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1. Joanne

   August 17th, 2009 2:21 pm

   That is disgraceful. I will drop Showtime from my satellite service if they do not cancel that show, and I will let them know why I am boycotting it.

2. Bill

   August 17th, 2009 4:08 pm

   Freedom of speech is important. It is right next to freedom of religion. If you lose one, you lose the other.

3. Laura Wells

   August 17th, 2009 4:51 pm

   There is something very disturbing in the American psyche that finds Penn and Teller entertaining in their open and offensive bigotry. Those who watch such progamming suffer from the same blindness to evil as those who produce this program.

4. Jean

   August 17th, 2009 6:54 pm

   Freedom of speech is fine so is Freedom of religion. When you tell bald face lies then you have a problem. When you are practicing the very thing--bigotry that the Catholic Church has endured throughout American History. Yes I would say we have the right to ask whether this is Freedom of Speech or untruth/libel. We dont have to keep quiet. We have a right to defend ourselves from these untruths peacefully. I commend Bill Donohue for this. I hope he gets his point acrossed to Penn and Teller. I doubt they even can scratch the surface on the understanding of Catholicism. Its quite obvious they are ignorant about what they are talking about.

5. Bulbajer

   August 17th, 2009 7:29 pm

   I agree. Freedom of speech does indeed exist; these men have a right to think and say whatever they want about Catholics. However, if CBS has any dignity and wants to keep a hold on all its Catholic watchers, it had better do the right thing.

6. George Combs II

   August 18th, 2009 2:11 am

   I'm a Catholic who believes that Penn and Teller have, on occasion, raised valid points on a number of subjects. I'm not a fan of Penn Jillette's frequent use of coarse language and I disagree profoundly with their atheism, which I am surprised the article does not mention. Mr. Donohue is complaining about a show he's yet to see. I would remind him that our Lord took a severe beating and was nailed to a cross and died a long, agonizing death and He responded with love and forgiveness. I've taken a few barbs about being a Catholic and converting to Catholicism earlier this year. Thankfully our Lord provided us with a wonderful example of how to respond to those who treat us badly. In a documentary about "The Passion of the Christ," Bill Donohue of the Catholic League complained about people wanting to censor the film and stated — and I quote: "the people who say they are anti-censorship are, in fact, the biggest promoters of censorship" — end quote. And this is what I believe we are dealing with: advocating censorship. Mr. Donohue, it doesn't matter if you agree with it or disagree with it or even think you might disagree with it. Free speech is really about protecting largely unpopular speech. There's several buttons on the average television remote. One changes channels this way, one changes channels the other way, and there's also one which turns the television off. It's my decision which one to press.

7. Terry

   August 18th, 2009 7:17 am

   George, why do I think you would have a different opinion if it were Muslims or homosexuals who were being bashed? Freedom of speech is not a license spread any kind of hate or filth. The fact is that discrimination against Catholics is the last "acceptable" form of discrimination.

8. Marcos

   August 18th, 2009 7:45 am

   I agree with both points of view. That is why I take responsibility for my Family and don't even subscribe to Showtime.

9. MsMentor

   August 18th, 2009 9:20 am

   There's a difference between advocating censorship, per se, and objecting to any organization offering a platform over major media airwaves to what basically amounts to hate speech. If the homosexual community were being skewered in this way, there would be a major media outcry. We'd all be expected to apologize, do penance, and go to sensitivity (brainwashing) classes! If Islam were being abused, belittled, and ridiculed in this fashion, the producers of the show--not to mention Penn and Teller themselves--would be getting death threats, and yes, that would be BEFORE anyone saw a minute of it. Have we forgotten so soon what happened to Salmon Rushdie when THE SATANIC VERSES wasn't even published yet? How many years did he literally have to be in hiding? And yet the Catholic Church and its members are expected to take assault after assault of this kind of garbage, time after time after time, and say NOTHING? SINCE WHEN? Of course it's about censorship...just not the kind a selective "First Amendment" fan wants to hear about! Yet another reason I'm glad I don't bother with the so-called "premium" services on my cable menu...and never will.

10. Mr.Frank

    August 18th, 2009 9:55 am

    i don't know who's the one with the pen and who's the teller.. But I do take offense to their unprovoked attack against the Church.

11. Jean

    August 18th, 2009 10:15 am

    Interesting: Matthew 5: 10-12 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdon of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely} because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persected the prophets who were before you. Yes, this we should do but keep in mind folks we dont have to be doormats either.

