The View September 30th: Bill Maher, Kevin Farley, and Dr. Drew Pinsky
Today on The View, it was the four main hosts, with no Barbara Walters. The first topic was the rejected bailout and the drop in the stock market. Sherri Shepherd said she didn’t understand because she thought they were so close. Joy Behar just got a message from Barack Obama saying that he will suggest later today to increase the FDIC limit to $250,000. Elisabeth Hasselbeck said that you want the right package to pass and she hopes the people we elected are thinking about the people and not politics, especially because a lot of them are running for re-election. Joy said they need to use their own heads. Sherri is upset because she keeps reading about the sub-prime loans to minorities and they should not be to blame just because they wanted a part of the American dream. Elisabeth said they are not to blame, it is the lenders. Whoopi said that it was a big party and people had money to burn and now the party is over. She said everyone had a hand in the pot. Joy said that sometimes she is at a party and she sees people doing heroin, she will say “I don’t do that.” She said people could have blown the whistle. Joy wants to know why the banks cannot just go back to the lower interest rate on the mortgages, rather than using the higher rate on the ARM. Whoopi said they are just not thinking and it will take forever to get done.
Bill Maher joined the women for the second segment. He has a new movie coming out called Religulous. Joy asked him about the bailout and he said that he always thought that George Bush had one more giant screw up in him and he won’t be happy until he leaves the White House burning behind me. Maher said we don’t know if the projections of “gloom and doom” are true or not because we are not economists. He joked that you should look at the people next to you and might have to eat them soon.
Sherri asked him about how Sarah Palin will do in the debate, saying that we still don’t know a lot about Palin, and Sherri thinks she should not be underestimated. Maher asked if she saw the Katie Couric interview. Then he said that he has seen Palin try to speak twice and the “sentence to nowhere” is what comes out of her mouth. Maher said that if the comments came out of Biden’s mouth, we would think he has brain damage. Elisabeth (or was it Sherri?) mentioned the comment Biden made about FDR being on television. Joy said that Dan Quayle was moronic and they won. Elisabeth asked if she is saying that Palin is moronic? Maher said, “I will!” He said that they are bimbos, which can be a man or woman. He said that Quayle was asked during a debate what he would do in a time of crisis and he said first that he would say a prayer. Maher said, “Great, talk to your imaginary friend.”
Elisabeth asked Maher why he said that both Osama bin Laden and George Bush are religious fanatics. He said that it is because Bush’s religion affects his foreign policy. She pointed out that JFK and FDR mentioned God in speeches. Maher said that this is a religous country because we are “young and dumb.” He said that 60% of people believe the Noah’s Ark story literally. Sherri said that she does believe it really happened that way. Whoopi said that some people believe the Bible to the letter and some people believe you can have religion and science together. She said if you believe, that’s groovy, but she doesn’t want it to take over what everyone is doing because not everyone believes the same thing.
His movie, Religulous, features an interview with his mom and sister, who were in the audience. His father was Catholic and he and his sister accompanied him to church growing up. At age 13, he learned that his mother was Jewish. They showed a clip of the interview. His mom said in the clip, his father stopped going to church because they used birth control and the church was against it. Elisabeth said that like he discusses in the movie, she was also confused about Catholicism growing up and never understood going to confession and what sins were what.
Sherri asked him how he feels about faith. He is not a big fan of believing in things without critical thinking. Maher said that some people think that Barack Obama is the Antichrist and asked Sherri and Elisabeth if they believed that and they said, “No.” Maher said it is not a big leap if you believe Noah lived to be 900 years old. He said that religion walls off part of your mind and that is how intelligent people can be religious. He said that story of a man who was born in a virgin birth and went on to die for man’s sins was the same story that went around the Mediterranean for a 1000 years and was not new to Christianity. Sherri asked Maher if he ever talked to God and asked God what he thought. Sherri said she spoke to God and that God answered her. Maher said that we need to call Bellevue then if she is hearing voices.
Kevin Farley appeared on the show to promote An American Carol, which is a spoof about Michael Moore. Joy asked if he was scared to be here and he said “terrified.” Elisabeth said that the movie was “dead-on” and she liked it more than most spoofs which “have a liberal slant.”
