proselytizing, now a prime time sport
Apparently the next TV sensation in Turkey could be a reality show which makes proselytizing atheists into an odd and twisted contest in which new converts will win a trip to the holiest site for their new religion and the show’s creators get to feel good about enticing people to believe in a deity. While Turkey is mostly Muslim, its culture is actually closer to that of secular Europe and there are plenty of theists and atheists unhappy with the whole idea. After all, people are being bribed to accept a religion for a free trip to a cultural landmark and a chance to be on TV. It’s a cheap, self-serving agenda equally insulting both sides of the religious divide.
Of course the creators say what they’re sincerely interested in doing is giving the gift of belief in a god, with no regard to the religious practice their contestants may choose to follow, which is why they’re bringing in a rabbi, a priest, an imam and a Buddhist monk to show the benefits of their faiths as if its some sort of offensive bar joke in the making. In their sincere interest though, they didn’t manage to do a little reading and note that their choice of Buddhism as a conduit to a higher power was somewhat misguided. Buddhism is a philosophy of enlightenment and introspection rather than a collection of doctrines for how to get in touch with a deity and it’s actually agnostic, seeking knowledge and self-discipline over dogma.
I’m also curious as to what happens when an atheist says he converted to, oh… Judaism, goes to Jerusalem on the producers’ dime and comes back laughing about the free vacation. The show is supposed to have an experienced team of theologians to determine whether the contestant really is a non-believer or a convert but let’s be serious. It’s not exactly going to be a struggle to trick a theologian asking vague or leading questions and the whole show is based on using personal opinions as if they were facts. There’s really no objective way to tell who’s a real convert and who just wants a VIP trip somewhere exotic, no matter how many theologians you use to interrogate your cast.
Wouldn’t a lot more real certified atheists line up to play if they expanded the options to include Mormonism, Scientology, or other creeds whose Sacred Places are off-planet?
They should really take it to the next logical step and have the contestants create their own religion. First one to hit a thousand converts gets the pope’s hat.
I don’t know if I would really consider Buddhism agnostic IMHO.
“Over its long history Buddhist has developed into a wide variety of forms, ranging from an emphasis on religious rituals and worship of deities to a complete rejection of both rituals and deities in favor of pure meditation. ” – http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/index.htm
Maybe there’s a cultural disconnect and they’ve misunderstood Western reality shows. :)
“I dont know if I would really consider Buddhism agnostic”
While it’s true that Buddhism does have supernatural elements in its literature, it’s goal isn’t to appease the various spirits but to seek knowledge and inner peace. The focus is not on the afterlife, but on making the most out of the life you’re currently living in order to attain Nirvana, with little to no regard for the deities.