Bill Maher hates your (fill in the blank) religion

In Bill Maher's new documentary, "Religulous," the film's protagonist--Maher himself--feels the same way about the film's subject matter at the beginning as at the end: In other words, he thinks religion is a big crock of spit. You know irreverence is the order of the day when Maher, reacting to a smooth-talking black preacher's boast that he got a great deal on his $2,000 suits, drolly observes, "I find it interesting that you're a Christian, you used to be a Muslim but you buy all your clothes like a Jew."

"Religulous" doesn't open until Oct. 3, but after seeing the movie I couldn't wait to grill Maher about how he managed to get so many deeply religious figures to actually talk to him, since it's obvious to anyone whose ever watched Maher's act (on "Politically Incorrect" or HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher" or in a comedy club) that he wasn't much of a believer. In many ways, the film is a comic bookend to Sam Harris' "The End of Faith," a humorless best seller that views religion as a bastion of superstition and moral hypocrisy. Although Maher embraces Harris' belief that religion is a destructive force that has brought great pain and suffering into the world--at one point he calls it a neurological disorder--Maher is always searching for the humor in every situation. A longtime acolyte of George Carlin, when Maher confronts a religious zealot or hustler, he prefers mocking over scolding.

Rolling his eyes, often full of derision, Maher gets in his licks with everyone, from a guy playing Jesus at a Holy Land theme park in Orlando to Muslims at a gay bar in Amsterdam to a rabbi who advocates the dissolution of Israel (he wears a card with the slogan "A Jew Not a Zionist"). As everything from "The Gong Show" to "Borat" has proved, real people and situations are often undeniably funnier than anything scripted by the best comic minds. In Holland, Maher is in the midst of questioning a somber Muslim cleric when he's interrupted by the cleric's cellphone, whose ring tone is Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir."

So how did Maher manage to get all these people to actually talk to him? Since "Religulous" was directed by Larry Charles, who also did "Borat," I suspected that subterfuge and trickery were involved. I was not far wrong. Here's how Maher pulled it off:

On how he got people to talk to him: "It was simple: We never, ever, used my name. We never told anybody it was me who was going to do the interviews. We even had a fake title for the film. We called it 'A Spiritual Journey.' It didn't work everywhere. We went to Salk Lake City, but no one would let us film there at all."

On the element of surprise: "Larry Charles' theory is--just keep going till they throw you out. I guess he learned that on 'Borat.' The crew would set up and at the last second, when the cameras were already rolling, I would show up. So either they'd be seen on camera leaving the interview and lose face or they'd have to talk to me. It was like--'And now here's ... Bill!' You could usually see the troubled looks on their faces. At the Holy Land theme park, the PR woman freaked out and finally told us to leave. She was definitely not a happy camper."

On his encounter with Arkansas Sen. Mark Pryor, who tells Maher he believes the biblical account that Earth was created 5,200 years ago: "He's not going to be happy with this movie. I suspect he's going to say that the editing is not favorable to him [laughs]. And he's not completely wrong about that. But we didn't make anything up. When I told him I was worried about people [with such literal interpretations of the Bible] running the country, he's the one who says, 'Well, you don't have to pass an IQ test to be in the Senate.' "

Tomorrow: Bill Maher tells us what he really thinks about religion.

photo of Bill Maher and Larry Charles by Alexandra Lambrinidis/Lionsgate

Comments

[Milo]

Congrats to Bill Maher and thank goodness someone out there ses the destructive divisive ways of all religion . Any moron who thinks the earth is 5000 yers old should not be working at a fast food restaraunt much less representing our country in the senate of course he is representing arkansas . At the end of the day let individual thought and responsible action and deeds lead us not some fancy dressed hypocrite in a 50000 dollar car . Im with Bill Maher all religion is equally ridiculous

[cody mccall]

Amen, Brother Bill.

[Rock Doc]

Outstanding! Thanks, Bill, we need your voice crying out in this irrational wilderness. Unfortunately, you'll probably be drowned out by all the pious believers who express their dissent through death threats and other acts of hatred. You got courage, man.....

[Bill The Pill]

Bill Maher sure hates a lot of things, but he seems to worship money and fame at the expense of others with this latest "ploy" he terms trickery. I think it's too close to fraud to be lightly dismissed and aired as if it is art. Bill is working hard to insure that he dies sad, alone and unloved. I bet he'll hate that too.

[adam]

Funny is funny and the truth hurts sometimes!
Bill, keep opening eyes and minds!

[Georgie]

Brilliant! Can't wait to see this.

[Toby]

I believe Sam Harris' book is titled, "The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason" -- not, "The End of Truth" as written in the article.

[Fran]

Sam Harris did not write "The End of Truth." He wrote "The End of Faith." The end of faith should be the beginning of the search for truth.

A Freudian slip there?

[David]

Finally, "Glorified Superstition" exposed for what it truly is.
Unfortunately, when merged with the nation-state & governing it (Religion)
can become truly deadly as "we" have witnessed over many
centuries. Now, if only "humans" could be satisfied with simply
living a full life; working hard; having some fun...then dying. The End.
This planet would be truly better off. You live. You Die. That's it. Period.
Now, Have a Good Day.

[1hipchik]

Bill Maher is smart, funny and I agree with a lot of his views. Now, if he could just figure out why HE HATES WOMEN SO MUCH I would watch his show again. But as soon as he started calling Hillary Clinton a "bitch" and saying he was "gay for Obama," I didn't feel as though I could take his commentary seriously anymore.

[Funkacide]

I wish someone would cast the demons out of Bill Maher.

[Karl Engels]

This documentary is about Religion as much as Borats movie was about America. From what I can tell this movie is meant only to mock religion by interviewing some of it's wackiest subscribers. Finding and interviewing a jesus freak, ignorant catholic or screaming muslim isn't that hard or creative. So bravo to Maher for going out there and putting some thought provoking material together.

Also, it sounded like Bill was about to say "god knows what could have been accomplished in this world (if religion had never existed)." I'm guessing he would have added that last part. This type of thinking is simplistic and shows Maher doesn't really understand the human race. Or it could just be a simmering bitterness towards religion, maybe as a result of some inappropriate touching from a religious figure when he was young.

[Balanor]

Bill Mayer hates religion as much as he loves humanity.
The outrages of religion are too numerous to cite here or in a dozen books and films, but the latest that comes to mind is condemnation of stem cell research by religions when these religious cons understand that the results of that research will forever change the lives of humans and safeguard our children from diseases that should have been wiped out years ago.
Do you want to begin to understand what religion has done to enslave and destroy humanity?
You might start with James' 19th century work "The Varieties of Religious Experience". You might stretch your mind a little and read the writings of the late U.G. Krishnamurti which are free on the Internet. Do not confuse U.G. with that other famous Krishnamurti named Siddhu. Simply google "U.G. Krishnamurti" and open your mind.
Try to remember that as much as we hate the things done in the name of religion, even more we love humanity and dread the evil way that humans have been manipulated and conned out of their possessions. Where would science be today with the intentional destruction of science and scientists all these centuries.
The fact that we exist and experience this incredible life with all its joys and sorrows is the greatest miracle of the universe. How much more could we love and nourish life if we freed ourselves from the half-literate criminals that operate under the mantle of religion!
My daily prayer is "Thank you, dear god, whoever or whatever you are, for allowing the lifeform, me, to be conscious and experience this odd thing we label life!"
The process of evolution.....the process of the univese from The Big Bang until now should be our source of wonder, that some gods created by ignorant desert dwellers to control their people.
In closing, I quote Roman Catholic Pope Leo I who is cited on Vatican documents in ink and manuscript paper centuries ago saying "This myth of christ has served us well!"
Google that fact sometime and verify for yourself.
Or, google the late 19th century magazine article by an old woman who clarified that her father penned a fictional novel earlier in the century which he would read to the family at dinner time. The stable boy enjoyed the stories and copied the manuscript for himself.
The stable boy was Joseph Smith and the old woman said her dad's fictional novel was eventually published as The Book of Mormon.
Or, read the original Epic of Gilgamesh from the old Sumerian civilization where you'll discover that the Babylonians initiated the Genesis stories which their captives, the Habiru(or hebrews) carried back to their homeland "as the word of God!!!"
Perhaps, you can think about the pharoahs who named their royalty with names like Thutmose.....an offspring of that royal name being Moses.
Think! think! That is all that old Bill Mayer wants you to do.
The greatest salesmen/conmen in the world can sell "air" to the masses. These crooks call themselves priests, rabbi's, imama's, pastors, evangelists; and do they ever live magnificently selling nothing but "hot air"!