Sherri pointed out that he looks a lot like his brother, the late Chris Farley. They were only a year apart. He looked up to Chris because he thought he was one of the funniest people. Joy said that the funniest part of the film is when they go after the Taliban because it was dangerous and the best comedy is dangerous. He said that primarily he wanted it to be funny, no matter what side of the fence you are on. The movie was directed by David Zucker, the writer/director of Naked Gun and Airplane. He became a Republican after 9/11 and asked Kevin at the audition what his political affiliation was. He told Zucker he was conservative and thought he lost the job because he thought Zucker was liberal. Whoopi said that most movies are not based on people’s political beliefs and there are a lot of conservative actors. She commented that Bill Geddie was indicating something off camera and told him that this is her genre and the world she lives in and she knows how it is. Kevin agreed that in most cases, the directors do not ask about your political beliefs.
Dr. Drew Pinsky appeared on the show to talk about sex addiction. Sue William Silverman, who battles sex addiction, also appeared on the show. She wrote a book about her problem called Love Sick. Pinsky said that it is a problem when it affects parts of your life like work and interpersonal relationships. It can be a symptom of something else and it is difficult to document how many people have it. Most addicts also have a sexual addiction. Joy said that he says that anyone can become a sex addict and joked “How can I?” Pinksy said it is often the results of childhood trauma, like sexual abuse.
Silverman said she tried to love her husband, but because she did not love herself so it was hard to do so. Her father sexually molested her started at age four and she learned that she was just a sex object and did not understand the difference between sex and love. Pinsky said it is very common and it is something growing in our society because abused can become perpetrators. Silverman was out of control in her addiction and did a lot of risky things like picking up strange men at seedy bars. Pinsky said that often addicts will defend their addictions and then all of a sudden it doesn’t work for them anymore. Silverman said that she was involved with a man who treated her badly and she realized it was not about love. Then she got into treatment.
Pinsky said that signs could be addiction to internet porn, but often the addiction is hidden. Joy wants to know why people don’t feel bad about Peter Cook and others. Silverman said that you have to take responsibility for your own actions as an adult.
The View, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Barbara Walters, Sherri Shepherd, Bill Maher, Kevin Farley, Robert Davi, An American Carol, Dr. Drew Pinsky
September 30th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I just LOVE Bill Maher!!!
(Thanks for the recap, Winnie)
September 30th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Religion is where “sane” people are expected to be irrational.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Whoopi shut BG DOWN!!
LOVED IT!
The show made me really miss Chris Farley.
What a shame. He gave my family many hours
of laughter.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:37 am
God..Sherri is such a ditz. I don’t think anyone blamed the minorities for the complete
downfall of the economy.
She said she talks to God all the time.
I wonder if she talked to him when she made
the decision to have umpteen abortions she
said she had (she lost count). A real christian? What a hypocrite. Though shall not kill is a commandment. Dah!
September 30th, 2008 at 10:58 am
does anyone else think that “sex addiction” is just a load of crap?
They made up another “problem” to justify bad behavior, as well as another excuse to vilify “those people”
September 30th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Bill Maher did not bite his tongue about Palin. The Hammity parrot tried to make it seem as though Joy was calling Palin a moron. She was just comparing Dan Quayle and Sarah and just pointing out the obvious, both are ill informed and unprepared.
There is a YouTube clip of Maher calling Palin a Category 5 Moron!! LOL!!!!
September 30th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Bill Maher is calling the majority of American idiots. Think about it.
September 30th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Actually, on September 25th, during a House hearing on the financial crisis, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) blamed Bill Clinton, ‘Blacks’ and ‘Other Minorities’ for the current financial situation. You can see the video and read more at:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/26/bachmann-ellison-economy/
September 30th, 2008 at 11:46 am
First time posting here..
Ok more then ever today I think EH was trying way too hard to be Republican.
After the Kevin Farley clip, and belting out that oh-so-forced fake laugh and shouting “I love it!”, she made me wan to vomit more then any other time.
I mean, was that really necessary? And does she have to kiss ass to every Republican who crosses her path?
The republican Party is not a Sorority!!!!
Her and Sherri are turning the show into a “good club bad club” spectacle, and their idiocy is ruining the show.
You can totally tell the rumors about how they need to tone down the political fighting is actually true. EH was just sh*tting herself during the Meyer sketch and Whoopie was trying to keep from laughing the entire time!
September 30th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I think Bill Maher is the one that should be sent to Bellevue. What a rude, pompous ass.
September 30th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Sherri and Bill Maher have a lot in common. Both are intolerant when it comes to people having and not having faith.
I’m glad Whoopi set Bill Geddie straight.
“The Hammity parrot tried to make it seem as though Joy was calling Palin a moron. ”
Yes , she did the same thing regarding Rosie and the troops.
September 30th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
NOTIMPRESSED….please give your definition of a “real christian.”
