Bill Maher gets it

Prove to me there is a Heaven and Hell. Why has there been a war, diseases, and famine throughout human civilization? What was happening in the area of the world where and when The Bible was written? Is religion a means for self-restraint? If we're all created in God's image, why do people commit such atrocities? Evil can disappear if it's God's will, right?

As someone who was born and raised Catholic, I have my own interpretations of faith. I don't condone The Vatican's oppressive stances on many issues. Personally, I view The Pope as more of a spiritual guide than someone who is practically viewed as being annointed by God. The point is we all have differing views on religion and its role on our society. It should remain that way.

Last week, I was disappointed to see Barack Obama and John McCain's first appearance together would be on a church's grounds. Thomas Jefferson authored our Constitution and the last thing he would want to see is a fusing of politics and religion. James Madison and Jefferson made that very clear when Madison authroed the Virginia Statue for the Separation of Church and State. Yes, the vast majority of this country is Christian. How ironic is it that religion plays such a major role in our discourse when so many people fled Europe due to religious persecution. For the past eight years, Republicans have injected their personal faith countless times inside Congress. It hasn't led to Christ-like acts. Instead, it's a deterrent used for avoiding our reality-based problems. And yes, I can genuinely tell you that these Republicans who push their values are anti-American.

Living in the Bible Belt, I know firsthand how nutty people are with their faith. The vast majority of these people I've met are selfesh. They praise Jesus while playing the role of Judas at the same time. One of my old colleagues used to persistently make bigoted comments and felt it was fine. He was a self-proclaimed Born Again Christian. He was upset one day when I reminded him, "I don't recall Jesus ostracizing anyone. He sat at the same table with criminals, prostitutes, and the lepars."

Bill Maher appeared again on CNN's Larry King Live last night and didn't disappoint. Much of the discussion delved into his new documentary, Religilous. Conservatives, no doubt like Limbaugh, will plug plenty of soundbytes into their program for trying to portray Maher as an evil secularist. Oh, he's from Hollywood. He's just another latte sipping liberal. Ever notice how these hosts never have the spine to debate guys like Maher on their shows? Hmm. Perhaps, it's because he would rip them a new asshole on any debate.



King played a few clips of Maher's film last night. Both were just absurdly humerous. Here is a video from King's show where King plays two short clips of Maher's upcoming film:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CWiASiqDdU