[TJFRMLA]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! I can't wait to see it. Thanks Bill for being the voice of reason in this wilderness of BLIND (DEAF & DUMB) FAITH.
Beleif wouldn't be so bad if they only kept it to themselves, weren't allowed to pass it on to children, couldn't hold public office and had to pay taxes on income if their institutions.

[Kevin]

He mocks people for fun, fame, and profit. He's little more than a school yard bully.

[john]

I'm a believer who is in total agreement with Bill Maher on the issue of religion. The belief systems of the world are very elegant and beautiful philosophies which help us find our own personal place in the Universe. But genuine belief has little to do with the self-absorbed, intolerant, judgmental, and often greedy people who claim to speak for their religion. Bill is going after those people and that can only be a good thing. The Senator who looks Bill straight in the eye and says he believes the Earth was created 5,200 years ago is saying that for political reasons, not religious reasons. It's part of what keeps him in office. He's just exploiting his constituency and they don't even realize it. Good for you, Bill.

[Tom]

FINALLY! There is somebody who sees and speaks of the absolute absurdity in organized religion. When will the rest of this country wake up. We're the laughing stock of Europe on this issue (in addition to all other issues).

[Nancy Benstead]

It is great to see so many positive comments on the subject. David - your phrasing was very sensible and non-confrontational - good going. Were I to fill in the blank I would say "brainwashed"

[Pachecosita]

I am so excited. I can't wait to see a film that I can relate to. I was a hard core christian all my life until I opened my eyes and mind. The changed comes from understanding our place in this universe. Religion will suffer a lot of transformation and some of them will disapear, just like many ancient religions that do not exist anymore. Let's make fun of them while they're still here. EDUCATE YOURSELF!

[pete staff]

Alll religion are no more than mythology. Lenin stated it correctly religion is the opiate of the masses. A perfect example is the religous right. Spitting out thier hate of every thing and evey one who do not believe the way they do. Trying thier best to take over our government . They would lead us in to a theocarcy. Made by them and for them. With them in command. Preparing us for thier end time. With more wars in the middle east. Iran iwould be next on thier agenda. With Israel as thier weapon. Making way for thier second coming. At a cost too all of us. A world in religous wars every were.

[Tom Dwan]

Sam Harris' book is far from humorless. The first couple of chapters are nonstop laughter. This whole idea of religion is a joke in itself, and Harris and Maher do a great job of highlighting that.

[Saved]

Yeah, Well, the worst thing for an Atheist is that at the end of the day who do you thank? Yourself? Hahahaha...

Bill Maher is so full of himself he doesn't recognize he's full of hot air.

[Pam]

Thank you Bill! I'm always tired of being the lone person in almost any group who thinks religion is a moral atrocity. They always have some rationalization of why it's such a good thing, but that's a crock. Relgious people seem to have more hatred in their hearts than love. They feel it necessary to say "I'm a Christian"... and to me that's a warning to watch my wallet. As Albert Einstein once remarked "the bible is a fairy tale". OF COURSE IT IS! People act like God took a pen and wrote all that superstious, ridiculous bullsh.. down and that makes it so. Completely irrational. I am not an atheist...I have no idea what's going on in the spiritual world and I don't have the arrogance to pretend that I do.

[Quan]

As John Lennon would say:

Don't believe in Bill Maher

I just believe in me ( not me and Yoko) !!!

[FW]

To use Carlin/Maher language:

You stupid f___heads!!!. Without belief in something higher (true or false) we wouldn't have the Acropolis in Greece, Macchu Picchu, Stonehenge and many other amazing sites around the world. Belief in higher powers inspires us to many things, some good some bad. Atheism, humanism, lust for power land and riches have led to lots of ugly things in history. Religion might have been some of the icing on the cake in these instances, but like a good detective, you gotta look past the obvious sometimes. Read your f----ckin' history books.

--There I feel much better now.

[Doug]

This movie will be a great bigot magnet. I can tell that many are already in line to cheer on his hate.

[dave]

people,
Bill is paid to do comedy and mock others. He is not meant to be taken seriously. If you are really searching for truth, you'd do well to look elsewhere.
His efforts will wind up some people on both sides of the issue. But in the end, it is only comedy, not a serious search for the truth.

For so many of the posters claiming "reason", it seems there is little of it found here.
For example: Let's assume there is no God and we can eradicate religion with no divine consequences. Assuming that all religion is bogus, where did it come from in the first place? Humans must have made it all up.
Many of the posters seem to believe that if we could simply eliminate religion, we'd somehow eliminate many of the supposed problems that come from such belief. But kids... think with me here: IF it is US that invented it, then the problem is with US.
Eliminate religion and humans will find some other motive to misbehave.
We should all be able to reasonably look around and notice that there is alot of misbehavior, stupidity and malice present in human actions. It would be just about as assinine as could be to think that it is all caused by "religion" when supposedly it is US that made up the religion.
The problem is human nature.. NOT religion. Just a little bit of thought ought to make that clear enough.

[Marty]

If God doesn't want me to see this movie, may he strike me dead....crickets...That's what I thought.

[shaunna]

a must-see for fall.

[c'est moi]

"Gay for Obama"...kinda says it all.
....ick

[MikeL]

@Dave
Nice Post!

My thoughts are that if the majority of people in one society hold to a particular belief system (doesn't matter what it is), it means that there is less disagreement / conflict and that in general the society will be more STABLE. It doesn't make the belief system right, it just means it will persist for longer and therefore be self-reinforcing. The presence of multiple belief systems in a society, or the coming together of multiple societies, leads to more disagreement / conflict and has a DESTABILISING effect.

The lack of any belief system in a society is not intrinsically stable. This is why I believe atheists will always be a fringe group, whether they are in a position to declare or not.
Good luck Bill!

[Sophie]

I'm glad the atheists I know are not nearly as idiotic as Bill Maher fans posting here.

[Syn Holliday]

Yes Bill the Pill, if you don't believe in God, you're sad, alone, and unloved. Money and fame at the expense of others? Where is the gun being held to people's heads to entertain in his stuff. You're a bit of a drama queen, don't you think?

[jamie]

Bill Maher is a bright guy who is capable of writing devastatingly funny comedy bits.
The fact that, today, he deals almost exclusively in partisan mockery of caricatures of republicans seems to me to be a great waste of talent, and an ineffectual use of that talent as well. He has his cable shows where he can be mean to silly little Young Republicans, but has he added ANYTHING meaningful to the dialogue in the past 7 years despite his greatest efforts? He pales next to Louis Black, Jon Stewart and dozens of others. His bits are anger bits and even the median left-leaning American is a positive person and is not into the kind of negativity that is Maher's current stock in trade.

Imagine Bill Maher under a President Obama. He'll be unemployed.

[CFB]

The commenters on this thread are a perfect illustration of why the Los Angeles Times is going bankrupt.

[Jonah]

John 3:16 says it all. I hope Bill comes to know the Living God someday before he dies in spite of mans many religious mistakes...

[gator]

bill maher is just another jackass liberal who has made all of his money off of the stupid ass liberals that pay attention to him. he has never had or ever will have a real thought about anything. this idiot probably believes in evolution, but i'll bet if he is ever in a dire situation he wont be saying oh darwin help me. he is a hypocrite and should be kicked off of tv.

[Lynette]

I cannot wait to see this movie. It is comforting to finally see a backlash to all the religious fanataticism that has gone on in this country for the last 20 + years. The rise of Christian fundamentalism and its marriage to the government has done more to turn back progress than any other force in this country's history.