September 30th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
well I am according to YOU & YOU only - ‘one of those people’ - I was molested by my stepdad just like the author spoke of & frankly for the 1st time actually felt like I understood what was being discussed. I have made poor choices in the search for ‘love’ because I too was taught that sex=love & that physical was all that men were interested in. Now I know that to be incorrect - but the building blocks that were placed when I was very young are not so easy to move around into a different foundation. Maybe if you actually were an adult that had grown w/ such a situation or God forbid your child had - you would have a LOT more empathy for those that are different from you. Step back & have just a little grace for others that apparently weren’t or aren’t as fortunate as yourself.
September 30th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Thanks Winnie,
I didn’t see the show, but had wanted to.
Even though I don’t agree with a lot of what Bil Maher says, I do like him. I loved to watch Politically Incorrect, when it was on in my area.
One can definitely believe in, and have strong faith in their religion, and science at the same time. I do.
September 30th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Not very impressive. Abortion isn’t killing.
September 30th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
missed the show
looking forward to seeing religulous at some point though have to admit i had no interest in the doc ben stine made about evolution/science ( no intellengence allowed i think)
omg cbs is saying that palin could not name a supream court case other than roe v wade you guys i can name a couple so sad.
September 30th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Sandy, I think you are the poster here that I would most like to see a picture of.
As for the show, I loved Bill Maher. I saw the clip on YouTube of the interview and that’s all I watched of today’s show. I am going to look into him more and definitely watch that movie.
September 30th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I didn’t get to watch the show today. TELL, TELL, TELL -what happened with Whoopie and Bill Geddes????????
September 30th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
It’s in the recap:
Whoopi said that most movies are not based on people’s political beliefs and there are a lot of conservative actors. She commented that Bill Geddie was indicating something (his disagreement) off camera and told him that this is her genre and the world she lives in and she knows how it is.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Matt95688 Says:
“Bill Maher is calling the majority of American idiots. Think about it.”
Why isn’t he calling the rest of the American idiots? LOL
September 30th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I watched until Bill Maher got started on denouncing religion. Up till that point he was his old hilarious self. Loved when he said that bush had to give us one more big screw-up before he left and will leave the WH in flames!
September 30th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I don’t think Sherri is intolerant of people not having or having faith. She gives her opinion without yelling and listens while guests speak instead of talking over them the way EH does.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
My dad is a deacon at our church and he loves Bill Maher. My parents never miss an episode of ‘Real Time,’ and I like him too. As a Christian I know that we can’t pick and choose only certain things in the bible, and alot of people do that. Another thing is many people totally ignore the new testament, and are trying to live life as it is now in biblical times, which is so idiotic. I have always believed that God created science too, that’s the thing TOO. He wouldn’t make man kind smart enough to discover the abilities of science if he didn’t want us to know about it. I absolutely feel that religion is the reason why mankind is so messed up. If you really think about it Jesus was just Jesus- he didn’t assert to any religion. And for those that would say to me well, what about those that don’t believe in Jesus, I would say God was just God too, he didn’t assert to any religion. Religion is man made, that’s why it’s not perfect. I would tell Bill that I am a proud christian,but I deeply understand his frustration with people and their religions, that’s why alot of people are so messed up. By my faith I would be identified as Baptist, but to me, I’m just a christian trying to treat people the way I would want to be treated- it’s that simple. Man makes it harder than it suppose to be.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Sharon,
I totally disagree. If she were “tolerant” should would not have asked Bill if he talked to God. What part of he doesn’t believe in God, doesn’t she understand?
September 30th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Why does asking a question equal intolerance? I took her question to mean had he ever.
September 30th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
If she accepted the fact that he is a non believer, she would not have asked such a silly question. It’s as if she hadn’t heard a thing he said.
September 30th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I think his implication that Sherri is crazy for “hearing” God in intolerant.
September 30th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
is, sorry
September 30th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
So Sharon, you think she actually hears God’s voice answer her like she says she does?
September 30th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Isnt that the point Sharon? If you hear voices when no one else is around that is a sign of insanity. To say that you speak to god and he speaks back just doesnt sound right. What does his voice sound like? Does he use slang? Does he have an accent? Is god a girl?
Silly questions arent they?
Here is my take on religion and talking to god. We are what we make ourselves to be. When you give credit to god for something that you did thats fine, but in doing so you are taking away from what you did.
When everyone survives an airplane crash or some other accident, the first thing that u hear people say is “thank god” “its a miracle” stuff like that…. well god didnt have anything to do with it. Now if the wing fell off and then they were able to land the plane safely….now that would be a different story.
September 30th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I don’t know what she hears or doesn’t hear but as a christian I know what she meant by that.
September 30th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Well Roger, it all depends on how you choose to look at that situation.
