I don't like all of Maher's stuff, he's a bit rude claiming most women want men for their money and there's other stuff I don't agree with him on. But I love this kind of stuff he does.
Nobody makes me ashamed to be an atheist, but I don't like to be associated with atheists who I think of as apologists, obnoxious, or daft. I prefer to hang with the brilliant, edgy, skeptical crowd with a scientific bent myself. Being ashamed of being an atheist would be like being ashamed for not believing in Santa Claus because some other nonbelievers were doing something unsavory.
I like the disbelief site... I think Bill Maher is a really bright guy... yes, he has some woo leanings, but skepticism takes time... none of us start out as uber skeptics all at once... and Bill is very funny, very smart, and very provocative. I welcome his voice in the mix for disbanding "belief in belief" as Dennett refers to it.
I'm looking very forward to Religulous. Humor and Satire turn out to be fabulous ways to raise consciousness.
They show they completely misunderstand the purpose of religion. The falseness of those fairy-tales is self-evident. In a free society (where religion isn't entangled with government) only those who want to be fooled are fooled. For them then religion becomes a part of their culture. It isn't rational, but are any aspects of culture fully rational? Is the English language? Are dress shirts and neckties? Culture is subjective...
It looks to me that you completely misunderstand the purpose of the show.
I don't think anyone is claiming that "divine truths" come from languages or dress shirts-- nor do they claim that your eternity depends on what kind of neck-tie you "believe in".
No one wants to be fooled. People have a desire for a comforting belief, but via young indoctrination or other reasons, many people genuinely believe their false comfort belief.
For them then religion becomes a part of their culture. It isn't rational, but are any aspects of culture fully rational? Is the English language? Are dress shirts and neckties? Culture is subjective...
It seems you are implying that the lack of rationality is not cause for concern. The things you mention could certainly be improved upon. Suffering their irrationality happens through legacy, not through idealistic choice.
I am going to have to start an official count of some kind, but off the top of my head, in the "I can't believe he just said that" category, you are very near the top.
Fascinating... --because you are on the top of my list of "I can't believe he just said that", Whiplash--though Alex Liebman sure can give you a run for your money. Mhaze is gaining ground too.
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