Leading US comedian and tv host Bill Maher has dismissed the suggestion that Christianity is under attack in the US.
Maher, host of HBO's Real Time, said: "Conservatives who constantly whine that Christianity is under attack from liberals have to explain why there are over 300,000 churches in the US, but only 400 Whole Foods.
"Clearly your side is winning."
During the New Rules segment of his popular show, Maher added: "Now I understand it. Christians love to feel persecuted. It is part of their origin story. But we are a long way from them getting eaten by lions in the Colosseum. Seventy per cent of the country is Christian, not to mention every President we've ever had. So please tell me in what universe do the following statement's make sense?"
Maher referred to Republican politician Mike Huckabee's statement that the nation is moving rapidly towards the "criminalisation" of Christianity, Texas senator Ted Cruz's claim that there is "no room" for Christians in today's Democratic Party and commentator Bill O'Reilly's assertion that it was "open season" on Christians and white men in the US.
"Eighty per cent of Democrats in Congress are Christian and 78 per cent of Democratic governors," Maher said. He added: "Ted also said there is a liberal fascism that is going after Christian believers. Going after? Fascism? I don't even believe in Christ but for Christ's sake!"
Speaking humorously, he said O'Reilly's comments explained the many videos of police going after "white clergymen".
He added: "This idea that everybody on the left is plotting against Christianity and wants to wipe out religion is offensive." He joked that it was offensive because in fact he was the only person saying it.
"I really want to know, where is religion belittled in the liberal world?"
