Bill Maher's Religulous....a year late post

This post might be a bit late. Well...a year late to be exact.

I just put up a post that shows a video that has been circulating the internet. The clip shows a teenage boy who is undergoing an exorcism by church members who are attempting to remove his homosexuality. As a Christian woman not only do I find it frightening and frustrating but sad.

Last year I saw Bill Maher's documentary, Religulous. I am new to the blogging world so I figured I'd offer my view on this film.

Religulous - trailer legendado PT-PT
by ricardouk

Religulous Trailer

I was excited and curious to see Maher's documentary. Bill Maher and I agree on some topics and disagree on others. Sometimes I think he's offensive and on other occasions I find him to be clever, witty and humorous.

I was curious as to what he would have to say on the topic of spiritual faith. For the most part I think he could have done a better job with the documentary. I do not say this because I believe in God and he does not. I say this because for the most part he used the most far fetched individuals as examples in which to support his views against religion.

In one part of the film he visits a biblical themed amusement park. It was one of the most frightening and tacky spectacle I've ever seen. In my view this park not only trivializes Chritianity but it makes a mockery of it.

At one point actors dress as biblical characters and reinact the killing of Jesus. As the white actor who plays Jesus is carrying a cross and being whipped by Romans the audience stands and cheers. Sure, this is the moment where Jesus dies for our sins. I get it. But the standing ovation was...well, creepy to say the least. I felt like I was witnessing a cult...I'm sure that is how many people view Christianity anyway.

The film also documents members of various churches speaking in tongues and collapsing on the floor. I personally do not believe that people speak in tongues naturally. I think anyone who speaks in tongues was taught simply by hearing someone else who is speaking in tongues. Some think that speaking in tongues is a gift from God and the language that is spoken in Heaven. I don't buy it.

Another part of the film that infuriates me is the footage of Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda from Growing In Grace Ministry. He tells his congregation that he is the second coming of Christ. He has a huge following that willingly bestows him with gifts and lots of money. He is a man who apparently has no conscience as he is willing to lie to so many people for monatary gain.

These are just a few examples of the extreme people who call themselves Christians. I see them as quite fanatical.

I do think that in making a film about religion it is important to capture these extreme individuals but I also think it would have been extremely beneficial if Bill interviewed those whom which he could engage with on a sincere level. For much of the film it seems that Maher isn't really interested in having a sincere dialogue but rather wants to make them look ridiculous and show them up. I will say though, that many of these people behave ridiculously all on their own with little prompting.

Lastly, I would like to say that I have no problem with Maher speaking his mind. He is simply stating what he believes. What's wrong with that?


Bill Maher speaks about religion and his film Religulous on Larry King Live

Sadly, Maher has been received quite angrily and many have threatened him. That kind of behavior and mentality is beyond me.

First of all I think it is important for us spiritual peeps to question our faith. I think it is important to listen to both sides of the argument and I think that by doing that we can strengthen our beliefs.

I have little interest in religious debates. I never feel that I have to prove that I'm right. If a person wants to discuss spirituality...or any topic for that matter, I do not take issue with that. But if the other party does not wish to be a part of that conversation, it is important to respect that. Additionally, I do not understand how any one person thinks they are truly going to convince anyone of anything through force.