September 30th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Roger am going to mess with you a little and tell yoou techinially since sherri is a relgious person her hear god when she prays is not nessicairly crazy if she was atheist and heard god or her the voice of a god she did not belive in that would be more inline with crazy but that is just techinally.
September 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hey, maybe THAT would be a “miracle” lol!
September 30th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
the old saying about how you shouldn’t discuss politics and/or religion seems pretty accurate today…but what the heck i’ll give my opinion…my problem with religion is when people use it further an agenda… karl rove exploited george bush’s religious beliefs to get him elected…most terrorism around the world is centered around religion…i myself do believe in god but i am aware enough to know it might not be the same god someone else believes in
September 30th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Sharon,your answer to me indicates you’ve been brainwashed to believe a set of things that you just defend no matter what, because that’s what you’ve been programmed to do.
It’s a black and white question. You either believe she can actually hear God speaking to her or you don’t.
It’s got nothing to do with are you Christian or not, do you actually think she hears God’s voice?
September 30th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Oh my gosh. This is a site devoted to sharing one’s view of The View. That is what I did. I did not intend to start nor will I engage in an argument that tears people apart. And thank you for alerting me that my brain has been washed. I never can seem to get ALL my laundry done.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I don’t always agree with every little thing Bill says, however, I DO agree with everything he says about Religion. I don’t think “believers” realize how odd (ridiculous really) it all sounds to us that don’t prescribe to the “imaginary friend.”
Personally, I understand why early civilization offered up to the Gods to ensure that the Sun would rise the following day, but in this day and age with all the information we have … well anyway, I sum it up to Groupthink and as unpopular as my opinion will obviously be here with some of my poster-friends, there are more of us than the masses would even fathom.
Bottom-line: IMO, people use the concept of “God” as a catch-all to explain the unexplainable; to mitigate the bad stuff (everything happens for a reason); and to feel like someone has their back. I’m okay with tolerating the believers but I just wonder how many of those folks really look at the flip side and recognize how crazy it all seems to “us”.
Don’t get mad that we don’t all buy in …
I’m w/Bill. I don’t want my elected officials leading by prayer … please!
September 30th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Sharon, are you Palin? lol…you can’t seem to answer a very basic question. I guess the lack of an answer provides one.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Danielle #23, Thanks for your post. Also a Christian, I can find humor in movies such as Bill’s. However, under no circumstances do I ever see the reason to call someone insane, brainwashed, or the like because of their Faith. (Notwithstanding extreme or illegal behavior under the guise of religion is never acceptable in my opinion). Maybe that is just the way I was raised.
Someone posted earlier that Faith and religious beliefs are fine - just don’t interject them in politics — I tend to agree.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I realize I’m sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong since I’m not a regular View-er but I think it would help to put Bill Maher’s views into context: Maher is not intolerant of faith, he is intolerant of delusion.
Delusion means believing in something that is verifiably untrue or not believing in something that is verifiably true. Because science exists entirely within the realm of the natural and physical Universe and because the concept of a higher power exists in a higher plane of existence, science can never impinge on one’s belief in a higher power.
Maher has said many times that he is okay with deism. He may not understand it but he’s accepted the fact that completely rational, intelligent people believe in a Creator. He’s tolerant of people who can rationalize their belief in a Creator within the confines of what we know about how the Universe works. What he is critical of is people whose belief in a higher power influences their perception of the natural, physical world. What he is critical of is people who use their belief in a Creator to say that the Universe is 6000 years old or that the Noah’s Ark story is true. Believing the Universe is 6000 years old is the same as believing the Earth is flat or that it is the center of the solar system. This is delusion. This is what he wants people to move away from.
What Bill Maher does in his religious commentary and comedy is he equates people who are manipulated by religion to believe the stories of the Bible are true word-for-word with people who are manipulated by religion to believe that it’s okay to kill in the name of their Creator. Obviously Sherri herself is harmless but the mechanism within her that allows her to believe God is talking to her and telling her GOOD things is the same mechanism that allows other people to believe God is talking to them and telling them to kill. It’s a very harsh approach to equate the two and I understand why a lot of people would be turned off by it, but he’s merely pointing out how easy it is for people to be manipulated by religion in some way, be it innocently ignorant or violently harmful. The argument that Maher makes at the end of his film is that it’s easier and more unifying if we all purge ourselves of that ‘mechanism’ than to take every single person of faith on the planet on a case by case basis and make sure they believe their Creator is telling them good things. What I hope people can see is that he’s not critical of the belief itself, it’s the willingness to be subjugated by the belief that irks him.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Ill stick my nose back in.
