I have always enjoyed Bill Maher’s show. When it was on ABC and named “Politically Incorrect,” it exposed the media and its denial of reality. “Real Time with Bill Maher” is on HBO and offers the comedian and political satirist an opportunity to be more irreverent. The one thing I have always shared with him is my disdain for organized religion. Recently he has become a hypocrite; he is favoring one religion over another which opposes his original position. He condemns Muslims and favors Christians. He claims that the Bible is superior to the Quran.

Maher denies the truth that all religions have been the cause of war and atrocity throughout the world’s history. Whether it be Christians, Muslims, the Egyptian Empire, or the Mongolian hordes of Genghis Khan, religions have been used by men whose goals were anything but god-like.

Maher has joined Donald Trump is his belief that all Muslims are evil. The reality is that the approach of governments to defeat al-Qaeda and ISIS is entirely wrong. The goal of these terrorist groups is to force a war between Muslims and the western world. Although they are not true followers of Islam, they use religion as a recruiting tool. Every time innocents are killed by a stray bomb, every time someone denounces Muslims, young and misguided believers rush to join these radical groups.

Terrorism cannot be defeated without the aid of the Muslim world. Efforts to defeat them must include endeavors to change the mindset of the followers of Islam. Bill Maher and Donald Trump elevate the efforts of ISIS and al-Qaeda.

We must recognize these terrorist groups for who they are. They are nothing more than street gangs. Their goal is world domination; it has little or nothing to do with the spread of Islam. They do not believe in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

They are not alone; most Christians do not believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Around the world atrocities similar to those of ISIS are committed every day, but the media fails to report this fact. In our own nation politicians who claim to be Christians are simply lying to their supporters. They judge, and condemn those who do not agree with their extremist ideas. They do not conduct themselves with the ideals of love and forgiveness as instructed by Jesus Christ.

If anyone chooses to follow a religion, I would defend them to my death; but I also ask why? Religious belief has been the cause of most wars throughout history. The leaders of organized religion are ambitious men who instruct their followers regarding their daily lives. In reality, they are cults who prevent free thought and intelligent action.

Bill Maher must take a hard look at himself. He cannot claim to be anti-religion and make claims about one over the other. His condemnation must be ‘fair and balanced.’

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo Courtesy of Chris Harte

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