When one wishes to make a point of shooting fish in a barrel, the key I feel is in the way it is done. Today's fish in my little barrel is that of the worlds religions and the gunslinger is American standup comedian Bill Maher in the documentary "Religulous".
Much in the same genre as Michael Moore, this film is structured with a foundation of outright bias, builds it's walls to a conclusion that was already made before production even started and is roofed with a contempt for the rights of people to follow the faith of their choosing. Maher's treatment of people in the film is disgraceful at best, and the old trick of creative editing to make the participants appear ridiculous and foolish is crafted exquisitely. To argue that this kind of behaviour is necessary due to religion being the primary cause of the world's troubles to me wins the longbow award (as in the drawing of) and to suggest that because the scriptures of the religions have obvious inaccuracies it should render the respective faith null and void perhaps glosses over the point of religion entirely.
However, and here it comes, I liked it. There is no doubt that Maher has the supreme ability to deliver a message. Years of standup and television work have helped him develop his patter and showmanship. He correctly points out some of the flaws in the world's faiths, and the problems they are causing to at least some of their followers. This is an intelligent man who is doing the thing that we all need to do, express our concerns.
I may not be a religious man myself, but I pray we may all be able to continue to follow our faiths or not as we see fit.
No comments:
Post a Comment