Bill Maher trashes Noah Arc/Bible.

[SlitheryDee]

Yeah, the old testament is pretty whacked overall. I've read up to Ruth, then stopped reading it because I read Ruth in school (oh the horrors my reading class made me a read a religious story!) and was deciding if I was going to try re-reading it again or skip past it then I stopped there.

If I was Jewish in 6000 BC, I wouldn't follow that God. But when I put it into perspective of how barbarian the human race was back then. I guess it would probably seem fairly normal.

But when I see in the modern world, I'm not sure we've really grown or learned much of anything either.

The very fact that you can judge the people of biblical times as primitive and barbaric demonstrates how much we've learned and grown. You're not a particularly moral or immoral person for this time and neither am I, yet both of us are leagues ahead of every single individual from biblical times as far as morality goes. We just live in a far more enlightened age than they did.

It's the reason that Christians are now backing away from the idea that everything in the bible is true. They have to find some way to make it jive with their obviously superior knowledge and moral sensibilities, and that's how they do it. The stories they find repellent and beneath them are now "allegorical", while the ones that they can stomach are the "true" ones. They want so desperately to hold on to the core belief as an ideal of goodness and objective morality. The human race keeps moving onward and upward though, while the histories surrounding Christianity remain rooted in the bronze age, where they will always remain.

 

[surfsatwerk]

http://forums.anandtech.com/forumdisplay.php?f=63

I was under the impression all the stupid religious thread were supposed to be quarantined to the non functioning "discussion club".

 

[JamesV]

The funny thing I find about religion, is that people seem to think people back then were all some sort of upstanding and moral people, when they were just as fraudulent and greedy as they are today. Men wrote the Bible; supposedly under the guidance of God... do you think those men went back to sheep herding, or perhaps were lavished with food and riches and never had to work hard labor again?

Thou shalt not kill sounds good, but the Israelites murdered entire cities of people after leaving Egypt (men, women, and children). God (supposedly) ordered them to stake out entire cities. So when is it, that you 'shalt not kill'? Only when it's convenient?

As for Maher though; can't stand him. He is like the opposite of religion, but using their tactics.... tell someone what they want to hear, and get rich and cushy doing it.

 

[JM Aggie08]

Bill Maher would be entertaining if he wasn't so fucking smug about everything.

That, and he looks like Marmaduke.

 

[brandonb]

The very fact that you can judge the people of biblical times as primitive and barbaric demonstrates how much we've learned and grown. You're not a particularly moral or immoral person for this time and neither am I, yet both of us are leagues ahead of every single individual from biblical times as far as morality goes. We just live in a far more enlightened age than they did.

It's the reason that Christians are now backing away from the idea that everything in the bible is true. They have to find some way to make it jive with their obviously superior knowledge and moral sensibilities, and that's how they do it. The stories they find repellent and beneath them are now "allegorical", while the ones that they can stomach are the "true" ones. They want so desperately to hold on to the core belief as an ideal of goodness and objective morality. The human race keeps moving onward and upward though, while the histories surrounding Christianity remain rooted in the bronze age, where they will always remain.

Well. I believe Christianity has brought us up to this point where we are now. They instilled into people the morals in which we operate today. Compared to the barbarians we had covering the earth prior to Christianity they were Godsends. Jesus's values were really quite contrary to the original Old Testament and the rest of the world at the time.

The human race over the last 2000 years really exceeded what we had the prior 10,000 years (of biblical time) or 2 million years of human history if your reference is evolution. Why?

Western civilization grew out of this religion. People bonded together by God/Religion, rather than tribal boundaries with lawless anarchy. People worked together rather than against once another. This bonding allowed things like science to evolve. People weren't struggling with just surviving like they once were.

It's no surprise to me that people still want this religion around. It's a way to exceed beyond basic selfish needs, and be part of a community. That is desired by many. There is some virtue to this group. People trust it, as it's done a world of good for the past 2000 years. It's no surprise people still follow it. Do I call them idiots? Nope. I'd rather have Christians around doing their thing than Bill Maher's around doing their thing.

 

[skimple]

It's just hard to believe people are still this dumb. I'm not angry though.

Actually you are very angry, as evidenced by your writing. Don't try pass it off as someone taking it the wrong way. You are filled with contempt for people that you consider to be less intelligent than you because you "know" Christianity to be a fallacy.

