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Shoulders of Giants

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91. To be fair Bill Maher did make a move called Religulous

Reply to lostincalifornia (Original post)

Sat May 10, 2014, 03:40 PM

May 2014

He spent about 75% of the movie attacking Christianity. Therefore, I think its unfair to say he has tunnel vision on Islam. Infact, I would say he has spent far more of his career attacking Christianity than Islam.

I have read both the Qu'ran and Bible in full. Both are full of terrible stuff, with some occasionally good passages sprinkled in. I believe the reason most Christian countries are currently more tolerant than most Islamic countries is because of secularism. It has nothing to do with either religion. I don't believe most modern Christians have actually read the Bible, outside a few verses they might have been told to read. In fact, everyone I know personally (not online) who has read the Bible in full, including me, is an atheist.

I personally believe, that with some exceptions, the Qu'ran and the Bible are full of outdated morals that would be repugnant if followed today. This is true with both religions. Thankfully, most people don't actually read the holy books they claim to follow anymore. However, I have never understood the mindset of someone who can claim a book is the most important book ever written, and cant take the 50 or so hours it takes to read it. That's kind of lazy.

However, there are some exceptions to what I consider to be outdated morals of the two books. For example, I think in some cases, Jesus would still be more progressive than today's Democratic party. In some cases not so much. However, it personally bothers me that people follow these holy books, with terrible morals in them, and claim they are word of God. I have no clue how someone can follow a book that celebrates a genocidal God and still like to live in a modern secular life. I'm not saying this to attack anyone. It simply confuses me. I think it confuses Bill Maher as well. Dont just see this as him attacking Islam. He attacks all religions. I may not attack them as much as Bill Maher does myself, but I see his points.

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This message was self-deleted by its author [View all] lostincalifornia May 2014 OP

You don't have to like it but he's right. PeteSelman May 2014 #1

There are just more of the crazy, not that they are inherently crazier. joshcryer May 2014 #2

You're ignoring a HUGE difference leftynyc May 2014 #64

Oh, no doubt, islam elements are getting worse, not better. joshcryer May 2014 #70

It takes religious traditions hundreds of years to mellow out eridani May 2014 #72

Well, I guess we can wait it out then! BootinUp May 2014 #84

Completely ahistorical. JackRiddler May 2014 #101

I think it was a tongue-in-cheek type of wisecrack. Quantess May 2014 #137

Actually, it's cliche but standard. JackRiddler May 2014 #140

Right, but it's supposed to be humor. Quantess May 2014 #150

The media covers more of the Islamic crazies BlueStreak May 2014 #78

There is a difference between leftynyc May 2014 #177

Sometimes yes, sometimes no BlueStreak May 2014 #205

I see your point leftynyc May 2014 #207

What mosque endorses the Nigerian kidnappers? BlueStreak May 2014 #209

Sigh leftynyc May 2014 #210

Yes, I agree there are barbaric countries -- lots of them. BlueStreak May 2014 #211

I have no doubt about that leftynyc May 2014 #212

Huge difference. Not related in any way. nt. NCTraveler May 2014 #184

Its not the religion, its the culture. Christian-leaning countries had similar culture at one time. phleshdef May 2014 #3

Yes and no. merrily May 2014 #79

Christian-leaning countries kill more people right now. JackRiddler May 2014 #143

Don't think so. Any back-up on that. nt. NCTraveler May 2014 #185

Are you this much in denial? JackRiddler May 2014 #193

That completely changed your original statement. NCTraveler May 2014 #200

and we dont Niceguy1 May 2014 #4

Actually your point is rings very true. Iraq was invaded because the "Christian" democracies had lostincalifornia May 2014 #12

Yep. Christian fundamentalists shoot doctors who perform abortions. Nye Bevan May 2014 #5

Six million Jews dead in Germany? How about the killing fields. They are different? Not that lostincalifornia May 2014 #8

The Nazis were not Christian fundamentalists (nt) Nye Bevan May 2014 #10

No, they were Christian, and the Jews weren't lostincalifornia May 2014 #13

Not so much. Nye Bevan May 2014 #19

Well there goes that theory for the OP oneofthe99 May 2014 #27

After the fact Cartoonist May 2014 #29

the overwhelmingly christian german population heartily supported the nazis with very msongs May 2014 #33

ONE Nazi made a PROPOSAL to ban the bible and create a new nazi religion. DireStrike May 2014 #89

The "ONE Nazi" who was hostile to Christianity was Adolph Hitler. former9thward May 2014 #113

I was replying to the article posted, but you are the one attempting to rewrite history. DireStrike May 2014 #115

No serious historian considers Hitler any variation of a Christian. former9thward May 2014 #116

