Mr. Maher missed a golden opportunity and a laugh not coming to Augusta for his interviews.
Bill Maher's film Religulous opened in limited release in October. It was never shown in the Augusta market.
After seeing the movie Monday night at Augusta State University, "It's obvious why," said Rabbi Robert Klensin of Congregation Children of Israel.
He was part of a panel of local religious leaders discussing the film with members of the student body and community. Most films in the ASU Film Series don't include such panels, but the controversy surrounding Mr. Maher's film presented an opportunity for discussion, organizers said.
The film, rated R for language and sexual material, falls between documentary and comedy, challenging the basic tenants of faith and the usefulness of belief.
No religion is spared. Mr. Maher interviews believers and nonbelievers: scientist Francis Collins, an evangelical Christian; Ken Ham, the founder of Answers in Genesis, which funds the Creation Museum; a man who says he's genetically related to Jesus Christ; an evangelical U.S. senator; and ex-Mormons, among others.
Mr. Maher's tactics are irreverent at best, and more often just offensive, said the Rev. Margaret Beard of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta. The filmmaker has since admitted to using a fake name and premise to secure interviews.
"I just wince," she said. "It's not kind. I don't find that part of his shtick fun."
Others appreciated his take.
"Humor allows it to be a venue for anybody to watch," said Martinez resident David Prokosa, who drove to Atlanta to see the film when it was released.
Mr. Maher's choice of sourcing served as a continuous launching point for debate.
"If I were going to show people who were extremists ... I would want to make sure it was balanced," the Rev. Beard said.
That's the problem junior Amy Hunt had with the film.
"Everybody goes, 'Wait, that's not me.' The problem is those people have my title" as a Christian, she said. "I believe Christ is the Messiah, but there's all this other junk that goes along with it. Extremists and fundamentalists hijacked my religion."
Mr. Maher's form of sensationalism sells, said the Rev. Valerie Lyson Humphreys, the minister of Christian education at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Augusta.
"Less people would have seen this movie if he talked to less extreme religious people," she said.
Reach Kelly Jasper at (706) 823-3552 or kelly.jasper@augustachronicle.com.
SERIES INFORMATION
For more on the ASU Spring Film Series 2009, go to www.aug.edu or call (706) 729-2416.
Comments
Mr. Maher missed a golden opportunity and a laugh not coming to Augusta for his interviews.
This is true. Augusta would have provided some golden footage.
I wonder if that jerk talked about muslims?
bill maher can go to hell....and he will.
"I wonder if that jerk talked about muslims?" "bill maher can go to hell....and he will." Why don't you see the film for yourself and quit being so judgemental and unchristian like. The film was difficult for some to watch because of of Mr. Maher's take no prisoners style. He was absolutely devastating to fundamentalists especially. Those like w and db1 who are so insecure in their beliefs will never see it for fear of learning something contrary yet whine about it anyway. There was one nice seen in the film, while after questioning some truck drivers' beliefs (who it could be argued knows more about the Bible than they do), Mr. Maher respectfully joined them in a prayer for him.
Just in case you wuld like to see it for yourself, if you have Comcast cable, you can find it under the new movies section for a small fee On Demand
Bill Maher is a totally useless nothing.
Great movie....if you cant have people question your relgion, I can hear fat albert now..."if your not careful you might just learn something", then you have a problem
New out.... The Obama Deception....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrpRocaEfQE&feature=related
So what are "the basic tenants of faith"?? Somebody who lives in faith?? Just curious
I loved the movie Religulous! I think everyone should see it, it was great, very well-done.
God needs people to carry his messge and the devil needs people to carry his. Bill just chose the wrong side.
The movie was great. People just don't like to hear rational thought that challenges their belief system. Even when it is proven to them scientifically that their beliefs are unable to be supported (ie the world is 5000 year old!), they just don't want to heat it. They would rather keep their fairy tales alive!
We do have a very young earth. If there is a creator it is impossible to create without creating evidence of age. That makes all dating methods completely useless.
It was pretty scathing of all religions, including Islam. It didn't single out Christianity. No one is being forced to watch the film.
Well, Maher, as is his way, once again milked his fan base of anti-organized religion and those that don't accept the responsibility that accompanies belief in God. For a $2.5 million investment, he pulled in $13million world-wide. Not bad for a 5 week run. Sinead O'connor made her attack on the Catholic religion on national t.v. and has since become a foot note in the business. Maher was smarter with his film. He'll not be shunned by the public...any more than he already is.
Maher is a comedian and entertainer. No different than Rush.soldout: No science for you. Actually, thick glasses and pimples make dating methods completely useless.
What would you expect from a "Religulous Trinity"? I thought the film was provocative and also funny. But then I used to watch Bill Harrell when I lived in Augusta for some laughs on Sunday morning too.
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