When you put a rabbi, an imam, a monk and a priest together in a room with ten atheists, what do you have?
You have the new Turkish game show, Penitents Compete (or Tovbekarlar Yarisiyor in Turkish) in which the religious leaders will seek to convert at least one of ten atheists to their respective faiths. The atheists that decide to convert at the end of the show will win a pilgrimage to the spiritual home of their chosen faith -- Muslims will go to Mecca, Jews and Christians will go to Jerusalem, and Buddhists will go to Tibet, according to a recent
article.As one of the show's slogans states, new converts will also win serenity and "the biggest prize ever... the belief in God."
The producers of this program home that it will not only promote religious beliefs, but also encourage Turkey's largely Muslim population to investigate other faiths.
The station's deputy director, Ahmet Ozdemir, is convinced that the show will open up the minds of contestants and viewers alike to some form of spirituality.
"The project aims to turn disbelievers on to God," Ozdemir said.
All potential contestants must be non-believers, so all individuals interested in participating must be reviewed by a group of theologians before they are allowed to appear on the show.
In addition, new converts will also be monitored to ensure their religious transformation is genuine. According to Ozdemir, it's essential that people don't come into the competition just because they are seeking a free ride to one of the pilgrimage destinations.
"They can't see this trip as a getaway, but as a religious experience," Mr Ozdemir said.
Although the producers note the potential benefits of this show, many commentators and religious figures argue that it trivializes God and faith.
Do you think a religious conversion-based game show like this one is a good idea, or do you agree with the opposition, that it trivializes God and faith?
Comments (15)
I'm inclined to agree with the opposition.
When this whole thing blows in their faces, man are the atheists gonna pin this one on us, too.
I get to choose which faith to believe in like I get to choose which vegetables I want to eat for dinner? What a great idea!
Somehow, I feel like the rabbi/imam/monk/priest will begin forcing beliefs down the throats of the atheists to convert them before the time runs out...
This is hilarious! This is Turkish TV!!
Haha, that sounds like a ridiculous game show! Honestly, I have to wonder how many of the atheists they actually "converted" and how many just wanted a free trip. I hate to sound like a terrible person, but I would probably "convert" if they would send me on vacation.
I really think that's disgusting.
What a stupid idea for a game show.
if the game show took place in a bar it would be a perfect way to start the show - "so a priest a rabbi and a minister walk into a bar"
wow good on turkey for having a sense of humor and fun.
Jin
Ah, Turkey. What other country combines Middle Eastern religion, Western culture and Japanese-esque gimmick television shows so well?
I'm upset they don't have Richard Dawkins on the atheists team for defense, as if it was needed. Really, trying to convince someone of the existance of the non-existant, my head hurts. Is it running now and can I get an English version of the show if not in English? I want to hear their best argument. My mother's best argument is "You should believe because everyone else does and you have to believe in something." Of course it doesn't help to argue back that the average idiot far out numbers the more intelligent intellects. I believe in stars and atoms, I believe I am here and that I exist. How we as organisms came to be and how it is we come alive is a mystery but at least I don't credit a giant magical space fairy. BTW, if you want a good book with lots of great lessons and verses, look to Mother Goose and any nursery rhyme.
God has always worked in mysterious ways, but it seems to me He's become a lot more mysterious of late.
Though I can just see Christopher Hitchens trying to keep the Immunity Idol all to himself.
whatever works.
this is really funny. and really greek.
I agree with both to a degree. I think it is great that they are trying to open a countries eyes to other beliefs, but I also think that it trivializes the religions that are participating.
I do want to ask this though; Why is it that so many are against this show which allows Aethists to mae their own choices, yet are for Evagelicals(sp?) preaching on TV and basically guilt triping their followers into giving money and makign them believe that havinbg a choice is bad?
Wow, hahahaha. I'm definitely watching this...
Like it'll work... >_>
Terrible idea!
Nobody should have the right to try to force their faith on anyone. Faith is an extremely personal decision.
If people actually want to be on this show, then whatever. That's up to them.
But I think it's BS.