Bill Maher’s favorite hero of fiction: “Jesus of Nazareth”

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One of my favorite parts about Vanity Fair is the Proust Questionnaire at the very end of the magazine. Every month, VF picks someone interesting and asks them the same questions from the famous list of questions Marcel Proust put together. Sometimes the person is a an older Hollywood type, sometimes a businessman, sometimes a writer. It’s always fascinating. Anyway, this month’s interviewee was Bill Maher. Now, I like Bill. I don’t love him, but I like him. He’s smarmy and smug, but he’s also funny and sharp as a tack. Considering his very public criticism to religion, it’s no surprise that he took a whack during the questionnaire, but still, even I was a little shocked:

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being in love while organizing my closet.

What is your greatest fear?
Waking up after a sleepover at John Waters’s house and finding my sleeping bag isn’t zipped up the same way as when I passed out. Or “President Palin.”

What is your greatest extravagance?
Hope.

What is your current state of mind?
Cautiously pessimistic.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Sobriety.

On what occasion do you lie?
To advance my personal agenda.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Proximity.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?“It’s an honor just to be nominated.”

When and where were you happiest?
Right now, here with you. Let’s not ruin it by talking.

Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to bullsh-t.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My desperate need to be liked.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Staying on the air.

What is your most treasured possession?
My freedom.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Thinking of the right thing to say—later.

What do you most value in your friends?
Non-disclosure.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Paul Revere.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Jesus of Nazareth.

What is it that you most dislike?
Hypocrisy, animal cruelty, and yams.

What is your greatest regret?
It’s a tie between muttonchop sideburns and believing Judith Miller. Honorable mention: Lehman Brothers—thanks a lot, a–holes.

How would you like to die?
Surrounded by enemies, holding a grenade.

What is your motto?
“Religion is bad, drugs are good.”

[From Vanity Fair]

For the love of… Bill! JESUS. And that’s what always bothers me about Bill. I get that he doesn’t like organized religion, or that he thinks Christianity is a joke, but claiming that Jesus was a “hero of fiction” only alienates people… people who might agree with him on a ton of other issues.

By the way, that girl on his arm is his girlfriend. Young much?

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104 Responses to “Bill Maher’s favorite hero of fiction: “Jesus of Nazareth””

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  1. bite me says:

    dirty old man… i mean he slept with superhaed, just nasty

  2. Bob DeGroot says:

    You state you have a desparate need to be liked? Hmm. It is offensive to mock another person’s religion. You have the right to state it, but please know that you are actually mocking the 2 billion people in this world who are followers of Jesus and who believe that he is the Son of God.

  3. Whatever says:

    UGH, I like him, but he is getting on my nerves with this crap. Ok, we get it and we don’t care what you believe. His constant harping and smug, I’m better than you because I’m right is EXACTLY the same as the religious right thinking they are better than everyone else. For a liberal, he has surprising little tolerance for those who don’t believe like him and an obsessive need to CONSTANTLY shove his beliefs down our throats.

    And he looks like a gross old perv with his granddaughter, oops, I mean girlfriend.

  4. chunkstyle says:

    Not everyone believes in Jesus as anything more than a very smart prophet and historical figure. The bible is a work of fiction in many ways, it wasn’t actually written by God and it isn’t a science textbook as some creationists would have you believe. GO BILL!

  5. annaloo says:

    Everyone’s religion is his or her own business of what they believe in. He is entitled to his beliefs, just as I am to mine. What he thinks won’t influence what I think of mine, and we don’t have to think the same.

  6. Sudini says:

    This is one of my favorite things about Vanity Fair too. I’ve always liked Bill Maher but he made me swoon when he said one of the things he liked least was animal cruelty. Swoon. I just didn’t expect that to be at the top of his list.

    Regardless of his religious beliefs, or lack thereof, I <3 Bill.

  7. Bonnie says:

    So it’s okay to knock Christianity but none of the other religions (other than Scientology that is) can dare be touched or you get accused of having a form of racism??

    It’s also okay for Christians to be accused of not having tolerance but everyone else doesn’t have to live by what they attack Christians for not having?

    I just love the double standards.

    Maybe EVERYONE should learn tolerance and let people believe whatever they want to believe. After all it doesn’t do your argument very well if you attack Christians for having no tolerance when you in return have no tolerance yourself for those that believe against YOU.

  8. Gwen says:

    What was so wrong about what he said? There is NO historical proof Jesus existed, so he could well be a fictional character.

  9. Andrea says:

    He’s great. Anyone who believes that nonsense in the bible needs their head examined, talking snakes, people turning into salt, Noah’s Ark (right…), etc. etc. Whoever wrote the bible must have been smoking the ancient plant now known as marijuana. The younger generation seem to be finally getting it right at least.

  10. Ann says:

    If more people followed the “religion is bad, drugs are good” there would be less wars.
    Go Maher!

  11. e says:

    I don’t see what all the fuss is about. It wasn’t that shocking. She is beautiful and has a masters in neurobiology so it is not like she is just some dumb barely legal bimbo.

