Religulous

There are three things you’re not supposed to talk about in polite society: sex, politics and religion. Religion is easily the most controversial and inflammatory of the three, combining issues of sex and politics with dangerous elements of faith and fundamentalism. Political humorist Bill Maher attempts to tackle this most sensitive topic in his brash, opinionated documentary ‘Religulous’. Those familiar with Maher’s abrasive wit may be apprehensive about whether his mischievous hands are equipped to handle such delicate subject matter.

The main problem with Maher’s documentary is that he makes too little an effort to conceal his obvious disdain for religion in all its varied forms. Although it’s less offensive when he finds deserving targets for scorn and derision, we often find ourselves left to watch him bully and belittle people about their most intimate beliefs. The victims of Maher’s mocking cynicism are mostly inarticulate and quite incapable of defending themselves or their ‘irrational’ beliefs from his onslaught. Maher chooses to forsake constructive dialogue and debate in favour of the more entertaining tactics of deliberately provoking and antagonising. This exploitative approach of exposing handpicked stupidity uses too many cheap laughs to make its heavy-handed points about the failings of religion.

‘Religulous’ is not an objective investigation of issues; instead it is simply a blunt statement of the personal opinions of its creators. Like Michael Moore’s ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’, ‘Religulous’ fails as a documentary by allowing itself to be transparently agenda driven. At times, Maher displays exactly the same opinionated arrogance which he himself finds so objectionable in the religious followers he encounters. His motives are not to inspire his audience to ask questions, but to convince us of his own conclusions. Such an attitude would perhaps be more forgivable if the film provided a more substantial examination of the complex social and historical factors surrounding religion, rather than just a superficial glance.

It is admittedly satisfying to see Televangelist con-men dressed in $2000 suits and gold jewellery ridiculed as they should be. However, it is hard not to feel that more creditable theologians would have proved to be a more informative and thought provoking subject matter for ‘Religulous’. The film entirely avoids any debate or discussions about the existence of God as its sole preoccupation is in establishing the collective failings of organized religion. It is a gross oversimplification to blame religion for all mankind’s wars, prejudice and stupidity. There is also a mistake in equating all religious and philosophical beliefs with literal interpretations of arcane religious texts. The narrow scope of Maher’s unsophisticated and generic criticisms place firm limits on the film’s ability to accomplish anything meaningful.

Maher’s more intelligible encounters, along with his flashes of genuine wit and well occasioned sarcasm keeps ‘Religulous’ watchable. However, the film is likely to polarize audiences rather than inform or persuade them. People who agree with Maher’s assertions of the evils and insanity of religion will no doubt be more entertained and empowered by the film than those who find their faith and traditions crudely challenged by it.