1. Comment #135002 by Colwyn Abernathy on February 28, 2008 at 12:34 pm

SPOT ON MR BEAN!!! ;) I hate mustard, mustard offends me: the smell, taste, texture. Sooo...NO MUSTARD FOR YOU! Come on, that's ridiculous!

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2. Comment #135035 by Gymnopedie on February 28, 2008 at 1:19 pm

People are upset about inter-racial relationships and homosexuality? Did we revert back to the tribes of the 8th century or something? How disgusting.

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3. Comment #135040 by HourglassMemory on February 28, 2008 at 1:23 pm

Wow....putting scriptures to bed like a guru....I had never heard of that...

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4. Comment #135044 by ThoughtsonCommonToad on February 28, 2008 at 1:26 pm

Cultural Sensitivity a liberal cause?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

"The job of a liberal state is not to stamp The True National Essence on its citizens, nor to promote "difference" for its own sake. It is to uphold the equal rights of every individual"
source: http://richarddawkins.net/article,2247,Why-multiculturalism-must-be-abandoned,Johann-Hari

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5. Comment #135050 by joeyoap on February 28, 2008 at 1:38 pm

They actually did put them in a bed.That is about as barking as it gets.

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6. Comment #135076 by Colwyn Abernathy on February 28, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Wow....putting scriptures to bed like a guru....I had never heard of that...

Neither had I. It's like they WANT us to poke fun at them! Oh, the potential for gags.

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7. Comment #135083 by Greybishop on February 28, 2008 at 2:08 pm

"Remember when the Satanic Verses came out? People came out and protested and burned the book. It's good that that happened. That soon put a stop to it, didn't it?"

Um...no.

Other Comments by Greybishop

8. Comment #135086 by alfonso on February 28, 2008 at 2:09 pm

Burning the satanic verses and protesting about it put a stop to what!? How absurdly ignorant can they be!?

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9. Comment #135111 by Reg on February 28, 2008 at 2:42 pm

Comment #135076 by Colwyn Abernathy on February 28, 2008 at 2:00 pm


It's like they WANT us to poke fun at them! Oh, the potential for gags


How about, the service is delayed this morning, as the scripture has overslept. It will be with us as soon as it's finished its fag (cigarette) and cup of tea.

Or a Daily Star headline, SCRIPTURE CAUGHT SLEEPING WITH FIESTA MAGAZINE.

Other Comments by Reg

10. Comment #135117 by Colwyn Abernathy on February 28, 2008 at 2:46 pm

AHAHA! Fiesta Mag...classic. I dinnae think the Scripture would be into OK! ;)

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11. Comment #135132 by wonderist on February 28, 2008 at 3:01 pm

When your religion is based on fiction, it will be threatened by fiction.

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12. Comment #135145 by Bonzai on February 28, 2008 at 3:18 pm

That woman who was the "minster of race harmony" (?)was an absolutely disgrace. She sounded as though freedom of expression was only the concern of a handful artists and writers rather than a central principle of modern democracy. At least I can understand that religious fanatics and "multi-faith" leaders have a vested interest to shield religion from criticism and mockery, but a government minister should know better.

The Bishop who stood up for freedom of speech in part 4 showed a lot of integrity and independent thinking. Sensible religious people do exist.

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13. Comment #135163 by Dr Nev on February 28, 2008 at 3:53 pm

It concerns me deeply that people who belong to various faiths who often preach tolerance and acceptance continually do the opposite. Time and time again throughout history we see this, and to think we are now in the 21st Century and this type of insanity continues. It certainly says a lot about believers who, say for example - miraculously obtained a time machine (I know time machines don't exist, this is just an analogy) would happily send us all back to a more primitive age where they can behead or disembowel non believers for putting on a production such as the one shown here.

As a society I believe we are becoming too politically correct and even more so post 911. Beliefs seem to be a taboo topic unless you are praising them, and I'm not just talking about Islam. I mean all beliefs.

Free speech means we should be able to voice our opinions, and through the arts has always been a way of doing so. People are free to have an opinion but no one has the right to ban it. Being in a democratic society means the freedom of choice. Members of society can choose to view, read, and attend something or not.

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14. Comment #135174 by Wrought on February 28, 2008 at 4:31 pm

Free speech... maybe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqNY7VNRp7M&feature=related

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15. Comment #135216 by Geoff on February 28, 2008 at 6:10 pm

I'm surprised Ayaan didn't get a mention in the Dutch segment.

