Faiths compete on Turkish TV show

A Turkish game show is challenging atheists to reassess their views and win "the biggest prize ever".

Penitents Compete will bring together an Islamic imam, a Jewish rabbi, a Buddhist monk and a Greek Orthodox priest seeking to convert the atheists.

The prize for any converted contestants is an expenses-paid pilgrimage to a holy site of their chosen faith.

But the producers say the show will also help contestants "find serenity" and raise awareness of the faiths.

Each episode of Penitents Compete will pitch 10 atheists - carefully vetted by a team of theologians to ensure their non-belief - against the four faith leaders.

The imam, rabbi, monk and priest will then seek to persuade the atheists of the merits and truth of their faith.

Adverts for the show promise: "We give you the biggest prize ever; we represent the belief in God. Believe, repent, God will forgive you."

Mixed reactions

The show's producers say they know there is a good chance that none of the atheists will be converted, reports Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper.

But if any are genuinely convinced by a faith, they will be sent on a pilgrimage - new Muslims to Mecca, Buddhists to Tibet and Jews and Christians to Jerusalem.

The TV cameras will follow the winning contestants as they go on their pilgrimage.

"They can't see this trip as a getaway, but as a religious experience," the deputy director of Kanal T, Ahmet Ozdemir, told Hurriyet.

The programme has prompted a mixed reaction in mainly Muslim Turkey, with some saying it would be good for interfaith relations and others saying such discussions were "inappropriate" for television.

Mr Ozdemir said that when people first heard about the show, it was "hard for them to see what it was all about", but that many people were now "waiting impatiently" for its launch.

"People are free to believe in anything they want. Our programme does not have a say," he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8132320.stm



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Greek Resistance

i think this is the stupidest show ever broadcasted... what an humilation.

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^^ 2x

I agree very stupid! The Greek priest's duty is to preach in his church and not participate in game shows like these! Rezilik papa!

98th Medical Battalion taking positions for combat!

if only the late great ahmed deedat were alive for that

its even more stupid then Jerry springer it impossible to convert atheist back to a another fate

this programm will onlyshow to you how much of sheeps you turcos are

The Greek Priest was afraid to come on the show for fear some islamic nut case or kemalist fanatic would assasinate him.

wow im suprised how tolerant Turkey is becoming...




En büyük hainler Türkıyeden çıkıyor, 'Hepimiz Hrant ve Ermeniyiz' diyen piclerde Türk vatandasıydı.

"wow im suprised how tolerant Turkey is becoming"

That's right, no minority has been murdered in at least a FEW DAYS!

The moment the Christian or Jew start winning this contest the Moslem is going to strap a bomb to himself and blow up the show! You know it and I know it.

why the fak would a priest feel scared to come to Turkey where ATHEISTS openly share their feelings without being harmed, i would have expected those atheists to be linched by now

TBH its those christians trying to convert the people like medieval style in SE Turkey, we all know what happened to a few priests in Malatya, pshhhhhhh


En büyük hainler Türkıyeden çıkıyor, 'Hepimiz Hrant ve Ermeniyiz' diyen piclerde Türk vatandasıydı.

Turks have been murdering Christians for centuries. Has nothing to do with proselytizing. It's the deep rooted Turkish fear and hatred for minorities and especially Christian minorities. You have a long record of it.

yeah and christians dont have a long record of killing muslims, or other christians for that matter.

as for the show i don't see the harm in it, i think it will depend on the wisdom of the representatives of each faith. I think it could be very insightful in showing the differences and commonalities of our religions. of course that is if they treat the matters with respect if it is a "the religion is right!" type of thing it will just be funny for a short while and die out

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Freedom is never free.

Like I said, as soon as the Christian and Jew start making the Moslem look like an ignorant fool that he is, the bomb gets strapped on and 'Allah Akbar!!!!'

In reality the Christian and Jew will wait for the Moslem to start saying his evening prayers, then steal the victory with some quick answers!!!

In reality the Christian and Jew will wait for the Moslem to start saying his evening prayers, then steal the victory with some quick answers!!!

christians and jews stealing? never!

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Freedom is never free.

if any prominent atheist is included , then it will clean the floor with the semetic religions faces...

you cant compare insanity with even common understanding of science..