Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason: Salman Rushdie

In this conversation with PBS stalwart Bill Moyers, novelist Salman Rushdie (Shalimar the Clown)—famously marked for death by a fatwa issued in 1989 by Ayatollah Khomeini because his book The Satanic Verses was deemed blasphemous—decries Islamic extremism, but in a measured and reasonable manner that is compelling rather than incendiary. An avowed atheist, but respectful of what he sees as the true Islam (he reminiscences warmly about his grandfather, a devout but tolerant believer), Rushdie speaks with controlled passion about the hijacking of religion for political ends, argues against accommodation with those who seek to use religion to justify violence and terrorism, and offers his opinions on the relationship between religion and morality, reminding viewers that ethical codes of conduct do not require religion, but can spring just as easily from secular, rationalistic perspectives. In addition to the interview with Moyers, the film features an introductory segment on Rushdie's life and, as a coda, an excerpt of a public reading from The Satanic Verses. Overall, Rushdie proves an amiable raconteur, easily tossing out such bon mots as Luis Buñuel's famous suggestion for a tombstone inscription—“Thank God I'm an atheist”—in a wide-ranging discussion that not only thoughtfully addresses issues related to the tension between belief and secularism, but also provides an engaging view of a talented, courageous artist. Part of a 12 title series—other volumes feature Martin Amis, Margaret Atwood, Mary Gordon, Richard Rodriguez, and Jeanette Winterson, among others—this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)