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16. Comment #135257 by Thor'Ungal on February 28, 2008 at 7:01 pm

I wonder if we could do a trade. we'll stop making fun of them when they stop telling us there's an uncomfortably warm place waiting for us if we don't believe their particular brand of fairytales.

Admit it makes no difference whatsoever if you do or don't believe in this stuff, that hard fought science isn't just a liberal conspiracy and we'll stop pointing out just how ridiculous not doing so really is.

Of course it's a strange irony that if they did this we'd have nothing to make fun of in the first place.

Thor'Ungal

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17. Comment #135259 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 7:01 pm

Is anyone on this thread British, and if so, would you describe "religious offensives" this dramatic on a frequent scale, meaning seen almost daily?

I live in America and at times it can get pretty heated over religious topics, abortion, evolution being among many. There are a various few (mostly older but some younger) who protest "God" being taken out of the schools. We are by no means free of religion, but I mostly find that 90% of the time I express my views, as long as it is not in a professional setting, I am still respected as a human-being (even if the conversation is being hotly debated, of course I have never said anything on a wide public scale either). I have never heard of such laws as blasphemy laws...so if anyone has first hand experience I would love to hear your point of view.
That being said, I still think America has some religious issues to iron out among the radical faiths, mainly Christian, and in need of higher critical thinking. But, as far as being concerned about offending religious parties is not a legal threat, only mild annoying harassment from citizens. However, religion is still in places where it should be separated but I (strictly from my own experiences) seeing America dynamically (rather than in a straight narrow line systematically) progressing rather than digressing.
The one priest in this movie who invited the "Jerry Springer Opera" singers was an oddity of his kind with his authority. I can dig him, he can be delusional with his members because he doesn't seem to be preaching bible thumbing. He is actually teaching quite the opposite and this may be a transitional way of thinking for many of the religious to ween them off fantasy.
Yet, there is the 10% still out there that cause 90% of the damage to the world. Religion, like the crack dealer, seem to gather a huge sect of people who need something to belong.
I have encountered fanatical thinking, and those who want to teach "Abstinence Only" education. These aren't necessarily the Bin Laden radicals, but rather simplistic and ignorant, "Jesus Loves You," type. Yet, what damage, or (at this point) communal disease do they allow to continue by feeding the minds of curious, developmentally rebellious, hormonal teens? One would think that the textbooks on human growth and development were never opened.
Now that I have talked this out, the dramatization of religion in this BBC program is perhaps showing the end product of 'the snow ball effect'.
Does anyone else have thoughts?

Also, and completely off the subject...I am visiting Europe this Summer (1st time woo hoo!), what is a must do in England. As I will only be there for 2 days and spend the rest of the 2 weeks in Paris and Rome. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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18. Comment #135267 by dragonfirematrix on February 28, 2008 at 7:10 pm

Free speech trumps religion and sensitivity toward the religious.

Tolerance and sensitivity in social situations is an honorable discussion.

However, tolerance and sensitivity toward the intolerance and insensitivities of the religious is not productive towards human rights, civil liberties, civil rights, freedom, etc. Nor should one show any tolerance and sensitivity toward the religious.

If the religious want to believe and think like Neanderthals, we should forcefully relocated those Neanderthals to some small remote island where they can live the horrors and fantasies of their religious beliefs without imposing their pain on the rest of us.

Free speech must rule.

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19. Comment #135271 by Goldy on February 28, 2008 at 7:14 pm

Is anyone on this thread British, and if so, would you describe "religious offensives" this dramatic on a frequent scale, meaning seen almost daily?

Hmmm. I am British, but been in NZ for the last 6 years. When I was there, being religious was a bit suspect. Odd people are overly religious. Even my Christadelphian friend kept mum on the matter.

what is a must do in England. As I will only be there for 2 days and spend the rest of the 2 weeks in Paris and Rome. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Where will you be? London is pretty large - you can spend all day there visiting musea and the like. Avebury is kinda cool if you can spend a day going way out west. Stonehenge but bigger, with Silbury hill a shortish walk away and the tomb (forgets the name) not that much further. Or go to Brighton to see what tacky really means ;-) Pubs in the evening followed by a curry.

