If there is such a word, I resaw a favorite film of mine: Terry Jones' Erik the Viking . While there is a bit of that Monty Pythonish humor at the beginning, the film as a whole is steeped with comedic daggers pointing at religious belief, some of which bring up this latest tea thought.

By the way, never have tea while watching a movie, as it makes even a light comedy deeply provoking.

Briefly, Erik is sent on a quest through Norse mythos to Asgard to awaken the gods and bring back a better world. While the myths are far from accurate, I'm excusing it based on some of the points it brings up. Now, if you're actually interested in seeing the movie, go rent it first and then read this, as I may spoil the ending.

Erik has a band of Viking warriors and one Christian missionary (who is constantly trying to convert these heathens who want nothing to do with him). At the point when the warriors reach Vahalla, they all stand around with awe that it is real. I mean, everyone has faith in their religion but when you can knock your head against it, it tends to stun. Anyway, this missionary starts asking everyone what they're gawking at.

"There! It's real! It's solid! Now do you believe us?" they ask.

"There isn't anything. You're having me on, aren't you?" he says as he walks through the walls.

One of the other Vikings comments under his breath, "He's just s cynic."

Another interesting point is when Erik asks Odhinn if he can end the current world of pain and hatred and issue in a new, better world. Odhinn declines saying:

Erik the Viking! The things you seek are not in our power. We don't make men love each other or hate each other.

For while it is true that religion has inspired men like Ghandi and Mother Teresa, it is clichéic that more men have been killed in the name of God than by any other means.

Also, the Nordic gods are portrayed by children... powerful children. Which is quite telling, as the Norse and most other people tended to view the gods are capricious, selfish and quite childish. I wonder if Terry was thinking of this or if he thought it good for a laugh.