12. Jordan T.

    August 18th, 2009 10:33 am

    The best ways to send a message in this situation are simple ones. First, take the upper road. Show the world that these idiots are full of it by living how Christ wants us to live. Secondly, just cancel your subscription to Showtime. Easy as that.

13. Harold Olsen

    August 18th, 2009 12:07 pm

    It's things like this why I do not subscribe to Showtime. It's considered politically incorrect to make fun of racial groups, Moslems, homosexuals and others. But, it appears to be perfectly okay to make fun of Catholics. It is the one form of bigotry that is allowed in this country. In fact, it seems to me, that it is encouraged. Even our president is anti-Catholic, along with the members of his party including those who are supposed to be Catholic.

14. Bulbajer

    August 18th, 2009 12:51 pm

    Terry, discrimination of Catholics is indeed "acceptable" in this age, as it has been since the Church lost its political power in Europe (unfortunately, some Protestants responded to persecution of Protestantism by doing the same to Catholicism, which made them no better). But anti-Catholicism isn't the only form of discrimination permissable these days. Anti-Christianity, anti-Islam, and anti-Semitism (in some Islamic countries) strong. Also, conservaphobia is a part of Western social life now especially, more because of the the disatisfaction with Bush than Obama's election (a significanct deal of which came from the disatisfaction with Bush).

15. August 18th, 2009 1:44 pm

    "somewhat respectful of Protestantism" Well they did dedicate an entire episode to debunking the bible. Dont mean anything by that other than they obviously dont JUST pick on catholics. They have also done some properly interesting episodes on profanity, GM food, recycling, etc. I for one would love to hear them out.

16. kodak

    August 18th, 2009 4:07 pm

    It can be summed up with the fact that it's not OK to make fun of people for being born a certain way, but it's perfectly OK to make fun of people for the choices they make as adults. While you may be born into a certain religion: if you still believe it by the time you have to pay taxes, you're fair game.

17. Nicole

    August 18th, 2009 4:23 pm

    Remember when asked, "What would Jesus do?" that a valid option is turning over some tables once in a while. We have to draw a line in the sand when a Saint is degraded obscenely, misogynistically, and boldly.

18. Bulbajer

    August 18th, 2009 7:16 pm

    Harold Olsen, Obama may have many policies that contradict Church teachings, and thus his agenda goes against the Catholic Church mostly, "anti-Catholic" usually refers to singling out Catholics. This "Penn & Teller" fit that description, but I don't think Obama does.

19. robert matzinger

    August 18th, 2009 7:41 pm

    Penn and Teller: two moronic blowhards! Why would anyone in their right mind believe anything they would say? As for those who do: why would anyone take those fools serious? Are they really that stupid?

20. Steve

    August 18th, 2009 8:39 pm

    And if we don't comply with your damnation of the Penn & Teller program entitled "Bullshit" on Showtime what will happen? Will I be sentenced to an eternity in hell? That's the threat made by your "loving" god. Sheesh. You can dish it out but you can't take it.

21. Steve

    August 18th, 2009 8:41 pm

    Perhaps every catholic should tune in to the show and find out what all the fuss is about.

22. Paul

    August 18th, 2009 10:17 pm

    It's called free speech. Sometimes people will say things that you don't like, that's just how it works. If you don't like it, don't watch it. Is your god so lacking in power now that he needs protection from a couple of humans? Didn't he create the universe or something? Why are you so worried?

23. Alex

    August 18th, 2009 11:07 pm

    "There's a difference between advocating censorship, per se, and objecting to any organization offering a platform over major media airwaves to what basically amounts to hate speech." Until you can prove that someone is born Catholic (or any other religion, for that matter), criticizing the Catholic Church is not hate speech. Stop trying to deflect criticism by falsely claiming bigotry on the part of the accuser.

24. em

    August 19th, 2009 1:45 am

    Sorry, but If you don't like this show just don't watch it.

25. Carl

    August 19th, 2009 3:59 am

    Maybe you Christians should just accept the fact that not everyone believes what you believe. They have a right to practice free speech - just as you have the right in the US to practice your religion. Stop trying to take everyones rights away.

