Atheist Penn Jillette and a Catholic Priest Give ‘Civility Lesson’ on MSNBC

[rug]

by Andrew Kirell | 11:16 am, October 30th, 2013

In response to Sen. Tom Coburn calling Sen. Harry Reid an “absolute asshole,” MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell decided Tuesday evening to use a famous atheist and a priest to show Congress how “civility” is done.

O’Donnell enlisted Father James Martin and atheist author/entertainer Penn Jillette to argue their sides without resorting to name-calling or uncivil behavior.

“I respect your opinion,” the father told Jillette. “I think it’s hard to convert people other than to invite them to have an experience with God.” The priest conceded that conversion would be impossible within a 5-minute span.

Jillette recalled how his old Showtime series Bullshit! repeatedly “attacked” Christianity; and he was surprised by how he was often met with “gentle sweetness” from his religious friends. He added that the gentleness of religious people like his own father actually encouraged him to explore his atheism further.

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/atheist-penn-jillette-and-a-catholic-priest-give-civility-lesson-on-msnbc/

7:14 video at link.

[Bluenorthwest]

1. As if Penn and a conservative cleric are actually opposites.

It is possible to find Penn Jillette having what he calls deep conversations with Glen Beck as well. Penn opposes gay marriage because he opposes all marriage, except that he is married of course, while Beck opposes it for that reason as well as religious reasons. They seek a path for their libertarian politics to continue while not really supporting liberty.

[rug]

3. Say what you want about them but James Martin is far from a libertarian.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

5. I don't think Martin identifies as "conservative".

...

[Jim__]

2. My experience is that most people are reasonable when you talk to them.

The internet is an impersonal place and much ruder than what I normally encounter in face-to-face conversations. Coburn voiced his insult, but I highly doubt he would have said that to Reid's face.

[rug]

4. Truly spoken.