[Tia]

You know what's sad? There's no individualism anymore. If you don't think/believe what I believe, then you're a bigot and your heart is fill w/ hatred. What ever happened to having a mind of your own? I AM proud to be a Christian, but unfortunately Christianity has been tainted by GLAMOUR and DECEPTION. Why? Because they wanted to be accepted by the masses, they wanted Christianity to look appealing to grow the Christian community. I can't speak for other religions but I know that's NOT what God intended for it to be. Agreement doesn't equal Respect, so just b/c I don't agree with you beliefs doesn't mean I can't respect you as a human. That's a quality we've lost. We've become an immature nation, if you don't do this then you're stupid (very ELEMENTARY)

[Marty]

As Bill's hero George Carlin said.."I was a practicing Catholic until I reached the age of Reason.(about 10)
Let's take the message learned from the classic film "Inherit the wind" The bible tells us to think, but most believers only parrot and accept. Think of all the errors in the bible and the absurd theories. Methusaala lived 900 years? God parted the red sea to save a few hundred Jews but didn't lift a finger to save 6 million from Hitler? What if the DaVinci code was really true? How many christians would leap to their death off tall buildings before the religious leaders created a B.S. excuse or smokescreen. Welome to the dumbing down of America the only nation in the world that is growing in religiousity faster than the terroistst muslims. We are the laughing stock of the world

[1984]

He's certainly having a good time about religion and oh boy it certainly does provide entertainment. Too bad about all the not needed bad stuff...
"Religion ends and philosophy begins, just as alchemy ends and chemistry begins and astrology ends, and astronomy begins." Christopher Hitchens. Brilliant quote :o)

[Ckenent Drury 662 Ashley Manor Dr. Longs SC 29568]

Harris's The End Of Faith and Dawkins' The God Delusion are the books that should be taught to the young, not this bible crap. Thankfully we have someone like Mahr. Wish their were more especially since we lost Carlin. Clement

[John Crandell]

Uh, I got a feeling that Maher ought to delay release till AFTER the election. Who knows what this could do to bring out the zealots on voting day.

[paul]

Amen, Maher. About someone took on religion in the spirit of Michael Moore.

[JD]

I can't wait to see this movie!

[John]

'Well, you don't have to pass an IQ test to be in the Senate." Or to be a comedian for that matter.

[Americain]

Just because someone is a comedian doesn't make their argument fallacious, please stick to the facts. George Carlin never completed high school yet his observations of human nature and language were always brilliant. I also love the comment that said this movie will be a bigot magnet. I got news for you pal, the bigots aren't the ones questioning the veracity of religion and making that point in a documentary. The bigots were the ones lynching blacks, stopping them from voting and using their religion to justify it. This is a typical right wing ploy, call your opponent a bigot before he does it first even if the claim is bogus.

[Chris]

@ Doug

Its not bigotry, its called reason and logic. Zealots like to call non-believers bigots insted of defending their religion, except religions dont stand up to reason or logic.

[TJN]

I have my doubts about religion too, but I'm most bothered by the egomaniacas who disguise their mental pathologies as faith. I'm talking about preachers who can "preach" for hours on end while castigating the world for the sins they commit themselves.

What about those mega churches where the gospel is that God wants you to be wealthy? Disgusting. It's hard to disprove the fact that faith has been the prestext for killing one's fellow man since we dropped out of the trees.

All I know is that if God does exist, we puny humans should show nothing but compassion and humiility.

[Dan]

"...since it's obvious to anyone whose ever watched Maher's act..."

Fire your copy editor.

[Ken Hymes]

If I want a critique of religion, I'll look to someone who knows something about it (Bertrand Russell, or John Dominic Crossan, or Elaine Pagels, for example), not to a juvenile, sexist, shallow comedian like Bill Maher. His "work" on this subject is the classic straw man approach. In fact, religion in America is precisely as diverse as its politics, and as its population as a whole. There is every flavor you wish to search for, from cerebral to pentecostal, ancient to web-based techno-savvy. And that is exactly why it is not at all what Bill Maher and Sam Harris claim it to be. If you want to see religion as a serious threat to civil society, go to India or Nigeria. The United States has many flaws, and much to answer for, but in this area it is an astounding success: we have both diversity of religion, and acceptance of the lack of it, just as the founders intended.

The religious right had one of its own in the White House, and no significant resistance in Washington for seven years, and has accomplished almost none of its goals. That speaks volumes for the credibility of claims that we are in danger of becoming a theocracy. In fact, the most significant force sustaining public notice of the religious fundamentalists is people like Sam Harris and Bill Maher.

Further, anyone who is a progressive (which Bill maher and Harris are decidedly not), would do well to study the history of their own movement: EVERY success has involved a coalition of secular intellectuals, Jewish social activists, and Christian liberals. Split this coalition with hateful claims that religion is a "mental disorder," and you cripple the left. Congratulations.

[Tom]

I can't wait to see this either.
"people".... Yes Bill is paid to be "Bill", but he isn't faking his opinion and he certainly echos the ridicule and derision I feel for all religion. "think with me here"... imagine the problems WE can solve if we don't have the roadblocks that religion throws in front of us in the name of the imaginary. We could have peace in the middle east. We could have unrestrained birth control. We could prevent and help victims of AIDs. Endangered animals wouldn't be killed for their magical properties. AND we would have more resources devoted to real productivity and good instead of maintaining the institutions and control of the religious powers.

[Alexander]

Thank you very much Bill for making this movie! I’m looking forward to seeing it and will encourage everyone I know (religious and non-religious alike) to see it. This country definitely needs more people like you to put out movies, books and documentaries showing how silly and dangerous religions are.
To those of you saying that Bill is just a comedian and his opinion on this subject does not matter, I say: your fairytales and superstitions deserve nothing but mockery and who better to do that then one of the best American comedians.
Bill, thank you for carrying on the legacy of the great George Carlin.

[Kenneth Hymes]

Tom: by the great George Carlin, I wonder if you mean the trenchant social critic of the 70's, or the George Carlin of the 90's and later, who said, among other things, that disabled children were losers who should be left out the cold to die? If the latter, then explain to me how this perspective offers a good alternative to the teachings of Buddhism or Quakerism, to choose two religions which don't seem to get much mention in these tirades.

[Dolores Lear]

Humanae Vatie is Latin for 'Of Human Life'.

Fallen Humans need to 'Know' Why their 'Human Life', is Born 'in the Original Sin'. Today we have the High Tech Science to Know what that Original Sin was.

'Supernatural' High Tech Science Peace Humans Colonized Earth, and Equal Perfect Peace Human Male and Female Clones, were Reproduced in a High Tech Science Womb.

Males, and their Female Clone Helpmeets made from the Male Rib, had the Same Equal Genetics, and Physical Appearance. With High Tech Science 'Regeneration', They 'do' have 'Eternal Physical Life After Birth', on Planets and in Spaceships. Humans made by Body Birth call them Higher 'Being' Gods.

The Clones Reproduced the Adam and Eve Peace, Equal Clone 'Helpmeet' Colony, in their Image. Why Asexual Male Clones, Started Unequal Heterosexual Body Birth Reproduction, with their Female Sister Clones, the Original Sin, still needs an Explanation.

This Original Human Sex Act, Reproduced Inbred/Mis-bred Unequal Human Males and Female 'Mates,' with different Genetics and Physical Appearance. Their Fallen Lifestyle resulted in Physical Death After Birth.

The High Tech Noah/Atlantis Society had a High Tech Science and Population Explosion, like we have had today. Their Weapons of Massive Destruction and their Pollution on land and sea, Caused the Planetary Flood. Not God.

Body Birth Humans again, Repopulated our Home Planet. In 1900, Earth had 1 Billion Humans. Humans again had a High Tech Science and Population Explosion. In 2011, the Population count will be 7 Billion, and we have Nuclear bombs and Pollution, on land and sea.

Today's Human Planetary Judgement Day Fire, Humans are setting up, will also get rid of our Population Explosion. Not 'God'.

