Bill Maher's New Movie "Religulous"

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Yeah that was absolutely offensive Beem. Because I believe in God and have faith and am, to an extent, religious I'm delusional? Then everyone here who talks about their gameday rituals and superstitions is delusional as well I suppose.

Yeah, pretty much.

Keep in mind, I didn't create the video. Do you disagree with the video's message? Did you disagree with the definition of the word 'delusional' ??

How about the comparisons between Mormonism, Islam, and Christianity? Why are two them completely ridiculous while one is perfectly reasonable and legitimate?

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Yeah, pretty much.

Keep in mind, I didn't create the video. Do you disagree with the video's message? Did you disagree with the definition of the word 'delusional' ??

How about the comparisons between Mormonism, Islam, and Christianity? Why are two them completely ridiculous while one is perfectly reasonable and legitimate?

We can agrue about politics, sports and things of that nature all day long and I won't get bent out of shape. I've steered clear of religious discussions here because they can get quite divisive. We lost skinsguy because of the religion bashing so I'm stepping up and saying my piece. By posting this video I am assuming you agree with the message. The video is pretty damn offensive and I absolutely disagree with the video's message.

Everyone has a right to their beliefs and not to be ridiculed for them. Whether they believe in God through whatever religion or don't believe at all. I haven't seen any folks who believe in religion throwing up bible study info or pushing their messages on anyone on this site.

Many of the "facts" and "scientific studies" this guy throws out are flat out wrong and have no back-up documentation. I would love to see the "scientific studies" he mentions. There are actually scientific studies that strongly suggest there is a healing power of prayer. Since we're calling people who believe in God delusional, I would suggest the makers of this video are self-righteous idiots. Their opinion is the opposite of a vast majority of the world. The majority of the world believes in God, whether through the Jewish, Christian (Mormons are Christians), or Muslim faiths. The people who created this have only a "bird's-eye" view of each religion. Many books have been written on the differences between the religions. But all three religions have the same basic belief that God exists. Mormons believe in Jesus the same way other Christians do and Jews and Muslims believe Jesus existed. There is historical evidence that many events in the bible did occur. Isn't it possible that God reaches out to people in different ways? Because evil people throughout history have perverted religion for power or personal gain does that make the message of religion wrong? Throughout the bible it speaks of false prophets who would lead many away from the teachings of God.

Look at it this way, one side or the other is correct, either God exists or he doesn't. If the video is correct and religious people are delusional then what have I lost by believing in God? I have gone through life in a state of happy delusion, tried to live as best I can, and tried to help others (good for society). When I die, it's over, I'm gone, because I'm just a mass of organic matter and chemical/electrical impulses, no after-life to worry about. But what if God exists? The religious people who lived good lives will join Him in heaven. The people that were exposed to the teachings of God, from whatever method, rejected Him and will simply cease to exist or suffer in hell for eternity. Even looking at this from a completely rational position (which is obviously hard for us delusional Christians) taking the chance that God doesn't exist is a huge risk.

Quite honestly these comments about society being better without God are completely wrong. If there was no God I would be living a totally differnet lifestyle, with complete disregard for anyone else and only my personal self-interest at heart. I wouldn't hesitate to steal, or kill as long as I wouldn't get caught and it was in my self-interest.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

We can agrue about politics, sports and things of that nature all day long and I won't get bent out of shape. I've steered clear of religious discussions here because they can get quite divisive. We lost skinsguy because of the religion bashing so I'm stepping up and saying my piece. By posting this video I am assuming you agree with the message. The video is pretty damn offensive and I absolutely disagree with the video's message.

Everyone has a right to their beliefs and not to be ridiculed for them. Whether they believe in God through whatever religion or don't believe at all. I haven't seen any folks who believe in religion throwing up bible study info or pushing their messages on anyone on this site.

Many of the "facts" and "scientific studies" this guy throws out are flat out wrong and have no back-up documentation. I would love to see the "scientific studies" he mentions. There are actually scientific studies that strongly suggest there is a healing power of prayer. Since we're calling people who believe in God delusional, I would suggest the makers of this video are self-righteous idiots. Their opinion is the opposite of a vast majority of the world. The majority of the world believes in God, whether through the Jewish, Christian (Mormons are Christians), or Muslim faiths. The people who created this have only a "bird's-eye" view of each religion. Many books have been written on the differences between the religions. But all three religions have the same basic belief that God exists. Mormons believe in Jesus the same way other Christians do and Jews and Muslims believe Jesus existed. There is historical evidence that many events in the bible did occur. Isn't it possible that God reaches out to people in different ways? Because evil people throughout history have perverted religion for power or personal gain does that make the message of religion wrong? Throughout the bible it speaks of false prophets who would lead many away from the teachings of God.

Look at it this way, one side or the other is correct, either God exists or he doesn't. If the video is correct and religious people are delusional then what have I lost by believing in God? I have gone through life in a state of happy delusion, tried to live as best I can, and tried to help others (good for society). When I die, it's over, I'm gone, because I'm just a mass of organic matter and chemical/electrical impulses, no after-life to worry about. But what if God exists? The religious people who lived good lives will join Him in heaven. The people that were exposed to the teachings of God, from whatever method, rejected Him and will simply cease to exist or suffer in hell for eternity. Even looking at this from a completely rational position (which is obviously hard for us delusional Christians) taking the chance that God doesn't exist is a huge risk.

