Wow, thanks for the useless review.
I’ll not pray for you.

wow this review sucks….you don’t give me any reason not to watch it at all. If these people didn’t know it was for an anti religion movie it doesn’t matter, they are still made to look like right wing fanatics if they know it or not.

He gets under my skin, but that’s what he wants to do. The usual people will get offended and play right into his hands so that he can make fun of them even more, but the majority of the population will see it for what it is (if they see it at all.)
I doubt this movie will change anyone’s mind either way about religion. Is someone going to say, “wow, you know what, he’s right. I must have a mental illness since I believe in xyz, therefore I’m going to stop.”
I’ve always got the feeling from him that he thinks religion (and let’s be honest–he is aiming this directly at American Christianity)is judgemental for having a set of values and judging those who violate them. He doesn’t like the thought that there is a moral code (for lack of a better phrase) that he would have to abide by and answer to. We believe in right and wrong. That’s what he can’t handle.
Maher misses the point, as do most of the people that share his thought process, that it’s not about being perfect and looking down at those who aren’t, it’s about living for something greater than our own selfish desires and having something to get us thru the difficult times.
Do some people use religion as a weapon? Sure they do. Just as some use money, guilt, power, emotions, etc. as weapons to get what they want. Do they do stupid, horrible, unjustifiable things in it’s name. Of course. That doesn’t mean everyone does. For someone who seems to consider himself smarter and more enlightened than the rest of us, he really shows his lack of intelligence by letting his feelings cloud his judgement. Ironic, huh?

Just so no one else gets too upset, I WILL be posting a review of the movie itself with plenty of details when it releases in three weeks. I can’t really do it now, as there is an ethical issue of publishing actual reviews for movies not released. NOt everyone cares about that, but I try to stick to that guideline. However, I cam post about the discussion surrounding the movie.

Who cares HOW Maher got the footage in the movie? Talking snakes, jesus theme parks, a planet that is less than 5,000 years old… Are you kidding me?!? And you religious folks want us to take you seriously?
The most offensive part of religion is that someone thinks that human beings are actually stupid enough to believe it. But then again, more than 50% of Americans think Elvis is still alive…
Jeff, the reason that religion is more offensive than those other things is because it is based on a fairy tale. A silly, exclusionary, racist, homophobic myth perpetrated by the powerful to keep the masses afraid. Why otherwise-intelligent people choose to turn a blind eye to the obvious silliness of the tenets of their faiths is beyond me.

Reasonable Man–
So what if I believe in a fairy tale? How does that affect you during your daily life? Why go out of your way to insult me for it? It shows insecurity on your part that you can’t handle what I believe.
And the whole ‘snakes, theme park’ crowd–it’s pretty weak of Maher to get the extremes to use as examples. Why not interview Billy Graham or Steven Curtis Chapman or Greg Laurie? Because he’s a mental midget compared to them and they don’t fit his stereotypes, so therefore he can’t make his point.

It’s about time we turned our backs on these superstitions, faith is the most dangerous and misplaced concept we’ve picked up along the evolutionary route. We need to stop respecting these fairy-tales and the gullible people who believe them.

I won’t be making any decision based on your review. Your bias is showing.

I’m sure I will not be seeing this movie. I do believe in a greater something. I believe in God. There is a purpose to life and it’s be become better than we are. I’m sure others would say how stupid and simple minded I am for my beliefs. So be it. I could say the same for them too. As a Mormon, I am taught to treat others with respect, no matter who or what they are. To do as Christ would do, to love them even if they don’t return or acknowledge that love. I am taught that we all have consequences for our choices. If Bill Maher wants to show religion as a bad thing, that is his choice. I choose to believe differently. His choice only effects me if I allow it to and I choose not to. Please stop pidgeon holing everyone who is religious by saying we are all stupid. That’s what this country is all about – freedom to do what you want, believe you want as long as it doesn’t interfer with someones elses beliefs.
Have a better day and remember this is only one little movie. Don’t let it affect your entire life.