26. Sean Murphy

    August 19th, 2009 8:15 am

    Penn & Teller attack all religions, continuously. Therefore, trying to claim they are "anti-Catholic" is ludicrous - they are hard core atheists, fighting back against the very concept of religion. They favor morality over religion, and if you disagree with that stand, then don't support them by watching their shows, but to try to prevent others from watching them is simply immoral.

27. Pete

    August 19th, 2009 8:27 am

    Honestly, this has encouraged me to find the episode on iTunes and make my own decision. But surely the Catholic church isn't trying to bully people from speaking their minds... right? If you don't like P&T don't watch. If you have an open enough mind to watch and simply disagree, great! Just please don't tell me what I should and shouldn't watch.

28. Jean

    August 19th, 2009 8:50 am

    So Carl respectfully and humbly how is not being a doormat Catholic and speaking up against injustice taking your rights away? Im not sure I understand what you mean? Freedom of Speech doesnt say anything about upholding injustice and lies does it?

29. G

    August 19th, 2009 8:51 am

    People don't truly understand what is so inappropriate about this show. First, they're are not that funny. Second, even people who are not Catholic know that Mother Teresa was one of the most wonderful people in our lifetime. How dare they call her a c**t!! They can't come up with anything original anymore so they decided to be "cool" and show that they are against religion. I'm not a person that believes that you have to be a part of a certain religion for God to love you. He loves everyone, even Penn & Teller. I just think that religion bashing is the last rung of comedy people go to when they run out of material. I do not watch the show just because of the fact that they have never made me laugh and now after reading this article I will avoid them.

30. Jillette

    August 19th, 2009 8:53 am

    “got her [sexual] kicks watching people suffer and die.” Really now... Bracketing intrigue into your quotes? Absolutely pathetic. Respect their right to do what you aspire do to - speak their minds.

31. Bailey

    August 19th, 2009 8:56 am

    Religious criticism is inherently good. Ignoring our problems is no way to go about things(that's how battered wives end up with their husbands for years longer than they should.) Penn & Teller attack everything they believe needs improvement. They may not have gotten to Islam (or Judaism or Paganism &c.) yet and if you write to CBS asking to end the show they never will.

32. Michael E. Davis

    August 19th, 2009 11:52 am

    I think thoughtful, serious criticism of religion has its place, but to blatantly attempt to shock people with the use of obscenities and vulgarities is to cheapen the nature of real discussion and social discourse. If you have genuine criticisms of catholicism, then say so. But using obscenity to make fun of religion is pretty puerile, in my opinion. There is entirely too much of this sort of thing in popular culture already, and the idea that being vulgar or obscene is somehow funny is an insult to intelligent, sensitive people everywhere.

33. Jean

    August 19th, 2009 11:53 am

    Jillette respectfully and humbly its not that we dont resprect their right to freedom of speech we do respect this. We respect freedom of religion big time of course. Its the fact that they are very insulting and close to bigotry. Pathetic. I would say they are pathetic for not having an inkling of who Mother Teresa really is and was or they wouldnt have made this kind of statement. She, Mother Teresa was not perfect no one is but she didnt deserve this kind of put down. How do I know they dont mean something sexual? They called her a "f_cking c_nt." Which implies descriptive sexual overtones. The reason we all came to this country was to get away from this kind of thinking--religious persecution. Religion "bashing" or persecution because others dont believe the way we do doesnt mean we dont respect others for their beliefs. Suppose they cut us some slack and leave what we hold dear and sacred alone. There is nothing wrong with defending what is God's. There is nothing wrong with defending what they say, Give unto God what is God's and give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's. Penn and Teller can have all of what Ceasar has given them but they should leave what is sacred to God alone. I can boycott CBS all I want and ask others to do so. That is their choice and mine. I dont hate Penn and Teller. I think they are very intelligent and articulate at times. Would they say this if Mother Teresa was alive? So why now? By the way I read recently regarding condoms in this statement below from one of our posters here she read in rubber magazine that its a fact that there are tiny holes in them after scientific testing." I wonder if Penn and Teller know this scientifically. So how safe is a prophylactic today really? “I’m dressed as Darth with a condom c--k light saber.” We left this persecution in Europe to come to this country. Still as of the American Revolution our own Catholic delegates could still not even participate at the signing of of the Declaration of Independence because of bigotry. So we whethered persecution even into this country in its early days. We were hated by the Ku Klux Klan for our beliefs and others. No we do not have to remain silent regarding this kind of dishonor. Bill Donohue has a right to speak for us because he was chosen to do so. I respect this. We do not have to be doormats either.