  12. jane says:

    Actually archaeologists have found proof of Jesus existence. But bm says a lot of crap that isn’t true. He’s a disgusting old perv imo, and has a short man complex.

  13. Jillian says:

    Go Bill!

    @Jane, so what is the proof?

  14. buckley says:

    I like Bill but I agree that he sometimes seems just as intolerant as those he criticizes…just in the other direction.

  15. Bam Bam says:

    What is it with the obnoxious athiests? Really can’t they give it a rest? They certain don’t know any better the mysteries of life than the believers, but they certainly seem like the crueler bunch.

  16. simplicity says:

    I like the words smarmy and smug to describe Bill. He’s become repetitious, with his anti-religion statements. One of the best shows I saw with Bill was one in which Richard Dawkins was a guest. Dawkins presented a rational scientic approach to the topic while Bill fumbled as the class clown trying to impress the teacher.

  17. Leticia says:

    I’m ready for him to leave Jesus alone and pick on the founder of the other major world religion, the one that South Park recently spoofed. But he lacks the courage that the South Park writers have. Go South Park!

  18. Roma says:

    @Leticia: The greatest part of South Park is that they make fun of everything and everyone. How great were the last 2 episodes? And how sad is it when South Park provides the biting social commentary of our times?

  19. cowbell says:

    I used to think he’s funny but not anymore. He tries way too hard and acts as if he speaks on behalf of the entire country and all people.

    Most historical scholars agree that Jesus of Nazareth did in fact exist. It’s whether or not you believe him to be the son of God that can be disputed/debated. Bill is a putz who needs to wash that slimy head of hair.

  20. Ron says:

    I don’t understand being offended by this. He does not share your beliefs and is entitled to his own as are you. So what.

  21. erika says:

    I am an historian.

    There is no historical evidence – unless you count the Bible, which is not a history – for Jesus’ existence. There are records for Herod, John the Baptist, etc., but none for Jesus. Even Josephus, one of the few Jewish primary sources for that period, does not mention Jesus.

    So if you believe in Jesus, you’re doing so on faith. There isn’t anything wrong with that – I certainly don’t care – but there is no PROOF. Isn’t that what faith is? Believing in something despite the lack of evidence for its existence?

    Anyway … Bill Maher is an overgrown child. He’s funny, witty, smart, etc., but he’s also lecherous and shallow. That girl he’s with is definitely 18+, so whatever – it doesn’t matter.

  22. twisty says:

    You know, with all the energy, time, effort and zealotry that the Hollywood crowd puts into bashing Christianity, I’d think people would maybe start to wonder WHY these people seem to have such a vested interest in destroying the world’s biggest religion. I’d also wonder if there might be something to all this “religion/God” BS since they seem so hell-bent on Christianity’s demise. But that would require NOT swallowing the crap these scumbags shill out, and going against the oh so cool idea that religion and God are for idiots*, and nobody wants to be the person taking a stand nowadays because you might get made fun of or *gasp* CALLED A MEAN NAME (or a racist). I personally would suggest reading a few sites that cover this a little more extensively…here’s a few links:

    vigilantcitizen.com

    publicvigil.blogspot.com

    pseudooccultmedia.blogspot.com

    So basically, I’d say that if you want to bash Christianity, go ahead, but make sure you understand WHY you are bashing it, HOW you developed those opinions, and that you know WHO is benefitting from this (because it sure as hell isn’t you). I bet you’ll not be able to look at any of these shills the same ever again. I know I can’t, but I sure can pick them and their agenda(s) out with a quickness!

    *see how they’re appealing to you through your vanity? You’re SMARTER and more ENLIGHTENED than those believers! Why, they’re practically cavemen compared to you enlightened atheists! See how this works? See why there are seven deadly sins? Hmm…maybe there IS some value in religion and belief in God after all! Or maybe I am just a deluded mouth-breather!

  23. clay says:

    There is NO doubt that Jesus did live. Whether or not you believe he was the son of God is what can be disputed. According to Jewish, Greek, Roman and Egytian records, he did in fact live.

  24. Snarf says:

    Actually a lot of theologians speculate that Christ (as written in and portrayed in the bible) didn’t actully exist and is in fact based on several different people…

  25. e-non says:

    hugely over-rated.

  26. bella mama says:

    Erika – josephus indeed mentions jesus at least twice, so you are incorrect.

    jesus was also mentioned by paul of tarsus, an hellenistic jewish scholar

    physically, he existed. the question is whether or not you believe he was son of God.

    Three of the major world religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) all believe that he live and was, at the very least, a great prophet.

  27. Tess says:

    I’d like to see him speak so “bravely” against any aspect of the Moslem faith.

    That’s the thing I don’t get. All these “courageous” comedians, pundits, etc. (Jon Stewart comes to mind) are thrilled with themselves for taking on easy targets.

    I’ve yet to hear them take on a target that would require real balls.