There is a High Tech Science Knowledge, to support a Controlled Human Peace Population, with Eternal Physical Life After Birth, on Planets and in Spaceships.

[Sarah, Kansas City, MO]

I find the people who truely believe the earth was born 5,000 to 6,000 years ago funny. If that is true how come there are no cave paintings or other art showing them hunting the dinosaurs? Anyone have a logical explanation for that one?

I love it when Bill pokes holes into religions more hypocritical representives. These people only want to use fear and religion as a way to control and extract money from ignorant people. That said, I do believe in the spirtual. I do believe in the non-physical plane that exists beyond this one. But this has absolutely nothing to do with religion.

[Alison]

Name one problem that any religion has ever solved for the human race. Can't do it? Neither can I. Now, try and approach a bank loan officer for some cash with "I've failed for over 2000 years but I still believe" as your business plan.

I wonder why people don't question the failures of organized religion, but instead keep throwing money (and sometimes their whole lives) at them. All any religion is is a group of controlling, manipulative people collecting guilt money from others (and getting rich off their stupidity). Just look at Victoria Bitch Osteen--what a total racket they've got going--you see how these "holier than thous" treat their revenue sources.

Bill Maher is right on.

[Frieda]

What color is God and are we talking about a man or a woman?

Just wondered.

[jane]

Guess what folks? THERE IS NO GOD!

Religion has killed more people than ANYTHING ON EARTH.

[Lewis]

please guys ,don't fall for this nonsense.There is a God and there will alaways be one-people have known this since times immemorial.All life on earth is far too complex to come out of evolution.As said by Prof. Chandra from Univ College of Cardiff -The probability that life originated from inanimate matter is 40,000 zeros followed by 1.Don't fall for this evolution nonsense

DO not suffer in hell for this nonsenes.George Carlin is currently paying for his actions and Bill Maher will too

[Rich Monk]

Anything that puts religion in it's place, "fictionland" is good for the planet. Religion goes hand in hand with complete ignorance and stupidity, with greed, bigotry, intolerance and racism thrown in for a warm glass of milk at night feeling.

[SenhorTambor]

There is a God, but it's only a part-time job. Like a kid with an ant farm, That would explain the short, intense periods of micromanagement mixed into long, long periods of inattention.

[dave]

"imagine the problems WE can solve if we don't have the roadblocks that religion throws in front of us ".... Perhaps you've missed the point. Assuming there is no Divine: Religion didn't just descend out of the sky and fall upon US... WE are the ones responsible for putting it in place. Thinking that we then can somehow legislate it out of our lives and that will solve the problem is grossly ignorant. People get taken for losses in Credit Card scams. Eliminating Credit Cards would certainly stop that particular type of scam, but it's not going to stop humans from inventing other types of scams. The problem isn't religion, the problem is human nature.

You are forever treating symptoms and ignoring the cause. By doing so, you will never fix the problem. Think about this issue deeper. Ignore Bill and do some real thinking.

[Kerry Milford]

I've always wondered why the religious right is so aggressive and outright mean and unforgiving.
I don't anymore.
The truth will set them free

[Dave in Wisconsin]

Every day I thank my "god" that I'm an Atheist!

[Radmul]

The more ridicule this nonsense undergoes the better. Bill is not ridiculing god but the cult groups that have sprung up around the Idea of a god. One cannot disprove the existence of the one but pointing out the stupidity of the others makes for great entertainment.

[Craig James]

It's amazing how many comments on this forum attack the man, not the ideas. Knowledge is the enemy of religion, and the Anti-Rationalism memes ("trust your heart, not logic") are one of religion's best tricks, evolved over a period of 2,000 years. Those who fear Bill Maher, and can't debate their religion honestly and openly, but instead resort to mudslinging, are victims of the anti-rationalism meme, and many other highly evolved traits that make religion so "sticky," so hard to get rid of.

[ramper]

Bill Maher is a horse's ass!

[Bel Gazou]

Despite the shrillness of the Christian Right or their recent convergence into a right-wing voting bloc, from the last U.S. government survey taken regarding religious affiliation in America, the largest percentage of increase (over an 1,000% increase) was not in any religion or faith but in people describing themselves as having NO religious affiliation. The recent increase in religious violence in Muslim nations is not because of an upsurge in religious fervor but the death-throes of the old order now threatened with extinction.

[Ashleigh Philippi]

I feel like this movie might make up for the release of Expelled. It makes me sad, all the people who don't understand the science behind evolution and instead close their minds and believe the illogical simply because they want to. And the religious being mocked for the ridiculous things they do, think, and say -- that is retribution, even if it is small, petty, and not going to do anything but flare up religious fervor. *shrug* I'm only human.

[J.N.]

All of you people getting pissed at Bill need to come to grips with the fact that all he did was ask questions. It was the people being interviewed that said all the stupid stuff.

Bill Maher does not mock religion, he doesnt need to. Religion has done a fine job of mocking itself.

[Mistahkleen]

The fool has said in his heart, there is no God
Psalms 14:1

I am a HUGE fan of Bill Maher, love his show. But when he discusess religion, and God he loses me. Have there been people that have misrepresented God? Of course. But He's real just the same. I don't believe in forcing my beliefs on anyone, so I am a strong proponent of seperation of church and state. But anyone that says God isn't real is a fool.

[Judith]

My husband and I can hardly wait to see this movie!
See you Aug, 22, on Real Time!

[Kelly]

Actually...according to the Bible the world was created in 4004 BC which would make it 6012 years old. Which is still BS. I can't wait for this movie. I am not an atheist and neither is Bill Maher...however...I agree with him wholeheartedly on organized religion. If Christians just believed that the Bible was written as allegory...symbolism...not fact...then it would be okay. However...they just don't get it. Same as other religions...their books are guides to assist in spiritual journeys. I'm certain the authors of the Bible are rolling over in their graves at the fact that their words are taken so literally. And no...God did not write the Bible...man did. In the words of Dan Brown...how would he do that...fax it down from heaven?

[Drew the non-jew]

Science damn you!

[geo]

Thanks Bill--however your still a "voice in the wilderness"..Nietzche said(among many irriegealous things) "the first thing that happens when a priest opens his mouth---is that truth flies out the window"

[Dolores Lear]

Is this poking religion in the eye, or the Truth of GOD/LIFE?

GOD/LIFE, is Visible and Invisible Elements in the Universes, and on Planets. GOD/LIFE is Present Always, never Absent, or there would not be Human Life as we Know it.

When our Human Pilots, during WW2, flew to New Guinea, and established a base for our troops. They also shared supplies with the natives. The Natives called them Gods, and started the Cargo Cult Religion. Our Pilots were Present and Absent.

Ancient Tablets in the Mid-East, record High Tech Humans from another Planet, who reached Earth to mine for gold. Zacharia Sitchin translated, that They changed the Primitive Life that had Evolved on Earth, into Human Life as we Know it today. Jerusalem was a spaceport for these Humans; they were Present and Absent.

The Evolution Theory, is that Life on Earth arose from Algae, to Apes, to Black Skinned Humans, and up to the White, Brown, Yellow and Red Skin Humans today. No God to be Present or Absent.

High Tech Science Knowledge today, proves the Fact, that Humans can Colonize a Planet, and Reproduce Human Life in vetro in the Lab. In Genesis, Life began on Earth, supernaturally by the Lord God, and Humans were Reproduced supernaturally.

High Tech Science, is the 'super'natural Knowledge in Genesis and Myth. Our High Tech Ancestors were Present and Absent, coming and leaving Earth. It is Time for a High Tech Science Translation of all Writings and Myths on Earth, about the Present and Absent High Tech Human Gods in Religion and Myth.

[Dolores Lear]

With all the colors on Earth today? Who Knows what Color the High Tech Equal Born Adam and Eve Society were. Tthe female Clones were made from the male rib, Identical Brothers/Sisters. Why they started Heterosexual Reproduced Unequal males and female Humans is not Known today. But we have had the Return of High Tech Science for the past 100 years.

Does that mean Life on Earth Evolved up to today, or was it Colonziaed 'in the beginning?