When someone says that god answered them, what that tells me is they were stressing about some question or decision, and that “god guided them to their answer”
When they do this, they are giving the credit to god when they are the one that decided. Most people will believe in their decision more if they convince themselves that it was actually god’s decision.
I guess my point is….. when u give god credit for what u did yourself, you are belittling yourself.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
The majority of the us does self-identify as christian. My family was unusual in my small town for not being religious, but we certainly weren’t shunned. I used to dogsit for the minister’s family across the street. Nor did my siblings and I make fun of our friends because they couldn’t play cards on Sunday; we’d just play another game.
I think maybe it is a combination of frustration at the last 8 years yoked to the bush/extreme religious right and you ain’t Americun if you don’t think like us and optimistic giddiness that we are close to voting that regime into history.
Some people like meditation; prayer and church brings comfort to many and is a time of reflection [or for Bits, fashion shopping]. Hey, Bits, did you ever get Gracie baptized?
I’d like to get rid of the 1950s-era anti-communist insertion of god in the pledge of allegiance.
I’d love to debate religion with that smug Scalia. Sherri, not so much.
New Zealand seems to have a civilized government without an emphasis on politicians’ religious preferences.
It is tough to try to change anyone’s loyalty to the sports team of their youth or even their preference of Apple vs. pc.
I think a true patriot realizes that america has been flawed from the start and continues to be flawed, but our constitution is a wonderful instrument that allows us to continue to tweak our country to become a better entity.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
to Notimpressed….
You can have an abortion and be a Christian. Did you know that?? I accompanied my best friend to the clinic and she is still a Christian.
You are in the wrong church if you believe this is so.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Also, do you classify our soldiers as non-christians????
September 30th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Msron…the cool thing about being Sherri’s kind of Christian is you can have “more abortions that you can count” and then just admit your wrongs, pray some and then feel perfectly free to judge others harshly for the mistakes you made yourself and act superior in the process. Because you have the religious cloak to hide under.
September 30th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Danielle, thanks for your comment.
October 1st, 2008 at 2:44 am
Danielle, beautiful post.:)
October 1st, 2008 at 3:25 am
I am reading these posts with great interest. I am catholic, but believe myself to be a christian, I am no different to anybody else who has a faith…..as Danielle said I treat people with the respect that I would like to be treated with…..I am amazed at the emphasis Americans place on religion…..not that there is anything wrong with that, but I believe it is a very personal thing. Being Australian, I could not imagine the religion card being pulled out in an election here….our politicians would be laughed at and told to get on with the real issues at hand…….. our population is miniscule compared to the States (20 million)……but we do have many different races with many different beliefs, We are a very laid back country, each to their own is our attitude.
October 1st, 2008 at 4:28 am
#41 Raj - You are welcome to “stick your nose in” anytime. The more views the merrier!
Your synopsis is spot-on and could have been written by Maher himself. Thanks for the GREAT post.
October 1st, 2008 at 5:25 am
I am appalled at what BM had to say…he gets his laughs, much like Joy, by putting others down, ridiculing and mocking others. What is wrong with all of you, you write your praises of this, I wonder how you would feel if he were speaking to you - Oh, by the way, he is. He looks at all of you, laughs and says, see I can insult them, and they just keep coming back, watch them all flock to see my movie now. And then he laughs all the way to the bank.
October 1st, 2008 at 5:35 am
We just a a Mosque gassed in Ohio, because of lack of tolerance. I think it’s mean spirited and rude to tell someone who believes in the stories in the bible, that they are silly. This world is hard enough, I say use whatever you can to get by. I’ve see faith in my life and the lives of loved ones get them through some pretty tough times. I found Bill to be very disrespectful. You can disagree with someones religious views with out insulting them. Calling someone delusional is insult in my book. To each their own.
October 1st, 2008 at 6:11 am
Andrew Sullivan appeared on Bill’s show and I thought he gave the best argument I’ve ever heard, regarding religion and politics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snvUA_smXwo
October 1st, 2008 at 7:23 am
Thanks Rain.
October 1st, 2008 at 7:58 am
Two things: when EH tried to say Bush wasn’t like Bin Laden because JFK talked about being on God’s side or whatever, to my knowledge JFK never went to war on the premise that God was on his side in the way Bush did. There’s a great book by a an academic (Jurgensmeyer is his last name, can’t remember the name of the book, it’s been 4 years since I read it) and he compared the speeches of Bush to bin Laden’s and if you replace the word ‘God’ with the word ‘Allah’ in Bush’s speeches it’s impossible to tell who said what - and that’s a fact, not a ‘liberal slant’.