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20. Comment #135304 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 7:49 pm

LOL, thanks Goldy...London is where we will be. It is really pathetic, but I can think of a million things in Rome and Paris I have always wanted to see and explore. Yet, I've always wanted to visit England, but thinking about what I want to do, besides see the changing of the guards, is drawing a huge blank. Britain looks so beautiful, but we won't get out to the country side. Actually, I think just walking around and letting the feet just take us anywhere to see all the modern and historic architecture and listening to that accent will be quite pleasurable. LOVE ACTUALLY! Yes, yes, where it is the guy who said, all American women love a British accent! Indeed, we do!

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21. Comment #135307 by Steve Zara on February 28, 2008 at 7:59 pm

Britain looks so beautiful, but we won't get out to the country side.

That is a real shame! It is some of the finest in the world.

(Oh, and ignore what Goldy has said about Brighton. It is a great town).

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22. Comment #135311 by Steve Zara on February 28, 2008 at 8:19 pm

I have to say, I don't think this is anything directly to do with religion. It is about communities using religion as way to both build communities and encourage difference. Religion is being used as an excuse to take offense. This is people painting targets on themselves and running around trying to find people who will aim at those targets.

It is the same thriving on victim status that we have seen on the "fleabytes" thread.

It can't be directly about religion, as religion supposedly deals with universal truths, and those truths are surely not going to be threatened by what goes on in theatres.

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23. Comment #135313 by Bonzai on February 28, 2008 at 8:20 pm

I have been in London for a day. Beautiful city but the cost of everything was incredible. The conversion rate was about 1 pound to 2.2 Canadian dollars. The price of most things have about the same numerical value as they do in Toronto, something that costs a dollar here would cost one pound there, more or less. So I was paying more than double for everything,

I went to the London Eye and asked the guy how much it would cost for a ride on the ferris wheel. He looked at me in disdain and said, "First of all, this is not a ferris wheel, it is an observation wheel, secondly it costs 15 pounds a ride." I said thank you and walked away sheepishly.

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24. Comment #135314 by Brian English on February 28, 2008 at 8:21 pm

I went on the London eye back on October of 2000. We were one of the last groups to go, pretty late in the evening. So we got to go around twice for the cost. Cool!

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25. Comment #135315 by Steve Zara on February 28, 2008 at 8:23 pm

The London Eye was visible out of the window of my last place of work. However I can't go on the London eye. Vertigo.

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26. Comment #135316 by BrandySpears on February 28, 2008 at 8:24 pm

Why do Brits even pretend they have freedom of speech? Any country with a blasphemy law is not a beacon of free speech.

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27. Comment #135318 by Steve Zara on February 28, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Comment #135316 by BrandySpears

Don't confuse what is written in books of law and what is the general attitude in a country.

Britain has a very good reputation for freedom of speech.

Those protesting Sihks and Christians did not make a good impression.

Other Comments by Steve Zara

28. Comment #135320 by Diacanu on February 28, 2008 at 8:27 pm

BranbySpears-

Why do Brits even pretend they have freedom of speech?

Well, they don't, but I don't rub it in their faces.

For one, I still love them for producing Monty Python and Douglas Adams, and for another, it's not like I can muster up any fuckin' patriotism to shore up any teasing with anyway.

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29. Comment #135343 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 9:11 pm

I wonder if we could do a trade. we'll stop making fun of them when they stop telling us there's an uncomfortably warm place waiting for us if we don't believe their particular brand of fairytales.

LMAO, you make a nice point.

