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Religulous
Sarah Sweeney (Staff Writer)
For those of you unaware or unfamiliar with the film, Religulous is a documentary by Bill Maher. Bill Maher was raised a Christian who later to found that he had a Jewish mother, and now approaches the world from an agnostic point of view. In the documentary he sets out to interview people in the religious communities all over the world, asking them questions such as why they believe, and their opinions on other religious controversies and issues. It is important to note he made this film under the working title of "A Spiritual Journey" and those he interviewed were not made aware of his involvement in the documentary until he actually arrived for the interview.
I found this film highly stimulating. Most of the world knows Bill Maher for his comedy routines, and though his natural humor definitely shows in the film, he approaches it from a very serious stand point. No matter where you stand on the issue (many claim it is a very anti-religion film) do not be too quick to turn away. Bill interviews a collection of wide characters in the religious community ranging from his own mother, members of a Trucker's Chapel, priests at the Vatican, "Jesus" at a religious amusement park, a former member of the Morman Church, and many more. Even the creator of the Church of Cannibis in Amsterdam (it is legal there) is interviewed.
He approaches things quit simply, sitting down and talking one on one with people. One of his most refined qualities in the film shows through during the interview of "Jesus". Those who claim this is simply an anti-religion film should make note that during this interview he very openly and comfortably admits that the man made a brilliant analogy regarding the Holy Trinity.
Those with an interest in Germans or philosophy may note many similarities between what Maher says (particularly at the end) and Friedrich Nietzsche says. Particularly with his comment that until man rises above the time of religion (Put simply, that is not a good way to explain it. You would have to watch the film to understand it in detail.) we can not rise above much of the destruction man causes the world and ourselves. Nietzsche was the creator of the idea of the Ubermensch – literally superman – which states simply that until man accepts the "Death of God" (end of the era of God) man can not move on and become a greater version of the human race. Only once this occurs can we move on to a time of peace.
I highly recommend this film, no matter who you are. If nothing else it is thought-provoking, which is always a good thing.
