not preclude truthfulness.
- stfucupcake, on 06/08/2008, -0/+2He feels that way about being a Jew? Just wondering.
- dondara, on 06/07/2008, -4/+21Waaaaa. Maybe he's sick of having other's laughable beliefs shoved down his throat.
- Einchy, on 06/08/2008, -4/+7If anything he IS shoving his beliefs down other people's throats.
- nullifidian0, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Only if he knocks on your door and projects it through your window. If you pay to see it, you've made your choice.
- 5celery, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1vendetta doesn't mean what you think it means
- Frostman3D, on 06/08/2008, -0/+1Sure it does, hit the dictionary.
- thorstrongstone, on 06/08/2008, -1/+1A vendetta you say? Do you think his vendetta is because of the persecution of gays, the bombing of buildings, or both? Discuss.
- skeen07, on 06/07/2008, -4/+24I think his 'vendetta' is clear as day: religion is bogus. Duh. And smugness does not preclude truthfulness.
- mlvassallo, on 06/07/2008, -29/+8So a guy who hates religious people making a documentary about religion for people who hate religion. Pandering much?
- Croaton, on 06/07/2008, -4/+5ridicule =/ hate
And he is not making fun of religious people... he is making fun of religion... if you can not make the distinction between these two then you're a fundamentalist religious person...
Fundamentalist religious persons are acctually worthy of both hate and ridicule... - gregfadein, on 06/07/2008, -4/+3Look up the word “pandering.”
Preaching to the choir, maybe, but certainly not pandering. - flashback99, on 06/07/2008, -2/+7Firstly you assume that Bill Mahler hates religious people.
Secondly you assume the documentary is about religion, when it could be about human psychology or the variety of human experiences and beliefs people have.
Thirdly you assume the movie is for people who hate religion
Fourthly you assume that people who are not religious, hate religion.
Assume much?
I'm going to assume correctly that you are religious.
- Croaton, on 06/07/2008, -4/+5ridicule =/ hate
- JacksonYaya, on 06/07/2008, -13/+171You start disputin ' my god and you got a problem! That is if I can lift my fat ass off of this chair.