Review of Religulous (2008) by Markus M — 27 Jun 2010

This was a great, quick, funny look at some of the more ridiculous aspects of religion (hence the name). Some parts are pretty poignant when you start to see how some people are clearly taken advantage of by charlatans, while others are just so indoctrinated that they don't even dare question how they were raised, and others are simply justifying and apologizing for what the more extremist people in their religions do because they are afraid of questioning it, either of either fear of questioning their religion or truly fearing for their lives.

The overall tone is very light and of course it's one-sided because it's more like a long Bill Maher episode than a true impartial documentary (very few of which actually exist). It's got some great jokes and some truly interesting, if creepy, characters. It's a quick watch and it is at least a little eye-opening. The end has some great parting thoughts and quotes. I like what he said about electing deeply religious officials is like having someone navigate a ship using animal entrails instead of a compass. The good thing is that it also makes it clear that atheists are open about the fact that we could be wrong and we're happy to discuss alternatives and look at the evidence but ultimately that's what's required to take something as fact, especially when you use it as a way of explaining the natural world. The overarching message of asking questions and thinking for yourself and just plain thinking is there. I recommend it.