The God Who Wasn't There

We've done a lot of posts here at TBV on Christianity, specifically that odd-ball Right-wing variation of Christianity. So when I came across this gem of a film--The God Who Wasn't There--I just had to share it with our readers. The synopsis goes like this:

Holding modern Christianity up to a merciless spotlight, this bold and hilarious new film asks the questions few dare to ask. And when it finds out how crazy the answers are, it dares to call them crazy. Your guide through the bizarre world of Christendom is former fundamentalist Brian Flemming, who unflinchingly explores the absurdity of belief and believers.

I have not seen the film yet. There will be a screening in Hollywood next month. Plus I plan on buying the DVD today. What I've read and what I saw in the trailer are enough to convince me that this is a film worth watching.

In one clip a man is explaining how homosexuality should be treated just like murder and thus it should "be the government executing homosexuals."

Another small clip from the trailer informs us that a whopping 22% of Americans are certain that Jesus will return to earth during their life. And as if that wasn't freaky enough, another 22% believe that it is quite probable. That's 44% of Americans who actually believe that Jesus is coming back sometime soon.

Aside from just looking at the bigoted and superstitous beliefs of many of Jesus' followers the movie appears to also delve into some of the myths surrounding Jesus and comes to some interesting conclusions:

Jesus Christ is likely a fictional character, a legend never based on a real human.

Christian doctrine contradicts itself at every turn, and encourages immorality when it serves the religion.

The beliefs of moderate Christians make even less sense than those of extremists.

And God simply isn't there.

Was Jesus completely made up, based on much older myths and woven into a more modern tale? I won't bother to argue the pros and cons of such an argument here. Suffice to say I am looking forward to see if this movie sheds any new light on this age old question.

The second assertion needs to really be examined, and I'm glad this movie takes a look at it. It is commonly accepted that we have collectively derived our morality from the Bible and its teachings. Theologians refer to it as Divine Command Theory, basically what God commands is good. Thus, when God commanded Abraham to murder is son, that was a good and moral thing. When Jephtah did sacrifice his daughter to God, that was a good and moral thing. And when the Israelites committed genocide against their enemies it was a good and moral thing. In modern times we have people like Eric Rudolph who believe that the murder of doctors who perform abortions is a good and moral thing. Morality--in the true sense of the word--is only important when it is useful to the Church.

The third and fourth conclusions there also look very interesting. All in all, it looks like a really interesting film. So what are you waiting for? Go visit the site by clicking here. Order a copy of the film or just find a screening near you. You can also view the trailer. Also you can click here and see what others are saying about the film. I'll be sure and update with another entry once I've seen the film.

For any Southern California residents here is the information regarding the upcoming screening. Hope to see you there!

HollywoodScreening and Q&A with directorAugust 21, 2005 11:00amTheater: Steve Allen Theater. Brian Flemming will show his hour-long documentary film, The God Who Wasn’t There, and discuss its no-holds-barred criticism of Christianity and religious believers. Part of CFI-West's Sunday Lecture Series. Admission is free for Friends of the Center. Address: 4773 Hollywood Blvd.View MapSteve Allen Theater at the Center for Inquiry West. Across from Barnsdall Art Park on the north side of Hollwood Boulevard. Parking in back.Contact: Center for Inquiry(323) 666-9797 or info@cfiwest.org Admission: $6.00 In cooperation with CFI-West.

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