Should religious belief be the subject of mockery or ridicule?

Question

The most curious social convention of the great age in which we live is the one to the effect that religious opinions should be respected.
-- H L Mencken, in American Mercury (March, 1930)

It couldn't have said it any better.

Answer 1

Yes.

Everyone is entitled to express opinions about things. By mocking or ridiculing, people express an opinion, which is "That is absurd." Religious beliefs should be no exception.

Religious people should. I noticed that the question refers to "religious belief", not "religious people", which is good. To attack the people is an ad hominem argument, and as such invalid. You win an argument against belief by attacking the belief, not the believer.

Answer 2

Free speech is an interesting thing. Some would claim that they have the right to mock and ridicule those who are religious, yet those same people would be appalled at someone who mocked or ridiculed a homosexual.

We can't have it both ways though. Is a mocker of homosexuals a homophobe filled with hate speech and yet a mocker of religion just someone excercising their freedom of speech. What about vice versa?

I think people should respect other people. Disagree? sure. But respect. Those who are idiots and don't want to respect others should simply be regarded as disrespectful idiots.

Answer 3

I think only an extremist lacks a sense of humour. I mock the religion, and not the person.....heh - but it's kinda hard to separate the two right???
I hold religion accountable for mass insanity. I guess i could be accused of being a religious bigot, but I strongly believe that religion is a mental illness. The world would be better off secular.

Answer 4

You don't have to be of any religion to follow the guiding principle to treat others as you would like to be treated. That's kind of universal among people who would rather sow love and compassion instead of hatred and ignorance. By attacking people and their beliefs because they seem to you to be un-enlightened, what are you doing besides playing the pot calling the kettle black?

Religions, like everything else in life, have their good points and their bad, depending on how they're used.

Answer 5

Beliefs that lead to harm should be subject to criticism. Pointing out the potential harm, however, should be included in the criticism in order to avoid seeming just ornery and picking a fight.

Of course, it could be said that any belief that encourages a fantasy life instead of a realistic approach to life could be harmful because it distracts from rational thinking.

.

Answer 6

No, because mockery does nothing but stir up strife, anger and hatred. It is certainly acceptable to question religious beliefs, yet mockery is what fools do. "But let your 'Yes' be "Yes" and your 'No,' 'No'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." -Matthew 5:37 NKJV

Answer 7

religious opinion should be isolated, and left behind. it does nothing for mankind but create divisiveness. it never has, cannot, and never will, bring people together.
it should be studied, then cast aside as the bane of all mankind.
it has caused more death, destruction, and wars than any thousand other excuses combined.
if man learns nothing else, let him learn that. one need only study history. you either learn from it, or you will continue to repeat it.

Answer 8

Religious belief should be subject to questioning and ridicule for amoral beliefs, but mockery... no.

I respect your beiefs if you respect my beliefs, no matter how different they are.

Answer 9

Both, they certainly don't have a problem with mocking and ridiculing gay people. I think they should be shown all the respect they give....which is none.

Answer 10

Of course not. I know sometimes we think other's beliefs are wrong, maybe even stupid, but it doesnt mean we should mock or ridicule them. We should keep those nasty comments to ourselves.