The fact that you are so certain of yourself shows that you have no knowledge of the very basics of the scientific process. Hypotheses are proposed and tested. Some become theories. And very, very few become laws.

You have expressed a certainty about an issue which cannot be empirically tested and proven or dis-proven. An issue about which the truth cannot possibly be discovered under our current paradigms.

Personally, I do not practice any particular religion. However, my empirical observations provide me ample evidence that the people around me who actively practice their faith (whether Christian, Judaism, Muslim, etc) contribute more to their communities than they take, making them net gains for society.

People who exhibit behavior like you have in this thread, have a tendency to spend more time blaming others and demanding other people fix things, hence being a net loss on society.

So given the choice between a person as "intelligent" as yourself, and a devout believer in a particular faith, I will choose the religious person for my neighbor every time.

Instead of spending so much energy trashing other people's beliefs, you should ask yourself what YOU have done to improve the community which you live in.

My bet is that if you were to compare yourself with those poor, ignorant religious masses, will find yourself lacking.

 

[skimple]

Oh, "Bill Maher is angry liberal" is not news.

You'll notice that he very specifically attacks Christians because he can get away with that. He knows if he attacks Jews, he'll find that working in the entertainment industry suddenly becomes very problematic. And if he attacks Muslims, the networks run scared because they are worried about targets for terrorism, because they "know" all Muslims are terrorists.

 

[momeNt]

Oh, "Bill Maher is angry liberal" is not news.

You'll notice that he very specifically attacks Christians because he can get away with that. He knows if he attacks Jews, he'll find that working in the entertainment industry suddenly becomes very problematic. And if he attacks Muslims, the networks run scared because they are worried about targets for terrorism, because they "know" all Muslims are terrorists.

Yea, he's really just a coward.

I guess when 75% of all the boards that produce his stuff have names that end with "man" "stein" "berg", you might want to keep your mouth shut and just let the mohel suck your son's dick.

 

[shadow9d9]

Actually you are very angry, as evidenced by your writing. Don't try pass it off as someone taking it the wrong way. You are filled with contempt for people that you consider to be less intelligent than you because you "know" Christianity to be a fallacy.

The fact that you are so certain of yourself shows that you have no knowledge of the very basics of the scientific process. Hypotheses are proposed and tested. Some become theories. And very, very few become laws.

You have expressed a certainty about an issue which cannot be empirically tested and proven or dis-proven. An issue about which the truth cannot possibly be discovered under our current paradigms.

Personally, I do not practice any particular religion. However, my empirical observations provide me ample evidence that the people around me who actively practice their faith (whether Christian, Judaism, Muslim, etc) contribute more to their communities than they take, making them net gains for society.

People who exhibit behavior like you have in this thread, have a tendency to spend more time blaming others and demanding other people fix things, hence being a net loss on society.

So given the choice between a person as "intelligent" as yourself, and a devout believer in a particular faith, I will choose the religious person for my neighbor every time.

Instead of spending so much energy trashing other people's beliefs, you should ask yourself what YOU have done to improve the community which you live in.

My bet is that if you were to compare yourself with those poor, ignorant religious masses, will find yourself lacking.

I don't think anyone would care if people believed in magic and fairty tales, if those same people didn't try to push their nonsense on the rest of the US through insane legislation, knocking on our doors proselytizing, protesting funerals, protesting against equal rights, etc. Don't try to pretend that those things aren't very much a part of society.

If you want to think that believing in magic and fairy tales are intelligent, then I don't know what to tell you. Better to agree to disagree.

 

[shadow9d9]

Oh, "Bill Maher is angry liberal" is not news.

You'll notice that he very specifically attacks Christians because he can get away with that. He knows if he attacks Jews, he'll find that working in the entertainment industry suddenly becomes very problematic. And if he attacks Muslims, the networks run scared because they are worried about targets for terrorism, because they "know" all Muslims are terrorists.

All I see here is more xenophobic paranoia. Poor oppressed christians, who control everything, and continue to try to legislate based on their book of magic.

 

[child of wonder]

Actually you are very angry, as evidenced by your writing. Don't try pass it off as someone taking it the wrong way. You are filled with contempt for people that you consider to be less intelligent than you because you "know" Christianity to be a fallacy.

