What do you think of this definition of "blasphemy"?

Question

Blasphemy is the crime of making fun of ridiculous beliefs someone else holds sacred. - Edwin F. Kagan, from his book, Baubles of Blasphemy, 2005, Atlanta Freethought Society, Inc.

fci_pitch - yes, I'm an atheist. But don't people make fun of any beliefs that don't agree with their own? Wiccan, Muslim or LDS, perhaps?

Pinka, I am saying that others make fun of LDS.

Answer 1

Funny you chose that particular one.

Not valid from what I read.

But you are an Atheist, correct?

Answer 2

I am LDS and I don't "make fun" of others because of their beliefs. I respect what others believe. Do I agree with some things or understand why they think a certian way? No, but that doesn't mean I am making fun of them for it.

I would say blasphemy is talking or doing things that are against God's will...and of course that differs between people. What is blasphemy to you might not be to another or whatever. Only God can be the judge, thank heaven!

Answer 3

I'd, perhaps, reverse the definition - blasphemy is the crime of someone else making fun of the beliefs that a person hold sacred. Specifically, most people are concerned about their own religious beliefs being ridiculed, but *far* less so when it comes to ridiculing differing beliefs - especially beliefs that they do not understand.

I personally think that blasphemy is more of a spiteful attempt to desecrate the sacred, but I hold a somewhat more permissive view than many, especially when it comes down to humor.

Answer 4

KB- your profile says that you are an atheist, but the Lord knows the truth. He knows that you do believe in his existence and your heart is searching for the truth. Not religion, but a true relationship with him. Blasphemy, by definition, is a competuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God. It is God we are fighting when we have blasphemed-not people.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that all men are without excuse. (Romans1:20)
You are so blessed to be given the chance to ask these questions and for the Lord to reveal the truth to you. God bless

Answer 5

It sounds beautiful.

So Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad walk into a bar. The atheist ducks.

added:

Oh, so blasphemy is denying christ?

I deny him. I deny he even existed. I once believed. I wash myself clean of the blood of a fake man I believed in and state uncategorically, Jesus is not God, because neither Jesus nor God exist, and state just as uncategorically that those who call upon the name of Jesus are lunatics and fools.

I think on the way home I'll stop at a church and get a Bible I can use as toilet paper, just for the pleasure of physical blasphemy.

Answer 6

That pretty much says it. Your sacred is someone else's ridiculous, and vice versa.

I like a bumper sticker I saw that says "Blasphemy is a victimless crime."

Answer 7

I would say that this is a butt licking friendly definition of blasphemy so that people who do not believe in God would not feel violated. Like this " Do not say Merry Christmas because it is insulting to me" type of thing...So do you care? You can make up your own rules since you do not submit to God's standards.

I do not go around ridiculing other people's believes, you do. You think that there is no one to "punish" you...use your free will wisely. God is God no matter you think about Him.

Answer 8

Blasphemy should not be regarded as a crime!. If a religion cannot withstand mockery, it must be a very shaky religion

Answer 9

That's cute.
Question for you: do all atheists proselytize or is it just something you do?
I don't understand what an atheist would be doing on a spiritual site. Its like a vegan chatting it up in a butcher shop. In other words, your wasting our time.

Answer 10

Blasphemy the Holy Spirit is the only sin you cannot be forgiven for. It means to deny, Jesus Christ. You'll go to hell for that.