Game show looks to convert atheists

ATHEIST IDOL


If you thought that “Rakhi Sawant Ka Swamvawar” was the low point in reality shows, wait a minute. A TV station in Turkey has another idea.

What happens when you put a Muslim imam, a Christian priest, a rabbi and a Buddhist monk in a room with 10 atheists? (Note: No Hindu choice is given, else baba Ramdev could have gone)

Turkish television station Kanal T hopes the answer is a ratings success as it prepares to launch a gameshow where spiritual guides from the four faiths will seek to convert a group of non-believers.

The prize for converts will be a pilgrimage to a holy site of their chosen religion -- Mecca for Muslims, the Vatican for Christians, Jerusalem for Jews and Tibet (why not Bodhgaya?) for Buddhists (provided the Chinese are willing I presume).

But religious authorities in Muslim but secular Turkey are not amused are refusing to provide an imam for the show.

"Doing something like this for the sake of ratings is disrespectful to all religions. Religion should not be a subject for entertainment programs," High Board of Religious Affairs Chairman (now there’s a title) Hamza Aktan said after news of the planned program emerged.

The makers of "Penitents Compete" ( I dont know if this sounds better in Turkish but as Titles go, this one is pretty lame) are unrepentant and reject claims that the show, scheduled to begin broadcasting in September, will cheapen religion.

"We are giving the biggest prize in the world, the gift of belief in God," said Kanal T chief executive Seyhan Soylu.

"We don't approve of anyone being an atheist. God is great and it doesn't matter which religion you believe in. The important thing is to believe," Soylu said (forgetting to add ofcourse, that in his definition of 'believing', Hinduism isnt important enough).

Some 200 people have so far applied to take part in the show and the 10 contestants will be chosen next month.

“A team of theologians will ensure that the atheists are truly non-believers and are not just seeking fame or a free holiday” say the programmers but I cant imagine the ‘tool’ or ‘test’ they have that can judge a person’s belief.

Given a chance, would you join this show? And which faith would you choose?

Think about it?

Luv

Vish