Also, this episode really annoyed me because it has nothing to do with believers vs. non-believers and during the show it was like EH was trying to split the panel/audience into ‘us’ vs. ‘them’ - which is wholly intolerant. The fact is religion is a human creation and so it is maintained by humans either believing or not believing, neither is wrong nor right and that is the point the movie is making. However, as an atheist even i think bill (while i absolutely love him) stepped over the line in comparing praying to delusions….
October 1st, 2008 at 8:02 am
Rain, so you wouldn’t call someone delusional that believes Palin is really smart, competent and the best thing for this country right now?
I personally respected Bill for being able to say it.
It’s one thing to say you believe in God and the bible, even though it’s not really realistic to do so going by the stories in it. I agree people should respect that belief. It’s another to say you actually hear the voice of God. There are people seriously in the mental hospital for that very thing. It wasn’t that she said she talked to God, she said she heard his voice back.
Plus any time he said his thoughts on religion, she looked like she was about to squirm out of her seat.
October 1st, 2008 at 8:06 am
I believe that there is an innate goodness in all of us that would prefer to do the
‘right’ thing. The cartoon angel that sits on your shoulder, as opposed to the liitle devil on the other shoulder. If you sense a little ‘voice’ telling you what you should do and then sense another ‘voice’ saying, ’see, didn’t that work out better’, some people interpret that to be God speaking to them. If it helps them to be a better person, I don’t know why everyone is getting so upset about it.
As for ‘using’ religion in politics, if the Bush administration is Christian, then they can keep it. Any administration that spouts off about the evils of abortion and then preemptively goes over to Iraq and bombs them, killing thousands of innocent children, women and men and then calls the killing, collateral damage, is NO Christian!
As for brainwashing, the ‘born again’ Christians who blindly toddle along behind this supposedly ‘born again’ Pres. and the repubs, believing everything they say, in spite all evidence to the contrary, are truly brain washed. Koolaid anyone?
October 1st, 2008 at 8:33 am
I can’t speak for anyone else, the only thing I know is I’ve seen the good that having faith can do to people. My aunt had three of her four children killed. Lost her husband, and all five of her siblings, in less than four years.
Her belief in God, and her church got her by. That worked for her, I’m not saying it will work for other people. She’s still standing and is currently caring for two special needs, adopted children.
If you ask her, how did you manage to stay sane, she’d tell you it was her faith that helped her through the dark times.
Bill is entitled to feel the way that he does, I just find some of his comments disrespectful. Just like I found the comments of some republicans against Islam disrespectful. I try to respect and be tolerant of all religions. I don’t tolerate or respect extremists. Believing in Palin and believing in God are two different things. I also believe that religion should not be mixed with politics.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:25 am
#56 - Rainlillie - “I don’t tolerate or respect extremists.” Who gets to define “extremists”? For me (a bona fide non-believer) - ALL who espouse “Jesus this” or “God that” seem pretty extreme. “Extremist” is in the eye of the beholder.
=============================
For anyone insulted by Bill’s religion remarks: Once the indignation wears off try to objectively consider what he said. (Re-read #41 Raj’s comment.)
#51 - Rainlillie (I promise I’m not picking on you) - “This world is hard enough, I say use whatever you can to get by” … ITA, but sometimes other people are going to shake their heads in disbelief at what gets a person “by”.
It was irrational to think that Bill would give a pro-religion answer to Sherri’s little “talk to God/Is God talking” questions.
Whatever
October 1st, 2008 at 9:29 am
#57 (Mine) ohhh, I really didn’t mean to leave in that last “Whatever” … hmmm, Freudian? (Actually, I always go back and try to shorten my posts and just missed deleting the beginning of yet another point) …
October 1st, 2008 at 9:59 am
“Who gets to define “extremists”? ”
People who justify murder or discrimination against another group, because of religion are extremists.
“but sometimes other people are going to shake their heads in disbelief at what gets a person “by”.
I would say to those people walk a mile in my aunts shoes and then get back to me.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:03 am
I had the same debate with a friend who like me is also a liberal. I said if that were a right-winger on the view yesterday, putting down Islam we would be outraged and rightfully so.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:45 am
I know this is not a comment on the topic of Bill’s movie, but I must say he is very condescending and rude. I think he could have handled himself with a bit more diplmacy and grace. 81% of American Adults in 2001 identified themselves with a religion, that is alot of people to call crazy (needing to go to Bellvue,) or dumb. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, even if they are harsh. For comedic value I would have watched that movie, but I found him to be so smug, that I won’t spend the money.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:48 am
Thank you to Beverly and Raj for your posts and commments - couldn’t agree more or said it better!
