Bill Maher’s Religulous: Two Hours of Condescension In his 2008 documentary Religulous, comedian and commentator Bill Maher debates many outspoken believers and tours faith-based museums and theme parks in an attempt to prove organized religion is a detriment to humanity. Though he is certainly an intelligent and occasionally humorous person, any chance Maher had of totally convincing his target audience of avowed atheists is lost in his delivery and presentation. Though he begins with valid concerns about the prevalence of religion in conflict and its influence on political and moral decisions, Religulous presents a poor argument because of Maher’s scant evidence, poor argumentative strategies, and overall arrogant attitude. From the very …show more content…
In the mid-30’s to 40’s CE, “documents indicate…someone named [Christus] had been responsible for disturbances in the Jewish community in Rome.” The same article cites Roman historian Tacitus’ writings about Emperor Nero’s executions of followers of Christus (who had himself been executed by Pontius Pilate) (“Jesus” n.p.). Jewish historian Josephus also makes note of a man named James, brother of “Jesus, who was called Christ.” There is another, later passage which details Christ’s crucifixion, but it was most likely embellished by translators afterwards (Josephus Antiquities n.p.). It’s important to note that though these sources seemingly confirm a historical person named Jesus; he is only elevated to importance through the actions of his followers, after his death. Josephus details the attempts of several Messiah claimants, such as Judas of Galilee, Menahem bin Judah, Theudas, Vespasian, and John of Gischala, to free Judea from Roman control. Most were unsuccessful and probably executed (Josephus Jewish n.p.). But Jesus, the nonviolent Rabbi who attracted thousands of followers, healed the sick and blind, and whose death heralded a solar eclipse, gets a passing mention through his brother