Thread: Religulous

I promised Alex aka philadelph that I would watch this movie and post my thoughts.

Bill Maher didn't ask a single question I haven't already asked, and while I don't agree with his ultimate conclusions I do understand his skepticism.

I found this movie rather entertaining and a little sad.

I think anyone with a half a brain in their head will recognize and understand the questions that Mr. Maher asks of the major religions and I recommend this movie to all...unless you don't have the stomach to see your religious beliefs questioned!

I forgot about this movie. Will grab it tonight and watch it.

NOTE: I haven't seen it yet.
I am Jewish (though admittedly, not as thoroughly practicing as my father would like). My ex is Pagan. One of my best friends is an Episcopal priest. Others are devout Catholic. One or two born again. None of us mind having out beliefs questions. Indeed, many of us enjoy the strengthening of our faiths in light of that questioning. Those of my friends who have seen the movie calim that it is not skepticism...it is not questions to get to an answer...it is questions to get to HIS answer.
Did you find this to be the case? I look forward to seeing the movie to make up my own mind.

One can questions all the facts they want about any religion, but one's beliefs, once you actually feel them, are without question.


This is a stumbling block for many. I could never argue my faith with anyone enough to make them believe. You either feel it or you don't. It is not always about fact or fiction. One day it is just there, and you feel differently inside about things you questioned just a day before. One day you "believe" it, then one day you know it.

Tony

I thought the movie was pretty funny, but if you let it decide anything for you, you should probably examine the way you treat people in your life. I like Maher, but he is definitely an asshole to most people in this movie. Here is how I felt like it went:

Maher asks interesting question with a valid concern
Interviewee answers question to the best of their ability
Maher humiliates interviewee in a disrespectful manner

Rinse, Repeat.

Funny movie but not as enlightening as I wanted it to be given the subject. I should know better than to expect too much from a comedian I suppose...

-Rob

Originally Posted by sicboater

Maher asks interesting question with a valid concern
Interviewee answers question to the best of their ability
Maher humiliates interviewee in a disrespectful manner

Rinse, Repeat.

I found Maher to be respectful to the people who deserved respect. Like the guys at the truck stop in the beginning. He showed no respect to the Pastor saying Jesus was a rich man. Judging from that particular pastors arrogance it was justified.

He wasn't respectful of the guy saying he's the second coming of Christ. Again, not entirely unjustified. You say you're the son of Gawd, then ya gots to expect someone will give ya a little hell for it.

So all in all I thought it was pretty balanced, but with a lean toward entertainment.

Now everyone can correct me if I'm wrong. Because at the SRP one should never be too resolute in their beliefs. As, someone, will always be a little smarter than I am here.

And I mean that in a good way. I like knowing the truth even it's not what I think it is.


That's a good thing.

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

NOTE: I haven't seen it yet.
I am Jewish (though admittedly, not as thoroughly practicing as my father would like). My ex is Pagan. One of my best friends is an Episcopal priest. Others are devout Catholic. One or two born again. None of us mind having out beliefs questions. Indeed, many of us enjoy the strengthening of our faiths in light of that questioning. Those of my friends who have seen the movie calim that it is not skepticism...it is not questions to get to an answer...it is questions to get to HIS answer.
Did you find this to be the case? I look forward to seeing the movie to make up my own mind.

He was not looking for "The truth" but only looking to validate his view point, but that should be expected!

I haven't seen it and I probably won't. I respect people like Sam Harris and Bart Ehrman. Their writings and interviews are intelligent and respectful while espousing their point of view. I would really be turned off by a person with pseudo superiority ridiculing others religious beliefs.

Just saw this and found it really random. Like he goes from Christianity, to drugs, to Islam, to science, and in the middle of it all there is something about the Israel/Palestine issue and Iran, and you think he'll elaborate but instead the film changes direction again! but without any real answers or logical interviews.
Did anyone else find the actual cuts quite odd? In one of the interviews you could see that the response was cut and edited from different parts. All in the name of humour I guess. Anyway apart from him laughing at religion and trying to look clever I found no real substance to the film. Was hoping for much better. Just my 2p.