Bill Maher: 'Mormonism Is Closer To Islam' Than It Is Christianity

The more I watch Bill Maher, the more I think he's either a complete idiot or just says moronic, inflammatory things to get attention.

His most recent absurdity, said on MSNBC's "The Ed Show" Wednesday, was that Mormonism is closer to Islam than it is to Christianity (video follows with transcript and commentary):

MICHAEL ERIC DYSON, SUBSTITUTE HOST: Mitt Romney is the frontrunner. Do you think Republicans, the base that is, are ever really, truly going to place their faith in a guy who’s a Mormon?

BILL MAHER: No. That’s what’s going to be so interesting is when Rick Perry in sly and underhanded and no fingerprints methods starts putting out the idea, which is a true idea by the way, that Mormons are not really Christians. You know, once America, which is a very Christian nation, finds that out, I think they’ll have a, certainly in the Evangelical part of the country, those folks, they will not be very fond of Mitt Romney.

Once they find out that Jesus Christ is like third in the hierarchy there. Really was about Joseph Smith. Actually, Mormonism is closer to Islam because in Islam Jesus is also a revered figure. He’s a wonderful prophet. He’s just not the ultimate prophet. You know, he’s like the middle act. He’s certainly not the headliner.

Let's begin with a little logic. Mormonism is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Seem to you that Jesus Christ is "third in the hierarchy?"

Consider, too, what the official Mormon website says on the subject:

About Us

Mormons, for all the other things that set us apart, believe first and foremost that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.

We believe that through Him, all mankind may enjoy eternal life with their families in Heavenly Father’s kingdom (John 3:16).

Let's repeat that: "Mormons, for all the other things that set us apart, believe first and foremost that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer."

Seems pretty clear, doesn't it?

Here's more:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the official name of the religion commonly called the Mormon Church. It was established April 6, 1830 by Joseph Smith, the first president of the Church. We believe he was called by God to be a prophet in the modern era, like Moses and Abraham in biblical times. Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ in a vision after praying to know which church to join. They called on him to restore the church Christ organized when He was on earth, with the proper organization and priesthood authority that had been lost shortly after the Savior’s death.

Seem to you that this religion puts Jesus Christ "third in the hierarchy" and is therefore closer to Islam than it is to Christianity?

Or is this just another absurd line from a highly-revered liberal comedian who rarely if ever knows what he's talking about?