The fact that you are so certain of yourself shows that you have no knowledge of the very basics of the scientific process. Hypotheses are proposed and tested. Some become theories. And very, very few become laws.

You have expressed a certainty about an issue which cannot be empirically tested and proven or dis-proven. An issue about which the truth cannot possibly be discovered under our current paradigms.

Personally, I do not practice any particular religion. However, my empirical observations provide me ample evidence that the people around me who actively practice their faith (whether Christian, Judaism, Muslim, etc) contribute more to their communities than they take, making them net gains for society.

People who exhibit behavior like you have in this thread, have a tendency to spend more time blaming others and demanding other people fix things, hence being a net loss on society.

So given the choice between a person as "intelligent" as yourself, and a devout believer in a particular faith, I will choose the religious person for my neighbor every time.

Instead of spending so much energy trashing other people's beliefs, you should ask yourself what YOU have done to improve the community which you live in.

My bet is that if you were to compare yourself with those poor, ignorant religious masses, will find yourself lacking.

This is hilarious. Thank you.

"The fact that you are so certain of yourself shows that you have no knowledge of the very basics of the scientific process. Hypotheses are proposed and tested. Some become theories. And very, very few become laws.

You have expressed a certainty about an issue which cannot be empirically tested and proven or dis-proven. An issue about which the truth cannot possibly be discovered under our current paradigms."

Brilliant. I never knew my certainty that the Mayan rain god Chaac does not exist means I am devoid of any knowledge of the scientific process and, ultimately, makes it likely I am a net negative on society.

Bravo, sir. BRAVO.

 

[skimple]

I don't think anyone would care if people believed in magic and fairty tales, if those same people didn't try to push their nonsense on the rest of the US through insane legislation, knocking on our doors proselytizing, protesting funerals, protesting against equal rights, etc. Don't try to pretend that those things aren't very much a part of society.

If you want to think that believing in magic and fairy tales are intelligent, then I don't know what to tell you. Better to agree to disagree.

Yes, but you are selectively choosing specific actions and topics that you disagree with, and using that to infer that the people who believe in that faith are not intelligent.

What "evidence" do you have that being gay is good or bad?
What "evidence" do you have that abortion is good or bad?

Your post suggests that you judge peoples intelligence by where they stand on these particular issues. But your opinion on these topics has no more or less validity than someone else's. If someone disagrees with your opinion, you perceive them to be less intelligent. Why? What scientific evidence exists that show your opinions to be more valid?

I'll propose a hypotheses that being gay is antithetical to human society because, by definition, being gay does not result in procreation, and thus is in direct conflict with the continuation of the species. The gay "gene" (if it exists) cannot be passed on.

Further, abortion is antithetical for the same reasons - it does not promote continuation of the species.

Now - personally I do not believe in either of these things. I don't care if someone is gay, and I don't care if they have an abortion. However, from a strictly scientific standpoint, I would argue that fundamentalist Christians have a more solid footing than anyone else.

So, strictly from an "intelligence" standpoint, the "intelligent" person should side with fundamentalist Christians, since their beliefs coincide more closely to the beliefs of Darwin's theory of evolution.

What Scientific theory do you use to influence your opinions on these issues?

 

[skimple]

This is hilarious. Thank you.

"The fact that you are so certain of yourself shows that you have no knowledge of the very basics of the scientific process. Hypotheses are proposed and tested. Some become theories. And very, very few become laws.

You have expressed a certainty about an issue which cannot be empirically tested and proven or dis-proven. An issue about which the truth cannot possibly be discovered under our current paradigms."

Brilliant. I never knew my certainty that the Mayan rain god Chaac does not exist means I am devoid of any knowledge of the scientific process and, ultimately, makes it likely I am a net negative on society.

Bravo, sir. BRAVO.

Another hate filled "intellectual".

Actually, you prove my point. Your snide comments, arrogance, and contempt for people of faith are more detrimental to a progressive society than those same people that you condemn.

Admitting that you don't know everything is the first step in learning.

I do not believe in Jesus, Mohammed, Buddah, Moses, or the tooth fairy. But I am not so arrogant to discount people's faith simply because of this.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Personally, I do not practice any particular religion. However, my empirical observations provide me ample evidence that the people around me who actively practice their faith (whether Christian, Judaism, Muslim, etc) contribute more to their communities than they take, making them net gains for society.