Dragonfiremix,

I say let them have their fantasy. Let the bigot racist speak his mind. As long as they are ONLY opinionated. I have met only a few atheists in my life, although I suspect my dad may be one. And, MOST of the people I have run across (after leaving the church) seem to have a fairly level head, other than their strange delusion of God. By and large they protest "religion". I can respect these outlooks. They just haven't been able to manage the "no god" view into their personal dissonance. I cannot make qualms with these personal configurations, how can I? They make no attempt to intrude my personal freedoms. However, people like my brother, ahhhhhhhh going into seminary graduate study, while a good person, I believe is not able to separate god as a mere choice, if that makes sense. These are the types of people I fear.
What I find ethically, morally, and emphatically wrong and the one true "sin" is when people get violent or strip the right of one with an opposing view because they are offended. Those who are peaceful about their opinions, no matter how ignorant, racist, bigoted, or wrong, have a right to the freedom of speech. Just as I have the right to speak out against them. When the offended attribute their actions of violence and/or threats to their particular offending party is when things start to come to a pounding halt. Even more so, when people, like the women for Racist Equality in this video, directly accuse a group of people peacefully expressing their own personal beliefs as vindictively TRYING to cause a riot as the actual trigger for the ensuing chaos is like giving a bomb to a terrorist because it is their religious dogma to blow things up. Why are they protecting the plaint psychopaths? Well, if someone is indeed saying something quite controversial, especially if one is racist, I think some see this as so fervently wrong they somehow grow sympathy for the offended. But, the offended have the right to be offended, how do you measure anything as subjective as one's idea of insulting? One cannot. I can, however, verify violent acts and/or threats. Punishing the peaceful because one cannot handle controversy is airing on the side of the intolerant. It also makes them feel like they have the right to take away a life, or another's right to simply have a space on this planet. Does anyone else think that people have the tendency to place blame on everyone but the actual perpetrator?
I think dogma just seems to be a magnet for those with an exceptional obsessive need to belong to something, anything. It is all fear. Somehow though, the racialists seem to be able to wave the religious card vigorously around enough and they are miraculously above the law of the law abiding
majority.

Steve Zara

You've disappeared!

Other Comments by JuxtaMonkey

30. Comment #135358 by JuxtaMonkey on February 28, 2008 at 9:40 pm

Bonzai,

That is hilarious...What is an observation wheel? Are you just looking over the city?

Steve Zara,

I know! It is ashame I won't get to see the country. It looks gorgeous on those nice advertising pictures on travel sites. We were actually going to skip England because it is going to cost an insane amount of money to stay there and get into Paris by train. But, it is like 4 hours away, so we just can't pass it up. Really though, you guys gotta do something about making Europe and England coincide with, at least, the commute. England on everything is separated from everything making it intensely expensive to see and see Europe as well. AH! At least I am a student, so I get cheep airfare...thanks for that ;). As a place to crash...any suggestions?

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31. Comment #135409 by sarah95 on February 28, 2008 at 11:18 pm

The best part of this series for me was the bits with Mr. Bean! What a funny and sensible man!!
GO BEAN!

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32. Comment #135430 by AdrianB on February 29, 2008 at 12:33 am

As a place to crash...any suggestions?

I would stay in The Premier Inn next door to Waterloo/London Eye.

http://www.premierinn.com/pti/home.do

Not so convinient for Eurostar now it has moved, but central (next to London Eye) and not too expensive.

I would just use it as a base to sample the place, don't plan too much, just get out and walk, visit the West End a museum and a few pubs. Maybe book one of those DuckTour things that leaves across the road, we really enjoyed it and it's a quick way to see everything.

http://www.londonducktours.co.uk

After you've seen everything in a couple of hours, ticked everything off as it were, you can then enjoy the limited time you've got.


.

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33. Comment #135460 by Barry Pearson on February 29, 2008 at 2:09 am

Yes, Britain has blasphemy laws. They haven't been used for a decade or two, and may never be used again, (they have been overridden for theatres and broadcasts by permissive laws), but they do need to be removed for symbolic reasons.

It is worth reading the following section of the "Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006":

29J - Protection of freedom of expression:

"Nothing in this Part shall be read or given effect in a way which prohibits or restricts discussion, criticism or expressions of antipathy, dislike, ridicule, insult or abuse of particular religions or the beliefs or practices of their adherents, or of any other belief system or the beliefs or practices of its adherents, or proselytising or urging adherents of a different religion or belief system to cease practising their religion or belief system."

(That came into effect last October). It would be hard to bring a case against someone ridiculing religious beliefs and practices now.

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34. Comment #135462 by Apemanblues on February 29, 2008 at 2:11 am

This is the documentary that compelled my partner and I to Join the National Secular Society (when it was originally broadcast in 2005).

I have no problem with people believing the most outlandish ideas, I feel no desire to ridicule them and I hope their ideas make them happy, but I do have a big problem when they try to force everybody else to take those ideas as seriously as they do.

Nobody owns these religious stories, nobody owns these ideas, nobody has the right to tell others what they can or cannot do with them.

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35. Comment #135463 by HitbLade on February 29, 2008 at 2:13 am

We who "believe" in evolution and other things could go out and kill people and go nuts whenever someone speaks against it, questions even the smallest piece of it, or ridicules it or even draw a picture of a monkey. Maybe we will also be protected by the "freedom of most speach".

