Bill Maher and Ben Shapiro debate over morality and the Bible

Bill Maher and Ben Shapiro crossed proverbial swords over morality and the Bible on Friday.

Maher, who is famously atheist and has even made a documentary called “Religulous” that challenged the beliefs of a number of religions, described the Bible as being “full of nonsense and wickedness.”

Watch:

WOW. Ben Shapiro made the audience ERUPT after stating a simple fact. pic.twitter.com/22WsnswA01

BILL MAHER: “The Bible is full of nonsense and wickedness.”

SHAPIRO: “But you and I agree a lot on morality, right? Because we were born in a society built by the Bible. You can think…

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 13, 2025

“If God wrote the book, how could there be ‘things we don’t agree with?’ It’s got to be perfect because it’s written by you-know-who, or it’s just not perfect because it was written by people, obviously, and it’s full of nonsense and wickedness,” the host said.

“Bill, you and I agree on morality, I’d say at least 87 percent—” Shapiro started to say.

“Morality, but not from the Bible,” Maher interjected.

“Why do you and I agree on morality like 87.5 percent? I’m a religious Jew, you’re an atheist — why do we agree on those things?” Shapiro pressed. “We probably grew up a few miles from each other in Western society that has several thousand years of Biblical history behind it. So you can think that you hit that triple and formed your own morality, but the reality is you were born morally on third base.”

This response prompted laughter and some applause from the audience, but didn’t stop Maher from claiming that the Enlightenment was the source of Western society’s morality, and that the Founding Fathers were not “particularly Christian.” Shapiro countered this by pointing out that Thomas Jefferson had actually created a compilation of Bible verses centered on morality, removing the miracles.

When asked why people should continue indulging in religious faith in modern times, Shapiro simply responded, “cut flowers die,” arguing that if America severs itself from religious morality, it will not be able to continue sustaining its values.

X users weighed in:

I dislike Shapiro’s stances on a number of issues, but no one can deny he is an exceptionally skilled communicator and debater – among many other reasons because he has years of experience with it by now.

— OldWorld Marc (@world_citizen_1) September 13, 2025

Ben’s answer is solid. Western Civilization isn’t perfect, but its moral foundation is undeniable—especially by those who benefit from it without appreciation.

— eagle_bird (@EagleBird1233) September 13, 2025

The prevailing cultural values within this nation are largely influenced by Christian principles. While not all citizens adhere to the Christian faith, many individuals incorporate these values into their daily lives, contributing to the societal framework.

— Boutros (@elnanobuilt) September 13, 2025

Bill Maher is going to soon learn how true the Bible is when one day he stands before God in judgement. I pray he finds Jesus before it’s too late and his fate is sealed.

— Right on Red (@Woodson1619) September 13, 2025

I pray that God gives Bill the gift of faith in order to believe. He will never until he receives that gift. It’s impossible.

— Bobbie Evans (@BobbieE20238239) September 13, 2025

Writer/Columnist

Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.

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