Religulous
By Roz Young Mar. 16, 2009
Disclaimer from Roz: Umm, maybe don’t read this if you are religious and still want to like me after.
Today my husband and I watched Bill Maher’s “Religulous”. Nelson’s giving it a “meh”, but I’m actually going to say good things about this movie. Be warned, I’m a raging atheist. And what I liked best about the film was the resounding statement that I should not have to be afraid to admit that. In fact, Bill has called us out. Stand up, and admit you doubt. Or hey, that you don’t believe in god. Is admitting that you don’t think some almighty being knocked up a virgin really the crazy idea?
Nelson’s big complaint with Bill’s interviews is that a lot of people did not speak English very well. So, they come across however the movie wants them to because they can’t properly defend themselves. I’d say that happens in a minority of the interviews, but I agree. However, plenty of other people speak English just fine and still don’t understand when Bill’s making fun of them. I really like that he walks up to people and presents them with the questions that athiests are not allowed to ask religious people. Like, if heaven is going to be so great, why don’t you kill yourself? {Note from Matt: really Roz, you think that is a good question? It seems like something a petulant child would ask.} It seems harsh, but seriously… I wonder that all the time. Religion seems pretty convenient to me.
I have never believed in god. Ever. Like Bill Maher, I am fascinated that intelligent people believe in god. My parents are mixed about it and my husband is an athiest now but was raised a churchie. He was terrified by the lessons of his faith. And fear seems to be what holds people in line. People are scared to die. Scared to be alone. God solves both of those problems, and if that’s what helps you sleep at night, I say give ‘er. Pray to whatever the heck you want. Life is short, but sometimes, man, it feels like things are never going to end. And I support your need to do what you need to do to make it through. But, then there’s people who take advantage of these needs. For money, and for power.
Now, we are all well aware of our current global situation regarding war, politics and the role religions are playing in these complicated situations. Maher oversimplifies a lot of these ideas. But I agree with him that in the end, people are kind of stupid to kill each other. And I don’t know how to explain the role religion plays in these battles, because it seems to me that books about “god” are more of a justification than a reason. I also think the movie villifies Muslims. That’s just popular to do these days. You can make up your own mind about all that shit.
The smartest person in this movie is that Vatican astronomer that Bill interviews. You wouldn’t expect it, but this guy has some intelligent things to say. Suprisingly, an older priest in Rome is also not so crazy sounding. It kind of makes you wonder, if these guys don’t take the Bible so seriously, why do so many Americans? I mean, there is an amusement park in Florida dedicated to experiencing the life of Jesus? I don’t know about you, but when I’m on vacation, crusifiction is kind of low on my list of things to check out. Also interesting, is that theme-park-Jebus holds his own in discussions with Maher. I did not expect that. Clearly, I also judge people. And all without the help of religious officials telling me to!
The world is a pretty messed up place. People hate each other all over. Why? Because they are gay and the Bible says God hates them? Because they built a temple on your temple? Because they drew cartoons about your prophet? I don’t know, it seems to me like there are way better reasons to hate people. For instance, bad drivers. Don’t you hate that guy with truck nuts who parks across six stalls? Or, that dude talking on his cell phone at the movie. I really hate people who litter too. I should make up my own religion so I can persecute people I don’t like. Maybe I can convert some Scientologists.