Jesus is just alright with me...

What's funny about Religion?

I had heard of Bill Maher's recent documentary about religion titled "Religulous" awhile ago and we finally got around to adding it to our Netflix Queue. It arrived sometime last week, and I must say, I hadn't been that excited about a movie in our mailbox for a couple months. I have always been interested in the topic of religion but I've noticed it has turned into more of a passion then an interest. I don't mean to sound like I am passionate about a specific religion or an entity, I'm more passionate about finding out the reason behind how and why people believe what they believe. Bill Maher and I have a lot in common! Bill travels to numerous religious destinations from Jerusalem, to the Vatican, to Mosques interviewing Christians, Jews, Muslims, Catholics, former Mormons, Creationists and others, asking the questions that you'd think most people would ask. He is known for his "political incorrectness" and quick wit on many topics from politics, bureaucracies of many kinds, greed within people of powerful political or social positions, and of course religion. 

Bill does not make fun of anyone's religion in this documentary by any means - he, like myself, is trying to get down to the nitty gritty of why religion takes precedent over common sense and basic mathematics. To lighten the mood of what most people consider a very serious topic, he adds his unique humor by editing in various clips and music from movies and TV shows etc. that should have you howling if you can see where he's coming from. Bill doesn't just focus on religious authorities like priests, rabbis, fathers, etc. he interviews a variety of people from different walks of life - some who believe the same things, some who don't. What amazes me, is how little most people know about the religion they believe, and when challenged on simple concepts, such as Adam, Eve and the talking snake - they have no answers. I'm not an expert on any specific religion, however I do know the difference between believing something out of research and fact and believing something out of fear. The fear involved in many religions usually pertains to fearing what will happen to you after you die - that in itself seems strange to me. If you are in the mood for some great, yet complicatedly simple questions to be raised about the ideas millions upon millions of us believe, then I suggest you check out Religulous(click for trailer!). It might prompt you to look deeper into what you believe and why. Here are a few references I recommend pertaining to religion...

Religulous

The Reason Project

You Won't Believe What Some People Believe!

Enjoy!