Whatever your beliefs, this one will make you think

Warning: sweeping statement ahead. I have just seen the best film of 2008, Religulous starring Bill Maher and helmed by Larry Charles, director of Borat and Curb Your Enthusiasm. For the record, I had preconceived notions, given Bill's weekly slams on religion that it would be more of the same. But in fact, he is somewhat restrained, and instead presents an argument of doubt vs. certainty. Just what, he asks, is the meaning of faith?

To Bill, his main point is "I don't know" when it comes to the existence of God, miracles, 2nd comings or any of the other foundations of most religions. His interviews contrast his willingness to question religion vs. the closed mindedness of his subjects. Frankly, he states that it is all a bunch of fairly tales, and wonders how rational people can believe the gospel of their various teachings. What's the difference between Jesus and Santa Claus he asks at one point.

Bill is certainly a equal opportunity inquisitor. He interviews individuals and groups of many faiths: Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Muslims, and Evangelics. I was a little surprised that he did not interview any atheists, because, after all, they are as certain in their belief in the non-existence of God, as people of religion are in their unswerving belief in whatever entity they have put their faith in. A high point in the film for me, was when he gets on a soapbox in Hyde Park and presents the tenents of Scientology in the form of a rant. Pretty nuts, but then, isn't it all?

What scared the piss out of me, was the point that we have not learned to live in peace and tolerance, and that we have the weapons and the will to bring about the "end of days" that so many religions talk about. If you have faith that you are going to meet your maker when we all blow each other up, then hasten that day. But what about us poor schmucks who live in the here and now? Cut to Bush and Laura praying with the troops, and nuclear explosions. When I thought that we have a guy running for office with anger issues, and a woman who thinks God's will is foreign policy, I wet my pants again.

If you have settled into your beliefs, then this movie is not for you. You will end up wanting to kill Bill just like those Danish Muslims who killed that director for making a film that offended their beliefs. But if you are among the 16% of people who just "don't know" then this is required viewing. By the way, that 16% is a bigger segment of the population, than most religious minorities.

Chicago native Shelley Howard has been called "the Hunter S. Thompson of Facebook status updates" He makes Rock and Roll graphics by day, and can be found in the Viagra Triangle by night spouting politics and gonzo philosophy.

Writen By Shelley Howard for DAME