I am all for religion in government.
We should have a constitutional amendment prohibiting:
Abortion if it is against your religion
Gay marriage if it is against your religion
Right to die if it is against your religion
What would be simply more effective, if it is against your religion, just don’t do it. Don’t force your religion on me. My Dad said to me before he died, “I wish we could just unplug me.” So he stopped eating and drinking water to just shut down. Instead he drowned on his own pneumonia.
Palin would have a 12 year old rape victim forced to give birth. You People should focus on your own damn family and leave mine alone.

People who mock religion crack me up. I don’t care who you are you believe in something so strongly you live by it and that makes it your religion. I happen to believe in God and Jesus Christ strongly enough to live by the principles and morals promoted by my religion. Bill Maher’s religon (and he spends as much time living it and believing it as I do mine) is making light of spiritual things and degrading people, who are not stupid by the way, who choose to live religiously. Which religion will do me and the world around me the most good? You figure it out.

Why is it that statistics show that the more education you have, the less religious you are.
See the recent PEW Research study.
http://religions.pewforum.org/comparisons#
Explain that to me?
Citing liberal infiltration of colleges and universities is a really poor answer and is a clear indication of fear of intellectualism.

I didn’t think there would be any responses to that one…

one thing i like about being orthodox jewish is we do not go to see movies nor do we have any television in the house.

This is in response to JMG VM. Everybody is religious about something, whether it be pursuit of God or one’s self-seeking interests, but I am assuming you are making reference to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The reason for the statistics that you indicate is really quite simple…God created a perfect world with the stipulation that Man would obey Him and in return, never need for anything. Man chose to disobey God and the consequences for that was expulsion from God’s perfect Creation due to Man’s belief that having Knowledge would make him on the same level with God. Because man chose to disobey God, Man has had to continue to gain knowledge in order to survive and the more Knowledge man has, the easier his life can be and when we have many comforts and conveniences, it is our carnal nature to loose sight of our need for God. A truly educated person will explore his mortality and have curiosity about why and how he exists. So, a comfortable person sees no reason to step out of the comfort zone and get in touch with his Creator until some circumstance in his life forces him to. Check out the economic status of those who participated in that survey and you will find that they live in the “comfort zone.” God will reveal Himself to anyone who seeks Him.

Bill Maher has a problem .It is not for me to judge that but honestly,I wouldn’t pay a useless token to see anything he is associated with.He is a crude bore to me.

I must agree with the Mike. Maher is a crude bore! I wouldn’t waste my time or money. Shame on those who are deceiving people into attending the screenings. Oh that’s right…there is no shame because anything goes as long as you please yourself.

I like Bill Maher for the most part. I find him politically funny, edgey, yet seriously educated in the issues. As for smoking dope well that’s another story that I don’t even know where the Bible stands on pot although I do feel your not suppose to alter your body or mind to any extreme from that which God gave us. I really wish I could have graduated some course on all religions because I am ignorant to the actual beliefs of most of them. I have questioned my faith time and time again and mostly because I don’t know where to find the answer to my dilema or how to prperly interpret God’s word. I understand the reason God gave us Jesus, I will never fully understand the difference in the Old and New Testament. In closing our WORLD is in disarray as the Bible says it will be. We need to pray for non-believers, witness daily and lead to the best of our abillity the life God gave us in accordance with his word. I hope it doesn’t require a tradgedy for Bill or anyone else to feel the ever evident prescence of God if you only use your heart and not your head. That’s how we got in disfavor to begin with.

To the comment that the person would have liked to have studied religions. It would be good to understand where the Word came from. Like: There really is no old and new testament. Man seperated it to make it easier for us to understand. The Word = one book or letter, sent by God. I am not a very smart person so I use the greek and hebrew. Sounds like you trust in Him, by the latter comments you made.I hear so many christians that deny the scriptures that you are referring to. Almost as if they don’t trust Him.

