'Religulous': Film Analysis

Religulous
Religulous is a documentary film starring comedian Bill Maher. The title comes from a combination of the words “religious” and “ridiculous”. The movie addresses the views of many different believers from various religious backgrounds. The similarities between the gospels and fairytales may not be evident to the everyday believer. Maher questions the different beliefs and their credibility within the specific religion. Homosexuality, religion in politics, and religious fundamentalism and the violence it creates are all major issues discussed in this film. Although the movie stars a comedian and there is a comedic theme to the film; with timely movie clips and witty subtitles; the subjects discussed are all important. Religion is non discriminative, it does not exist in one
specific religion, but in all religions.
Everyone is affected by it. Maher seeks understanding how educated, rational people are believers in such dated views of religion. From Winter Park, Florida to the Vatican, Maher’s message is clear: religion is ridiculous.
“If a man lies with another male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them” Leviticus 20. Historically, this verse has been interpreted by Christians and Jews alike to be a clear prohibition against homosexual acts. In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the men of Sodom wish to rape the two angels sent to them. It does not specifically identify homosexuality as the sin for which they are destroyed, but the Jews and Christians have both interpreted it as such. ”The word “Sodom” has now become the basis of the
word “sodomy” which is a legal term for homosexual acts and non-procreative sexual acts, particularly anal or oral sex.” (Wikipedia). In the video, Maher visits The Exchange Ministries in Winter Park, Florida. Pastor John Wescott claims to be an “ex-gay” and is now married to an “ex-lesbian.” His church is set up for those who wish to reform themselves from homosexuals to heterosexuals. In my opinion, the pastor is in complete denial of his sexual desires. He states that there is no gay gene and “nobody is born gay” yet in the same interview states that gays do not desire or choose to be gay. He claims it is simply their insecurities within themselves that force them to be gay. To me it seems like there’s an awful lot of discrimination and judgment towards homosexuals from people who are taught compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance. I myself am not gay, but I do believe a person should have the right to have a physical or emotional attraction to whomever they please. Just because it is not my personal preference doesn’t make it wrong or “a sin.”