  28. xxodettexx says:

    i’m with all the other “obnoxious” atheist commenters here… [bc apparently the only kind of atheists are the “obnoxious” ones, right bam bam?? *puke*]

    bill’s entitled to his opinion, just as religious people are entitled to ignore him and go about their day…

    that said, in response to twisty’s Q “WHY these people seem to have such a vested interest in destroying the world’s biggest religion”… maybe because some of us actually DO pay attention to HISTORY and SCIENCE and recognize that all religions are man-made and ALL religions have, at one point in their histories, been used to keep minorities [not talking race here, just the groups that happen to not be a majority in a given place/time], the poor, women and children down…

    i grew up immersed in religion, but after years of going to church, participating in religion, questioning and researching on my own, i am now an “obnoxious” atheist who just wants everyone to be accorded the same rights and privileges as the majority, regardless of who they pray or dont pray to [guess that also makes me a dirty liberal, man, i am SUCH SCUM]

    hahaha

  29. Cat says:

    Can you imagine the controversy if he had named Muhommad? Some freaks would be calling for his head (literally) and he would be labeled an intolerant racist.
    Plus, I hate it when people think they’re the one ‘smart’ person who knows better than 2 billion Christians. Disagree, but don’t condescend on others’ beliefs. That’s just rude.

  30. jane says:

    Besides Josephus, Tacitus also mentions Jesus in his writings. Both men were 1st century historians (Jesus lived in the 1st century), whose writings are NOT part of the Bible. I’ve studied a lot of history and world religions and I have never heard of “a lot of thelogians” or scholars state that Jesus did not exist. People, like bm might say so, and certainly have the right to believe and express themselves however they want; however, the fact is that the current available historical record (including archaelological finds, such as reliefs mentioning Pontius Pilate) supports the belief that Jesus did in fact exist. Whether or not people choose to believe he is the Son of God is a matter of faith.

  31. Bodhi says:

    @ #28 – Watch Religulous (sp?) He takes on Islam as well

    And I think Bill is hilarious

  32. jane says:

    Actually B.M. does make fun of Islam on a regular basis, in his shows, he has a skit that is a fashion show where all the women wear the same burkha. He’s pretty brave to do that, I must admit.

    Also, I do sometimes agree with his rants, although I don’t think he’s quite the genius he thinks he is. He hit on me once, many years ago, and when I wouldn’t go out with him, he made fun of me every chance he could get, so I don’t exactly view him as a person of class and integrity.

  33. jane says:

    btw, I completely understand where all of you “obnoxious athiest commentators” are coming from (LOL!). The Organized major religions of the world have certainly done a poor job of living by their own tenets.

  34. Bam Bam says:

    Yes xxodettexx: you prove my point perfectly and I agree with your final description of yourself! Thank you. Blather on…

    Many people generally respect, as I do, the less vocal athiests, just like I respect the less vocal religous folks, they show respect each others rights. Its the folks trying to shove their opinions down others throats because they know best are the ones who should STFU.

  35. sara says:

    Hate the pro-illegal drug agenda. He’s always snarking on the benefits of what is still ILLEGAL. I wonder why he hasn’t been prosecuted for exhorting minors to procure controlled substances, for example. There are countless lives being wasted in prison because of our extreme drug laws. What is he trying to do–make a joke out of encouraging people to break the law and rot in prison? Jerk.

  36. xxodettexx says:

    also, not to beat a dead horse or anything, but Bill Maher has MANY times spoken out about islam, esp the fundamentalists… he mocks all religions equally…

    granted his methods are harsh, but equally harsh and mean-spirited are the methods of MANY religious figures in claiming that “god hates you bc of such and such reason” or that “you going to BURN IN HELL for all eternity bc of such and such reason”

    we are all humans, i just wish there were an easier way for all of us to live together while accepting all our wonderful and unique points of views and beliefs…

    sorry for that, just a topic close to my heart! i love you all on this site and always excitedly look forward to hearing the b*tchy comments… 🙂

  37. erika says:

    The passage in Josephus that refers to Jesus is believed to have been inserted by Eusebius (4th c.), in part because it is in a different style than the rest of the text.

    Tacitus mentions CHRISTIANS existing in the 1st c. but has no proof that Christ did. His remark about Christians was in context with Nero and the scapegoating of Christians for the fire in Rome. Tacitus never visited Jerusalem.

    There is proof that Pontius Pilate existed. This does not prove that Jesus did.

    Even the earliest Christian writings, like Paul’s epistles, mention Christ as a spiritual concept and not as a man.

    The four gospels date from the late 1st century, at the very earliest, and they are synoptic – three of them were copied from Mark, which is the shortest and the most plain. Mark says nothing about a virgin birth, focuses on John the Baptist, and generally writes in an allegorical, story-telling style – not an historical one.

    I’m not negating it, folks – just saying that there isn’t any historical evidence.

  38. MSat says:

    Clearly many of you have not seen his hilarious and very well done documentary, Religulous, in which he questions many organized religions, including Muslims, Scientology, Judaism and Catholicsm. So, settle down, Jesus freaks.

