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I recently saw the film Religulous, featuring Bill Maher.  The film is a documentary focused on the religions of the world and the impact these religions have and have had on the world’s affairs.   Maher is open about his doubt and asks pointed questions of believers of many faiths.  Believers’ responses to his frankness and skepticism were quite telling and somewhat unsettling, though not unexpected, across the board.  By contrast, the believers’ ignorance concerning their own faiths was astonishing and disturbing.

Not many who hold religious beliefs will probably take the time to see this film, unfortunately.   I challenge those reading this review that hold religious beliefs to try to do so, however.  I do not subscribe to any organized religion at this point, but do tend to believe a higher power exists and I found those facts expressed in the film very surprising and interesting.

Admittedly, Maher may take his questions a bit far and come off as disrespectful more than inquisitive.  I tend to believe that this is more Director Larry Charles’ influence.  Larry Charles, also Director of Borat, tends to push the envelope in his work and this film very much does this.  In spite of the extreme fashion in which the film depicts religion, the film has some provocative points to make.

Not all reviews of this film have been positive, unsurprisingly.  One review stated that the film would have been fairer to religion if he had selected “learned theologian[s]” for his interviews (Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor).  It seems to me that Maher, or perhaps Larry Charles, selected the individuals he did to show the average folk across the religious spectrum.  The majority of those in the world, after all, do not fit into the “learned theologian” category and yet have such a large impact upon the world.

I actually found Religulous to be hilarious, witty, and worthwhile.  If you enjoy Maher’s usual comedic style, tend toward skepticism, or welcome challenges to your belief system, I encourage you to see the film.

May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008

May he have them laughing as hard in heaven (or wherever he might be) as he did here on earth.