34. A. M. Hatfield

    August 20th, 2009 9:41 am

    Penn and Teller are merely bullies and cowards. Like all bullies and cowards they merely attack easy targets like Christianity, specifically the Roman Catholic Church. In our post Reformation and post Enlightment society they can do so safely and without repercussion, either legal or from physical violence. They do not have the chutzpah to attack the religion whose followers are wreaking havoc throughout the planet, Islam. Penn and Teller should hang their heads in shame for their cowardice and lack of pertinence and so should CBS for encouraging same.

35. Emma

    August 23rd, 2009 9:15 am

    I sent the following email to Showtime: To whom it may concern: I am writing to complain about the Penn and Teller show. My main complaint is not just my disgust as a Roman Catholic to the following: On his Twitter page, Penn Jillette brags how he rips a Catholic encyclical on sexuality: “I’m dressed as Darth with a condom c--k light saber.” He even boasts that the show is “hardcore,” admitting that “we attack the Vatican.” This is not the first time Showtime has featured a vile Penn & Teller show. In 2005, Mother Teresa was called “Mother F---ing Teresa,” and her order of nuns were branded “f---ing c--ts.” The year after, Jillette said on his CBS radio show that Mother Teresa “got her [sexual] kicks watching people suffer and die.” No, my major complaint is that they are just not funny! I love many comedians who frequently bash the Roman Catholic church and rightly so. The always brilliant, often bitter, acerbic humor/commentaries of the late George Carlin immediately come to mind. However, some so-called comedians just use their "comedy" as an excuse to revile things the things that hate and despise while not being in the least bit "funny". Some, like Andrew Dice Clay, are "hot" for a while and then fade into blessed obscurity. But a few, like Penn and Teller, outlive their welcome, thanks in part to their stints in that most infamous of cities, Las Vegas. Penn and Teller are talentless hacks who have parlayed their lackluster, mediocre talents into a francise suitable for the fratboys and potheads who love shows like Jackass. Give me a break. Is that the best you can come up with by way of programming? Oh, it is. So, I ask you to cancel their upcoming show not in interest of decency, good taste, and fairplay (concepts I know you are unfamiliar with) but simply because THEIR ACT SUCKS! Thank you for your help in this matter and have a great day.

36. Sam

    August 24th, 2009 5:21 pm

    Where are my comments? Was I edited out because I respectfully responded but disagreed? Thank you Sam

37. Tom

    August 24th, 2009 11:08 pm

    I respectfully disagree. Penn and teller have attacked most all of the major religions to this date. not just Catholicism. if the Catholics are worried, perhaps you should just not tune in to the episode, as i understand it, they have a right under the constitution to say whatever they would like, whether it be true or false, and if you disagree, pulling t plug surely isn't the way to go, rather, refuting the evidence they present seems to be the proper way to handle it. you are simply all adding fuel to the flame. and as i said previously, if you don't agree, don't watch

38. Emma

    August 27th, 2009 11:07 am

    I read all the comments so far and no one person has said Penn and Teller are "funny" or referred to them as comedians. Why? Because they are not funny and nothing in their act can be considered true "comedy". I can't believe anyone pays good money to see these two losers! And I canceled my Showtime and HBO years ago.

39. Mike

    August 27th, 2009 11:07 am

    Is Catholicism so fragile that it can't stand up and dispute whatever is said on the show? Is it our fear that Penn and Teller's show contains some truth that will kill the church? That's what it seems like on this discussion page. What is the fear? Do any of you know what it contains? How about talking about the facts of the show after it airs? Aren't we being bullies in insisting that no other view is allowed? Is what we're saying, "Shut up or I'll do everything I can to shut you up."? What happened to discussion? Freedom of Religion also means that people who disagree with us get to speak. Is it the Catholic position that all people must agree with us? Does the rest of the world have a right to an opinion?

40. Jonathan

    August 27th, 2009 11:43 am

    What is wrong with all of you people. I completely disagree, you get so offended and riled up by someone calling the wrong doings of your organization out in a public forum, yet you have no problem at all with intentionally misleading your followers, using scare tactics and brain washing to make them submit to your will, and teaching them from the earliest of age to be completely submissive and complacent with all of your policies. To question the judgement of the Catholic Church would be to question the judgement of a God. The largest problem facing humanity today is not a show that exposes things and tells the brutal and sometimes inconvenient truths. No, the largest issue is religions whom have a deathgrip on yesterday and discourage independent thinking. I am not telling you to be an Atheist, I am not telling you to do anything - that alone seperates me from any church or religion. All I am saying is there is nothing wrong with objectively questioning EVERYTHING that EVERYONE says to you, and using your own brain and knowledge to formulate the conclusion that works best and agrees best with you. Not blindly following something based off of millenia year old agenda driven lies.