  39. xxodettexx says:

    @ jane, thanks for the laugh… well at least you saved yourself an STD-clinic visit!

    🙂

  40. Melinda says:

    @Andrea- Couldn’t agree more with you more, but you left out a virgin birth, and RISING FROM THE DEAD.

    I think Bill Maher is hilarious.

  41. GatsbyGal says:

    So saying Jesus is fictional alienates people. Does that mean that when someone mentions they actually do believe in Jesus or God that they’re alienating people too? We don’t jump down people’s throats when they accept awards and thank God, do we? That’s a little hypocritical, methinks.

    For the record, I’m agnostic. I’m pretty sure Jesus the man existed…not so sure he was God’s son. Not even sure if there IS a God.

  42. jane says:

    erika, I tip my hat to you, you obviously have a lot of historical knowledge. Yes, I know that some historians have challenged the Josephus quotes, but I read other articles by other scholars stating the vocabulary and style were Josephus’ and didn’t doubt it. Tacitus wrote “Christus (latin for Christ), from whom the name (Christian) had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hand of one of our procurators Pontius Pilatus.” (Complete works, book 15) I also read an interesting article about archaeology supporting some of the bible record, but don’t remember where & have to get back to work. I’m currently reading Giles Milton. Am interested to know if you know anything about his books and/or have an opinion about him. Have a good day everyone.

  43. erika says:

    jane – I don’t know anything about Giles Milton, but I’ll check him out.

    From what I’ve read, archaeology does support a good amount of biblical background info (places, some events, rulers, etc.) I don’t think the whole book is fiction, per se – I just think most of the authors of its books did not mean it to be read as a history.

    I personally do not believe that Jesus existed, but I don’t know of any evidence that conclusively denies his existence. My opinion is just based on the lack of proof in the historical record (which, of course, is very incomplete.)

  44. Sarah says:

    I love Bill. And he’d probably stop f-cking with Christians so much if they’d stop making it so damn easy! 🙂

  45. Rachum says:

    You think one thing, I think another. It gets discussed in a serious adult manner. This is true for most opinions, personal tastes, politics etc. Yet somehow religion is the one area where you are supposed to not challenge, not question. Just shut up and respect someone’s ‘beliefs’.

  46. Marita says:

    Bill Maher’s favorite hero of fiction: “Jesus of Nazareth”.

    Why not Mohammed? Everyone is sooo eddgy when they attack Christianity, but no one dares attack Islam.

  47. Marita says:

    oh ya and btw- Jesus totally existed. He is a prophet in all 3 abrahamic religions. so let’s instead move on to a new debate, this one is old and tired. Did Mohammed exist?

  48. A.K.A says:

    @ MSat: “Jesus freaks” – of all the comments, those two words shocked me the most. I am Christian but respect that people have the right to their own inner beliefs.I grew up in Egypt and my best friends are all muslim. We grew up respecting each others’ different beliefs. I also respect those who believe that God doesn’t exist. What I have a hard time with, is in-your-face insults directly aiming those religious beliefs. And your comment has left me feeling insulted somehow even though I have nothing to do with the earlier posts.

  49. annie says:

    Yawn

  50. A.K.A says:

    @Marita , hate to say this but if you’re asking if Mohammed really existed, then you’re just eliminating 1 of your 3 proofs! ;D

  51. Leanna says:

    Erika, all four gospels are not synoptic, only the gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke. And they were not necessarily “copied” from Mark, they simply are called synoptic because they contain much of the same content.

  52. Kim says:

    Thats really funny because my favorite fictional character is Bill Maher.

  53. Kim says:

    But i bet he does believe in aliens. An intellgent man Bill is not.

  54. Kim says:

    He would be dead right now if he had said this about Mohammed.

  55. Kim says:

    Great motto. This guy is someone we should be listening to – NOT! Who is he anyways? seriously i dont know this guy from Adam.

  56. lauram says:

    A.K.A: religious and political debates can divide the closest of friends, and will always upset someone.

    I agree the term ‘Jesus freaks’ is harsh and you are right that we should all have respect for each others views, but it’s a topic that sees the most rational among us lose their head.

    I believe that people who do not believe in Christ have just as much of a right to voice their opinion as those that do. Bill saying he doesn’t believe in religion is just as inoffensive as someone else saying they do, and him saying the Jesus is a fictional character is just as factual as someone else saying he is real.

    Both sides lack proof.

    His documentary ‘Religulous’ tried to show that all modern religions are based on older concepts and are quite often more harmful than helpful, which is why he rejects it.

    And as someone who has read the bible a few times and been left with many unanswered questions, I must say I agree with him.

  57. Bee says:

    I admire Bill for expressing his opinion. Even if you don’t agree with him, how are his feelings on organized religion any less valid, than those of people who consider themselves to be evangelical Christians. This is America. One of the things that makes our country great is the diversity of thought and opinion.

  58. DottieDot says:

    Perhaps he will think twice when it comes time to meet his maker!