October 1st, 2008 at 1:11 pm
# 17 Shannon.
I’d say picture me as a plain, average, middle aged woman.
Just my view,
I certainly do not see Sherri as delusional at all, concerning her comment about God answering her.
I didn’t see the show, and am going by Winnie’s recap..
Sherri said “she spoke to God, and that God answered her”. I interpret this to mean, she feels she gets guidance and strength from God.
I think Bill, and others, are certainly entitled to their opinion, concerning Sherri’s comment, I just don’t agree, that makes her delusional.
October 1st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I haven’t seen anyone else mention how Sherri rubbed Elisabeth’s leg after she helped her out with a really good answer to Bill. I watched the videos and also watched the show later last night. What is with those two. It seems that the couch is divided into those who believe and those who do not? I watch the same people interviewed on other shows and this is the only place I see a free for all and ganging up on the guests. Bill was there to promote his movie as others do. There are too many people asking questions all at once and then congratulating themselves when they think they score. This show gets worse each day. Glad I DVR it so I don’t have to see it all.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Yikes.
I gotta put in my 5 cents and am ducking while typing…
I am not at all offended by Bill’s remarks because he is pretty dead on. He never said he was against religion or faith. Just the people who take religion to a rediculous level and will hold up the sword to it. His point as I took it, was if you believe a man lived to 900 years old and gathered every species on the planet and ensured that they breeded and started the world over again is a pretty tough tale to swallow! So to his point, if you believe that, what else can some head of a religious group can make you believe? Now just to be clear.. I am a person of faith and truly think that people are saved by religion in many ways. Some people need the guidance and support of faith and a congregation to get them through their lives. Most of the congregations of religion do alot of good in their society. I would never deny a person that at all. I also dont think we are some science experiment from some alien planet but I think my home, since I have been travelling 3 weeks straight is some science experiment and it should be condemned!
Faith and religion is good otherwise we would have a moraless society where we would go back to the dark ages. But, religion goes to0 far in the name of murder for someones god.
Rain - you had said that if they put down Islam on the view, we would be outraged. They were not putting down christianity or Islam. I understand your reason to defend this right as I do as well. I have to wince when listening to some people about their religion but I also know they need it to survive. But, the extremist groups do not represent the religions they hide behind. And that is what I am talking about. Americans only heard of Islam after 911. The people of Islam are not the terrorists.
In speaking fairy tales and Sherry telling Bill that he should speak to god because it would be deep, what does she expect? Most of us pray, but only the ones who god spoke to are now saints. I can ask and see if I receive, but come on.. I dont get answers in the form where when I am finished.. I thought.. wow.. that was deep. Lets have this chat again….
I’m just saying……..
P.S. Nice to see u ladies again. I just rolled off a project and have some downtime now to clean my house and get rid of the condemned sign off my home!
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:32 am
#50 Beverly and #64 Loretta, thank you! Glad I could chip in.
I’d like to expound on what Aileen said about taking religion to a ridiculous level:
There’s a difference between believing in God and knowing God exists. Faith is in the belief and it’s a very powerful, transformative thing. Not even Bill Maher would deny that. On Maher’s Daily Show appearance from Tuesday he said he understands why people turn to faith. The example he used was a man who’s been in prison his entire life — which is obviously very different than losing loved ones or being stranded by Katrina — but the point he made is that he understands and even empathizes with people who rely on faith when they are surrounded by hopelessness. His gripe is not with faith, it’s not with people who believe in God, it’s with people who say they KNOW God exists.
Think of it this way: If suicide bombers didn’t KNOW there was an afterlife, if they didn’t KNOW 72 virgins were waiting for them, would they still do what they do? If they had a shadow of a doubt that the end of this life might be the end of their existence entirely, I don’t think they would waste it on a belief, on a hope, on a hunch.
Obviously suicide bombers are the extreme of the extreme but the way they were taught to approach their religion — with rigid, dogmatic, blind devotion — is the same approach Sherri was taught to take with her religion. I know it’s awful to say that but stick with me.
The difference with Sherri is that she is for the most part a good-hearted person. And I believe that’s genetic. So when she’s raised to believe God talks to her, she is going to hear God say good things because those things are already within her. God’s voice is merely the validation. The problem is that a lot of people are not good-hearted people. So when they are raised to believe God talks to them, they are going to hear God say not-so-good things and God’s voice, unfortunately, is also their validation.
