In October of 2008, comedian and social commentator Bill Maher, host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, released a film criticizing religion that had many faith communities up in arms.
Christianity Today called it a "triffling and shoddy tirade."
A Christian rock band named The Rapture Right called for a boycott of the film.
Pastors bent over backwards dismissing it as unfair and unintelligent.
But at Milestone Church...well...we kind of liked it.
So we thought we'd all watch it together.
Bill Maher's Religulous asks tough questions of those who count themselves among the "faithful." Maher makes it clear from the start that he is not a fan of religion and does not believe in God, and he has fun skewering people who do. Yet in the process of his religous exploration, Maher makes quite a few good points and asks questions that Christians need to ponder.
We believe in a man who walked on water, healed the blind, and calmed storms. We believe in a burning bush, a talking snake, and a woman who was turned into a pillar of salt. So we agree with Bill Maher: what we believe is ridiculous.
But does that necessarily mean it isn't true?
Join us every Sunday September 13 - October 25 as we explore and discuss the movie Religulous.
9/13/2009 – Religulous Pt. 1, Josh Crain — sermon length is 44:52 minutes
In part 1 of Milestone's series based on the Bill Maher film Religulous, Josh looks at the following questions: Is religion ridiculous? Is there any proof that Jesus existed? Can historical proof be held to the same standards as scientific proof? Finding elements of the film to both agree and disagree with, Josh interacts with Bill Maher's questions and explains the reasons the film can be beneficial for those who follow Christ and those who don't. This message addresses the film from 00:00 to 14:46 (time given in minutes:seconds).
Audio — 5.5 MB
High-Quality Audio — 20.6 MB
9/20/2009 – Religulous Pt. 2, Josh Crain — sermon length is 36:34 minutes
In part 2 of Milestone's series based on the Bill Maher film Religulous, Josh looks at the following questions: Is there any truth to the "prosperity Gospel" that's being preached in many churches today? How should churches engage the homosexual community? If Christians will go to "a better place" once they die, why don't they just end their lives now? This message addresses the film from 14:46 to 31:27 (time given in minutes:seconds).
Audio — 5.5 MB
High-Quality Audio — 16.8 MB
9/27/2009 – Religulous Pt. 3, Josh Crain — sermon length is 43:43 minutes
In part 3 of Milestone's series based on the Bill Maher film Religulous, Josh looks at the following questions: Is Christianity incompatible with nationalism? What do Christians believe about creation and evolution? This message addresses the film from 31:27 to 42:59 (time given in minutes:seconds).
Audio — 5.5 MB
High-Quality Audio — 20.1 MB
10/4/2009 – Religulous Pt. 4, Josh Crain — sermon length is 39:57 minutes
In part 4 of Milestone's series based on the Bill Maher film Religulous, Josh looks at the following questions: Was Jesus really born on December 25th? If God is all-powerful, why does He not just destroy the devil and rid the world of evil? Is God a jealous God, and if so does that make Him petty? This message addresses the film from 42:59 to 53:26 (time given in minutes:seconds).
Audio — 4.9 MB
High-Quality Audio — 18.4 MB
10/25/2009 – Religulous Pt. 7, Josh Crain — sermon length is 59:07 minutes
In part 7 of Milestone's series based on the Bill Maher film Religulous, Josh takes an in-depth look at the religion of Islam. The first half of this podcast contains a brief history and introduction to Islam. Josh answers questions from the congregation about Islam in the second half. This message addresses the film from 1:15:37 to 1:26:03 (time given in hours:minutes:seconds).
Audio — 7.2 MB
High-Quality Audio — 27.3 MB
11/1/2009 – Religulous Pt. 8, Josh Crain — sermon length is 37:37 minutes
In the 8th and final installment of of Milestone's series based on the Bill Maher film Religulous, Josh does a brief wrap-up of the series followed by a Q&A with the congregation. The first half of this podcast contains a brief history and introduction to Islam. Josh answers questions from the congregation in the second half. This message addresses the film from 1:30:36 to 1:37:45 (time given in hours:minutes:seconds).
Audio — 4.4 MB
High-Quality Audio — 17.3 MB
