Comedian Bill Maher On Islamaphobia: 'The More You Know, The More You'd Be Afraid'

By Julie Brown Patton 5 Feb, 2016 11:55 EST

Comedian and television political pundit Bill Maher recently increased his criticism of Islam, saying on his Jan. 29 "Real Time With Bill Maher" HBO show, "I'm sorry to say it, but the more you know [about Islam], the more you would be afraid."

He said liberals should stand with progressives within the Muslim world, and not be so quick to label critics as Islamaphobic. "I think liberals have to stop insisting the world is the way they want it to be, instead of the way the world is."

He referenced an Oregon-based musician who claimed he was planning to host a concert in Iran to help lessen tension. "Uh, James, don't go," said Maher. "You cannot just think that the reality that exists in your head is the reality in the world."

After the terrorist attacks on San Bernadino, Maher said he kept hearing people say, "If we only knew more about Islam, we wouldn't be so afraid. Actually, it's the reverse."

Saying "Islamaphobe," just helps the enabler, proclaimed Maher, whose guest, Thom Hartmann, author of "The Crash of 2016," said more Americans need to support groups, such as Muslims For Progressive Values, who are working for human rights.

The HBO host said there's a difference between tolerance and capitulation, reports Fox News Insider.

The world shouldn't cater to the "backwards" culture of Islam, he said, criticizing the action taken in Rome to cover nude statues to accommodate a visit by the Iranian president.

"It's one thing to be tolerant of another culture, but this is our culture. We shouldn't change our culture to a more backward culture, should we?"

Maher was born in New York City, raised in New Jersey, and now lives in California. He attended Cornell University.

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Comedian Bill Maher On Islamaphobia: 'The More You Know, The More You'd Be Afraid'

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.