The Old Testament or Convenant was an agreement made by God with Abraham under detailed Laws. Sins were rolled back for a year by animal sacrifices. The New Testament or Covenant is the Will that came into effect when Jesus died on the Cross for our sins. He rose again to go to prepare a place for us. There were many witnesses. He left the Holy Spirit or Comforter with us, also the Lord’s Supper ‘Do this, when you do it, in remembrance of Me” (Jesus said that). He made the Church format and there are many Scriptures for that: Heb 10:24, 25; Acts 2:46, 47; Matt 5:6; Acts 2:44; Acts 5:12. Besides believing in Jesus, Scriptures Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:32 show the importance of Baptism(Immersion) for the Remission of Sins and Coming up from the water a New Man, and Being Saved (esp Mark 16:16).The Old Testament is a good guide for many things, but especially history. Jesus was a Jew. He said, If you even think of commiting adultry, you have done it. He did not mean that you should go do it then. He meant that you might continue the thoughts and do it. Also, that the Spiritual effect of it is very harmful.
There are references to not partaking of drugs, meaning mind and body altering drugs. Some people won’t take any helpful drugs because they misunderstand those verses. Smoking tobacco and marjihuana would be included in those things. Many other consumables are told to be taken in moderation. After all, Luke who walked with Jesus, was a Physician. Also, many times healing salves and such were mentioned. I do not find the verses at this time.
The Holy Bible is your source of facts. Concordances help you find specific words and many verses. A basic Bible church will help you find answers personal and historical and cultural answers. Scripture warns against good-sounding,but non-Biblical false prophets. So keep watch.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust. For those who believe there is nothing else after they die: If they are right, we all will be dust and I will have enjoyed my belief while alive. If I am right, this body will be dust, but my spiritual self will be with God, all loving and no evil anywhere. But the unbelievers,etc. will be in Hell which has no love, not even the little bit that criminals may have on earth.

This is off the subject.
Beliefnet has my email and I would like them to answer me. I cannot get into the Log In spaces that is in the Fasting Question. Please write to me, Beliefnet and let me know why I can get into this format but not the Community forum.
I am amazed about the lack of correctness regarding Fasting for the Lord. I used to have a book written by a Christian MD who described every detail of fasting. I loaned it and the person lost it. Be sure to drink water and take prescribed meds when fasting. The firt days are hungry, the next days are not hungry for the average somewhat overweight person for up to 10 days. When hungry again, muscle is being absorbed. Fasting for the Lord is good. Usually, people eat vegetables and no meat/fish for longer than 1 or 3 days. Use good judgement. It is likely not good to do a long fast more than once or twice in a lifetime.
As to not eating for 8 hours, if one sleeps, they fast 8 hours with no trouble, that is what Breakfast means. Cholesterol tests require 14 hours of fasting (nothing except water and meds). By the time one sleeps, gets ready, gets to the dr. and waits, it has been 14 hours with no real problem.
Many religions, the Bible, have fasts which one needs to learn from those who know how to do it. Also, someone mentioned “hold fast” which they thought meant ‘food fasts’. No, that particular reference meant “hold fast to their faith”.
Sheri

Sorry, but I think you miss took me. I believe what you just commented. I was trying to back you. My dad was a pastor. The first church we attended said that they believed in the whole Word Of God but truthfully was a New Testament church. Then my dad became a pastor and said that the Bible was for each of us. He was a good treacher. Then my husband and I went into the ministry. Too much to mention, but for many reasons, left the church. This is when I realized that there had been some brain washing going on with certain scriptures and now I more able to study, correctly. The Bible says to know His Word so we are not tossed to and fro. Oh, and believe me, I do watch out false prophets. I’ve run into many. I pray for discernment on a regular basis, which is no excuse not to study. I love studying. I like Matthew Henry and Concordances. Because there are two covenants, does that mean they are two books? I heard it put to excellently one time,
The Bible is like a string of pearls= each pearl is a story that makes a beautiful necklace. Jesus didn’t die in the beginning of Matthew. God is so gracious and good.

I was originally referring to Jim’s comment who said “I really wish I could have graduated some course on all religions” There is nothing new under the sun. When you study all the religions that the Jews had fallen into, thru to the Greeks, to the doctrines of man.(Which Jesus referred to.) Because we are human, there is sin in this world. But for the grace of God go I. Life is not made easy. But we can have that true “rest” because of the work that our Lord and Saviour did for us. No longer a slave to sin but servants of God. It seems to make more sense to worship the Creator than just a thing. If we pray for understanding, He will give it to us. The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek so you could see the translations for what it really means and not what “man” wants you to get from it. I love it.

