Godless in America to me is a thought-provoking documentary that attempts to depict the uncertain status of atheists in America. I noted the dichotomy in the film's structure as well as the treatment of that makes the film stumble rather noticeably, but the overall topic is presented in a manner to make one think about the real meaning of tolerance in our country in addition to the overreaction of Christians to a questioning of their belief system.
The first part shows O'Hair's struggle to rid public schools of public prayer. She is depicted as highly partisan as well as narcissistic; she seemed to enjoy the notoriety she caused just as much as the supposed rights she won for others. Most Christians do not object to public prayer, but I recall as a Roman Catholic youth not saying the added tag to the Lord's Prayer and being confused about the whole issue. I would like to have seen the film develop the reactions of Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Wiccans, and other splinter religions to the issue of school prayer. On the other hand, the clips of Christians preaching are worthy of Michael Moore in the self-ridicule they evince. But they do show effectively the cultural climate of extreme purveyors of theism in the harsh and intolerant tone of their rhetoric.
A deeper question is the over the top reactions of many of the Christian figures. Many figures, such as President Bush, are cited as without thought considering America traditionally Christian. I live in Virginia and, frankly, am profoundly disturbed by the theistic structure of society. Pat Robertson, for example, constantly fans the flames of intolerance with impunity; he has stated that only Protestant Christians, for example, should be entitled to hold government offices. Don't let the retractions fool you he will make an outlandish statement to communicate to his base and then retract it when pressed by the media, but his work has been done. He has spread his word to the anointed. Despite the fact that religious demonstrations are supposedly banned in public life, prayer in the from of "A Moment of Silence" still persists, and most local government functions begin with a demonstration of prayer, rotating religious beliefs among local, usually fundamentalist, denominations. One county in the state, when Wiccans applied to run a meeting, removed the prayer rather than let that group have the floor.
The lack of tolerance by religious figures is shown rather dramatically. O'Hair and her family were threatened and received death threats. Through all this she reveled in the attention and power. She spread to other inflammatory issues such as the phrase "under God" on coins and in the Pledge of Allegiance and even masturbation. Her abrasive personality does not endear her to anyone. She even paired with a minister in a sort of traveling show in which they paired off in "debates." Of great interest are the interviews of people whom she influenced. Incredibly, she was an effective leader of her movement. In fact, she reminds me of on old-time politician leaving seeds of rhetoric that have sprouted.
The circumstances of her last years and death are strange. What is more strange is the lack of interest shown by the then governor of Texas, now president, Bush and the state police who showed no interest in investigating her disappearance. Should one's theistic position determine whether or not the government extends the normal protective arm it does to other citizens. Her son's conversion to Christianity is another complication that gives depth to her characterization. Watch the film for the end and think about her plight. The assertions of majority rule by on of the theists in the film chills me. He states that religion is necessary to an ordered life, yet most wars and prejudice in world have a strong religious component. Look at India and Pakistan or Ireland and England. Would the conflicts there be so intense if they were not theistic in nature? I haven't even mentioned the hate Muslims have for the USA. It is very difficult to think of religion as peace inducing when some many are based on religious convictions.
All in all, I found watching the film did what any effective documentary should do; it made me look at our society in a new light. What does tolerance mean? What is the role of religion in public life? How should government protect minorities? How much of seeking for rights is self-promotion? Would we be content if our group were marginalized?
The first part shows O'Hair's struggle to rid public schools of public prayer. She is depicted as highly partisan as well as narcissistic; she seemed to enjoy the notoriety she caused just as much as the supposed rights she won for others. Most Christians do not object to public prayer, but I recall as a Roman Catholic youth not saying the added tag to the Lord's Prayer and being confused about the whole issue. I would like to have seen the film develop the reactions of Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Wiccans, and other splinter religions to the issue of school prayer. On the other hand, the clips of Christians preaching are worthy of Michael Moore in the self-ridicule they evince. But they do show effectively the cultural climate of extreme purveyors of theism in the harsh and intolerant tone of their rhetoric.
A deeper question is the over the top reactions of many of the Christian figures. Many figures, such as President Bush, are cited as without thought considering America traditionally Christian. I live in Virginia and, frankly, am profoundly disturbed by the theistic structure of society. Pat Robertson, for example, constantly fans the flames of intolerance with impunity; he has stated that only Protestant Christians, for example, should be entitled to hold government offices. Don't let the retractions fool you he will make an outlandish statement to communicate to his base and then retract it when pressed by the media, but his work has been done. He has spread his word to the anointed. Despite the fact that religious demonstrations are supposedly banned in public life, prayer in the from of "A Moment of Silence" still persists, and most local government functions begin with a demonstration of prayer, rotating religious beliefs among local, usually fundamentalist, denominations. One county in the state, when Wiccans applied to run a meeting, removed the prayer rather than let that group have the floor.
The lack of tolerance by religious figures is shown rather dramatically. O'Hair and her family were threatened and received death threats. Through all this she reveled in the attention and power. She spread to other inflammatory issues such as the phrase "under God" on coins and in the Pledge of Allegiance and even masturbation. Her abrasive personality does not endear her to anyone. She even paired with a minister in a sort of traveling show in which they paired off in "debates." Of great interest are the interviews of people whom she influenced. Incredibly, she was an effective leader of her movement. In fact, she reminds me of on old-time politician leaving seeds of rhetoric that have sprouted.
The circumstances of her last years and death are strange. What is more strange is the lack of interest shown by the then governor of Texas, now president, Bush and the state police who showed no interest in investigating her disappearance. Should one's theistic position determine whether or not the government extends the normal protective arm it does to other citizens. Her son's conversion to Christianity is another complication that gives depth to her characterization. Watch the film for the end and think about her plight. The assertions of majority rule by on of the theists in the film chills me. He states that religion is necessary to an ordered life, yet most wars and prejudice in world have a strong religious component. Look at India and Pakistan or Ireland and England. Would the conflicts there be so intense if they were not theistic in nature? I haven't even mentioned the hate Muslims have for the USA. It is very difficult to think of religion as peace inducing when some many are based on religious convictions.
All in all, I found watching the film did what any effective documentary should do; it made me look at our society in a new light. What does tolerance mean? What is the role of religion in public life? How should government protect minorities? How much of seeking for rights is self-promotion? Would we be content if our group were marginalized?