Maher’s vision is that if we all purge ourselves of this kind of religion — the habit of letting faith turn into misguided fact — we would all be better off. Maher himself is not an atheist. Again from his Daily Show appearance he said that his stance on a higher power is that he just doesn’t know. And he said that atheists who say they know God doesn’t exist are the same as Christians/Muslims/Jews who say they know God does exist. All he’d like is for people to admit they don’t know. Believe as loyally, lovingly, faithfully as you want, he just wants people to admit they won’t know for certain until they get there.
Rainlillie: The video you posted of Andrew Sullivan is perfect. He has it exactly right. People of faith are smart enough to separate their faith from their opinions of policy. But people like Sherri and Palin cannot and that worries Maher. Those are the people he jokes about sending to Bellevue but there’s nobody like that here.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:36 am
I apologize for writing essays.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:27 am
“- you had said that if they put down Islam on the view, we would be outraged. They were not putting down christianity or Islam.”
Yeah, well maybe you’re right. The word “delusional” IS a term of endearment. Glad I know that now.
I skimmed through the long post. My best friend is an atheist. We remain friends, because we RESPECT each others points of view. Calling people names is showing a lack of respect. Really not that hard to figure out, perhaps for some… Carry on.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:59 am
#65 - Sandy - “Sherri said “she spoke to God, and that God answered her”. I interpret this to mean, she feels she gets guidance and strength from God.” —
Hi Sandy. In the video clip, Sherri says that God answered her. That he “spoke”. She said that it wasn’t JUST a voice in her head. That’s when Bill joked that she should be committed because she’s “delusional”. (because she literally HEARS God’s voice)
I think your interpretation is generous but she didn’t say that she “FEELS” God — she said that she HEARS God (repeating it at least a couple of times).
In judging Bill’s joke about her being committed, I think that’s an important distinction. I interpret Bill’s comment “we should call Bellevue” as his way of getting Sherri to shut up about it and move on.
#66 Aileen - Welcome Home! I agree w/you.
#67 Raj - Yeah, a little long-winded but worth reading through … Some people just will not accept the concept and that’s okay.
#69 - Good morning Rainlillie, I need more coffee for such facetiousness so early in the morning!
Can’t wait to see how this day unfolds …
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:12 am
“I interpret this to mean, she feels she gets guidance and strength from God.”
Exactly.
June #63,
You pretty much expressed how I feel.
“I need more coffee for such facetiousness so early in the morning!”
Whatever gets you by.
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:33 am
Bill is offensive to anyone who believes in a God. He has never said one good word about religion. That man fits the definition of a narsicist and is very negative. We should all watch where it gets him. Lets see how blessed he is with all his negativity. Blah he is famous, why? Just the look on his face shows how miserable he is.
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:38 am
#71 - Rainlillie - “Whatever gets you by.” RIGHT ON! (but R U shaking your head in disbelief?)
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:47 am
LOL! tea rules!
I respect all of the coffee drinkers of the world. Even the decafe drinkers.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:19 am
Bill Maher wants us to worship…Bill Maher. He constantly presents himself as the all-seeing, all-knowing supreme reality and is totally intollerant of those who disagree with his point of view. His condesention and sarcasim are repugnant. He is an embarassment to the human race.
This site has become a liberal chat room (much as The View has become) with a relatively few posters chattering back and forth. As for The View, polls are being to show that it is attracting mainly it’s own liberal base, while at the same turning off independents because of it’s relentless, bias, presentation. There is a backlash effect taking place. Something to think about.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Raj,
I enjoy your posts, you really can make a point which I agree totally. I hope you contribute more so I can sip my tea and read.
Hello Beverly!!! I am detoxing the stress that I have built up with work and am still staring at a messy home. I am now getting stressed at the other things I have neglected.
Rain, please dont be offended at what I wrote. I see your passion on loved ones being saved by faith which I share as well. I thank GOD for there faith where I dont have to intervene other potential issues if they didnt have faith. I seperate that from the message Bill M is trying to convey. I think Raj explained it better than me. Maybe Bill went overboard with his comment on Bellvue but he is a comdian where points are exaggerated.
Is it me or do other peeps here have to google the spelling of words more as you get older?
I’m just saying……
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
HELLO Aileen,
So nice to see and read a comment by you. I’ve missed you!
# 71 Beverly,
Thanks for describing what Sherri said, as I didn’t watch the video. It takes forever with my slow dial up service. (I some times watch them, when it seems important to me).
As someone who has a pretty strong faith, I think I understand what Sherri is describing.
And I still feel that this doesn’t make her delusional.
As for Bill Maher, I don’t have a problem with his views on religion. I just don’t agree with them. I do like Bill, and very often watched his show, Politically Incorrect.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Aileen,
I understand your point.