Being a christian makes me politically incorrect. Bill has the right to say what he wants to say. Too bad it was under false pretenses. It seems unless you are rich and or popular, and you are on the right, we are not aloud to talk. They say we are infringing on their rights. The truth is they are infringing our rights. I was impressed with Expelled.

Im truly amazed at all this “religiuos” talk…I mean really, how many churches are out there who proclaim to be the church of Christ or how many say religion is evil..religion is just a belief in something and that includes believeing in spiritualism..and where did all these religions come from? after Christs death his apostils were told to keep teaching his word the way it was taught by Him…but after time the apostils died and so did the true teachings of christ…picture the gospel of Christ as a glass table top and the legs of the table were the apostils..after they passed on the glass table top dropped and broke thus leaving man on his own and peace by peace the true teachings of the gospel were distorted by men who took a little bit of that glass from this pile and that pile and preseved to belive their teachings were that of Christ…I have been to many churches nd im amazed how i can go into one church lets say Baptist and go down the street to another Baptist church and the techings are different…if those who say you are the true church of Christ why dosnt the same church down the road thats the same demonination practice the same teachings? I belive the true church of christ will be under the same accord and teachings weather your in st.petersburg fl. or in st. petersburg russia aand will be lead by a prophet who gets his direction from GOD himself as was done in the bible and he will have apostils,and all will be under one accord and one true teaching…dont get me wrong man hs his freewill to choose to worship as he pleases and nothing is wrong with any teaching of the gospel of Christ.May GOD bless all who seek His Kingdom.

It is amazing to me how ignorant the Bill Maher’s and the Ted Turners
and the Michael Moores are of the world and world history. Comments from Ted Turner who claimed that Christians were “weak minded” are just how would I say to Ted? “Weak minded”, Ted. Some of the most
rigorous intellectual discussions over the last two thousand years
have been from individuals Ted would characterize as “weak minded”-
St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, and down to the
present day of such intellectuals as Martin Luther King, Jr and
Pope John Paul II. Would any of these intellectual pip squeaks have
the temerity to “get up in PJPII’s grill” and claim he was weak minded?
The man who had the guts to take on the Nazis in WW II, stand up to
the communists in his own country of Poland and later, to the USSR,
and be the unchallenged leader of 1 billion souls over a 25 year
period? They wouldn’t because, in essense, “their side lost”–
the radical communist, athesism that they coddle up to, was summarily
defeated by just such a “weak minded Christian” as Pope John Paul II,
by being “strong hearted” and applying a keen intellect and exceptional
moral discipline and consistent theological and pastoral approach to
the issues of materialism and atheisim over his life time.
Once again, Michael Moore recently showed his stripes by stating,
most callously:” Now I know that there is a God, with the timing of
Hurricaine Gustav approaching US landfall at the start of the
Rep. national convention”. As it is written, God sends his rain
on the just and unjust (and in the case of Mr. Moore, it could
also be said the fat and the stupid). Mr Moore, why not volunteer to
help those of your supporters who were effected by Hurricaine Gustav,
who most care what you have to say–like your fans of communist
claptrap in the west of Cuba! Get off your big duff and start lifting the sad bags to help the Fidelistas. That goes equally well for
Ted Turner who calls Fidel a “great guy”. Yeah, Fidel is head of the
“Swell dictators club” according to Ted. Apparently you can’t be
“weak minded” when you have a “strong boot” on the neck of those
who speak against you. Espousing “le Revolution” at the expense
of thousands of individuals who never had the chance to express
their God given voice, to grow in knowledge, as Mssrs Moore, Maher
and Turner had living in a free society, they show how thin and
transparent their “beliefs” are. For really, to fellow travelers
like these vapid apologists for Fidel, it is never about and examination of faith and reason, but the blantant use of power in
service to a narrow ideology, which seeks to destroy any “faith”
that opposes “state” and the naked power rule of the few, since
they are all too happy to accede to the “bully”. Why? Because that
means that they don’t have to think–they defer to those who fit
the square peg in the round hole, because “they just say so”.
Go back 60 years ago, and these are the same guys who would nominate
Stalin and Mao for the co-presidents of the “great guy dictator”
fan club, and would call prisoners of freedom, like Solyenisten/sp
and others who believed in opposing power (the state, communism)
“weak minded”. They reminded me of the little alien in Star Wars
who slinked at the side of Jabba the Hut (the Michael Moore character
in Star Wars) who was all too quick to cackle his snide little
laughs when Jabba was putting “the boot” to those unfortunates who
opposed him, but was nowhere to be seen when Jabba breathed his last.
Cackle while you can–cackle while you can.