Heterosexual Birth Human Unequal male and females, made Cain, Abel, and daughters, who made all the colors, races, religions, governments and all the Divisions of the Human Society. Now we have the Nuclear Bomb to do away with this Killer Species.

With High Tech Science Equal Male and Female Birth Clones, and Balanced Elements, the Higher 'Being' Human Species can have Eternal Physical Life After Birth.

What is Life After Death in Heaven, but the Return of our Bodies Elements to GODs Elements of the Atoms and Electro-Magnetic Force of our Solar System?

Eternal Physical Life is for the Living Humans, not Dead Humans.

[Dolores Lear]

Recalling Earth's History. It is Time for the Human Species, to Prove the Fact, that Earth was Colonized with High Tech Science, 'in the beginning' in Genesis. Why does the Fallen Human High Tech Species today, want to Blow Up their Home Planet with Nuclear Bombs?

Fallen Humans have 'Evolved' up to High Tech Science on Earth, the past 100 years. Does anyone, today, accept that the Human Species Colonized Earth with High Tech Science? Humans Know How today. Why not then?

The Lord in the Wilderness, rode in a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night, and descended down on the mountain in a cloud, fire, thunder. and a loud noise. Was this just people's imagination, or a mountain volcano exploding, or High Tech Humans?

Ezekiel saw a wheel, up in the air, and upon the likeness of a throne, was a likeness of a man. Was he and other writers, hallucinating, when writing about the 'Supernatural' High Tech Science?

Was Paul blinded by the vehicle's light, when Jesus was sitting up in the air? Jesus made other appearances, Alive, before he went up into Space. Was John in Revelation, hallucinating? Was Religion and Myth Super'natural' Translations, made by Fallen Humans without High Tech Science?

Humans do fly in airplanes, and helicopters, with a Human on the throne. Humans do travel in space in a Shuttle, launched by fire, smoke, thunder, and a loud noise. The Light of the Shuttle launch, 'is' brighter than the Sun, as was the Light of the Lord.

High Tech Science was on Planet Earth at the Colonization, and in the Noah/Atlantis Society. The Planetary Flood destroyed the evidence, but left the megalithic ruins made by High Tech Science, all over the Planet.

What does 'Life After Human Death' mean? Are Fallen Humans ready for the Truth, that the High Tech Human Species, can have Eternal Physical Life After Birth, on Planets and in Spaceships?

[TG]

I hope Bill finally gets a big pay day with this, he certainly deserves one after the completely craven ABC ended POLITICALLY INCORRECT.

[smarsman]

My great hope is that he interviews Arthur Blessit, the wild man preacher who was the one who converted "W" into a born again. In the 1960s, of all the crazies on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, and there were plenty, Blessit was considered by most to be the craziest.

In his traveling revival show in 1984 that was in Midland, TX, one of his followers, a car dealer, brought the then Vice President's son to be converted and he was in a private ceremony. The Bush family has had the record revised, as it has on other recorded occasions, and claims it was Billy Graham.

I would love to see Bill Maher interview Arthur Blessit about the Shrub's conversion.

[Andrea]

I love about 99.9% of everything Bill Maher says, and I KNOW I will love this movie. He is an intellectual but he doesn't come off as an elitist. Above all else, he's funny. And the movie has not even been out yet so I don't think it even makes sense to bash something you haven't even seen yet.

[Rockinroll]

This is about Religion not Spirituality. Formal Religions are ALL about money and power.
They all become rich off the weak and emotionally injured. That is really what Bill is "Shining a Light "on. Humor is a great means to communicate and showcase this fact. God Bless Bill!!

[Rockinroll]

This is about Religion not Spirituality. Formal Religions are ALL about money and power.
They all become rich off the weak and emotionally injured. That is really what Bill is "Shining a Light "on. Humor is a great means to communicate and showcase this fact. God Bless Bill!!

[Bill Maher Get a Grip]

Bill Maher gets it right only about 1/2 the time. The other half he sounds like a mouthpiece for the establishment.

I was raised to treat others with respect. I don't discriminate based on religion, sex, age, race, ethnicity etc.. Bill Maher needs to realize that while religious beliefs may be ridiculous to him, they're sacred to others. While he would never want anyone to get in the face of his grandmother and attack and ridicule her religious beliefs, the public doesn't want him to attack our grandmothers beliefs.

I'm not particularly religious but I do understand respect, decency and compassion. If Bill Maher is this antagonistic against religion as a whole maybe he should consider moving to China. I'm sure they could find use for his bigoted mentality. In America it's not welcome.

[Anti-religion Dangers]

People of Jewish faith were demonized for ages and we see how that can bring about intolerance and hatred which nearly always led to unfathomable horrors. Just look at what Jewish people have gone through over the centuries. Muslims today are demonized possibly more than any religious group and as a result their people are being exterminated in Iraq. Over 1 million murdered and the numbers rise every day. Not a single one of those million individuals was part of 9/11. Something to think about.

[muldoon]

Not all, but many religions are far more divisive than unifying. By its very nature, worship of a personal deity-Christian God, God of the Jews, Muslum God, etc--elevates those believers to the status of God's favorite, chosen people., and diminishes the value and/or worth of everyone else. How can it be otherwise? After all, if ______(fill in name of deity) didn't love me more than ________(fill in non-followers of One True Religion), He/She would have made them blessed believers, too. And from here it's a very small step to self-righteous bigotry and religious persecution.

[Dolores Lear]

After living in the USA for 86 years, nothing is very shocking.

Do Humans really get shocked, when it is revealed that President Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Clinton, and Vice President John Rockefeller, John Edwards, etc., are reported that they had mistresses? John Rockefeller died in his mistress' arms while still married.

Other Government Officials in State and Civil Government, did wrong, that were not made public.

Nixon got caught, trying to manipulating Politics, but I am sure there was all similar acts, of other Public Officials. Bush and Chaney are close to some type of review.

Are all these incidents any different, from our family and friends who are also Fallen Humans?

Are there different standards for your rank in Life, for females, your race, color, religion, country, financial rating, possessions, etc.

Humans should all be Equal Children of GOD. We should start getting shocked, at what we are doing to GODs Planet.

The population Sexual Explosion for the past 100 years. What are we going to do with all the overpopulation of poor humans, as the resources run out of fuel and food?

How many Humans can our Home Planet support, with all the Inequality and Inhumanity for Human to Human, to all Life Species and our Eco System?

The High Tech Science Explosion. Use our Nuclear Bombs are on land and sea?

If we do not Correct the Cause, of how Humans are multiplying so fast for 100 years, we 'will' Kill our Planet and All Life on it. All Systems are set on GO.

Eternal Life is for Living Humans, not Dead Humans.After living in the USA for 86 years, nothing is very shocking.

Do Humans really get shocked, when it is revealed that Presidents like Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Clinton, and Vice President John Rockefeller, John Edwards, etc., are reported that they had mistresses? Rockefeller died in his mistress' arms while still married.

Other Government Officials in State and Civil Government, did wrong, that were not made public.

Nixon got caught, trying to manipulating Politics, but I am sure there was all similar acts, of other Public Officials. Bush and Chaney are close to some type of review.

Are all these incidents any different, from our family and friends who are also Fallen Humans? Are there different standards for your rank in Life, for females, your race, skin color, religion, country, financial rating, possessions, etc.

Humans should all be Equal Children of GOD on GODs Planet. We should start getting shocked, at what we are doing to GODs Planet.

We had a population Sexual Explosion for the past 100 years. What are we going to do with all the overpopulation of poor humans, as the Earth's Resources run out of fuel and food?

How many Humans can our Home Planet support, with all the Inequality and Inhumanity for Human to Human, to all Life Species and our Eco System?

We had High Tech Science Explosion. Our Nuclear Bombs are on land and sea? If we do not Correct the Cause, of how Humans are multiplying so fast for 100 years, we 'will' Kill our Planet and All Life on it.

All Systems are set on GO.

Eternal Life is for Living Humans on Planets After Birth, and in Spaceships, not for Dead Humans After Death.