But they used historical Christian hatred of Jews to both whip up and cow the citizenry. Luminous Animal May 2014 #68

So? JackRiddler May 2014 #141

99% of Christians abhore that Vietnameravet May 2014 #105

Christian extremists have also committed mass murder and terrorism... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #9

The IRA was not about religion. It was about kicking the British out (nt) Nye Bevan May 2014 #11

It was about religion *and* getting the British out n/t Violet_Crumble May 2014 #17

Both sides were Christians (nt) Nye Bevan May 2014 #20

So? They're still religious extremists who committed mass murder n/t Violet_Crumble May 2014 #21

Catholic and Protestant Cartoonist May 2014 #30

It was the Irish separatists versus the British royalists. Nye Bevan May 2014 #35

It definitely was Cartoonist May 2014 #49

Actually there are those who do not regard Catholics as Christian, but regard their own form of lostincalifornia May 2014 #42

Didn't stop them being terrorists LeftishBrit May 2014 #92

Atheism doesn't stop people from being terrorists, either. nt Nuclear Unicorn May 2014 #203

No one said it did. LeftishBrit May 2014 #204

not really, it was about control of both their ancestral homeland, and their own property... bettyellen May 2014 #97

It was both LeftishBrit May 2014 #90

Absolutely lostincalifornia May 2014 #41

Difference is that most agree that was wrong Vietnameravet May 2014 #106

How many times has that actually happened? PeteSelman May 2014 #25

Murder isn't a basic tenet of any major religion... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #28

Perhaps, but it's much more prevalent in one religion. PeteSelman May 2014 #31

There's no perhaps about it. Mass murder isn't a central tenet of any religion... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #37

No. Do they just not report it? PeteSelman May 2014 #38

They report it. You just must not notice when things like that get reported... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #39

The invasion of Iraq was just another replay of the crusades. I remember the sentiments here when lostincalifornia May 2014 #45

Handlers of Bush the Lesser let their guard down for a moment when he said, "It's a crusade." Enthusiast May 2014 #133

Also at the time at least one general had the same view about it being a "crusade" lostincalifornia May 2014 #160

Yes. They accidentally told the truth. Enthusiast May 2014 #162

Yeah, about that. JoeyT May 2014 #81

True, but it isn't just Christians, other religious denominations have and had their moments too. lostincalifornia May 2014 #165

When 80% of Egyptians think leftynyc May 2014 #65

And more than 75% of Egytians in the same poll support religious freedom... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #66

A plausible explanation is that they interpret the term "religious freedom" as the ability... JVS May 2014 #69

This just in: people often believe contradictory things simultaneously. Lizzie Poppet May 2014 #139

Shariah is religious law leftynyc May 2014 #166

And any Islamic scholar will tell you that Shariah is interpreted differently by different people... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #174

Perhaps you can point me leftynyc May 2014 #179

Okay, here's one country you might be familiar with... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #181

What unmitigated crap leftynyc May 2014 #186

No, it's not crap. I answered yr question... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #188

Israel does not have sharia law leftynyc May 2014 #198

I agree that it is not comparable. Nye Bevan May 2014 #36

Bush said god told him to invade Iraq. JackRiddler May 2014 #142

Really? Hitler wasn't that long ago, and he justified it because Jews killed Jesus, and were lostincalifornia May 2014 #6

So, we'll have to wait 80 years for them to stop? PeteSelman May 2014 #23

Perhaps, but I can look at India, China, along with the western allies and others that are not lostincalifornia May 2014 #40

What about "crazy" Christians in, say, Uganda? Aided and abetted by American extremists? n/t nomorenomore08 May 2014 #48

They are as reprehensible, yes. PeteSelman May 2014 #100

Maybe so. But there are enough "Christian" atrocities happening even in this country that I don't nomorenomore08 May 2014 #110

In terms of violence in the name of their religion, yes. alp227 May 2014 #53

In Europe less than 1% of terrorist attacks are committed by Muslims CrawlingChaos May 2014 #111

Could be true in the West, but in the Middle East it's a hell of a lot higher. nt alp227 May 2014 #112

But if Muslims are more likely to commit violence in the name of their religion, as you stated CrawlingChaos May 2014 #155

just believing in Santa Claus... (oops) Jesus Christ is crazy right off the bat. Luminous Animal May 2014 #67

The only difference is that their crazies get away with what our crazies dream of doing. backscatter712 May 2014 #196

there is a button on your remote control..... chillfactor May 2014 #7

Maher's a hard-core bigot cpwm17 May 2014 #14

Yes he is, and he knowledge of a lot of things is not that great. Compare him to Rachel, John lostincalifornia May 2014 #18

^^^^^This^^^^^ Jesus Malverde May 2014 #172

So are you suggesting I should not post something about someone whose views I don't agree with? lostincalifornia May 2014 #15

