Have you seen Bill Mahr's "Religulous"?

[newb]

I often watch documentary films, so as I was standing at the redbox I decided I would check this one out. This was actually a quite interesting film to watch. It is definately not for the close-minded, as it basically trys to make the point that all religion is fictional. Of course, being that he is a comedian, it is funny at times, but the interesting thing I found was just how well he knew the text of the Bible inside and out. He also was pretty smart with other religions too. I personally dont agree with the overall objective of the film, but I do agree with some of the platforms he speaks about. Definately worth watching as it is an offensive topic, but it is presented in a calm, conversative tone. It was almost amusing to see just how worked up people get when somebody simply asks questions of doubt dealing with their religion. I think it just hit movie stores recently...just wondering if anybody else had seen it...

[wesleydnunder]

I haven't seen it, but I fully intend to. I've yet to disagree with him on any subject about which I've heard him speak. I'd like to meet him some day.

Mark

[Tameyourself]

it is on my Netflix list

[Darbex]

Dont really care for Bill and I have seen some parts of the movie and dont care for the hit job either so no thanks.

[nacra99]

I saw it, it was nicely done from an "entertainment" perspective, but unfortunately it was extremely inaccurate (and dishonest dare i say) when it came to historical facts. Anyone who takes the time to do some historical research will know that the "facts" presented in the "documentary" is a whole load of dookie.

Sadly, the average american will take most of what was presented in the movie as historical truth....

I'd say go see it... and then go the library (or internet) and examine some of his claims (For example the Jesus & Horus parallel myth) and you'll see what i mean.

[wesleydnunder]

I saw it, it was nicely done from an "entertainment" perspective, but unfortunately it was extremely inaccurate (and dishonest dare i say) when it came to historical facts. Anyone who takes the time to do some historical research will know that the "facts" presented in the "documentary" is a whole load of dookie.

Sadly, the average american will take most of what was presented in the movie as historical truth....

I'd say go see it... and then go the library (or internet) and examine some of his claims (For example the Jesus & Horus parallel myth) and you'll see what i mean.

...about like the folks who take religious parables as historical fact.

Mark

[Darbex]

Newb I dont mean this in an attacking way but have you read the bible cover to cover? Because I dont see how what Bill says in some of his things shows his knowledge of it now I will admit I havent seen the whole movie just parts. I personally do not think he knows his facts and he distorts things quite well. I will also admit that at one time I would have agreed with some of his points that religion is just a made up story but I dont feel that way now.

[newb]

I actually have read it...except for a few chapters in the Old Testament(It can get pretty boring at times). I see it as being a book of interpretation. I hate when people preach religion like its word for word in the text. Everybody can read the book, but not everybody is gonna get the same exact message, close yes, but not the same. Isnt that why religion is a personal relationship with God? I feel that Bill had decent questions for his interviews, however I didnt like how he bashed all of their answers. I think the underlying message was that a large percent of religious people are wagon-jumpers or just show up on Sunday for credit in the public eye. even worse are those who make a business out of it, I mean the one guy in the film promoted his DVD while preaching in a $2000 suit. I think religion is a very important part of life and those who make a mockering of it should be called out. We shouldnt be seeing commercials about purchasing bottles of "holy water", or promoting our new book deal (reference to a Houston pastor), or that someone out there can touch your head and heal your blindness or make a cripple man walk, or that a guy in Puerto Rico is the decendent of Jesus himself. I think things like this are what deter people away from religion who are on the fence of what they believe in. I think that Bill is wrong, but at least he doesnt promote himself as a Christian just to appeal to the public.

[Darbex]

True on most of your points I dont like how Bill attacks Christians as stupid and childish as he has on his tv programs. He talks about them as a whole with disdain. I am a christian I am not strict one so I do not run around yelling it out. But I dont have a problem with a pastor or deacon having book deals as long as they are trying to help people. And why should they not be compensated for their work and efforts. Now if it is a scam then they should be called out like you said like healing powers or descendents. To me it doesnt really matter that begins to border on idolatry. All in all I can not stand Bill I think he is a *****, he is totally closed minded about religion and its importance to people. Thats why I wont watch or read anything he does just like Sean Penn and Johnny Dep they are both pricks too just to name a few.

[nacra99]

...about like the folks who take religious parables as historical fact.

Mark

I'm just saying that if it he is trying to sell his movie as a "documentary", he shouldn't pass off falsities as fact. Especially since is so blatantly wrong about Horus (i minored in Egyptian Mythology). Just go ask any Egyptologist in any major liberal college and they will laugh at Maher's claims. (Or go do the research yourself... the internet is just a click away)

If he wants to call his movie satire, drama or whatever else, then i have no problem with that.

And yes... "just like folks who take religious parables as historical fact"... parables are just that... PARABLES! They are NOT necessarily historical fact! HISTORY is historical fact!

[nacra99]

...I think religion is a very important part of life and those who make a mockering of it should be called out. We shouldnt be seeing commercials about purchasing bottles of "holy water",...,or that someone out there can touch your head and heal your blindness or make a cripple man walk, or that a guy in Puerto Rico is the decendent of Jesus himself..

Amen!

But remember. Every worldview should be evaluated based on it's philosophy and logical outworkings, NOT its abuse!

These people you describe who use religion for their own gain are not living out what the religion teaches... they are abusing it!
People who feed the poor and start educational institutions and house the homeless without any monetary gain..... those are the people who represent it's philosophy and logigal outworkings.

[djmatthewblack]

I can't stand watching these documentaries where the producers can't be honest about the simplest facts. That entire Super Size Me movie was completely bogus. Sure, the point can be made that alot of fast food isn't good for you. But if the producer is allowed to twist facts and just flat out lie to the viewer, a point could be made about anything. Michael Moore is notorious for doing this.
It happens on the right too as well as the left. Ben Stein made a movie Expelled, which was a hit on Darwinism and was laughed at by the scientific community.
Bill Maher is such a pompous, arrogant, self-righteous ***** I wouldn't trust a single thing he says in the movie. I'm sure he goes and finds the worst among Christians, some redneck gay-bashing racist, and parades them around and goes "this is Christianity for ya". If he's wrong, he's reserved himself a hot seat in hell. Even still, I would love to punch him in the face.