Religulous... my take


So last night me and a friend went to see Bill Maher's religious documentary, Religulous. In the film comedian Bill Maher looks at the presence of religion in many of the big news stories of recent years, from Muslim riots over cartoons of Muhammad, to the Ten Commandments in front of courthouses, a born-again Christian in the White House and Scientology in the birthing room.

I must say Bill has captured the current thoughts of organized religion that have been circling in my head and coming to live for the past several months.

Most organized religion requires someone to embrace some form of blind faith. It is this faith, by its very nature requires a gigantic leap into irrationality, it is almost impossible to explain or to defend in rational terms. And this impossibility that frustrates and enrages most believers... when instead it should lead to a lot of self thought.

In the film Maher examines Christianity, the Islamic faith, Judaism, and Catholicism (by far my favorite fairy tale of them all) Equally diving into each religion and questioning why we believe what we believe. He also looks into the story of Jesus Christ... from the immaculate conception to his death and shows how the story resembles even older stories such as the story of Horus in Greek mythology and Mithras in the Roman religions.

While I, like Bill, must admit I haven't figured it all out and I am not quite sure what I believe. But I do believe the stories of the Bible are taken a little too literal... like Jonah living inside a fish.

I think the movie is good for those who have no faith or are quite strong in their faith and those that are able to look at other views of taboo subjects without being angered.

11 comments:

Crazy Diamond said...

I've also become disenchanted with religion over the years, and developed a resentment for those who try to infuse their religion into public life to the point that everyone has to live according to their faith. I also like Bill Maher, and agree that most religions require a suspension of disbelief that is uncomfortable for me. But,

1.) I have been certain about my knowledge of certain things in the past, only to learn that I was wrong, and so I leave that door open with respect to religion as well, and

2.) I haven't seen the movie, but from watching Maher on HBO and other publicity for the movie, it seems over-the-top intolerant. It's OK to make jokes about the silly aspects of religion, but to ridicule and insult all believers seems misplaced, and is just as off-putting as the judging done by many religious folks. There are many good and smart people across all walks of life who find faith a vital part of their experience. Peace be with them.

C. Baptiste-Williams said...

Bill Maher doesnt ridicule and insult anyone in the movie but just questions why they believe what they believe with humor.

dont judge the movie before seeing it.

Crazy Diamond said...

Well the same certainly can't be said for his promotion of the movie.

. said...

A friend & I were discussing this film on last week and we were contemplating if we were going to see it or not. Like crazy diamond I was hoping that Bill wouldn't take this opportunity & squander it by just being intolerant to other people's religions. I haven't prejudged the movie, but have had reservations. But after your review, and since your opinion i do hold in high regard, i will definitely go see it. hopefully boy & i can see it when he comes down in a couple of weeks.

great insight on the film man. thanks.

Anonymous said...

i think your statement...

I think the movie is good for those who have no faith or are quite strong in their faith and those that are able to look at other views of taboo subjects without being angered.

covers all the comments above. bill maher is a comedian so of course his movie will take a comedic approach on such a hot topic if you cant deal with that go see xmen 4.

Anonymous said...

i saw this movie last weekend in NY...

celeste is right he took a comedic approach to this and if you are easily offended stay home and pray because you should be able to explain and defend your beliefs to others.

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see the movie...it is about time we have someone present this approach...

Anonymous said...

i saw this movie as well and as a devout Christian I was still able to enjoy it.

Yes there are some things about religion we will not be able to understand but being every person that follows a faith should ask themselves why do i believe this? for most the answer will be this is what ive always known or what my parents believed in... and for me that is not enough.

houstonmacbro said...

I cant wait to see it. I generally do not have time during the year to see movies (because of work and class) so hope it's still at the theaters during Thanksgiving break.

Darius T. Williams said...

So insightful. I guess this is one that I'm going to need to see. I'm having a few "religious" issues and I'm thinking this movie is just what the doctor is ordering.

yet another black guy said...

I'm definitely gonna check it out now, thanks for the tip!