[Gary]

The most irrational bigots I have ever met are the George Carlin/Bill Maher types who rail against Christians and Jews. To this type, you may believe anything you want, as long as you don't act on it, share it, pray, go to church, live a religious life, etc. etc. Just as want religion kept from you fellows, keep your bigotry from me.

[TKDMike]

I am SOOOO going to this. BILL IS THE MAN....religon is the BAIN of huminaty

[Dick Moody]

Bill Marer is a lier and a blastfemer and hes gonning to git his ass wiped by the riteous rite hand of God and the prophets and the saints and the pure of hart and everybody ! Go Longhorns !

[Dick Moody]

Gosh, I think Bill Maher is just super !

[Jackson Bloom]

I find it amusing that people can comment personally on a man and a movie they've never met nor seen yet. Personally I enjoy Mr. Maher immensely, he is a very articulate, well educated observer.....granted, I don't agree with him 100% on everything, but whom do we? Exactly.
I know there is no god and that's fine, but the more important issue is the dogma that comes along with any type of belief system. As an Atheist I have no dogma, I believe in myself, protect all living things and always tell the truth......This is all I can do and should do in life. Period. Oh, well, that and eat chocolate. Be well.

[Georide]

Well, I love to see religious hypocrites get skewered, and I'm very much looking forward to this - but I can't say I enjoy the subterfuge Maher used to get people to agree to be interviewed. It stinks a little too much of the cheap shots used in 'Expelled'.

[Sam]

Good job Bill. Finally people will be able to see how ridiculous religions are. I hope you got a peak at the lives of the many high-flying Televangelists - Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn etc.

Some update on Sen. Charles Grassley enquiry would also be helpful.

[jake]

Why does everyone assume that if you dislike hillary, or call her a bitch, that makes you a sexist? It's crass maybe, but not necessarily sexist. I wouldn't go so far as calling her a bitch myself, but she became increasingly unlikable throughout the primary process. When it started I would have been happy with her or Obama. After she started using republican tactics, pandering to no end and playing the female version of the proverbial "good ol' boy" I shuttered at the thought of her in office.

[jake]

p.s. "40 thousand zeroes followed by one" does not include any measure of probability and therefore doesn't make any sense.

[Dolores Lear]

What are Fallen Humans looking for, in Eternal Life After Death? Today we do Know about GODs Elements, that makes Life as we Know it, Seen/Physical and Unseen/Elements.

Death of GODs Physical Element Life, does Return to GODs Unseen Eternal Elements. Are Unseen Elements what Fallen Humans call Spirit Life?

Today we have the High Tech Science Knowledge, to Know Humans can extend their Physical Life, After Birth. Why not Forever and Ever, Amen?

Humans need High Tech Science Reproduction, in a High Tech Womb, and High Tech Science Genetic and Physical 'Regeneration' to Defective Body Parts, to provide Eternal Physical Life 'After Birth'.

Humans need High Tech Science Space Travel, to Escape their Dying Planet or Universe, to 'Literally' have Eternal Physical Life After Birth, on Planets and in Spaceships.

How can any Human on Earth, explain what is the Unseen Eternal 'Life' After Death, except GODs Unseen Elements? What is Spirit Life? Why even Want Spirit Life after Death, when Humans can Have Eternal Physical Life After Birth, like Jesus?

Jesus was Alive, in a 'Regenerated' Physical Body, not in a Dead Spirit Body, when he went up in the air, and out into Space. Jesus is now 2033 years old, Earth time. What is a Spirit 'Body'?

High Tech Science today, Proves Eve was made a female from Adam's rib. We call that Cloning. Adam and Eve were Equal Male and Female Twin Clones, not Mates.

High Tech Science Pure-bred Reproduction, does Reproduce Equal Male and Female Human Physical Clones. Heterosexual Natural Body Birth, does Reproduce Unequal Male and Female Physical Mates.

When Humans took over making Humans by Body Birth, look what happened to All Life on our Spaceship Planet Earth.

With High Tech Science Reproduction and with Space travel, Equal Male and Female Human Clones, do have Eternal Physical Life After Birth on Planets and in Spaceships, like the religious Gods that made Humans 'in their Human Image'.

[Shan]

Interesting film. I think people are to obsessed with religion. I want to believe in the possibility of a deity of some kind int he world, but conversely I refuse to believe that Earth isn't billions of years old. 5200 years?! Come on now....

[Mo]

There is certainly much fault to find with religion. But how many hospitals or universities have atheists built?

[intellectual elitist]

to "gator"--who posted early this morning some ridiculous comment about the "stupid ass liberals" who pay attention to bill maher--and all the other mental midgets of the fox news order who continue to embarass our great country: return to your underexposed religious hole in the ground; continue to mutter nonsense about how people of higher education and consciousness are somehow inferior to you, and only re-emerge when Barack Obama is your president.

[juan]

Looking forward to Mahrer's critique. Don't think it will influence the elections but it will be fun to tweak organized religion.

[Vincent Truman]

I must confess (!) I am stunned with people who deride Bill Maher for using the First Amendment. I have found, if you want to make religious people look ridiculous and hypocritical, just add the phrase "just like Jesus would have said" after their asinine comments.

To paraphrase Bill Hicks, if you're Christian and don't like what Bill Maher is saying... forgive him already.

[Dolores Lear]

Kevin Murphy, vice president of ethics and theology, for the St. Joseph Hospitals of California, said, in a pro debate of unions and pickets. "First book of Genesis, man and woman are created in the image and likeness of God, and invited to co-create with God. There is human dignity. That's the strand within this tradition of how important human dignity of the individual is."

In Genesis (KJV), the Human Male and Female Adam and Eve Clones, were Reproduced by High Tech Science, not Body Birth. Instead of co-creating Perfect Humans like God, they 'fell' to Heterosexual Body Birth. They lost their Co-Equal Standing with 'God'.

The Original Humans were to be co-creators with 'God'? It is usually, taught God is a Higher 'Being', by the Lower 'Beings' created by Body Birth, that lost their God Creating Knowledge, and called it Supernatural.

I was not aware of the Scriptures of Adam and Eve being co-creators, but that makes sense with High Tech Science Knowledge. The Adam and Eve Colony were also supposed to keep on Reproducing Perfect Humans.

In the King James Bible, God made man to be over the Earth. Then God made Eve, and they were to populate the Earth. But translators did not Know about the High Tech Human Species Reproduction, and translated that Adam and Eve should reproduce by Body Birth.

When Adam and Eve reproduced Cain, Abel, and Daughters by Heterosexual Body Birth, they lost their Co-equal standing. The Colony had Pure-bred Bodies without Flesh Lust, and may have had a reason not stated, to start reproducing by Body Birth, as they were Brother/Sister Clones.

With a High Tech Science Translation of all Religious and Myth writings, we may Prove the Literal Truth, that Life did not Evolve on Earth, but was Colonized, and Humans Reproduced, by High Tech Creation Science Intelligent Design.

[Carl]

I believe Bill is giving the correct message, just not the correct medium.

Religion is nothing a "crock of spit" but mocking people's belief in front of them won't accomplish much. It only irates the the believers and make the atheists laugh. Seeing how I"m an atheist though, I can't wait to go see this!

[Catherine]

I wish Mr. Maher had included the Hindus too. Don't they protest too much too? Think 'The Love Guru'. It is another matter that the movie flopped. If you live in India, which I do, you will realise that they will put up with a lot of crap, but say something about their 'Gurus' and and all hell will break loose.

[GOD]

I don't believe in Bill Maher.

[cbpooh]

A quick correction: It was not Lenin who originated the phrase "religion is the opiate of the masses" but Karl Marx in a published work on a critique of Hegel.

