Religuous

For the first time in YEARS, Jake and I went to the movie theatre and caught Bill Maher's new documentary-style flick, "Religuous". Its a movie poking fun at all the crazy and illogical beliefs of all the different religions. Obviously he's preaching to the choir, because I highly doubt any devout follower of any faith is going to put themselves in a situation that might make them question their beliefs. Just like most Atheists aren't willing to give a door to door missionary the time of day. The reason I am posting this blog is not to go off on religion, but because it was nice to finally see that there are many people out there who think the same way I do.

I was surprised at how articulate and intelligent Bill Maher is. Back when I was a non-questioning Republican, I couldn't stand the guy. However, after seeing his movie, my perspective has changed.

Its no secret that I am non-religious. I personally have no use for it. However, it wasn't until recently that I was able to "come out of the closet" regarding my heathen status. I was afraid that people would judge me, wouldn't like me, or wouldn't let their kids play with my kids. So, I chose to keep my views to myself. Now I realize that my opinion is just as valid as anyone else's. If people choose to dislike me for this, its their loss, because I have a lot more to offer than my rejection of a god (or better said - an organized religion). I'm not saying that people of faith are wrong. In fact, I hope they are right! Bill Maher says it perfectly when he says that religious people are selling an invisible product that can only be verified when you die. They are selling certainty when it is absolutely indisputable that there is no certainty about it.

Bill Maher makes the point that 16% of the population in the US would describe themselves as I do. That's a larger minority than gays, blacks, Jews, etc..!! Yet we are widely unrepresented in every aspect of government.

He makes the argument that religion is the root of all evil. I'm not sure I totally agree with him, because religion is inherently meant to do good. However, virtually every war in the history of the planet can be attributed to faith. Its a "If you re not with us, you're against us" type attitude. If life ends on Earth, I have no doubt that it will be due to the self-fulfilling prophecy of those foolishly thinking they are doing it for their god.

Some of the points that I really enjoyed:

1. Before modern Christianity, there are various references to other supposed "chosen ones" that had similar situations; all born on Dec 25, were crucified, arose, walked on water etc.. Obviously its a story that's been told and retold throughout times. Jesus was no different. Its just regurgitated folklore.

2. In one of his last lines, Maher says: Anyone that tells you that they know they are right, is obviously wrong. Because unless they have some sort of superpower that I don't have, they don't know.

They have faith that they are right. Faith is hope, not certainty.

3. Why does God always have to go to someone in private and tell them to spread his message? It'd be a lot more effective if he did it himself. The way it is now, the chosen ones tend to gain notoriety, fame, elaborate living quarters, etc.. Maher interviews a black pastor who touts that he does not get paid a salary from the church (as all figureheads tend to do). However, he has on a $2000 suit and "lizard skin" shoes. Hmmm... I might add that to my list of "get rich quick" schemes. Except this one actually works!!

4. He points out that while most of us believe that our country was founded on Christianity, many of our founders have been quoted saying the following:

"Lighthouses are more useful than churches" and "The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason."- Ben Franklin

"The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as His father, in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter." - Thomas Jefferson

"During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry, and persecution." - James Madison

"The question before the human race is, whether the God of nature shall govern the world by his own laws, or whether priests and kings shall rule it by fictitious miracles." - John Adams

5. And lastly, the movie reminds me of a quote I read recently.

I contend we are both atheists; I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours. -- Stephen F. Roberts