(Sorry the page at the link looks weird - it's optimized for mobile phones which is what i was using when i found the story. It's readable though.)A Turkish television show is offering contestants what it claims is the "biggest prize ever" -- the chance for atheists to convert to one of the world's major religions.
The show, called "Tovbekarlar Yarisiyor," or "Penitents Compete," features a Muslim imam, a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi and a Buddhist monk attempting to persuade 10 atheists of the merits of their religion, according to CNN Turk.
If they succeed, the contestants are rewarded with a pilgrimage to one of their chosen faith's most sacred sites -- Mecca for Muslims, Jerusalem for converts to Judaism, a trip to Tibet for Buddhists and the chance to visit Ephesus and the Vatican for Christians.
Ahmet Ozdemir, deputy director of Turkish channel Kanal T, which will air the show from September, said the program aimed to "turn disbelievers on to God."
"People are free to believe anything they want. Our program does not have a say," he said, according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.
Contestants will be judged by a panel of eight theologians and religious experts prior to going on the show to make sure their lack of faith is genuine...
(full story: http://cnnmobile.com/primary/_cGiji5-i4yg4fb9Ys)
Strange game show, eh? Wonder if there will be any takers. I'd like a trip to Tibet and it wouldn't take much to convince me to go there.
Oh, that's what I need...a salvation coupon from the
hypothetical god who's said to be threatening me in the first place!
