Religion takes itself very seriously. It’s not a concept that lends itself to comedy. It is a short step from ridiculous to ridicule; if the believer sees how silly it all is, the gig is up.
Of course, there is a lot of comedy that comes from religion… and it’s usually not flattering. While the witchdoctor talking to his congregation may garner a chuckle from the podium, the comedian can bring roars of laughter at the church’s expense by merely stating the obvious.
However, this comedy is dependent upon an audience lacking the mocked faith. It is amusing how criticism of Catholic priests’ predilection for altar boys is sure to make non-Catholics laugh, while it makes Catholics jump to defend. That same Catholic will undoubtedly laugh at a joke about Scientology, though.
It comes down to the fact that religions are viral ideology, programs of thought that encourage dissemination. All religions are programmed to belittle others while defending their own. Most of the faithful, when confronted with this fact, will deny it. Some claim that as long as someone is good, they will be rewarded in some other life. However, this is a bullshit façade that pea-brained followers repeat as a PR move. No religion preaches at the highest levels that their faith is merely one of many acceptable beliefs; all religions are in it for themselves.
Of course, there is a lot of comedy that comes from religion… and it’s usually not flattering. While the witchdoctor talking to his congregation may garner a chuckle from the podium, the comedian can bring roars of laughter at the church’s expense by merely stating the obvious.
However, this comedy is dependent upon an audience lacking the mocked faith. It is amusing how criticism of Catholic priests’ predilection for altar boys is sure to make non-Catholics laugh, while it makes Catholics jump to defend. That same Catholic will undoubtedly laugh at a joke about Scientology, though.
It comes down to the fact that religions are viral ideology, programs of thought that encourage dissemination. All religions are programmed to belittle others while defending their own. Most of the faithful, when confronted with this fact, will deny it. Some claim that as long as someone is good, they will be rewarded in some other life. However, this is a bullshit façade that pea-brained followers repeat as a PR move. No religion preaches at the highest levels that their faith is merely one of many acceptable beliefs; all religions are in it for themselves.
"No religion preaches at the highest levels that their faith is merely one of many acceptable beliefs; all religions are in it for themselves."
ReplyDeletei've been thinking about this point, and im wondering - is atheism any different? does atheism accept other beliefs as plausible? can an atheist recognize the possibility of any (g-d based) religion as acceptable for its followers?