  59. michellllle says:

    Has anyone ever heard BM attack or even seriously criticize Judaism or Israel? He clearly hates Cristianity & Islam. I always wondered if he gave the Jews a free pass considering his mom.

  60. andrea says:

    Bill Maher is an ass. Regardless of what religion you call your own, it is ABSOLUTELY FACT that Jesus of Nazareth lived and lived a noble life. For Maher to call him a fictional character is ingorant, at best. Atheism does not equal a higher IQ, despite what Maher’s smug ass might want to believe. And if he said something like about any other religion, since it is currently politically correct to put down Catholicism, he would be demolished. I certainly don’t need some gross 12-year-old-dating hollywood idiot to “set me straight” on my beliefs. Asshole.

  61. Whatever says:

    I don’t understand being offended by this. He does not share your beliefs and is entitled to his own as are you. So what.

    I know this wasn’t to me, but I’ll answer anyway. Yes, he is entitled to his opinion. Who cares what anyone else believes? What has me (a LONG time fan) tuning out a LOT lately is his condescending and I’m smarter than you attitude. It is completely obnoxious, whether coming from him or the Christian right. He really is no different from the evangelicals. The only difference is they think they are better than everyone else because they believe the way they do and he has the same attitude, but against God. BOTH sides are idiots and should STFU!

  62. Trillion says:

    Jesus is magic.

  63. judyjudy says:

    Mocking someone’s belief is no worse than mocking someone’s lack of belief.

    I would never say anything against someone’s belief in Christianity but I bet a bunch of people would jump all over me when I tell them I am an atheist.

    Freedom of religion is a two-way street. More acurately it is a multi-laned highway.

  64. yae says:

    If someone said their favorite book of fiction was the Talmud (Jewish laws and what not)……. they would lose their job and get blacklisted. A MILLION letters of complaints would pour in from all corners of the US from the Jewish lobby calling for their HEAD.

    Scary how dangerous this double-standard is becoming.

    Very scary and very powerful.

    Im Wiccan , not Christian and I have had about enough of this in-your-face wtf-owned attitude of these celebrities of the Judaic culture. Even more frightening is they dictate American foreign policy. Choose not to print this, fine. But it’s the truth.

  65. Trillion says:

    Yeah, I gotta say part of Maher’s thing is mocking religion frequently and casually the way “Christians” constantly insert their beliefs into all kinds of situations as if it’s no big deal. Saving souls! Spreading the ‘truth’! It’s very telling, isn’t it? Also: Look at some of these ridiculous posts, jumping on Maher for “only mocking Christianity”. They’ve obviously never read his columns or watched his show. At for the zillionth time (Tess, please read this carefully) We live where Christianity is the dominant religion. Therefore people who live here comment on it more than other religions. Do you think Moroccans spend any time worrying about Christianity in their culture? Of course not. Come on, put your thinking caps on.

  66. erika says:

    @52/Leanna – I misspoke. Three of the gospels are synoptic, taken from the original, Mark (not all theologians agree that Mark is the first, but most do.) There may have been other sources but they have never been found. The oldest known writing in the bible that talks about Jesus is the gospel of Mark (if we’re not counting the questionable Josephus account.)

    There are some Essene writings found among the Dead Sea Scrolls that talk about Jesus the same way Paul did – as a concept.

    I mean no disrespect; however, there is no historical proof that Jesus lived.

    But people believe all sorts of stuff that cannot be proven, so go for it. I’m sure I won’t change any minds on a gossip column thread (not dissing it – I read it too!)

  67. Vi says:

    you don’t believe in jesus we get it. yawn

  68. Meanie says:

    Trillion: Citizens of Morocco don’t openly discuss Christianity because they would be arrested or worse. Our state department warns U.S. citizens travelling abroad against proselytizing, which in this case, means just bringing the subject up with a Moroccan.

    Bill Maher, like other snide snivelling jerkoff comedians, makes fun of Christianity because he doesn’t fear for his life. Now that says something to me, and I don’t care who thinks I’m foolish for it.

  69. original kate says:

    i heard that bill maher used to date ann coulter; if there is a god, please, please don’t let there be a sex tape.

  70. Jeannine says:

    The larger issue of the historical Jesus vs. Jesus the Christ is that in the Biblical texts, the nuances between Christ and the Person of Jesus do require discernment. Frankly that is what a mature faith allows a person to contemplate.

    Yes, the Christ/Messiah can be seen as a concept in John/Revelation (which are both highly influenced by Gnosticism). Of course, they also were developed after the Synoptics, so they have the benefit of reflection to enhance the theological concepts within them.

    However, there is strong evidence that the historical person of Christ did exist. During my Seminary education, that fact is considered to be so settled that it rarely stirs up any debate now. Historical and archeological records (sited above) have strongly indicated that a person named “Jesus” was crucified, etc.

    The real question and the meat of these arguments is how the incarnation of Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ allowed the co-eternal existence of both Messiah and human being. This is where the work of faith begins. Also, this is where Pauline theology begins and becomes the foundation for some of the most compelling exegetical work of the entire Biblical text by Paul himself. So much so that this was his life’s work (see Romans, esp.)

    Having been a Maher fan in the past, what I find unsettling and unpleasant is his smug assertion that to express any belief in what 2 Billion people across all denominations [that often do not agree] consider to be a miracle and the foundational belief to their life is basic stupidity.

    Also, it is unfortunate the “FUNDAMENTALISM” has captured this discussion in a way that precludes real contemplation. Yet, the heart of this is that Maher may critique Islam’s cultural mores, but I do not belief he has ever critiqued those believers as stupid to believe in Allah or Mohammed his Prophet. The critiques I have heard from him have a more civil libertarian slant.

  71. JoGirl says:

    I think Bill was actually being serious, and I agree with him.

    On paper, Jesus sounds like an amazing man who was way ahead of his time, had great ideas about how we should all treat each other, and made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. What a beautiful, moving story! I may not believe that Jesus actually existed, but I whole-heartedly believe that the world would be a better place if we all absorbed the lessons contained in his story and adhered to the golden rule.

    If believing that Jesus really existed and was the son of God convinces more people to be nice to each other, that’s excellent and I’m glad that so many people are Christians, even though I don’t share their belief in the supernatural, or interpret the story of Jesus as literal truth. George Washington didn’t really chop down a cherry tree either, but that doesn’t make the parable any less effective. I think Bill would say the same if asked to elaborate on his answer.

    On a separate note, I’m a little bit upset by the fact that some folks are painting all Atheists as “obnoxious,” when most of us just sit here quietly, respectfully, watching others pursue their respective religions, without comment.

  72. jane says:

    Great thread, people! I’ve learned something new and found your many opinions to be very interesting and worth my attention!

  73. Kitten says:

    Bill is hysterical. LOVE. HIM.

  74. Emily says:

    I can see his point. I’ve always thought that Jesus was real, but his divinity was up to interpretation. So, if the Jesus in the Bible is BASED on a real man, then that makes the Bible Jesus a fictional character.

    I mean, to say that Jesus never ever existed anywhere just sounds completely stupid.

    BTW, I’m a pagan, so don’t drag me into the Christians vs. Atheists argument.

  75. Wisteria says:

    @Jeannine
    “…the nuances between Christ and the Person of Jesus do require discernment. Frankly that is what a mature faith allows a person to contemplate…”

    “what I find unsettling and unpleasant is his smug assertion…”

    Thanks Jeannine! I’m glad we have a nice, humble, mature faithed pot calling the kettle black to set us straight and explain life to us buck toothed yokels!

  76. Vibius says:

    Bet the age difference between him and her is less than that between Susan Surandon.

  77. Paris says:

    There’s a book called Jesus Freaks if you want to look it up. Alot of Christians love the term.

    And atheists care about religion because of shit the westboro babtist church gets up to and religious wars and things that affect them and hurt people around them. There’s a good reason atheists get so vocal

  78. Ana says:

    “I can see his point. I’ve always thought that Jesus was real, but his divinity was up to interpretation. So, if the Jesus in the Bible is BASED on a real man, then that makes the Bible Jesus a fictional character.”

    You took the words out of my mouth. Bill doesn’t believe in Jesus, so to him Jesus is a fictional character.

  79. CB Rawks says:

    hehehe He’s awesome!

    Doesn’t that girl look a lot like Holly Marie Combs. Whatever happened to her?

  80. CB Rawks says:

    “However, there is strong evidence that the historical person of Christ did exist.”

    I love that Red Dwarf episode where we learn all about the Cat’s religion, and how it turns out they all mistakenly believed that Lister was a God.
    It makes me wonder if Jesus was just some nice friendly dude back in his day, who had an amazing publicity team and years of urban legends following him. 😀

  81. Filmoetonyc says:

    all I have to say is watch (www.zeitgeistmovie.com) Zietgeist the movie. The first one. It will really make you think. We don’t ever think!

  82. KarmaChameleon says:

    I don’t get why some people got all worked up about this. All BM basically did was say he didn’t believe in Jesus (aka he is fiction). Just because he doesn’t believe what 2 billion other people do doesn’t give him less of a right to express his opinion. Any Jew will basically say the same thing. Are they being offensive? Should we dust off the old medieval torture devices?

    And BM mocks just about everyone. Probably he focuses more on Christianity since it’s the dominant religion where he lives so he sticks to what he knows.

  83. Dani says:

    So it’s okay for everyone to constantly mention Jesus in the press or thank him, or whatever they do to constantly mention him, yet it gets too much if Bill states his opinion? His opinion is no more annoying than the people who believe in Jesus that bring it up all the time in their interviews. It’s a bit hypocritical for people to single out Bill for saying something too much just because he goes against the popular opinion and say it’s annoying. He doesn’t mention religion much anymore unless he’s directly asked, in case you haven’t seen his interviews. While other people are mentioning Jesus left and right in their interviews, thanking him and saying “it’s because of Jesus that I…”

    Just seems hypocritical to say that about him, at least to me. And for the record, while I don’t have a religion, I believe in God.

