By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Watch what happens when Stephen Colbert debates faith with outspoken atheist Bill Maher
f4ce45a3bbd30b95fec3682fb6391f94e7e97a816d3bc9e8503ea2ea84e53b92
Commentator Bill Maher appeared on Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" Monday night, and the two showcased their contrasting views on religion. - photo by Payton Davis
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert isn't the perfect Catholic but he still tries.

That's one of numerous points Colbert discussed with his Monday night guest, "Real Time" host Bill Maher. Bill Bradley wrote for The Huffington Post the interview's focus shifted to religion, and the contrasting views of Colbert, a practicing Catholic, and Maher, an outspoken atheist, made for some "awkward" dialogue.

First, Maher acknowledged his "opposite" take on faith compared to Colbert's, pointing out the former "Colbert Report" host is married and religious.

"Yeah, I'm married, and I give religion a shot," Colbert told Maher. " But that doesn't mean I'm good at it."

According to The Huffington Post, intensity followed: Colbert suggested Maher accept greater things than him exist in the universe. And Maher countered with a shot at religion's "silly stories."

Maher came off as "typically snide," Ruth Graham wrote for Slate.

But Colbert was "winsome," showing how to talk about religion without being combative, Slate indicated.

"But no matter whose side you favored, it was undeniably great TV," Slate's report read. "Colbert has only been at the "Late Show" desk for a few months now, but he's already reminding viewers of what talk shows at their best can offer: a deep conversation in the guise of a shallow one."

Josh Valley wrote for ChristianWeek that Colbert's ability to display faith while avoiding self-righteousness makes him a Catholic adored by people of other religions.

Whether lacing talk on his beliefs with humor or explaining doctrine on NPR, Colbert is a "Catholic superstar" because of his authenticity, according to ChristianWeek.

"As a person of faith hes been able to avoid the self-righteous and rigid tone that has unfortunately characterized todays American evangelical celebrity culture," ChristianWeek's piece read. "Perhaps thats why hes so admired by people everywhere, including Christians of every stripe."
Sign up for our e-newsletters