Root of All Evil? (2006) (TV)

Director:

Russell Barnes

Release Date:

9 January 2006 (UK)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

Richard Dawkins' highly critical documentary attacks the pulsing heart of all mainstream religion- faith; with special focus on Islam...

Plot Keywords:

Child Abuse | Islam | Terrorist | Judaism | Christianity

Cast

Yousef Al-Khattab	...	Himself
Richard Dawkins	...	Himself
Ted Haggard	...	Himself
Richard Harries	...	Himself

Runtime:

UK:90 min (2 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Quotes:

[Preparing to meet Pastor Ted Haggard]
Richard Dawkins: This man has a hotline to God... *and* George W. Bush.

A Video Summary of The God Delusion

This documentary follows scientist Richard Dawkins around the globe to find religion's varied impacts, with a special focus on America and Britain. Dawkins pulls no punches and is quick to shut down anyone in his path. Religion is not given a moment's notice to put up a shield.

For those who are already opposed to religion, this is for you. Like Bill Maher's "Religulous", this documentary follows a known anti-theist around challenging the beliefs of the faithful. It's not at all fair or balanced, which you might want in a documentary. We already know that Dawkins is against everyone he meets and is eager to make them out to look foolish. Not to say he doesn't make good points -- he does -- but religion isn't given a fair shake.

Ted Haggard is particularly lambasted. Haggard brings much of this on himself, insinuating Dawkins' arrogance while he himself comes off as high and mighty. Haggard then proceeds to kick Dawkins off his property, adding to his image as a jerk. However, in Haggard's defense, Dawkins was being arrogant (as usual) and I don't think he was given a chance to explain himself outside of a confrontational setting.

For those of you who've read "The God Delusion", this material will not be new. Dawkins covers similar ground here... the book merely expands on the points he makes. If you haven't read the book, and liked this film, I'd suggest reading it to get a fuller picture. If you didn't like the movie, you may not like the book... it's hard to consider Dawkins unbiased. Either way, I suggest going through the movie (and book) with a strong sense of skepticism.

If you can pick up a copy of this, do it. I think "Religulous" is the better of the two films, but there's certainly plenty of material here to mull over. And together, they make a great pair. Dawkins is a giant in the world of atheism, and his ideas are worth understanding, whether or not he happens to be right.