Whereas some movie titles offer only obscure clues about their content (”Bowling for Columbine,” for example, has little to do with bowling), Bill Maher’s “Religulous“–a portmanteau of the words “religious” and “ridiculous”–is a fairly tacit indication of where the film’s headed. Myself, I didn’t take offense (hell, I laughed), but I offer this as a gentle warning, if you’re looking to pick this one up–watch it with comedy in mind.

“Religulous” is presented as a loose documentary about Maher’s pilgrimage across the globe. The comedian and host of HBO’s “Real Time” makes stops at the Creation Museum in Kentucky (which asserts that humans coexisted with dinosaurs) and a trucker’s chapel in Raleigh, then it is on to Jerusalem and the Vatican as he explores (and skewers) the various tenets of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Mormonism, TV evangelism and more. Along the way, he plays devil’s advocate as he interviews a range of tertiary religious figures, authors, musicians and politicians. It’s quality satire–and exactly what you’d expect from Maher.

Of course, this is a little bit more uncensored than “Politically Incorrect.” But Maher got his start as an edgy comedian and, if you’re familiar with his standup routines of years past, you know religion always got a healthy ribbing. When you consider how many guests Maher’s sliced and diced on “Real Time,” you might argue he’s showing a little “all in good fun” restraint here (though he can be pretty wicked with the post-editing). The key, I think, is to watch it as a quick-witted, irreverently funny satire. With that mindset, some of the interviews are as laughworthy as an average episode of “The Office.” But as a documentary, it’s like something from Michael Moore–the bias is often so thick you can guess the conclusion before you’ve even seen it. Don’t make the mistake of taking it too seriously; after all, this is from the same director that brought you “Borat.”

For myself, “Religulous” was also an absorbing crash course on other organized religions and their belief systems. The bits about Scientology and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are as fascinating as they are funny. In spite of Maher’s worldview, if you’re a believer of any faith, I think it’s important to re-examine the creed or dogma to which you ascribe, and if you look at the bright side, “Religulous” offers a chance to do so.

Then again, if you’re a follower of Hinduism or Buddhism, you’ll be left out on the cold, as Maher doesn’t delve into many Eastern religions (more evidence that this is not a true documentary; Maher’s playing mostly to an American audience). Nor does he go after some of the more obvious “targets,” such as Pentecostal snake-handlers or Jedi-ism.

Although Maher’s conclusion felt a little preachy, I knew he’d get there eventually, and he’s entitled to his opinion. (It wouldn’t be Christian of me to deny him, now would it?) Another side note, I loved the “soundtrack,” which features the Doobie Brothers, Ben Folds and Talking Heads, among others.

For more laughs, check out the bonus features, which include deleted scenes and monologues from around the world. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to Confession. Hopefully God has a sense of humor.