Would you say the same thing if Maher was engaging in anti-semitism or homphobia? n/t Violet_Crumble May 2014 #26

Lol. Union Scribe May 2014 #16

Not even close. Maher makes a point that Islam is far worse by magnitudes then other religions, and lostincalifornia May 2014 #32

He's got all sort of denigration and mockery for christians as well. Jesus Malverde May 2014 #173

Click the channel oneofthe99 May 2014 #22

I'll boycott the asshole for picking on Islam. I call on ALL other DUers to do the same. cherokeeprogressive May 2014 #24

I am simplying saying maher does not have his facts straight by saying Islam is so much worse lostincalifornia May 2014 #34

Right now they have a pretty good track record going oneofthe99 May 2014 #44

and what we did in Iran in the fifties, or Iraq under both bush administrations was responsible for lostincalifornia May 2014 #46

IMO - it is. 840high May 2014 #114

History does not seem to validate that lostincalifornia May 2014 #161

Ok Vietnameravet May 2014 #103

Invisible Sarcasm tag? Puzzledtraveller May 2014 #131

Maher is right on the issue - to an extent fujiyama May 2014 #43

Then by that logic, Christianity is "inherently illiberal" as well. nomorenomore08 May 2014 #50

But I would venture that the majority of Christians would not subscribe to that lostincalifornia May 2014 #54

Neither would the majority of Muslims, or at least those living in Western countries. nomorenomore08 May 2014 #56

Absolutely lostincalifornia May 2014 #61

Ok, but whether we call it a religious war or not when we supply weapons to Iraq to fight Iran, and lostincalifornia May 2014 #51

No...you were right with "as Christianity IS"...anyone willing to argue the differences don't know.. uponit7771 May 2014 #60

The left gives Islam a pass because Muslims a powerless minority in this country Hippo_Tron May 2014 #123

I see where you are coming from... fujiyama May 2014 #132

Only SOME liberals give Islam a pass leftynyc May 2014 #180

Meh. People blast whole groups for what a few do here on a regular basis (nt) The Straight Story May 2014 #47

True enough lostincalifornia May 2014 #52

Keenly aware... dickensknitter May 2014 #55

Interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing that. Enthusiast May 2014 #134

I agree 100%. As much Jamaal510 May 2014 #57

The problem is fundamentalism MurrayDelph May 2014 #58

great false equivalency with atheism alp227 May 2014 #117

Nice try. MurrayDelph May 2014 #127

Then define "forcing it on me" vs discussing a POV. alp227 May 2014 #129

LOL TransitJohn May 2014 #136

Ouch. I am wounded by your snappy riposte. MurrayDelph May 2014 #152

Weird. I was just trying to convey derision. TransitJohn May 2014 #153

I used to have that problem..... DeSwiss May 2014 #59

That doesn't solve the issue of stereotyping a group as "worse" than another group. lostincalifornia May 2014 #62

He revealed his bigotry in Religulous azurnoir May 2014 #63

He's anti-religion in general--part of his public image n/t eridani May 2014 #71

Bill is anti ALL Religion besides nobody is forcing you to watch his show on HBO Exposethefrauds May 2014 #73

He doesn't like religion. Oh well. (nt) Inkfreak May 2014 #74

I am really tired of people dying for mythological garbage... devils chaplain May 2014 #75

All Religions, not just Islam Maher objects to! and I agree with Maher. B Calm May 2014 #76

I agree with Bill Maher, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens & Ayaan Hirsi Ali.This vid is worth a look ancianita May 2014 #77

She's really quite impressive. BootinUp May 2014 #85

Oh please Mr. Maher, white-splain the Islamic world to us. redgreenandblue May 2014 #80

After watching his documentary film "Religulous", and some youtube clips of his show Zorra May 2014 #82

When I get tired of listening to someone, LWolf May 2014 #83

Valid pint. Actually Maher admits he get criticism from a lot of liberals on this lostincalifornia May 2014 #86

I watched Maher a bit back in the 90s. LWolf May 2014 #138

I from that same generation. "don't talk politics or religion" I was told by my folks lostincalifornia May 2014 #145

I didn't understand it LWolf May 2014 #169

I'm against the entire Abrahamic religious tradition. Coventina May 2014 #87

He hates all religions... Rhinodawg May 2014 #88

Except he says Isalm is worse. Listen to him. He says Jews and Christians haven't done the lostincalifornia May 2014 #96

To be fair Bill Maher did make a move called Religulous Shoulders of Giants May 2014 #91

The reason is because he believes Islam is worse, and that is false. lostincalifornia May 2014 #95

If he thinks its worse, why does he spend far more time criticizing christianity? Shoulders of Giants May 2014 #107

