According to a report on the Hurriyet DailyNews.com Web site, a new Turkish TV show is set to air in September that will challenge holy people to convert atheists to their brand of godliness. The show, which is loosely translated as "Penitents Compete," will feature a "Muslim imam, a Christian priest, a Jewish rabbi... a Buddhist monk" and 10 atheists.
The holy folk will compete to see who can turn the most atheists into followers of their given religion. Their goal is to convert at least one non-believer each week. According to Ahmet Özdemir, Deputy Director of Kanal T which will air the new show, "'The project aims to turn disbelievers into [believers in] God.'"
The premise of the show, according to the report is that "[e]ach week, a different group of atheists will appear in front of the religious leaders. The producers of the show are well aware that there is a chance none of the atheists will be convinced by the arguments presented to them. Yet if an ex-atheist is 'persuaded' to start following one of the religions, he or she will have the chance to travel to that religion’s center, whether Jerusalem for Christians and Jews or Mecca for Muslims or Tibet for Buddhists." The main goal of producers for the show is to teach people about a variety of religions.
The show is said to be highly anticipated, though not all people are supportive of it. One columnist, Hakki Devrim, said of the show, "'[r]eligion is not a science, and it is not open to discussion." He seemed concerned about the fact that atheists' opinions would also be aired on this show. He went on to say that "'If I had to describe it with a word, it would be "unsuitable."'" Further, he sees the show as a risk.
Not surprisingly, the head of the Religious Affairs Directorate, expressed concern over religion being discussed - especially in this forum. Reportedly, "[h]e said such an extreme program could create complications in peoples’ minds." Further, it was reported that he, "[n]oting that the Religious Affairs Directorate is responsible for any appearances of imams on television, as well as the content of their speeches... said if the imam participating in the show worked within the Istanbul borders, he would not have let him appear." Makes you wonder what they're afraid of.
I wonder what the prize would be if it just so happened that any of the holy people were "converted" to atheism during the course of the show. Some might answer "rationality."
Comments
They got it backwards. It should be a panel of atheists trying to convince different believers to give up their superstitious non-sense.
That might be a good idea for a reality show here in the states.
Interesting idea though presented with the implied prejudice that all the value is on the theist's side. For it to be fair, the panel should include a skeptic (atheist) and the pool of potential convertees should be drawn from all viewpoints on religion, not just "atheists."
The other thought that occurs is that, if this show DOESN'T make any converts, it will have a very short run. Ya gotta wonder if there are any ringers among the "atheists" and if "the fix" is in?
I agree with the Seattle Humanist Examiner, now that would be entertaining...
Where would they go if they won? I can imagine the theists have an answer for that one...
Hoaks or Hoax?
How do I get in touch with the show's organizers? I'm sure I could convert a majority of those atheists into worshipping me by making a better offer. For a limited time only, I am offering _two_ eternal lives in paradise for the price of one.
I wonder how many of the atheists will say they believe in one of the religions just to get a free trip? (sheepish grin...)
I'm with the Seattle Humanist Examiner, let's reverse it. Maybe throw some of the believers into a cage with a lion and see if they can pray their way out of it. Or put an amputee on stage and see if they can pray his/her limb to grow back.
I agree with Reginald Selkirk, If the atheists were offered prizes of equal value for remaining atheist rather than converting, the show would have real merit and be worth watching. Let's find a competing sponsor to sweeten the pot.
" He seemed concerned about the fact that atheists' opinions would also be aired on this show. He went on to say that "'If I had to describe it with a word, it would be "unsuitable."'" Further, he sees the show as a risk."
Translation: the atheists' points of view may actually persuade some of the religious to start to question their own beliefs. Many religious people harbor doubts in their own belief systems and try to avoid any situations that might reach the reasoning center of their brains.
I want to convert those Religious superstitious to Atheist. Ignorant fosters superstitious.
GOD is DOG
> One columnist, Hakki Devrim, said of the show, "'[r]eligion is not a science, and it is not open to discussion."
Ah, okay. Religion is to be preached, pushed into law, soaked into children from birth, and bleated at every place where people gather; but never discussed.
Philosophy is questions that might never be answered. Religion is answers that must never be questioned.
I wonder if anyone told them that Buddhists are atheists.
Which religion has the best trip? Tibet seems to be the most interesting vacation, but if Christianity or Islam can fly me on first class and put me up in a resort, I might change my mind.
Jay wrote: "... if Christianity or Islam can fly me on first class and put me up in a resort, I might change my mind."
I hear tell that Christianity claims it will fly you to the mother of all resorts... but the requirements for becoming a contestant are sort of strict. You must be dead.
amusing how scared believers are that critical opinion may be heard about their religion by the masses. If you REALLY believe why would you have any fear?
god please forgive the lost souls out there.soon they will know the truth.
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