For a satirical documentary that damns dogma, “Religulous” sure is preachy.
Host-writer-producer Bill Maher and “Borat” director Larry Charles proselytize their theory that the blind faith behind organized religion may directly lead to civilization’s destruction. But because of the challenging questions they raise, you don’t have to buy their canon in order to be intrigued or entertained by it.
Though it insensitively arrives in theaters around the High Holidays and Ramadan and lacks balance and subtlety, “Religulous” succeeds as a gutsy, stimulating and frequently droll rant. It exposes the intolerance, absurdities and hypocrisy rife within the major creeds. And, it makes a compelling argument about both radical Islamists impatient for a virgin-filled paradise and fundamentalist Christians ready for Armageddon and the Second Coming. Each functions under a dangerous delusion, Maher suggests, lacking any vested interest in the long-term peace and preservation of the planet because heaven can’t wait.
The film also says critical thought and the hard proof of science fly out the window when people use as cover for their actions God or literal interpretations of ancient texts — texts filled with fantastical supernatural stories written eons ago by mere mortals. This becomes particularly dangerous in the public domain, as when political or religious leaders cite divinity in lieu of rational facts to buttress policy or rally support.
HBO’s Maher acts as Grand Inquisitor. While exposing his personal progression from lapsed Catholic to zealous agnostic, he travels the world interrogating true believers with clever questions about their respective theologies. Funny captions and clips from old movies and TV shows are intercut with interviews and location shots from The Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Fla., to the actual Holy Land in Israel.
As he ponders topics including evolution and homosexuality, he considers such paranormal concepts as the virgin birth and Eden’s talking snake. Maher broaches the violent references in the holy writings of Islam, a religion whose name supposedly means peace.
He further asserts: The Old Testament proscribes death to Jews who might work on the Sabbath; even pushing a wheelchair isn’t kosher, apparently. Mormons believe in magical underwear that protects against knife wounds. Scientologists think that we are possessed by prehistoric aliens called “Thetans.”
What isn’t here? There’s almost nothing about the soulful comfort, sense of community or beauty of ritual that many find through even doctrinaire religions. But in barbecuing the ultimate sacred cow, “Religulous” does offer food for thought.
Quick info
‘Religulous’
4 out of 5 Stars
Director: Larry Charles
Rated R for some language and sexual material
Running Time: 101 minutes