Far Left contribute? Hmmmmmmmm

Kingdom-minded christians ought to never view ourselves as religious.
We are in a “real relationship with a real GOD(FATHER)who has demonstrated HIS love for us through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.
The reason the world calls it religion is because they’re trying to
get to GOD through their own means and methods,but what does GOD say in HIS word about that? HE says that their ways to HIM are like “filthy rags!
So don’t get caught up in what the non-beleivers are saying especially when you know that their minds have been blinded by satan.
Just try your best to demonstrate the relationship that we have with our FATHER and then when they inquire you can then introduce them to CHRIST JESUS.

Thanks to Lovewing, Ted H, and Larry,
To Stan,
Please read your Bible, if you have one, otherwise go to the library.
Also, a good small book that I just read today is “the student edition – The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel with Jane Vogel, 116 pages, Zondervan (www.zondervan.com). Aetheist to active Believer. He did almost 2 years of investigative research on the subject of religions. What I learned and liked was that many of the accounts of Jesus Christ’s life were written very close to the time of His death. There are many exact copies over the years (excluding the kind of things called typos today). There are many more accounts of God than there are of other secular popular writers.
God made us all different, so the surface presentations of churches in the same general group may even be different across the country. I went to Christian Churches across the country for 3 years when young, and again participated in several in the next 45 years. They were all the same in their teachings. They have communication by colleges, conventions, and travel. They do not have a human organization over them. Only God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and Holy Scriptures.
You will find some differences in understanding by different groups of Believers in God. It seems to us not to be good, but God will judge if people believed and did what He said to do in His parameters. If one doesn’t even try, they are like the Parable of the Sower, which cast seed on 4 types of ground, and some would not even listen.
Read your Bible and decide for yourself which church is closest to what you read in the Bible. Then ask questions in that church when you can connect with those who seem to have the answers of what they are presenting. There are at least 5 Scriptures that say to attend a Bible believing church. eg Heb 10:24,25.

We all need a good laugh, and it may as well be about Religion!!! LOL I can’t wait to see it.
Yes, I believe…however, my beliefs are unlike any of heard or read about in any house of worship…..so many would say I am a nonbeliever, however they are wrong…I merely don’t believe as they do. My beliefs are not written down.
I can’t wait for the movie!!!!

No worries. Jesus will prevail. He didn’t say it would be easy. This film “Religulous” will hopefully make people explore/seek for themselves and we know what happens when a person decides to search for themselves. They can’t help to believe the overwhelming fact that Jesus is alive and true. Keep the Faith.

kris grow a sense of humor its about time a movie like this was made seems like “documentaries” are the only way to get peoples attention these days ala farenheit 911 which is is wrought with inconsistencies and ommisions. which im sure is the case in Religulous if only to make it entertaining, because no documentary can begin to touch on the horrors and hypocrisy religion has brought upon the world. Watch it with an open mind.

One question, is money so important that I had to see an ad for this movie before I could read the article? I am confused, as I learned of the existence of this movie from clicking to this site (beliefnet) and having the ad pop up. Reading the article it doesn’t sound as if it is cohesive with the beliefs of the site. I am somewhat disappointed to think that the site sold advertising to the movie.

