Comedian Chris Distefano recently urged fellow comedian and political commentator Bill Maher to read “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel in order to examine the evidence for the existence of Jesus. Distefano joined Maher, who is known for being highly critical of religion, on his podcast, “Club Random with Bill Maher.”
Chris Distefano: ‘I Believe in Jesus’
Bill Maher is the former host of “Politically Incorrect” and current host of “Real Time With Bill Maher.” In 2008, he released the film “Religulous,” in which he presented an extremely negative view of various religious beliefs, including Christianity.
Chris Distefano began his career in the entertainment industry on MTV and MTV2’s “Guy Code” and “Girl Code.” He recorded his first comedy special, “Chris Distefano: Size 38 Waist,” in 2019 and his second, “Speshy Weshy,” in 2022.
In 2022, Maher launched “Club Random with Bill Maher,” a podcast where he has conversations with guests, often while smoking weed and drinking. Distefano joined him for an interview on Jan. 21 [Editor’s note: This video contains language some may find offensive].
About an hour-and-a-half into their conversation, Maher and Distefano were discussing their careers and what platforms the Hollywood establishment would prevent Maher from taking because of his views. Maher said that his colleagues in the entertainment industry “are very indoctrinated.”
“Look, I love my show business compatriots. It’s a wonderful business. Thank you Jesus for putting me in it,” he said.
“I believe in Jesus, by the way,” Distefano interjected. “We’ll talk about that.” Maher seemed taken aback, and Distefano explained he was “reading ‘The Case for Christ’ by Lee Strobel. It’s convincing evidence.”
“Believe in whatever you want,” said Maher, implying Distefano was acting like Maher was going to kick him out of the show because of his beliefs.
Distefano said he went to Catholic school but that after reading Strobel’s book, “the factual evidence that [Jesus] existed is kind of overwhelming.”
“I’d like to see that,” Maher responded, “because the factual evidence that he existed has always been underwhelming.” Distefano challenged Maher to read Strobel’s book, saying, “Give it a shot.”
“Yeah, I will,” said Maher. He went on to ask about the evidence in the book. Distefano mentioned “archeological finds, theological finds” and stated that if he told Maher “factual evidence about Alexander the Great, you would believe me.”