41. karl

    August 27th, 2009 12:21 pm

    ||But Muslims need not worry: it’s not all religions that Showtime likes to trash — just Catholicism.|| To be fair, P&T have been asked this a number of times, why they don't do a show about Islam or Scientology. The implication is they fear the reaction. P&T have, however, stated many times they're doing a show aimed squarely at Americans. There aren't many Muslims in America and there are far fewer American Muslims, say, trying to get laws passed in the USA based on Koranic principles. The same cannot be said for Christian politicians. It seems fair to examine a faith politicians use to justify legislation that would affect us all. It's also not true they only attack the Catholic branch of Christianity. They did a show on creationism (not a tenet of Catholicism). They did a show called "The Bible: Fact or Fiction?" Again that seems more directed at fundamentalist Protestants. I seem to recall being taught in Catholic school that Genesis, for example, was not to be read as historical fact. They also did a show about the Boy Scouts with a slag at its Mormon controllers. So it's not fair claim P&T only trash Catholics, as it's quite obvious they've taken digs Protestants. Mr. Fournier would you like to clarify in light of this new information?

42. Deacon Keith Fournier

    August 27th, 2009 12:40 pm

    Dear "Karl" No, for two reasons. First, I did not write this article. It is a Press Release from the Catholic league; and 2) Because I find Penn and Teller offensive on many fronts. So, having someone claim thay also offend other faith traditions doesn't mean much to me. I love good comedy. To me, they are far from it. Thanks Deacon Fournier

43. karl

    August 27th, 2009 3:39 pm

    @Deacon Fournier Thank you for responding. 1) the press release makes some clearly false or misleading claims that I've demonstrated incorrect. For example: ||it’s not all religions that Showtime likes to trash — just Catholicism|| Clearly P&T have "liked" trashing other faiths in their show and the statement is false. Logically if you claim there are no egg laying bats and I produce even one egg laying bat, your original claim is wrong. I've produced three egg laying bats, so to speak. 2) You may not be the author but you're asking Catholics to pass it on. I would assume you'd also vouch for its inerrancy. The problem I have with this press release (and the problem I have with anyone passing it on without proper clarification), is that the factually incorrect line that P&T only trash Catholics makes it appear Catholics are being singled out by a major media organization. While some people mock Christian beliefs in the media, surely Catholics deserve from their own religious media an accurate depiction of reality. It would be like the Chinese Benevolence Society issuing a press release that US Immigration is subjecting Chinese people to increased scrutiny at ports of landing. But then the reality turns out to be US Immigration is subjecting all foreign nationals to increased scrutiny. In the first case it appears like US Immigration is unfairly discriminating against one group of nationals. In the true case, the rule is being applied in a consistent fashion and the inconsistency charge is fallacious. Claiming immigration singles out Chinese or P&T single out Catholics just distracts from what might be the actual issue. In my immigration example, one might argue whether or not such increased surveillance is justified or fair. In the P&T case, the real issue is should P&T mock people of religious faith? As far as I can tell, Penn does not have anything personal against people of faith. He regularly appears on a radio show with Glenn Beck, a rather out-spoken believer in the Mormon faith (as noted, P&T mocked Mormon policies regarding the Boy Scouts). If you went up to him after his show and told him you were a person of faith, he would treat you with the utmost respect. However, if you told him you thought the laws of the USA should conform to your religious view and you wanted his vote, then that might be a point of debate. Anyway, I thank you for letting me correcting the inaccuracies in the press release you posted. (And my name is Karl. No need for the scare quotes.)

44. df

    August 30th, 2009 12:12 am

    if you feel trashed why take a random swipe at muslims in the middle of your letter? you insinuate muslims would respond with violence if this was targeted at them yet bigotry against islam is quite common and uncontroversial in american television, movies, books, and other forms of culture. i constantly hear the 'what if this was about muslims' argument from news entertainers who routinely bash the religion and don't seem be aware that they're all in one piece and dandy.