GROW UP (RELIGIOUS) PEOPLE!

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36. Comment #135467 by Barry Pearson on February 29, 2008 at 2:20 am

Britain has freedom of speech according to the "Human Rights Act 1998", which in turn simply brought into the jurisdiction of British courts the "European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms" which Britain had already signed up to.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/ukpga_19980042_en_3#sch1-pt1

The relevant articles are:

Article 9 Freedom of thought, conscience and religion

and

Article 10 Freedom of expression

Note that each right is accompanied by potential limitations, and any conflict would have to be resolved in court or by case law. I haven't looked at case law on this matter, so don't know what restrictions might apply in practice.

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37. Comment #135479 by Ajuydog on February 29, 2008 at 2:47 am

JuxtaMonkey,

I have spent many happy hours walking round London and would be able to suggest an itenerary to take in quite few interesting things in a day or two so if you fancy getting on some comfotable shoes and walking all day I could send you a path. I might even have it on google maps (must check, though). One of the delights of walking is that it is free! and you see so much more than on a tour. Personally I like the many alley ways and hidden corners away from the crowds an the magnificent parks and (free) museums ...so much to see and do. So let me know
if you are interested.

"Sir, if you wish to have a just notion of the magnitude of this city, you must not be satisfied with seeing its great streets and squares, but must survey the innumerable little lanes and courts. It is not in the showy evolutions of buildings, but in the multiplicity of human habitations which are crowded together, that the wonderful immensity of London consists."
Samuel Johnson

and while we are quoting Johnson, this is for the benefit of David Robertson "Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding."

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38. Comment #135481 by Steve Zara on February 29, 2008 at 2:49 am

You've disappeared!

This is the homeopathic version of me. Far more powerful.

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39. Comment #135519 by Geoff on February 29, 2008 at 4:02 am

Juxtamonkey: Three "must visits" while in England:-

The Natural History Museum
The Science Museum
Jennings brewery (300 miles from London, but worth the trip!)

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40. Comment #135546 by sanebuzz on February 29, 2008 at 4:44 am

Juxtamonkey - Get yourself a copy of TimeOut, it's got listing for just about everything.

Geoff - Seck Lifter! Joy in a glass.

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41. Comment #135621 by Bertybob on February 29, 2008 at 6:35 am

Was it just me or did anyone else get a spooky feeling when looking at the junior minister in her pink top.....

It was just like Umbridge from Harry Potter, the sweet tongued viper doing the work of the ministry.

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42. Comment #135652 by rod-the-farmer on February 29, 2008 at 7:21 am

I agree with Geoff.....pick as many of the Museums in London as you can. I also agree Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) was great. Fellow roadracing enthusiast. Funny, many of those I have met are athiests. I guess that is because you have to be, since so many of the events are either on Saturday, Sunday or both. We have no time to attend services ! That fits in with Christopher Hitchens argument, I think it was. "It (atheism) does not need constant re-inforcement ?"

I had to laugh at the protester who was invited into the church. When he spoke to the very calm actor who had a major role in "Jerry Springer", he accused the actor of blasphemy, yet admitted right up front he had not seen the play. So who do you think TOLD him the play contained blasphemy.....duh....his priest. No doubt about it. Sheeple, right there on screen, in a church not their own, but clearly identifiable, anyway.

Other Comments by rod-the-farmer

43. Comment #135879 by JuxtaMonkey on February 29, 2008 at 10:12 am

AdrianB:
Thanks! I will check it out. The pubs are a definite! ;) "tick everything"?

Steve Zara,
LMAO, that's hilarious

Geoff,
Sounds delightful. 300 miles to Jennings Brewery!? I would go a long way for a good brew (don't tempt me). Unfortunately, I think I'd go further for an eclair, damn the French for their tasty pastries. Maybe after graduation though! But London does harbor my all time favorite import (domestic to you ;)), that brown deliciousness known as New Castle Brown Ale. A fav among me and my peers...homework Juxta homework!

Other Comments by JuxtaMonkey

44. Comment #135901 by Charles Bradlaugh on February 29, 2008 at 10:37 am

Anyone visiting England must go to Northampton- the home town of the first atheist Member of Parliament and also Doctor Martens shoes. Kidding, it's rubbish.

