“To me,” Mr. Allen said, “there’s no real difference between a fortune teller or a fortune cookie and any of the organized religions. They’re all equally valid or invalid, really. And equally helpful.”
Bill Maher discusses religion on Leno:
And a clip from the last Louie about religion:
Funny? Not really. But I think that scene is fucking beautiful.
And I love how comedians are the only ones who manage to say stuff like this yet still hold down a regular TV gig. OK, cable slots at 11pm...but still.
Also not funny but interesting: Confessions of a Lonely Atheist. It's a great piece from a few years back about religion in America.
When asked in 1999 whether they would consider voting for a woman for president, 92 percent of Americans said yes, up from 76 percent in 1978; 95 percent of respondents would vote for a black, a gain of 22 points since 1978; Jews were up to 92 percent from 82 in the votability index; even homosexuals have soared in popularity, acceptable presidential fodder to 59 percent of Americans today, compared with 26 percent in 1978. But atheists, well, there's no saving them. Of all the categories in this particular Gallup poll, they scraped bottom, considered worthy candidates by only 49 percent of Americans, a gain of a mere 9 percent since 1978. "Throughout American history, there's been this belief that our country has a covenant with God and that a deity watches over America," says Michael Cromartie, vice president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington. Atheism, in other words, is practically unpatriotic.
Gay Black Jewish woman for President? America: "Sure!" How about an atheist? "Hell no!"
USA!
2 comments:
Lucas Molandes has a quote a like: "I wanted to be a philosopher, but got into comedy so people would take me seriously."
The God episode of Louie was great - hit close to home... and there WERE some really hilarious moments in it. The final shot of the guy with the cigar nailing Jesus back onto the cross like it was no big deal... pretty brilliant stuff.
On the bright side, 49% is very close to half the country, so not everyone has lost their minds. I don't understand public perception of atheists supposedly inadequately governing a country, when there have been plenty of theists who have.
Comedy is the opposite world. Not only are comedians allowed to be openly atheist, but I feel like talking about your religion (barring non-practicing Judaism) is taboo.
In conclusion, turn or burn.
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