Irrational religion is most definitely a problem. If you don't think so, just check out the number of people in the United States who believe in a literal interpretation of the Genesis story of creation and reject the vast museums and laboratories filled with the facts of evolution. That means that roughly half of the children in the US are taught that evolution is false at least by their parents. This kind of ignorance is not without serious consequences to the advancement of our knowledge about ourselves and our relation to the natural world. If the US was populated by squishy, vaguely God-worshiping, but otherwise sane materialists, sure religion wouldn't be a problem. But it's not. As a matter of fact, they are a minority of the Christian community. Mahr can bring to the fore an important issue in a rude and obnoxious way that could open the door for some fence sitters to realize the irrationality of religion which then could lead them to a more serious examination of the natural world and our relationship to it. It could lead them to an exploration of philosophy and the more serious and introspective writings of people from David Hume to Bertrand Russell to Dawkins and Hitchens. And that can only be to their, and our, benefit.

[David]

Bill, I think you are often one of the funniest people out there. And you're obviously a smart guy.

But the typical science-is-all-we-need, anti-faith message has its own problems. For example, the problem of evil and suffering.

If human life is merely a cosmic accident, then we essentially came from nothing and are destined for nothing. Plenty of great thinkers (Kant; Dostoevsky) acknowledge how painfully subjective human morality becomes under that worldview, and how ultimately meaningless human life must consequently be. If nature is red in tooth and claw, and nothing more, as evolution would explain, then there is nothing morally wrong with the worst causes of human suffering (Russia/Georgia; Iraq; Darfur; Hitler; etc.). The only higher moral standard that is relevant in a given circumstance is whatever subjective opinion the most powerful person wishes to impose on the less powerful (Sartre). This is not only a tragic outcome of atheism, it is its most natural and logical application. The lion against the lemming, domestic violence against women and international war become nothing but nature being nature.

Not so with faith (I write as a practicing Christian).

At least for people with faith, their worldview provides a hope for ultimate justice over evil and suffering - atheism does not. The idea that we will all just get along is tilting at windmills, which is pretty irrational. Now, I'll agree that irrational faith is a problem (emphasis on the word irrational). But the assumption of some of the posts here is that all faith is irrational, which simply isn't true.

Is every atheist a genius? I saw an interview with Dawkins in which he postulated ancient alien life-seeding operations as one sufficient way to explain how life on Earth began. (Sounds like a bad Harrison Ford film.) The fact is, metaphysical explanations are just as necessary for the scientifically minded anti-faith adherents as they are for people of religious faith, because the scientific method necessarily has yet to be applied at the frontiers of human knowledge - and we haven't figured everything out yet, scientifically. (For example, all the laws of physics break down at the Big Bang's point of singularity, so untested and untestable assumptions must be offered to explain what must have come before the Big Bang, if it is historically true. Other examples: why is Planck's Constant the numerical value it is, and not some other number? Why is the speed of light or the gravitational force what it is, and not some other number?) Folks who pretend that science has all the answers or is sufficient for every answer have been asking some, but not all, of the right questions.

Bill, if you are reading this, I'm frustrated that you are in that ascerbic category of atheists who essentially dismiss as stupid anyone who is a person of faith. That's not only petty, but it is ignorant of the facts. Although I cannot speak for other religious belief systems, Christianity certainly has now and historically has had plenty of brilliant people among its adherents. And the arguments that support the Christian worldview are much more complex and fascinating than dismissive categories like 'irrational' or 'simple minded' would lead one to believe.

Perhaps the best recent work that sets out the arguments in support of Christianity (answering common objections raised by *sincere* truth seekers) is "The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism" by Dr. Tim Keller. Here's what Publisher's Weekly wrote in their review:

"Keller mines material from literary classics, philosophy, anthropology, and a multitude of other disciplines to make an intellectually compelling case for God. Written for skeptics and the believers who love them, the book draws on the author's encounters as a founding pastor of New York's booming Redeemer Presbyterian Church...[‘The Reason for God’] should serve both as a testimony of the author's encyclopedic learning and as a compelling overview of the current debate on faith for those who doubt and for those who want to reevaluate what they believe and why."

Bill, Thanks for the many laughs I could agree with. :-)

><>

David

[CMU]

Religion is not the problem. America's interpetation of the Bible is the problem. America seeks to blend the rules of capitalism, classism AND the Bible into one big pot called Evangelical Christianity - which has NOTHING to do with ANYTHING Jesus taught in the Bible. Is it a coincidence that the "Evangelicals" think global warming is a crock yet spend thousands of dollars filling up their 5.7 liter V8 Surburbans and buying CFC based products at Wal Mart?

I hope Bill had the guts to interview some TRUE CHRISTIANS for this movie...not these false prophecying "Evangelicals" but the folks who know the Bible in their heads AND regularly put its teachings to practice in their hearts to make a diference in this world. We DO exist!

[Dolores Lear]

GOD does not have, and did not make, the Evil Human Streak, Humans did.
GOD is not a 'He'. GOD 'Is' the Unknown Maker, of the Seen and Unseen Elements of Atoms and Electro-Magnetic Force. GOD makes All Life, visible and invisible in the Universes.

The Human Gods that Colonized Life on Earth, were Seen. They were our Human High Tech Science Ancestors. In Genesis, Our Planet was Colonized by the Higher 'Being' Humans Species.

Our Ancestors do not have a Cruel Streak. Earth's Eco System was in Balance, and our Ancestors Reproduced the Perfect Human Species, in their Image. The Perfect Human Ancestors that Colonized Earth, did not Reproduce Mis-bred Killer Humans.

The Original Perfect Human Colony, made Mis-bred Killer Humans by Heterosexual Body Birth. These Defective Human Fruits of the Tree of LIFE, have the Genetic Cruel Streak that Kill, not only Humans, but All Life on Earth.

Now Killer Humans have High Tech Nuclear Weapons, that will be used for the End of Life on Earth. GOD, nor our Ancestors Kill. Mis-bred Humans Kill.

For the past 100 years, Humans have re-learned the High Tech Science of Colonizing a Planet. We also Reproduce the Human Fetus in the Lab, and Use the High Tech Regeneration Science of Body Parts.

Humans Know how to Clone Life in the Lab, and fly up in the air and out into Space like our Ancestors. Fallen High Tech Original Humans, and the Noah/Atlantis High Tech Society, were translated as the Gods in Religion and Myth.

Thou Shalt Not Kill, and Turn The Other Cheek, 'spoken' by the Earth Gods, are not observed by their Worshipers, in Pagan Temples made by Human Hands.

GODs Temple is LIFE, and the Pure-bred Human Species 'are' the Caretakers, on Planets and in Spaceships.

[Dolores Lear]

We are still Sinners. Jesus Dying did not change Mis-bred Human Nature, when he was Regenerated by High Tech to Pure-bred Human Nature.

Jesus is not Dead, but Alive on a Planet and in Spaceships, with our High Tech Human Ancestors. A Human cannot Live, if they ascend up into Space without a Spacesuit or Spaceship.

Supernatural to Natural Man can be explained with High Tech Science Knowledge.

The Ugly Mates were Reproduced by Fallen Humans. Our Ancestors made the Perfect Genetic and Physical Clone Female Helpmeet for Adam from his rib. She was bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.

None of this High Tech Science Knowledge could be translated by Fallen Humans with Natural Science of Reproduction, and Humans Flying up in the air.Fallen Humans are still Sinners. Jesus Dying, did not change Mis-bred Human Nature, when he was Regenerated to a Pure-bred Human Nature Body.

We will not Change our Human Nature when we Die; our Elements only return to GODs Elements on Planet Earth.

Jesus did not Die for our Sins, we are Each responsible for them. Alive Humans will not have any Substitutes at Judgemnet Day. Why do people teach we Die, and go to be with Jesus?

Jesus is not Dead, but was Seen Alive in a Physical Body, with our High Tech Human Ancestors. A Human cannot Live, if they visibly ascend up into Space, without a Spacesuit or Spaceship.

Christians sing, 'I Know that my Redeemer Lives', Where did the Life After Death with Jesus, belief come from?

The Ugly Mates we have today, were Reproduced by Heterosexual Body Birth. The Perfect Genetic and Physical Female Eve Clone of Adam, was made of bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh. They were Equal Identical Male and Female Twins, as were the whole Original Colony.

