"Religulous" (2008) Screening and Discussion: A Secular Exploration of Religion

Event Overview: Join us for a screening of the thought-provoking documentary Religulous (2008), directed by Larry Charles and starring comedian Bill Maher. Following the film, we will host a group discussion to unpack its themes and explore how it relates to secularism in today’s world.
About the Film: Religulous is a documentary that takes a comedic yet critical look at organized religion across the globe. Bill Maher, known for his sharp wit and outspoken views on religion, travels around the world interviewing religious figures and everyday people to highlight the contradictions, absurdities, and societal impacts of various belief systems. Maher questions the role of religion in public life, its influence on politics, and the way faith intersects with reason, science, and secularism.
While Maher’s approach is humorous, Religulous is ultimately a critique of how religious beliefs often clash with scientific evidence and rational thinking. The documentary explores how secularism—focused on reason, evidence, and the separation of church and state—can offer a more logical and inclusive way of approaching social and political issues.
How It Applies to Secularism: Religulous explores several key aspects of secularism, including:

• Separation of Church and State: The film critiques how religion still plays an outsized role in politics and governance, especially in the United States. The documentary raises questions about the dangers of mixing religious dogma with policy decisions that affect society as a whole.
• Rational Thought vs. Religious Belief: A central theme in Religulous is the tension between faith-based belief systems and reason-based thinking. Secularism emphasizes rational inquiry, skepticism, and evidence-based approaches to understanding the world—values that are often at odds with religious teachings. The film’s exploration of these ideas can prompt thought-provoking discussions about the role of reason in shaping public discourse.
• Humanism and Ethics: While Maher’s tone is comedic, the film indirectly highlights the humanist ideals of secularism, promoting a worldview where moral decisions are made based on human welfare and reason, rather than divine command. It offers an opportunity to discuss how secular humanism addresses ethics and morality without reliance on religious doctrines.
• Freedom of Belief: The film also illustrates the diversity of religious beliefs, providing a platform for discussing the secular value of respecting individual freedom of thought and belief. Secularism advocates for an environment where individuals can make their own choices regarding faith, without facing discrimination or coercion based on religion.

Event Agenda:

1. Introduction (15 minutes):

• Brief overview of the film Religulous and its key themes.
• Introduction to secularism and its relevance in the modern world.

2. Screening of Religulous (1 hour 40 minutes):

• Watch the documentary in a comfortable setting.

3. Post-Screening Discussion (30–45 minutes):

• Guided Discussion Topics:
• What were your impressions of Religulous? How did the film challenge or confirm your views on religion?
• How do you think religion’s influence on politics and public policy should be addressed from a secular standpoint?
• In what ways do you think secularism can contribute to a more rational, inclusive society?
• What role does comedy or satire play in sparking important conversations about religion and secularism?
• Do you agree with Maher’s views on religion? Why or why not?
• Open the floor to audience members to share their thoughts and reflections.

4. Closing Remarks (10 minutes):

• Recap of the event and the main points discussed.
• Information about future events, including how to get involved with the local secularism movement and further reading on secularism and its relationship to religion.

Why This Event Works:

• Religulous offers a bold, entertaining, and critical perspective on religion, making it a great starting point for discussions about secularism. The film’s humor and thought-provoking questions can open up deeper reflections on the role of religion in public life and the importance of secularism in fostering freedom, reason, and inclusivity.
• The event provides a space for individuals who are curious about secularism or questioning religious beliefs to come together in a supportive, non-confrontational environment.
• By integrating entertainment with intellectual discussion, the event is accessible to a broad audience, whether they are already familiar with secularism or are just starting to explore these ideas.

Call to Action: This is more than just a movie night—it's an opportunity to engage with important ideas about the relationship between religion and secularism in modern society. Join us for an evening of reflection, debate, and laughter as we explore the role of secularism in shaping a more rational and inclusive world.
Event Date and Time: June 14th, 2025
Location: undecided as of now. Was thinking my home in Evans, open to suggestions
Cost: Free/Donations Accepted (if applicable)