Charles Bradlaugh was elected in 1880 but refused to swear the oath to god so they wouldn't let him in. He then said he'd swear the oath, cos, hey, he didn't believe in god so who cares, whereupon they decided they wouldn't let him do that either. he then tried to swear the oath to himself and got thrown out of Parliament. the people of northampton re-elected him four times and each time he wasn't allowed to swear the oath. finally, five years later, he was allowed in and got Parliament to pass an 'Affirmation Bill' so you didn't have to swear to god.

but seriously, come to Manchester.

Other Comments by Charles Bradlaugh

45. Comment #136198 by JuxtaMonkey on February 29, 2008 at 2:12 pm

Manchester eh? Lol...yes Martins always freakin' give me blisters =l

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46. Comment #136254 by Nairb on February 29, 2008 at 3:16 pm

JuxtaMonkey

Also, and completely off the subject...I am visiting Europe this Summer (1st time woo hoo!),

Definitley as one of the first things take a boat ride up the Seine. Its very great during the day and fantastic during the night with all the buildings lit up. You can get on the Bateaux Mouches at the Eiffel Tower. I think you can get off at Notre Dame and the Ile St Louis. This is the old heart of the city. You cand descend down to the level of the seine here and take a nice walk away from the bustle of the city. Take a baguette some cheese and a bottle of wine and ahave a picnic while watching the boats go by.
Near here is also is the old Marais and Latin Quarter. They are definitely worth a walk around with lots of old bookshops. Dont eat its a tourist trap. Other good places is the Rue de Rivoli with the Louvre ( dont try to do it all), Tuilleries and the famous Angeloina 's Cafe for the best hot chocolate.


France unlike Italy is very secular.
I havent met more then 2 or 3 religous people in 15 years.Once my wife (broight up an atheist) organised a parents meeting for sunday morning . When one mother (in some weird cult) said "people dont realise that some people have religous events on sunday" my wife replied "You can go far like this and what about people who play golf" . My wife couldn't see why she was so annoyed afterwards. That attitude made my day.

Btw In Paris speak french

Other Comments by Nairb

47. Comment #136295 by Gordy on February 29, 2008 at 6:51 pm

@ JuxtaMonkey

I hesitate to suggest it on here, but one of my favourite days out in London is visiting St Paul's Cathedral (cringe!) and the Tate Modern. Despite the main use the building is put to, St Paul's is a stunning piece of architecture and well worth seeing. The Tate Modern is a converted power station housing a fantastic collection of modern art. They're just across the river from each other and you can walk between the two via the Millenium Bridge. Just a suggestion...

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48. Comment #136303 by JuxtaMonkey on February 29, 2008 at 9:17 pm

Nairb; Gordy, everyone

You guys are making me so excited! I can barely wait. Gordy, I think some of the cathedrals are beautiful. I love art and its history. Europe is just exploding with it. I love learning religious history, it is because I know a bit of it that I am atheist, no shame in that!

Cheese, Baguette, and wine...oh my! I absolutely enjoy just dreaming about it. Going to eat all the bread I can...AND PASTRIES! YUM! mmmmmmmmm sounds orgasmicly delicious

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49. Comment #137617 by MaxD on March 3, 2008 at 9:04 am

I just watched this last night. It would be hard to overstate how depressing it is. The Christian guy annoyed me to no end. I just wanted to scream at him, "Change the fucking channel and don't fucking watch it."
Instead he wanted to sue because his God wasn't suitably respected by other people.
And the guy who resigned from the BBC over his unease at the blasphemy of Jerry Springer. I couldn't tell if the programm wanted us to feel sorry for him or not. I did not.
What is strange about the Christian obsesseion with Jerry Springer's opera is that it more about the tawdryness of talk TV and less about being a serious critique of religion- it does after all think quite highly of traditional religious concepts like redemption etc. It seems like a repeat of The Last Temptation of Christ. Christians were in an uproar about that when in fact it makes Christ into a more heroic figure by accentuating his humanness.
Of course Springer's opera is more of the South Park approach to these themes.

Oh and for the Harry Potter fans, do you think that Professor Dolores Umbridge might have been inspired by that insipid lady all clad in pink

Other Comments by MaxD

50. Comment #149550 by markod2009 on March 25, 2008 at 10:31 pm

Remember the M.C.O.B is Far deadlier than the suicide bombing extremists. You heard it from the horses mouth they are trying to make it illegal to challange an inferior ideology. Freethinkers please do not fall for it, the time to stand up is now.

"The pen is mightier than the sword"

Other Comments by markod2009