People who exhibit behavior like you have in this thread, have a tendency to spend more time blaming others and demanding other people fix things, hence being a net loss on society.

Your anecdotal evidence may be "ample" for you, I, however, would require far more before I'd entertain your hypothesis. Furthermore what methods did you use to arrive at the claims you made? Beyond your own POV?

And your assertions concerning his behavior and worth to society. are nothing more than spurious conjecture.

 

[midwestfisherman]

Bill Maher = Giant Douche Bag

 

[Jodell88]

Atheist say Christians try to force their religious on them. Christians says Atheist try to force their non-religious beliefs on them. Different side of the same coin.

Where I live, all religions get along well and don't force religious beliefs on one another, except Jehovah Witnesses, we all hate Jehovah Witnesses.

 

[SlitheryDee]

Oh, "Bill Maher is angry liberal" is not news.

You'll notice that he very specifically attacks Christians because he can get away with that. He knows if he attacks Jews, he'll find that working in the entertainment industry suddenly becomes very problematic. And if he attacks Muslims, the networks run scared because they are worried about targets for terrorism, because they "know" all Muslims are terrorists.

I think he's just working big to small. If you're trying to effect change, you go after the most people. I promise you, he'd go after whoever claimed the most members. Besides, Religulous has pretty extensive segments on both Islam and Judaism that are just as derisive as what he says about Christianity. If he were really afraid for the reasons you state, they wouldn't be there.

 

[skimple]

Your anecdotal evidence may be "ample" for you, I, however, would require far more before I'd entertain your hypothesis. Furthermore what methods did you use to arrive at the claims you made? Beyond your own POV?

And your assertions concerning his behavior and worth to society. are nothing more than spurious conjecture.

Agreed on both points. Everything is conjecture based on my personal observations. I have no proof of any of it.

My observations show that people of faith are the driving forces behind most of the food drives, clothing drives, fund raising efforts, and community based poverty relief programs in my community.

Meanwhile, the same people that routinely criticize people of faith are the people that most loudly complain that the local governments aren't doing enough to help people. They don't actually attempt to improve the situation themselves, they just demand that other people fix it.

However, I don't consider people less intelligent because they believe differently.

 

[raildogg]

Well. I believe Christianity has brought us up to this point where we are now. They instilled into people the morals in which we operate today. Compared to the barbarians we had covering the earth prior to Christianity they were Godsends. Jesus's values were really quite contrary to the original Old Testament and the rest of the world at the time.

The human race over the last 2000 years really exceeded what we had the prior 10,000 years (of biblical time) or 2 million years of human history if your reference is evolution. Why?

Western civilization grew out of this religion. People bonded together by God/Religion, rather than tribal boundaries with lawless anarchy. People worked together rather than against once another. This bonding allowed things like science to evolve. People weren't struggling with just surviving like they once were.

It's no surprise to me that people still want this religion around. It's a way to exceed beyond basic selfish needs, and be part of a community. That is desired by many. There is some virtue to this group. People trust it, as it's done a world of good for the past 2000 years. It's no surprise people still follow it. Do I call them idiots? Nope. I'd rather have Christians around doing their thing than Bill Maher's around doing their thing.

My friend, people haven't changed at all. They are still destructive and barbaric. There are people who talk about Christianity all day long but they are full of anger, hate and jealousy. Is that being a Christian?

Russians, caught up in their stupid nationalism, are saying that they can reduce the US, and therefore the world, to dust with their nuclear weapons. Yet you think that man has evolved. Yeah right. He is very close to destroying the whole of humanity. He is more violent than ever.

Christians and Muslims have killed more people than anyone. Yet you say they have done good. Their drive to forcefully convert others to their narrow belief systems have done a lot of harm. This is being anti-religious if one looks at it carefully. A truly enlightened man, if there exists one, does not force his views on others. At all.

Christians talk a lot about love and heaven yet their actions are the complete opposite. (Same goes for Muslims). I am sorry to write this stuff. It is sad.

 

[SP33Demon]

Oh, "Bill Maher is angry liberal" is not news.

You'll notice that he very specifically attacks Christians because he can get away with that. He knows if he attacks Jews, he'll find that working in the entertainment industry suddenly becomes very problematic. And if he attacks Muslims, the networks run scared because they are worried about targets for terrorism, because they "know" all Muslims are terrorists.