I’m excited for the movie opening. I’m a big fan of Maher. I’m hoping the movie is good for a few laughs. It amazes me how many of you are complicit with the dogma that allows people to justify all of the heinous, immoral acts done in the name of religion. Here’s hoping that everyone educates themselves and encourages others to do so, as well.

I just saw the movie and personally found it thought provoking and funny. It made me question my own beliefs and cultural perspective on the subject of religion. I do agree with Maher in that I don’t know the answer, nor will any of us for that matter. We are either all wrong in our assessment or we are all correct. What the film left out is the possibility of a power greater than our selves. If it takes a fairytale to illustrate the essence of the greater power so be it. I still thought it was funny, I got my moneys worth.

I absolutely loved the documentary. It hits so many nails on the head. I don’t agree 100% with Maher, religion can still do good things. But I hope people will stop mixing religion with politics, history, science, etc. Religion is something personal and that’s it.

going to see the movie tomorrow and i know i’ll be in agreement as i’m a big maher fan. as an outsider of any organized religion, what i see missing is Respect. let’s all respect differences …skin color, cultures, traditions, and Religion. we don’t have to agree but how about we show respect instead of anger, destruction, and fear? i’m grateful for this website that allows all opinions to be posted.

You sun god is failing you, and the elite’s self fulfilling prophecy of the end times is coming soon. You will all accept this as real prophecy. Fools. It is all a stage, and Prince William is the anti-christ.

Hey Bill:
You need to make another hilarious Religious film about Islamic Extremism. I’m sure Osama and company will get a good laugh out of it.

I saw the movie last night. I think I have a God. I hope he has a sense of humor. IF he is my imaginary friend, He is the best friend I ever had. (I have never had any other imaginary friends). He reminds me that love and tolerance are spiritual principles to abide with. I found the movie provocative, disturbing and hilarious. Love you Bill!!!!

Kris Rasmussen – fail

Regarding: “everyone in this movie has one only one thing in common: they are made to look as stupid as possible”
Christians don’t need any help in this department. You all do a fine job of making yourselves look stupid. Bravo!

Those people are nuts anyways. Who cares what they think.
This movie was right on. Somebody ought to start taxing religion and applying fraud rules to it. No other fraud is suffered with such deference for good reason.

Great movie! Thought provoking.

The funny thing is. The title of the article is “Secrets and lies being Religious”…not one point had anything to do with religion itself. Heres corrections.
1. People actually do enjoy the movie. Look at reviews. and the ratio between number of screens it opened to and money it made. If people didnt enjoy then why are there so many positive remarks. Only people didnt like it were conservative christians. Grow up article writer.
2. How can it not be a documentary? and you brought this “problem” up as your lie number 2? pathetic. The film made its point. Your just mad because people like it.
3. Lets see..if you go to more than one country, you pretty much going parts of the world. Just because he didnt meet your quota of number of countries doesnt mean anything. You cant deny he talked to a wide variety of people..from a british muslim rapper to Jews for Jesus.
This article is actually pathetic. It should be labelled “irritations I found in Religulous because I cant find anything else to do”

To say all religion is the same is like saying that all money in circulation is counterfeit.

This goes to: Kyle,Anonymous,Christine,Sunny,R.U. Pagan
If religion bothers you or scares you, or makes you angry than its probably to late for you anyways, if you are all in the right and we are in the wrong than you have nothing to loose but just your life and you “sleep for ever” but if us loons (Christians) are right about the after life than you should be scared,bothered,angry about where your going to end up when u die the (first death) now the (second death) would really suck for you Eternity in the Lake of Fire remembering you had a chance to believe,i think u won’t be asking yourself “if i’m here are the loons really in heaven?”

bill maher does a good job at pointing out the “Truth”. the problem is that a lot of widely accepted beliefs in this world are to the astute observer ludicris and often quite hilarious. we just blindly accept those things because we are taught not to question them. i think that any rational free thinker could see through the bullshit that religion tends to shove down peoples throat.

