Bill Maher Interviews Sam Harris

Sam Harris appeared on Bill Maher's Real Time show on August 21, 2009, explaining his background and discussing his beliefs.

Harris does not use the word "atheist" in his latest book on faith because atheism is not a belief system that requires faith; it is merely a rejection of dogma.

Maher and Harris discussed former President Bush's belief in the biblical demons named "Gog and Magog."   Harris says that this should be no surprise, since 70% of evangelicals believe that the bible is the literal word and prophesies of the creative universe and 40% of Americans generally believe that the bible is true.   80% of Americans believe that the Jesus story portrayed in the New Testament is historically accurate and that Jesus will be returning to the earth to raise the dead.

Harris asserts that a person's religious belief cannot be separated from his or her professional life because the religious ideas shape the view of reality.

Harris says that reason is much bigger than atheism.   He suggests that there is a core of truth to religion and that people do have transformative experiences from it.   He said we should actualize that … but the problem is that religion is so mired in superstition and taboos that it is difficult to overcome religion as "the only game in town" for such experiences.

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5. Sam Harris on Religious Certainties in Politics
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7. The Irrational Atheist Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins Harris and Hitchens
8. PRESS RELEASE: Americans United Urges Senate Not To Broaden Religion Exemption In Anti-Bias Bill
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