    Also, at number 16: Atheists are the crueler bunch? Are you kidding me? Do you know how many Christians and Catholics have told my friend she’s going to hell for not believing in God? THOSE people are the crueler ones. They’re saying people are damned for all eternity just because they don’t believe in what they believe. Atheists are crueler? Don’t make me laugh.

  84. A.K.A says:

    Or he could be actually saying that he does like Jesus even though for him he is fictional. It’s like asking a child “who’s your favourite super hero”? “Superman” ! haha!

  85. amanda says:

    84 (and 16)…I’m an atheist with Buddhist leanings (no cosmology or ‘god’ works for me…but i enjoy the philosophy). Bill Maher can say whatever he wants. I too have been told that I’m going to hell for not believing in Jesus…by a Christian. What kind of Christianity is that? If I believed in the Christian version of hell, I’d be offended. Maybe Jesus IS fiction, in a sense…maybe he was a very good man who was fictionalized by the people who wrote the Bible. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t believe in his teachings, because they are good. But it also doesn’t mean you should condemn people to hell for not believing in him. It’s not really your call, is it? Buddha may not have existed. But his teachings are good, I’ll learn from them and take from them what matters to me and apply them to my life as I see fit. The trouble with religion is that too many people say, “I believe this; you should believe it, too”. The benefit of different religions is that there is one to suit everyone, including atheism. WE ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO BELIEVE WHAT WE WISH, AND SAY SO. If you don’t like Bill Maher’s assertion that Jesus is fiction, ignore it. It’s just his opinion. But he’s not alone, there are many atheists who believe that, and they deserve the right to their non-belief as well. So, please, religious people…give it a rest.

  86. amanda says:

    Oh, and p.s. everyone, if you watch “Religulous” (Bill Maher’s movie about religion), you will see he does go after all religions, including Islam.

  87. Whatever says:

    The trouble with religion is that too many people say, “I believe this; you should believe it, too”.

    Hmm, that’s funny because that is pretty much exactly what Maher says. Only he gets even more offensive by calling people who don’t believe like him morons. And that intolerance is what makes him wrong. Stating your beliefs is NOT THE SAME as calling others stupid for not sharing them. Sorry, but he is NO different than the evangelicals, just the opposite message, but the same tired attitude. Everyone needs to stop being so judgmental and STFU on this topic and live and let live.

  88. amanda says:

    88. I didn’t say that Bill Maher says that, I said that I say it. Bill Maher gets paid to mock people; he’s a comedian. He uses controversy to stay relevant- people forget that. They think people like Glenn Beck are speaking “truth”- the guy gets paid a LOT to say crazy sh*t and be controversial. Same with Maher. But do I think he has a right to believe what he wants and say what he wants? Yes. And I do think he believes Jesus is fictional. But him saying it gets attention, and he knows that. He’s pretty unabashed about that. He knows it riles people up, and riling people up gets their attention. And getting people’s attention sometimes makes them think. He knows all that. I think it’s funny when he makes fun of religious people. I think it’s funny when he makes fun of anyone, really. People take themselves so damn seriously. I mean, Bill Maher said Jesus was fictional. So f-ing what? He’s a comedian. He makes fun, he mocks. He’s good at it. People need to get over themselves. Like these f-ing Islamic fundamentalists who want to kill Matt and Trey for “mocking” their religion. Get over yourselves. Take a f-ing valium and eat a sandwich. Take a nap. Chill out. Ugh.

  89. Rachum says:

    People who say something is fact and then state no reference to this undisputed evidence are not to be trusted, whatever belief they are claiming to be truth.

    What concerns me is the attitude that he is somehow a bit of a wuss because he didn’t outright attack islam or judaism.
    Firstly, he simple stated (in quite a sarcastic manner) that he doesn’t believe Jesus is real. It’s an opinion people. We all have them. Chill the hell out (pun intended).
    Secondly, the fact that he hasn’t somehow ‘attacked’ a sampling of other religions is not a bad thing surely? There seems to be a bit of a general felling of ‘don’t attack my beliefs, others however are fair game’.

    Makes me glad I am an atheist. I couldn’t care less about squabbling over my god(s).

  90. Heiyah says:

    jesus exists in the way that he’s the symbol of many’s aspirations: kindness, forgiveness, tollerance, love.

    Who cares if men who wrote the Bible claim different thigns about him? that’s their fault. the truth of the matter shoudl be his TEACHINGS and the way he lived his life, not the nit-picky disputes :/

  91. SammyHammy says:

    Really? There are still people who are interested in what this has-been has to say? I’m surprised.

  92. SammyHammy says:

    It’s not a question of whether or not Jesus existed, or whether or not he was truly divine.

    It’s simply a case of a comedian, long past his prime, trying to stir up some attention by being, in his mind, “controversial.”

    I’m a Christian, but I don’t really care what he said. I understand that he’s just begging for attention.