45. Emma

    August 30th, 2009 12:25 pm

    Regarding the suggestion that Catholics should tune into the Penn and Teller act to see for ourselves what the fuss is all about, I say you don't have to peer into a toilet bowl to know what's in it.

46. Alessandro

    August 31st, 2009 9:28 am

    Maybe it's the other way around. Maybe they know the show is going to be canceled, or there are good chances of it happening, so they opted for an outrageous Gran Finale. That way, they could blame those bigots, the free-speech hating Catholics, for putting them off-air. Just a thought. I think you should fight anyway.

47. Steve

    August 31st, 2009 6:21 pm

    It is not bigotry because they do not separate religious beliefs from other Non-factual beliefs. You may separate Catholicism from alien abductions(which they did a show on)but non-believers don't.

48. zh

    September 1st, 2009 2:12 pm

    judge for yourself (least you yourself be judged as a weak-minded idiot without an opinion of your own). The entire show is on www.youtube.com in 3 parts. search on: "ptbs S07E10 The Vatican part" part 1 through 3 should come up at the top of the search result.

49. victoria duran

    September 1st, 2009 4:43 pm

    I didn't find your posting till it was to late and I by chance ran upon the show in question. I must say you are so right in stating that they must be stopped. I believe in free speach but I also believe there is a difference in free speach and purposly being hateful and setting out to defile anothers belief.Freedom is aloud when you respectfully,base your opinions and comments on facts not twist partial sentences or quotes into what you want so as to be derogitory.It all comes back to "do unto others" and by that I mean what must of happened to them as children that they are so full of hate that they have nothing better to do then project that onto any poor sole who will listen. Then they throw in the promotion of naked women through out the show just proving that they don't even believe what they have to say is important enough to sustain your interest. Should we be made at them or take pitty on them and send them our prayers. So that one day they to may be filled with love.

50. Mitch Kahle

    September 2nd, 2009 12:10 pm

    Penn and Teller are right on the mark as usual. The Vatican needs honest criticism more than ever!

51. KA

    September 5th, 2009 6:06 pm

    Just remember that every time someone mocks us for our faith they are just fulfilling the Bible's prophecy. I'm not saying that we should just accept this...certainly Catholicism is vastly misunderstood & media & the "arts" attack the Church endlessly. How many people can you win over by calling Mother Theresa that kind of name, though? While you remind Showtime that you are a consumer & want the show cancelled, remind yourself to smile for you are suffering for your faith.

52. Scott

    September 6th, 2009 10:27 am

    I'm of the opinion that in the USA you do not have the right to not be offended. If you don't like what Penn and Teller have to say, then don't watch them. It's as easy as that. If the your religion and your god can't handle a little criticism from a couple of magicians/entertainers, then maybe that religion isn't worth following. It's not as if they said anything untrue. Their main objection to the catholic churn, and mine as well, is their stance on birth control, particularly in Africa. They also take issue with the churches attempt to stifle the free speech of an Italian entertainer, and this article is obviously another attempt at doing the same. Once again, if you don't like the show, then don't watch it. There are a million other things you can be watching. And if you are someone who already isn't watching the show then you have no business writing letters in to TV stations telling them to cancel shows. You aren't even a customer.

53. mike

    September 10th, 2009 7:13 am

    I can't imagine why they would go after you. I mean, it's not as if you act like a whiny five year old child any time any time your faith is criticized. If you'd like to live in a country where your faith is unassailable, could I suggest Afghanistan?

54. Chad

    September 10th, 2009 7:57 am

    Cowards have absolutely nothing to say to the actual criticisms in the episode itself, they are total hypocrites.

55. Howell Farrell

    September 12th, 2009 7:34 am

    Jillette's motivation is his Jewish background. The Catholic Church is the primary enemy of Judaism.

56. larry

    September 12th, 2009 6:17 pm

    Be proud to be Catholic, but don't turn a blind eye to some of the terrible things done by the Church- pedophelia is indefensible, and the surrounding coverup is even more morally repugnant.

57. Brian

    September 15th, 2009 8:16 am

    I guess my comments were censored...not for anything profane, but simply because they went against the all powerful church. Why am I not surprised at all.

58. Britt

    September 15th, 2009 3:42 pm

    haha wow really? you are so insecure about the lies and deception of your cult that you have to announce when penn and teller are going to have their vatican episode? you only bitch and whine because you know what they say is true and that they are going to plant questions in peoples minds about religion and how it corrupts people and then your mindless sheep will stray away. free-thinker all the way.