Today, we are changing Ugly Bodies, a result of Heterosexual Body Birth Unequal male and female Bodies, to Beautiful with High Tech Science Operations. Not as Beautiful, the High Tech Science Cloned, 'Eternal' Genetic and Physical Bodies After Birth.

Our Planet, was washed Clean of most Human Life, by the Noah/Atlantis Planetary Flood. Life was repopulated, by the few Saved Mis-bred Humans by Heterosexual Body Birth.

None of this High Tech Science Knowledge, of the Past, could be translated by Fallen Humans After the Flood. Humans had writings of Humans Flying up in the air on Eagle's Wings, and sitting in supernatural objects, in our Religious and Myth writings.

So what do Human accept as Belief and Truth, Today? What is the Truth, about the Past Human High Tech Science Lifestyle on Earth, 'in the Beginning', and in the Noah/Atlantis Society? Supernatural Spirit God 'Beings', or Literal High Tech Science Human Beings?

[Dolores Lear]

The Original Sacred Site on Earth, was in the Garden of Eden. This Sacred Site was where the Adam and Eve Colony, were Reproduced 'supernaturally', not by Heterosexual Body Birth.

The Temple in the Garden of Eden, was a High Tech Science Lab, the 'Tree of Life'. The Perfect Humans reproduced there, started Imperfect Heterosexual Body Birth, their Original Sin. The female womb became the Evil 'Tree of Life' on Earth. The Good, High Tech Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, was banned to them.

Recently, High Tech Science Humans have built a Lab, a Temple for 'in vitro' reproduction. We do not have the High Tech Science Tree of Life Womb, as yet, for Equal Birth for All. Imagine all the female wombs used, to reproduce Unequal Humans in the Past.

Fallen Humans have built many Pagan Religious Temples, to all their different Gods. Religion teaches, in these Temples, about Eternal 'Life' After Death. Can Faith believers explain this?

Can Reason, or our High Tech Science explain this? Should Faith rule over the High Tech Science Truth, of Eternal Life After Birth.

The Asexual and Mis-bred Humans, Lost their High Tech Science Knowledge of Eternal Physical Life 'After Birth', and Died. Fallen Human Punishment, was, they had to Live through the rebirth of their Decayed Elements on Earth, through the Fullness of Time of Life on Earth.

With 7 Billion Humans on Earth, Are All of the Past Humans 'born again' today, for the Final Judgement Day, of the Fullness of Time of Mis-bred Life on Earth?

[Dolores Lear]

Scientology sounds like the Masons, with different levels of learning, like other Luminati Secret Societies of the Past.

When I was a Missouri Lutheran member, we could not join the Masons, and that caused the LCA to split. Many members of Protestant Denominations are Masons. Catholics have Knights of Columbus.

The Xenu/Xemu story, sounds like the Noah/Atlantis High Tech Society, only they did not come from outer space as Killers. They regained their High Tech Killing Science on Earth, like Today's Humans did, since the 1900s.

The atomic/nuclear bombs on Sodom and Gomorrah, and the story of Xenu blowing up the humans around the mountain, sounds familiar. Now we have our Pollution and Nuclear Bombs on land and sea.

Our nuclear waste, is stacked around our nuclear facilities and by a mountain in Utah, and is buried in concrete in the Oceans.
The mountain to be blown up is our Planet.

This is what happened to the Noah/Atlantis Society, when the Planet was Literally washed clean, by the Planetary Flood.

The Genetic Memory, of a Killing High Tech Society in the Past, has also come out in our Science Fiction of the 1900s, only predicted for our Future. Humans will not have a Future, after the Planetary Judgement Day Fire they have set up. Then Human Life cannot Exist on Earth.

Our Earth was Colonized by a Good Equal Peace High Tech Society, that do have Eternal Physical Life After Birth, on Planets and in Spaceships. When we Destroy our Planet, it will not destroy them.

They can continue their Work of Greening the Universe, like they did 'in the beginning' on Earth. The History of our Ruined Planet Earth, Proves this Evil Killing Lifestyle of Humans.

Eternal Physical Life 'is' for the Equal Birth, Living Caretaker High Tech Clone Human Species.

[Dolores Lear]

Human Hands 'made' all the different types of Temples, including Inflatable Temples, for all the Different Ways to Worship God. All Man-Made Religions on Earth come from Fallen Humans, not from GOD or God.

Only GOD can make the Atom and Electro-Magnetic Force Elements, that make the Temple of LIFE of Universes and All Species, Visible and Invisible.

The Human Species cannot Create GODs Elements, to make Universes of which they are a part. The Human Species are the Caretaker Species on a Planet, and in Spaceships. Why not on Earth?

Higher Technology Human 'Beings', can Colonized Eco Systems, and Life as we Know it on Earths. They cannot make Universes and Planets. The Human Lord God of Religion, High Tech Male and Female Humans, did Colonize Life on Earth.

Perfect, Asexual Equal Male and Female Human Clones, did Reproduced the Human Society on Earth, Supernaturally, in a High Tech Womb. Why the Perfect Male started Reproducing, in the Heterosexual Female Womb, is not Known.

Ever since this Original Sin/Mistake, of the Male Clone sex act to their Female Clone, Imperfect Unequally Reproduced Humans, and All LIFE on Earth, have been Killing, Starving and Dying. Why?

The Fallen Males, became the Fathers of All Heterosexual Body Birth Lower Human 'Beings', no matter which female they used. New Marriage and Civil Living Rules were made. Males Do Not Take Care of the Life they Created? Why? Too busy Killing what they Reproduced?

Today, Fallen Humans Reproduce a Fetus in the Lab, without the Heterosexual Male Sex Act. That 'is' Supernatural, to the Natural Way of making a fetus in the female womb. We do not have the Supernatural High Tech Womb to make Humans like Adam and Eve Clones.

So, while the Heterosexual Males were busy, making a Population Explosion from 1 Billion Humans in 1900 to 7 Billion in 2011, and making Nuclear Bombs on land and sea, all Life on Earth, Who was Taking Care of GODs Planet and the Life God put on it?

When are Fallen Humans going to start being about the Father of Life on Earth's Business? The Human Species GOD created, should be Busy, Being Equal Caretakers of GODs LIFE on Earth.

Humans should Not be Busy Building and Worshiping God, our Ancestors, in Pagan Temples, and Not being Busy, being the Unequal Killers of All Visible and Invisible GOD LIFE on our Earth Home.

The Olympics reflect the Original Perfect High Tech Human Clones' Perfection, that Colonized Earth. Perfect Clone Helpmeet Male and Female Perfection, for All Humans, cannot be accomplished by Body Birth.

The Male and Female Clone Colony, Adam and Eve, lost their Perfect Physical Bodies, and Equal Birth, by Unequal Heterosexual Body Birth.

Since then, it depends on the egg and sperm that make Humans, and their Unequal Environment, as to their Ability to compete in the Physical Games of Life. This Competition goes on, in all the Human Games of Life.

The Game of 'Love', of the different Gods on Earth, leads Humans to Killing and War, for their mate, family, friends, religion, and government. How many past wars were fought for the Love of God, and Humans Killing Humans? Does that make Sense? Who are the Winners? We All Die.

The Fall of the 'Perfect' Human Species, 'was' from the High Tech, 'Higher Nature' of Reproduction, to the Male Sex Act. The Result: the 'Lower Nature' of the 'Imperfect' Heterosexual Body Birth Species, and Unequal Environments.

Satan, is Blamed for the Original Cause/Sin, the Male Sex Act, that Reproduced all Unequal Birth Humans, and Societies Problems.

Fallen Humans did not have the High Tech Science Knowledge, to translate the Literal 'Truth' of the Fall of the Human Species, that had to be Born and Die for 6000 years, and ruin our Home Planet and All Life on it.

Fallen Humans, now have the High Tech 'God' Knowledge of Pure-bred Human Reproduction and Regeneration, that Does Give High Tech Science Perfect Humans, 'Eternal Life After Birth'.

It is Time to Stop Worshiping Human Man Gods/Goddesses Unequally. Eternal Life is for the Equal Living Humans, not Unequal Dead Humans. Jesus Proves this. He is Alive Physically, out in Space.