With little over a month to go before one of the most important elections in our lifetimes, Bill Maher, part-time political commentator and full-time “politically incorrect” comedian, will be appearing in what appears to be a scathing documentary about the insanity of religious beliefs and the detrimental effect of religion on society.
Seems to me that he’s pretty much preaching to the choir and spitting on the congregation, that is, he won’t be making many new converts to his personal philosophy with this film. Liberals, some libertarians, college-educated folk, as well as large numbers of moderates will doubtless be amused and perhaps a little outraged by the ignorance and intolerance on display in rural America. People who are already annoyed, frustrated, or even a but scared by the overly religious will recognize a kindred mind in Bill Maher and might flock to see the film.
However, the film might have the self-defeating consequence of angering and offending some economically depressed Christians who could potentially have been brought into the Democratic fold, but who will now feel newly threatened by this pot-smoking, raunchy Northeastern-type gratuitously mocking their faith. Perhaps there will be demonstrations against the movie in certain parts of the country. These theoretical, “borderline” voters might be irritated enough to forget about the financial scandals and disasters of the last eight years, and pull a lever for McCain. Maybe there are no such bordeline voters who would be thus affected.
My only question: will the timing of the release of this movie help, hurt, or have no effect on the Democrats’ bid for the presidency?
I don’t know how scathing it is or is not.
<
p>I can bet that the Bill Donahues and James Dobsons of the country will be “outraged” on this “attack” on Jesus Christ, no matter what the content. Conversely, I think the niche audience the movie was meant for will enjoy it. It may turn out to be fairly tame? Who knows?
<
p>But regardless of the degree of polemic charged in “Religulous”, I don’t think Maher is a big enough name in much of America, especially away from coastal urban areas, and I bet this is a smaller film that will be shown on limited screens and have a narrow-focused marketing budget. I don’t think every day people will pay much attention to it or know that Maher is a “librul”.
<
p>I think the Focus on the Family types who will be vocally upset about this movie will have been by and large already energized by Palin for this to have any impact on someone’s vote.
<
p>Of course, this is all speculation. And if Maher’s film does mobilize any leftover religious folk to vote McCain, I bet that small camp will be negated by the small amount of people you point out that may become energized because they are scared of a religious zealot like Palin, God telling Bush to invade Iraq, and the disastorous “faith-based” hiring practicies of the Bush DOJ.
<
p>
Bill Maher ceased being funny or relevant years ago.
<
p>He’s become a nasty, bitter little man.
Sort of a Sandra Bernhard with a penis, that only the truly hip can fathom.
I mean really? And anyway, should non-christians never express honest opinions just because we might offend someone. To hell with that. My opinions is as valid as anyone elses. I’m tired of stepping lightly and clamming up just so the feelings of xtian voters won’t be offended. Xtians feel it quite ok to tell me I’m a sinner or damned, then get all bent out of shape if I reply that I think they’re deluding themselves with religion. As if an equal exchange of opinion is a real affront. The nerve or an atheist to question the validity of religion! Why should it always be religious skeptics that must politely back down?
………..from Heaven!
Isn’t Pride a Cardinal Sin, meaning that the above comment could earn you a seat next to Laurel in the inferno? Tsk tsk.
Let me guess, you’re a “Christian”.
need to catch up in your Simpsons lore.
<
p>tsk tsk.
<
p>But to answer you honestly, denying God is a sent-to-Hell offense, so while I was not serious about me definitely going to Heaven, I was quite serious about you going to Hell.
<
p>Them’s the breaks, kid.
Next time you quote tv, can you provide a link to clue me in? I haven’t watched regularly for almost 10 yrs.
<
p>As for heaven & hell, I don’t play by those rules. If you want to believe that your eternal soul may be headed in one direction and mine in another (if eternal souls even exist), that’s your fantasy to enjoy. But keep your pronouncements where they belong – focused on you and you alone. You have no authority to judge me or quote me “the rules”.
<
p>Here’s something for you to ponder. Why is it that people who grow up in a family or society that practices a certain religion almost always turn out to believe in that religion? If you were born in Iran of Iranian parents, for example, you’d be Muslim. Religious beliefs are highly situational, just like other cultural norms. I’ve met few religious people who have the courage to face this observation honestly. Can you?
If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and weighs the same as a duck….heh….but if you want to call my religion a fantasy, I’m going to inform you that you had best hope it’s a fantasy, because in my fantasy those who deny the existence of God spend eternity apart from Him. Tough break.
I was taught that Hell was an existence absent of any grace of God.
do you really think that your triumphalist attitude of “you’re gonna fry, sucka!” is really appropriate? I’m just wondering if you were taught to act thus as a Catholic, or if that’s just pure JoeTS.
<
p>I see you haven’t addressed my question about the situational nature of religious belief.
and come to know and love God. Alas, I don’t think that’s going to happen.
<
p>The situational thing..okay…
<
p>Religious belief is definitely inherited. However, like most religious people I know, I have affirmed my belief in my adulthood. Many will shed the faith that they grew up with. Remember that Sarah Palin gal? She grew up Catholic, but strayed far from our path. I have examined my faith and spent much time dwelling upon it. I have found rational explanation through the writings of Aquinas, among others. I have decided that some teachings (Leviticus) are erroneous, and in others I see great wisdom. Had I not been raised in my family, would I have not ever been Catholic or been something else? Very well so, but to imply that there is no reason other than my upbringing than I am faithful as I am is not accurate.
…that Sarah Palin is going to h.e.2sticks?
<
p>Is that your contention?
While she differs in the specifics of her faith, she still worships and reveres God.
<
p>As do Muslims and Jews…