  93. Jules says:

    Bill Maher is so fucking awesome, he makes my toes curl. He’s a little too smart for a lot of folks, that’s why he comes across as smug. A lot of us atheists are.

  94. Zoe says:

    I don’t see why Bill Maher should have to censor himself just because he has a different opinion than the majority of the population. That is the point of the questionnaire, to be yourself, no? Also he’s a comedian, so of course he’s going to poke fun. And to be honest, there is no actual physical proof or evidence ever recovered that suggests Jesus of Nazareth did in fact exist. Even the Shroud of Turin has a considerable amount of conflicting “evidence”. So indeed, the issue of the existence of Jesus Christ is in fact completely debatable. Just because people were raised believing it doesn’t necessarily make it true.

  95. Tara says:

    I don’t think Maher has to work to be controversial. Seems just stating his beliefs or lack thereof is too controversial to some. Why should he have to hide the fact that he believes the Christian Jesus is fictional? And why do people assume he was being sarcastic when he says he admires him? It’s possible for non-believers to admire the life and and emulate the values attributed to the character of Jesus Christ.

    I also love that he lists animal cruelty as one of his top dislikes. I think he should give yams another chance though. They’re yummy and good for you.

  96. Sally says:

    Eh, I agree with him. And what he said wasn’t that bad – people say ‘Jesus is my favourite historical figure’. What’s wrong with saying he’s your favourite fictional character?

    And yes, other posters are correct, Maher does also mock Islam, Judaism, and many other religions in a similar fashion.

  97. Meanie says:

    When did Maher specifically make fun of Mohammed? Is there a clip of such a joke? Maher’s critiques about Islam or jokes about burquas do not count. I do not recall anyone in Hollywood ever depicting Mohammed in any way or form. All I see is the recent debacle with South Park; before that were the 2006 Denmark editorials that set off riots around the globe. Jesus, on the other hand, can frequently show up in a Saturday Night Live skit or his followers be mocked, because no one is terrorizing the show’s writers. For that matter, an “artist” can urinate on the crucifix and get federal grants. Try doing that with the Koran for “art” and see if you still have your head in the morning, if you’re not prosecuted for a hate crime.

    And I don’t see anyone asking Bill Maher to censor himself. I’m not at all offended that he thinks Jesus is fictional. He has the right to believe that and say it out loud. But I still think that Maher is a loser, and remembering a conversation with Bill Maher after his crap regarding Sept. 11th, I know personally that he is a loser. He was quite desperate and sad, very worried he wouldn’t have a career for pissing off the populace.

    Anyway, bottom line for me, Hollywood and Maher types have free reign to make fun of Jesus and Christians because no one is trying to kill them. These people are refusing to acknowledge this point for some reason.

  98. Marcards says:

    He is a total piece of bleep even if he did not say what he did,he’s real brave when some one speaks up in his audience,because he has bouncers the size of earth behind him.Hate to be in a fox hole with him, he’d be the first to run and hide, or go over to the other side. Go away who needs you

  99. Leanna says:

    Some very intelligent believe in God and/or practice some form of religion. Some very intelligent people do not. To state or behave as though one’s crap doesn’t stink simply because of a belief system or lack thereof is childish. It goes both ways.

  100. Jeannine says:

    @Wisteria, I am a little unclear what you are angry about? I will clarify my statement, however.

    I work as a hospice chaplain and bereavment counsellor in the deep south. I am a VERY LIBERAL Christian and most of the patients and families I care for pretty much are not, in fact most are fundamentalist.

    However, the commonality I have observed is that there is nothing like deep crisis to mature a person’s faith. And by mature I mean going beyond the idea of happy, clappy Jesus and God is my Santa Claus who will take this terrible thing away.

    My original point was that once a person through whatever means: crisis, contemplation, intellectual discovery etc gets past the idea of faith and belief as a great big band-aid for all our problems, then one really begins to think about the incarnation, Christ’s suffering on the cross, and the nature of all suffering, really. So, yes there is that moment of discernment that comes with that type of maturity, and I do not mean chronological age, either. It is the moment in the refiner’s fire where the dross is burned away and we grapple with what is it all about? Quite frankly, even fundamentalists grapple with this as well, it’s only the simplistic ideas that get all the air time, though.

    So, knowing this and having been a Maher fan in the past, I still find his smugness and assertions about Christian’s essentially being stupid that turned me away from his humor. A more daring approach would be for him to actually live and work with people of faith in order to get past his superficiality. And again, I have not heard him address Islam from the same angle.

  101. VP says:

    Just for the record I am an atheist and I can’t stand Bill Maher. He isn’t funny, and mistakes his provocative and snarky comments about religion to be signs of his supreme intelligence. They could’ve called “Religulous” “Dogma part II.”

    Not all athiests are like Bill Maher, just like not all Christians are like Rick Santorum.

  102. Rachum says:

    Man, you guys would LOVE Richard Dawkins.

  103. Rob says:

    Yes, you’re right. Bill should pretend that your imaginary friend is real so you will listen to him. What are you, five?