Those are his words that Islam is worse based on his view they are more violent, and that is simply lostincalifornia May 2014 #163

It is worse, go to Saudi Arabia and moon some islamic police snooper2 May 2014 #189

Calling out crazy for being crazy... I don't see a problem with it. arcane1 May 2014 #93

Sure, but he always says Islam is far worse, and that is bull lostincalifornia May 2014 #94

And when will "liberals" stop enabling Maher's hatemongering? Looks like never! CrawlingChaos May 2014 #98

Post removed Post removed May 2014 #102

you are deep into Pamela Gellar territory here CrawlingChaos May 2014 #108

I generally like Bill Maher, Blue_In_AK May 2014 #99

Ya well you go to any one of these Islamic countries and tell then you think Islam is wrong... Vietnameravet May 2014 #104

The fact that you believe that shows how successful Islamophobes like Maher have been (nt) CrawlingChaos May 2014 #109

but do you not deny vet's overall message (despite the user's hyperbole "kill you on the spot")? alp227 May 2014 #120

Of course I deny it CrawlingChaos May 2014 #158

FYI, re:#102. proverbialwisdom May 2014 #119

I lived 26 years in the Islamic world - you are full of shit and don't have a clue what you are Douglas Carpenter May 2014 #124

Fatwa envy Capt. Obvious May 2014 #208

He's a Republican in essence, in my opinion. So closeupready May 2014 #118

A Republican in essence? SomethingFishy May 2014 #148

Scapegoating Islam is bigotry, i.e., a Republican value. closeupready May 2014 #151

People who remember his show Politically Incorrect remember how right-leaning he was CrawlingChaos May 2014 #154

Maher makes fun of all religions, but here's what I'll give you... Hippo_Tron May 2014 #121

thank you . many of the posts here belong on FreeRepublic or other hate sites not on a progressive/ Douglas Carpenter May 2014 #122

The poster you responded to is a prime example of this... Hippo_Tron May 2014 #125

I would agree with that Douglas Carpenter May 2014 #128

Honest atheists are equal opportunity criticizers bluestateguy May 2014 #126

Maher is not at all as hard on Christians. JackRiddler May 2014 #144

Wrong. He's spoken up against Christians as much, if not more, than Islam. Prove us both wrong. ancianita May 2014 #164

I'm not Puzzledtraveller May 2014 #130

Does that 'tunnel" lead to Nigeria? WinkyDink May 2014 #135

Are you saying Islam supports that? lostincalifornia May 2014 #146

I'm tired of the excuse that all the carnage in its name "isn't really Islam." WinkyDink May 2014 #167

Where are the Imams and Islamic leaders in condemning Sharia law and these atrocities??? seveneyes May 2014 #170

Are you using the Pamela Geller filter on yr search? Violet_Crumble May 2014 #175

Thanks, now the word needs to spread to the billion and some followers seveneyes May 2014 #176

No problems. I already knew you'd find something about it to complain about... Violet_Crumble May 2014 #178

Education seveneyes May 2014 #194

Maher calls out Christians all the time, more than any other religion.... ProudToBeBlueInRhody May 2014 #147

I didn't see the show but he goes after religion a lot. hrmjustin May 2014 #149

Maher's hatespeach has no place on television mwrguy May 2014 #156

Yes, some people can't tell the difference between fair criticism cpwm17 May 2014 #187

... Blue_In_AK May 2014 #157

During that entire discussion, not one person mentioned the US government's responsibility.... YoungDemCA May 2014 #159

Oh, please. Like Islamic fundametalists needed a reason. WinkyDink May 2014 #168

What is fundamental about abusing women and other atrocities? seveneyes May 2014 #171

What a bunch of crap leftynyc May 2014 #183

I agree...when you murder people of a country, when the West is seen as the enemy joeybee12 May 2014 #201

Never understood why people think.... NCTraveler May 2014 #182

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank ... redgreenandblue May 2014 #190

You see the fallacy you are attempting to make. It is extremely clear. NCTraveler May 2014 #191

"We hope that Americans and British are pushed out of our countries so that we can implement sharia" ancianita May 2014 #192

Why is such hate and abuse allowed to be taught to youth? seveneyes May 2014 #197

Allowed because children can be raised by any belief system parents want to impose. Such beliefs ancianita May 2014 #199

What's the difference between Islamic crazies and domestic Christian crazies? backscatter712 May 2014 #195

The difference is in whether or not their holy books become the law of the land. So far, here, the ancianita May 2014 #202

I stand with Maher .... I denigrate and mock all 'faiths' Trajan May 2014 #206

I'm growing tired of him too. He's becoming more of an asshole ecstatic May 2014 #213

He ridicules ALL religion.... truebrit71 May 2014 #214