Is it okay to mock a mock religion? what about a genuine religion?...and how do you know?

Answer 1

What do you mean by "mock?"

The Vice President of the US, George Bush, in 1987, public stated that atheists are traitors and unworthy of citizenship. He was speaking for "born again Christians," so it appears that it is not only appropriate, but widely supported in the Christian community.

Answer 2

There seems to be a fine line between mocking as in "Haha, Christiany/Islam/Buddhism/ Pastafarianism is so stuuupid, look what they do, I mean is that normal?" and mocking as in using humour and wit to highlight the essential incongruities that exist at a fundamental level in many of today's leading world faiths. Asking questions like "If the world is only 6,000 years old, what did the Chinese people who were around 8,000 years ago (to say nothing of the bloomin' dinosaurs) live on?" uses facts to confront a key religious belief of some people in a comical way - the idea of the Chinese sitting around in space going "Wish that God bloke would hurry up and make the world, I'm freezing out here..." is clearly ludicrous, and therefore mocks what some people see as essential truth, but in a gentle and factually demanding way, rather than a blunt and openly offensive way.

Long-winded way of saying yes, it's fine to mock religions, but it falls to those of us who do it to make sure we do it in an intelligent way that spreads light, rather than hate.

Answer 3

There are several places in the Bible where God Himself mocks religion.

One of my favorites is in 1 Kings 18, in the original language it's quite graphic:

27At noon Elijah mocked them, saying, Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is musing, or he has gone aside, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.

musing = off having sex
turned aside = taking a bathroom break

Also in the New Testament we find Jesus has no respect for the Jewish religion of the day.

Matthew 23:27
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which loOK beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men's bones and everything impure.

John 9:39-41 (Contemporary English Version)

39Jesus told him, "I came to judge the people of this world. I am here to give sight to the blind and to make blind everyone who can see."

40When the Pharisees heard Jesus say this, they asked, "Are we blind?"

41Jesus answered, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty. But now that you claim to see, you will keep on being guilty."

This mocking put off the religious order enough to have him killed.

However, how does this apply to us today? Should we go around mooning other religions? The apostle Paul advises:

"Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work,To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody." (Titus 3:1-2 (Amplified Bible))

So for Jesus followers, no, it's best not to actively mock religion. But is is ok to understand that God does. He is very good at pulling down the pants of false religions so that it's obvious to the whole world what they are. He's also very good at defending Himself. It's a very false god or religion that depends on mere mortals to defend it.

Answer 4

It is never okay to mock anything/anyone. There is no purpose and no gain in doing things that are negative. Yet, you knew that in your heart, didn't you? :)

We all know in our heart of hearts that which is good and true.

If you begin to learn of a religion, you will quickly get a 'tug' inside that tells you "TRUTH" or "LIE". If you continue with the one that says "TRUTH", that's probably what it is. If somewhere down the road, something doesn't sit right in your spirit, question it thoroughly before you consider it to be a "LIE". I'm speaking from experience with learning of different religions and being involved in different Christian communities, as well as some "so-called" Christians.

The truth is IN you.

Answer 5

It's usually not okay to mock anyone or anything. Everyone should be treated with respect. That doesn't mean you have to accept their views. But mocking them doesn't exactly prove them wrong. It might be more an indication of frustration on your part. In any case it is hurtful and counterproductive.

Answer 6

I don't think it's ok to mock anyone for any reason. Race, religion, sexual orientation, dietary habits.

But playful jest between friends is a whole other ball of wax. My Protestant friends poke fun at my Catholic habits. It's all in good fun and all from a place of love and affection. Often it's a non-obtrusive way of starting dialog.

There are many different beliefs out there. It's far better to play it safe. Even if something seems looney to you. Don't make fun. If they start making fun of themselves, then it's ok to play along.

Answer 7

I have faith in my intuition when it comes to some religions & the only ones I see that don't serve anyone are cults. I try not to mock them but they tend to be so "over the top" that it's hard not to.

Answer 8

There's a Scripture that quotes at least in part, "be ye not deceived, God IS NOT MOCKED"! Therefore, I wouldn't think God would be pleased with those who choose to mock true faith and understanding of God's word.

Answer 9

I don't know when mocking is okay regardless if it is religion or not

Answer 10

I don't know why any good person would ever mock anyone's religion. Why attack faith? Or lack of faith for that matter?
There are things that are so much more important