He's attacked Muslims and mocked him on his show for years. Where the hell have you been? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIpdC0o3mdM

Some of Mahr's shit is funny, but his smugness is irritating. If you take Mahr's shit personally for attacking your religion then you need to grow a thicker skin. Just take solace in knowing he's going to hell, if there is an afterlife.

 

[zinfamous]

Bill Maher's schtick is getting old. He just sounds more and more petty the longer he goes on pointing out religious idiocy. Faith and common sense don't coexist well, we get it. Move on.

EDIT: It's really the snarky, condescending way he does it. If he really wanted to change minds and wake people up to reality he wouldn't be so insulting towards them. All he's doing is making religious folks close their minds and stick to their ancient beliefs that much more..."la la la la *fingers in ears* I'm not listening to you Devil!" But as long as he gets paid.

agree. I did chuckle when I saw that the other night, because I do agree with his points, but I'm tired of his attitude.

 

[FuzzyDunlop]

I often wonder if Bill Maher actually believes in everything he says or if it is just him pandering to his audience. Remember, he is an entertainer first.
His approach is very harsh to the point of being too harsh. Its a backwards approach because it just forces those who disagree with him to press the ignore button. Its the same thing Glen Beck or Andrew Wilkow do, just on the opposite end of the spectrum. Push it to the extreme and the extremist will applaud.

I actually enjoy watching his show, although I often disagree with him. In the same way I like to listen to Andrew Wilkow on XM radio, even though I often disagree. Both are extremist IMO and I often wonder if they truly believe everything they say.

Now, back to Noah.
I saw an extended preview yesterday. It looks so ridiculous that I might actually go see it. The special effects look good.

 

[SP33Demon]

Atheist say Christians try to force their religious on them. Christians says Atheist try to force their non-religious beliefs on them. Different side of the same coin.

Where I live, all religions get along well and don't force religious beliefs on one another, except Jehovah Witnesses, we all hate Jehovah Witnesses.

Technically, it takes a lot more "faith" to be an atheist than a Christian.

1) Selfishness for survival. Atheists are going against how humans evolved, via selfishness and doing what's in our best interest. If there's no afterlife and you die, who gives a shit, we're all worm food. However, if there's an eternal afterlife, you win, the end. It's a very easy bet to take. Atheists are going against their natural evolution by not looking out for their best interests when they die.
2) History and historical artifacts. Atheists are going against hard evidence from Historians (many who aren't believers) that verify Jesus existed and that scientific carbon dating proves that the Bible (New not necessarily Old such as Genesis) was written around the time period that Jesus was alive. So atheists know the "stories" were recorded at a time about a guy who verifiably lived and was crucified. Short of witnessing the miracles themselves, that is a lot of hard evidence that no other religion has (e.g. Mohammad's accounts were written hundreds of years after his death so most likely diluted, Mormons don't have the golden tablets, etc).
3) Peer pressure. Not even including very young/impressionable indoctrination, the Christian movement has billions of dollars at its disposal to persuade you to be one of them. Your family and friends are all doing it, so why not you? This is going against how we evolved in social terms and atheists had to be of a very stubborn personality to shun friends and family and not "go with the flow", even to their own detriment (damnation if they lose the bet from #1). Not to mention the will to say that the Bible are all "stories" when there's hard scientific evidence of Jesus' existence/death with stunning accuracy (#2) but no evidence to disprove/prove the miracles either way.

 

[KeithTalent]

He's just the liberal counterpoint to Coulter or O'Reilly or whatever. I love his show and find it hilarious, but he is just a comedian, and that's how is stuff should be approached.

KT

 

[zinfamous]

He's just the liberal counterpoint to Coulter or O'Reilly or whatever. I love his show and find it hilarious, but he is just a comedian, and that's how is stuff should be approached.

KT

pretty much. They are all equal in the cuntiness department if you ask me, it just depends on who entertains you more (funny thing is that Coulter and Maher are such close friends.)

I usually watch Maher for the guests, because he has some interesting folk on there from time to time. It isn't always "team up and bash the conservative," but it usually is, imo.

Maher also isn't what I would call liberal. He's probably more libertarian/progressive.