59. Mike

    September 20th, 2009 1:02 pm

    Penn and Teller are self-described atheists, so nothing they say against ANY religion should come as a surprise. By the same token, people who couch their activities in religion (such as Mother Theresa)are also open to their attacks if they see some inherent contradiction between the tenets of the faith and the actuality of the activity involved. They have savaged the green movement along these same lines. Artists and entertainers of all stripes have had to put up with the objections of any number of religious groups who make hasty judgments without getting the facts. I'm getting that same tone from the above article.

60. David

    October 9th, 2009 7:22 pm

    sorry, but free speech, and freedom of ideology is more important than your reactionary attempt to silence those who have the courage to speak their mind. no where in the constitution does it say that one has the right not be offended.

61. mark

    November 9th, 2009 5:03 pm

    I would then challenge the Catholic church, or 'league' as it would be, to create an episode to challenge and debunk any or all of P&T's claims. I find that, in most conversations of religious discrepancy, it is the faithful that remain somehow appalled and endlessly offended, while still typically unable to provide any logical or diplomatic rebuttal that DOESN'T merely rely on quoting scripture. Instead of crying as loudly as possible, step up for a change, and state your case for the world to hear. Use the media; use shock factor if you'd like . . But step up. Make an actual point that isn't completely exclusive and antiquated for once.

62. Brandon

    November 25th, 2009 10:53 pm

    I was born catholic, and confirmed catholic. And I had no problem with the episode, if anything it only showed the err of humans, the leaders of the church, not the religion itself. And even if it does attack the Catholicism, what makes the religion so special that it should get a free pass? Penn and Teller have made 7 seasons and have pointed out questions and facts about every facet of society. Having them yank the show for an episode about the Vatican is about as silly as having them yank the show for offending people who eat organic foods. If you don't like what you see, then don't watch it. Not everyone is a catholic, and not everyone agrees with you. It's a TV show, made for entertainment, on a pay-for cable channel. If you believe that it really has that much affect on society and Catholics, then you should question yourself.

63. Amber

    May 19th, 2010 3:25 pm

    Atheists will not be suppressed by lies and the bigotry of Catholics, Muslims, or any Man Made religion anymore. We understand the truth and are just as free to express our beliefs as any other group.

64. Joseph

    May 22nd, 2010 4:20 pm

    As a conservative Catholic who also happens to care deeply about the environment and animal rights, I don't think I have ever come across a pair of individuals that are more diametrically opposed to my entire belief system than Penn and Teller. I try to see others perspectives when possible but all that seems to come out of the mouths of these two "entertainers" is hate-filled bigotry that promotes an extreme and dangerous libertarian ideology which advocates that society completely abandons any moral code in favour of "whatever feels good for me, no matter who I hurt". I would be terrified to live in a world run by these two where the only value they hold dear is greed and complete selfishness. Thank you Keith for confronting these truly vile hate mongers.

65. Ann Thropy

    June 18th, 2010 11:27 pm

    I just went and found the episode on You Tube, and I think that behind the show-biz bluster, it raised some interesting questions that Catholics could benefit from discussing. You don't have to agree with someone's opinion to gain insight from it, and if your faith is valuable to you, I think you should seek to understand it fully by asking some of those difficult questions.

66. Maz

    June 22nd, 2010 8:53 am

    The reason that Penn and Teller 'bashed' the Catholics as opposed to other religions, is because it is proven - as stated in the recent TIME magazine article - that no other religion has such a high rate of reported sexual abuse on minors by priests or other members of the clergy. This is a fact - the Pope is even preparing to make a statement about it. You cannot just dismiss these things as lies if it upsets you. And FYI - Penn and Teller 'bash' libertarian views too, check out the episodes on the environment, organic food, world peace, gun control, anti-smoking, recycling, green peace, new-age (whom they seem to hate a lot) and being green. Free speech means having the freedom to say things others may not want to hear - and unfortunately this means things people might find insulting or offensive too. I'm very glad that Showtime has allowed them to continue with an 8th series, and I don't quite understand what makes Donohue think that just because he doesn't like a show, it must therefore be cancelled immediately.

67. Mark

    August 22nd, 2010 10:22 am

    Surely it's a simple matter of "if you don't like it, don't watch it" Not every programme is designed for you

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