The God Who Wasn't There -

[Coexist]

have you seen it? Is it worth the money if you have?

http://www.thegodmovie.com/trailer.php

My husband works with a fundamentalist Christian who has sent home books that he thought would 'convert' me. If you have seen this and think its well researched, I may just buy it and ask him to watch it as a way of returning the favor.

I did read the book he sent about the "Pillars of Evolution" but sent it back with notes as to why I disagreed, so we are respectful about our debate. Any information is appreciated.

[Deep13]

1. Haven't seen it, but will probably get it to support the cause.

Do you send the religious friend anything about skepticism, or is this a one-way-street.

You know, as a side note, the image in your sig-line really resembles Christian imagery. Reminds me of the photos that come with frame-ready quotations or that Footprints poem. Just saying.

[Coexist]

2. its been a one-way street so far,

but I am looking for something to send him. I don't know if he will wade through a book - this video sounded perfect.

I lifted the image (with permission) from someone at kos. I adore it. It reminds me of my favorite beach on Ana Maria Island. The sun takes its sweet time going over your head and eventually sets over the water. I loved how some of my favorite memories really worked with the Obama logo.

[cosmik debris]

3. I don't know anything about the movie, but

This sounds like it will develop into a very interesting story.

Please let us know how it progresses.

[salvorhardin]

4. GakuseiDon is a moderate Christian who has a reasoned critique of the film

This is well outside my area, but I agree with GakuseiDon that TGWWT is based on poor scholarship. See what you think: http://members.optusnet.com.au/gakuseidon/God_Who_Wasnt_There_analysis.htm

Oh, I should say I didn't think it was a very good movie either. The scene where Brian Flemming grills his former principal, as well as his monologue in the chapel are embarrassing.

[Coexist]

5. thank you for that.

I'll check it out.

[Synnical]

6. It's one-sided to be sure

But, I liked the movie. If they're sending you propaganda and you want to return the "favor" . . . It does raise valid and obvious points about "god/s".

Here's the Wiki entry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_God_Who_Wasn't_There

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale.

[lutherj]

7. The movie is available through Netflix, which is how I viewed it.

I've read several books about the main thesis, that Jesus is a purely mythical creation, and was never a historical person. On the whole I find the argument compelling, though I would like to see better research on it. Books I have read are The Jesus Mysteries, by Freke and Gandy, The Christ Conspiracy by Acharya S, and Jesus is Dead by Robert M. Price. The last of these seems to me the most scholarly. The books are fun if you enjoy reading about ancient history, religion and myth (which I do - I was a classics major in college). I personally found The God Who Wasn't There disappointingly brief. I thought it failed to cover a lot of the basic argument. You could watch the first section of Zeitgeist on Youtube and get the same basic gist.

I was not raised in any religion, and am basically a secular humanist cum atheist, with a general interest in history and spirituality (in a very broad sense). I have no doubt that the jesus of legend evolved out of gnosticism and the mystery religions of the ancient world. As far as I am concerned jesus is just another pagan god.

[pauliedangerously]

8. I bought it a long time ago and I think it's great

I've been an atheist since conception, but I'm sure people who were brought to fear God and later lost their faith will find it particularly meaningful. As far as something to throw at a fundie, it would probably *ouch* a little, but I wouldn't waste a penny on a movie trying to convert one of those morons. What they really need is therapy and meds. Gosh, did I say that? I keep telling myself to quit teasing the animals. DAMMITALL! :silly: