We are afraid of thinking as individuals

We Are Afraid of Thinking as Individuals 

I appreciate what Life of Brian says about religion. I think that organized religions often use their central figures rather than follow them. It seems that people hear what they want to hear, follow the teachings they like, and use religious teachings to justify their actions. The film suggests that Jesus (aka Brian) did not want to be followed, and that those who claimed to follow him actually twisted his words, misinterpreted his statements, and forced him to be the prophet they wanted rather than the man he was. The only thing Brian really says is that people are individuals and should follow their own thoughts and develop their own values, but this point is totally ignored. Perhaps, it is easier to follow than to innovate.

Historically, it is clear that all religions are based on interpretation, but the film plays with the idea that Christianity was fabricated by humans for their own desires, that Jesus was just a pawn used by some for political reasons and by others to give direction when they did not want to think for themselves. In my own experience I see seen the manipulation of the Bible in a similar way. Though the Bible describes the earth as the creation of God, christians all over the world continue to destroy it and claim they are devoted to God.

In the end, the film really looks at human nature. It shows people hearing what they want to hear, doing what they want to do, and believing what they want to believe. Pontius Pilate never wakes up to the fact that everyone laughing at him. The People's Front of Judea can't get anything done because they spend all of their time either fighting with other movements or discussing policies. They don't listen when someone tries to convince them to actually do something. Brain's followers don't really listen to what he is saying,. In the end even Judith and his mother remain stuck in their own views of Brian and what is happening to him. Basically, those with an agenda see everything through the lens of that agenda, and those like Brian who just want peace and quiet get caught in the middle of the problems.

The film makes all of these points through humor. If a drama or a documentary was making the same point, many people would not listen or would feel offended. The film is able to criticize and mock religion and human nature without being too offensive because it incorporates silliness and humor that everyone can relate to. A lot of us know what it is like to be nagged by our mother, or to be told in an annoying way to look on the bright side. We can all laugh at a crazy naked man running around, or an oblivious leader with a speech impediment saying “Biggus Dickus.” Humor helps us deal with difficult topics in a way that feels safe. It changes anger, frustration, and cynicism into something positive. Monty Python's use of humor allows us to look at ourselves and the world, see the problems and faults, and laugh at it all.