Quite honestly these comments about society being better without God are completely wrong. If there was no God I would be living a totally differnet lifestyle, with complete disregard for anyone else and only my personal self-interest at heart. I wouldn't hesitate to steal, or kill as long as I wouldn't get caught and it was in my self-interest.

This is what always irks me.

Why would God punish those that have questioned his/her existence?

To me, if there is a God, my idea of him/her would be one that is forgiving and loving of every creature that is on this earth.

Obviously I have not seen Maher's movie yet, but going by his religious rants in the past I think this movie is going to focus on religious zealots who believe 110% that they are right, everyone else is wrong, the existence of God should not be questioned or debated, and everyone that doesn't believe is going to burn in hell. To me, extremist views like that should be called out into the open.

I've never understood why some people can't handle talking about topics like this. It boils down to this for me, neither side can prove the existence of a God beyond a reasonable doubt. So it just seems odd to me that there should be any sort of hardcore belief on either side. But if you choose to believe without any doubts at all, that's fine. Just don't push your beliefs on me and tell me I'm going to hell for not being on "the right team".

Personally I'm not sure what I believe. It's something I go back and forth with all the time. And honestly I hope I never come to a hardcore conclusion either way. I do have a problem with organized religion. I think it's something that's become quite corrupted over time and originally it was something that was used as a method to control the masses through fear and guilt. But some of the basic principles I do find interesting and of redeeming value and I do think you can be a spirtual person without being a supporter or follower of organized religion.

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

This is what always irks me.

Why would God punish those that have questioned his/her existence?

To me, if there is a God, my idea of him/her would be one that is forgiving and loving of every creature that is on this earth.

Obviously I have not seen Maher's movie yet, but going by his religious rants in the past I think this movie is going to focus on religious zealots who believe 110% that they are right, everyone else is wrong, the existence of God should not be questioned or debated, and everyone that doesn't believe is going to burn in hell. To me, extremist views like that should be called out into the open.

I've never understood why some people can't handle talking about topics like this. It boils down to this for me, neither side can prove the existence of a God beyond a reasonable doubt. So it just seems odd to me that there should be any sort of hardcore belief on either side. But if you choose to believe without any doubts at all, that's fine. Just don't push your beliefs on me and tell me I'm going to hell for not being on "the right team".

Personally I'm not sure what I believe. It's something I go back and forth with all the time. And honestly I hope I never come to a hardcore conclusion either way. I do have a problem with organized religion. I think it's something that's become quite corrupted over time and originally it was something that was used as a method to control the masses through fear and guilt. But some of the basic principles I do find interesting and of redeeming value and I do think you can be a spirtual person without being a supporter or follower of organized religion.

We are of almost the exact same mind on this. The only difference is that I don't necessarily think that a God would be forgiving and loving. I think supreme indifference is also a possibility.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Why would God punish those that have questioned his/her existence? To me, if there is a God, my idea of him/her would be one that is forgiving and loving of every creature that is on this earth.

I struggle with this idea too. I used to argue with a couple of folks who were very traditional "by the book" Christians about people who hadn't "accepted Christ" going to hell. The God I believe in wouldn't condemn someone to eternal damnation because they never had the chance to know Him. In the Catholic faith we believe in Baptism by Desire which addresses this; "Non-Christians who seek God with a sincere heart and, moved by grace, try to do His will as they know it through the dictates of conscience can also be saved without water baptism; they are said to desire it implicitly. (cf. Catechism, 1260)".

I certainly don't believe God would punish someone for questioning him, if he did Mother Theresa and many others (including me) would be in big trouble.

Obviously I have not seen Maher's movie yet, but going by his religious rants in the past I think this movie is going to focus on religious zealots who believe 110% that they are right, everyone else is wrong, the existence of God should not be questioned or debated, and everyone that doesn't believe is going to burn in hell. To me, extremist views like that should be called out into the open.

If the movie is what you describe then we agree 100%. But I think this movie will turn into a 90 minute commercial for atheism, demean regular people who believe, and not recognize the incalculable good works people do in the name of faith.

I've never understood why some people can't handle talking about topics like this. It boils down to this for me, neither side can prove the existence of a God beyond a reasonable doubt. So it just seems odd to me that there should be any sort of hardcore belief on either side. But if you choose to believe without any doubts at all, that's fine. Just don't push your beliefs on me and tell me I'm going to hell for not being on "the right team".

We agree here too. My experience has been that questioning my own faith, listening to different views, and reading/researching is a very good thing. One thing I think many religious folks forget sometimes is that God gave us free will and if He gives that to us, shouldn't we respect the free will of others?

Personally I'm not sure what I believe. It's something I go back and forth with all the time. And honestly I hope I never come to a hardcore conclusion either way. I do have a problem with organized religion. I think it's something that's become quite corrupted over time and originally it was something that was used as a method to control the masses through fear and guilt. But some of the basic principles I do find interesting and of redeeming value and I do think you can be a spirtual person without being a supporter or follower of organized religion.

