If I couldn't laugh along with him and laugh at him as well than I could see where the tension could come from.
Faith is an absurdity. By its nature it's a rebellion against the commonly perceived. It declares that it has a special revelation and begs derision from those "outside the know." Those who don't share in that revelation are compelled to mock it - it's completely nonsensical. If a 'believer' (of whichever faith) can't see why they would be called a fool then they've likely lost sight of the context they live in.
Personally, I believe in a savior that was God made flesh through a virgin mother... You can't tell me that doesn't sound crazy. It's wilder than most SciFi novels - of which I've likely read too many.
Even knowing that it seems absurd, I hold that story and the bible which speaks of it as truth - basing my primary motivators off of it. To some, this likely makes me a madman or a delusional fool. I have to accept that - what other choice is there? Violence, reciprocal cynicism, alienation? No, because the same faith that has me believing in seemingly outlandish stories prompts me to look beyond the tension and love my neighbor.
So If I'm vicariously juxtaposed against Bill Maher - oh well. My faith's been attacked in person far better than any film can do. To me, it seems easy to question from behind a film or a stand up act - no chance for dialog or follow up questions. I'd be more impressed if Bill slipped out from behind the humor and the editing room and spent real time with those it seems he's mocking. How about a ten month reality show where Bill is placed on a German/Korean medical missions team in northern Uganda for two years? Just a thought.
I'll try to catch the film when it makes it to TV, should make for an intriguing evening if anything.
5 comments:
If I couldn't laugh along with him and laugh at him as well than I could see where the tension could come from.
Faith is an absurdity. By its nature it's a rebellion against the commonly perceived. It declares that it has a special revelation and begs derision from those "outside the know." Those who don't share in that revelation are compelled to mock it - it's completely nonsensical. If a 'believer' (of whichever faith) can't see why they would be called a fool then they've likely lost sight of the context they live in.
Personally, I believe in a savior that was God made flesh through a virgin mother... You can't tell me that doesn't sound crazy. It's wilder than most SciFi novels - of which I've likely read too many.
Even knowing that it seems absurd, I hold that story and the bible which speaks of it as truth - basing my primary motivators off of it. To some, this likely makes me a madman or a delusional fool. I have to accept that - what other choice is there? Violence, reciprocal cynicism, alienation? No, because the same faith that has me believing in seemingly outlandish stories prompts me to look beyond the tension and love my neighbor.
So If I'm vicariously juxtaposed against Bill Maher - oh well. My faith's been attacked in person far better than any film can do. To me, it seems easy to question from behind a film or a stand up act - no chance for dialog or follow up questions. I'd be more impressed if Bill slipped out from behind the humor and the editing room and spent real time with those it seems he's mocking. How about a ten month reality show where Bill is placed on a German/Korean medical missions team in northern Uganda for two years? Just a thought.
I'll try to catch the film when it makes it to TV, should make for an intriguing evening if anything.
Just once, I'd like to see a documentary like this made by someone not out to laugh at faith in general, only at blind faith.
(See the above in light of my just having tried to hold my own against a pack of atheists on a Norwegian newsgroup. Not an open mind anywhere.)
Definitely will be on my Netflix queue...
I am so there. Unfortunately I will probably have to drive to Atlanta to see it.
There's always Netflix! ;-)
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