Just watched the film on DVD. It is evident Maher feels betrade by religion not to mention his parents. He is correct that under the guise of religion man has done horrible things. He edits to make a point. He incorrectly or should I say falsly er flat out lies about the Egyptian mythological God Horus and its parrallel to Christ. He is misinformed if he does not believe the apostles (certainly…john, peter,matthew ..etc) were eyewitnesses. This take home lesson from the movie was an excellent way to gain understanding of some of the ways Christians need to be prepared to give a (informed and educated) reason for the hope that lies within.

I found the statements he made about Jesus to be exactly what I have been thinking about lately…the way American Christians get their religion all mixed up with their patriotism…what He said about the rich people of his time…the fact that he said nothing about homosexuality…and so on.
And here is my own question…if your religion is all about faith, why do you have this strange need to try to legitimize it with some kind of pseudo-scientific “proofs” ?
If there is a God, I prefer to think He or she would want us to just believe without the need for proof, and, more importantly, to love without judging.

First to Alex:
You probably better watch how you argue on the side of Christianity; there’s fallacy in your argument. I am also a christian, and I’m learning about logical fallacies in college right now, (errors in logic). The problem is, you’ve committed the dichotomy fallacy- the fallacy that there are only TWO possible alternatives. In fact, there are MANY religions that claim to know about the afterlife, and if you argue that position with an atheist, they’ll only ask you how you’re so sure that your religion is the right one. It’s better to not argue the “what if I’m right and you’re wrong” argument with anyone, let alone someone like Bill Maher.
Lastly, to the very last “Your Name”:
I do agree that God would want us to believe without proof, but we do need a reason to believe what we believe. Christians believe that people who don’t believe in Christianity are going to hell. We need to be able to explain to non-believers why they should believe in Christianity, and not some other religion or belief system. Also, if we have a good argument for our beliefs it keeps us from looking like idiots, (like the people on RELIGULOUS).
It is important to note that any thinking Atheist would call the Christian belief in hell a logical fallacy- the “fallacy of force.” It’s kind of like they think that God or christian leaders are saying you have to believe in Christianity or else; they have good reason to.
Don’t make the same error in judgment that I believe Bill does, however. Just because someone’s beliefs are different than yours does NOT mean they’re stupid, wrong, or insane- just different. I also felt it was arrogant of him to say that other people cannot have “mental powers” that he does not at the end of the movie… Ever heard of Einstein or Stephen Hawking? I believe THEY have mental powers he does not, and, as such, it is possible that anyone else, including religious people, can, too. I guess his point was that we don’t know as much as we think we do about the after life, but I don’t like how he said it.

How do I define God? I don’t. Divinities have been understood in various ways in the cultural traditions that we know. Take, say, the core of the established religions today: the Bible. It is basically polytheistic, with the warrior God demanding of his chosen people that they not worship the other Gods and destroy those who do — in an extremely brutal way, in fact. It would be hard to find a more genocidal text in the literary canon, or a more violent and destructive character than the God who was to be worshipped. So that’s one definition.
In the Prophets, one finds (sometimes) a different conception, much more humane. That’s why the Prophets (the “dissident intellectuals” of their day) were persecuted, imprisoned, driven into the desert, etc. — other reasons included their geopolitical analysis, unwelcome to power. The intellectuals who were honored and privileged were those who centuries later were called “false prophets.” More or less a cultural universal. There were different conceptions of divinity associated with these tendencies, and Greek and Zoroastrian influences are probable causes for later monotheistic tendencies (how one evaluates these are a different matter).
Looking beyond, we find other conceptions, of many kinds. But I have nothing to propose. People who find such conceptions important for themselves have every right to frame them as they like. Personally, I don’t. That’s why you haven’t found my “thoughts on this critical question.” I have none, because I see no need for them (apart from the — often extremely interesting and revealing — inquiry into human culture an history).

Some food for thought:
Jesus Christ spent much of his time attacking the religion, and the religious leaders of his day … and look what happened to him. Jesus might actually agree with a lot of this movie.
If Jesus came today, which religious group would he agree with, and be in line with? Yours? Probably not. Perhaps none. All religion CANNOT be right, but they CAN all be wrong. Bill Maher argues the only logical belief is in ‘doubt’. Because we do not really now what it is all about, how could we?
Last thought: If Jesus does return, will he be treated better this time around?