Unfortunately if you believe in God, you must believe in Satan. Things evil people have done throughout history in the name of religion have kept many away from it altogether.

One of the customers I work with has an E-mail signature; "none of us is as smart as all of us". I think this applies to organized religion, when you worship as part of a group and work together for good things in the name of God, it's often remarkable what can be done that no single person could do alone.

I'm sorry we lost skinsguy over this, I think he overreacted, but religion is a very emotional thing. To be mocked for your beliefs (which I know you weren't doing, but he felt Maher's movie trailer was) isn't a good thing. The video Beem posted calling religious folks "delusional" goes to the opposite extreme IMO of pushing religion on others.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

This is what always irks me.

Why would God punish those that have questioned his/her existence?

To me, if there is a God, my idea of him/her would be one that is forgiving and loving of every creature that is on this earth.

The modern day Catholic Church (as well as some other protestant denominations) teaches this message. Essentially, questioning your faith is not only reasonable, but expected, and only through questioning ones faith can they develop a strong enough faith to reach "the promised land".

Other denominations don't leave it to chance. They expect faith to be 100% unconditional. And I'm guessing these are the people who Bill Maher is mocking in his film.

But who are we (and more directly, what credentials does Maher have) to say that one of these is a totally irrational? What's to say the latter message isn't the one that is 100% correct?! I mean, there was sort of a whole reformation over this issue, so obviously people on both sides will think they are right.

For what it's worth, I'm Catholic, and believe the former.

[Lady Brave]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

We can agrue about politics, sports and things of that nature all day long and I won't get bent out of shape. I've steered clear of religious discussions here because they can get quite divisive. We lost skinsguy because of the religion bashing so I'm stepping up and saying my piece. By posting this video I am assuming you agree with the message. The video is pretty damn offensive and I absolutely disagree with the video's message.

Everyone has a right to their beliefs and not to be ridiculed for them. Whether they believe in God through whatever religion or don't believe at all. I haven't seen any folks who believe in religion throwing up bible study info or pushing their messages on anyone on this site...

This is the biggest problem I have with the anti-religion folks on this site. We hardly have any religious discussions at all and those we do, are all geared towards mocking it. That, of course, is totally acceptable and even encouraged. The christians here don't inundate the board with pro-religious threads and we're mostly quiet on issues where we should be offering a christian perspective.

You know, I think I'll just start an "Atheists Suck" or "You're all going to hell" thread. Perhaps I should start responding to every debate by quoting nothing but scripture. Because that's what we do right?

Let's see how many people get their panties in a bunch then.

[FRPLG]

Here's the problem with the video. The guy clearly misunderstands religion. First off he completely ignores the idea of faith. Faith allows rational reasonable people(not delusional) to understand that their own religion's seemingly unlikely tenant history can be both "magical" (a very poor word choice, actualy a wrong one but we'll run with it for consistency's sake) and reality.

His bigggest error is in his assumption (wrong at that) that all Christians think the Muslim and Mormon stories are delusional. In fact they don't from what I have experienced. We don't believe them but we don't believe them because we have no basis for believing them. We think they are simply WRONG not crazy. Just like when we watch a football game and one evaluates a play differently than another. It doesn't make one person right and one person delusional. It makes one person right and one person wrong. Big difference.

Honestly I have seen and heard much stronger arguments made against religion. This one is pretty lame.

[SmootSmack]

I agree with FRPLG's post. Although two people can have different opinions when evaluating a play and both be wrong or both be right, in their own way. But look, I grew up in a two-religion home and while I "officially" classify myself one way, I respect and practice both. I believe there are more similarities than differences when it comes to religion. And I don't think I should be mocked for instilling some faith in my everyday life, just like I don't mock those that choose not to.

[firstdown]

I was going into a bar one night when some guy approached me and ask "Do you want to go to Heaven" I replied "Yes, I'm going in here and looking for her".

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I was going into a bar one night when some guy approached me and ask "Do you want to go to Heaven" I replied "Yes, I'm going in here and looking for her".

That wasn't JB's was it....LOL

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

That wasn't JB's was it....LOL

I know where your talking about but no it was a place in Daytona Beach!

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I was going into a bar one night when some guy approached me and ask "Do you want to go to Heaven" I replied "Yes, I'm going in here and looking for her".

What kind of bar was that? Might not have been a "her" in there... lol...

[redsk1]

Bill Maher is maybe the most annoying TV host on the air now. Unless, you believe exactly as he does, your an idiot and have no intellegence.

I'll try to watch him occassionally to see if he has anything intellegent to say, but I usually can only make it several minutes before his self grandure annoys the sh** out of me.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by redsk1

Bill Maher is maybe the most annoying TV host on the air now. Unless, you believe exactly as he does, your an idiot and have no intellegence.

I'll try to watch him occassionally to see if he has anything intellegent to say, but I usually can only make it several minutes before his self grandure annoys the sh** out of me.

He does lean pretty far to the left, probably even further than my views go, but I do appreciate the healthy debates on his show and he always has some interesting guests that make the show worth watching.