In many countries, there are laws according to which you can be punished for saying offensive things about people's religious beliefs. I'm an atheist and as such don't have any religious belief, but extremist Christians and Muslims can and do say all kinds of offensive things about my lack of belief, and I have no legal comeback because atheism isn't an organised religion but a philosophical position.
I'm used to being offended on a regular basis by people who take pleasure in informing me that I'm a stupid evil whatever who's going to burn in hell, and I've stopped minding (hate the sin not the sinner and all that), but why should they get to insult me and not me them?
2007-03-05 00:53:32 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I'd just like to point out two things to moonrose 7 - firstly, that I never said I wanted to put people in jail for insulting me. I would prefer if blasphemy laws were revoked all over the world, so that nobody could be put in jail for insulting anyone's belief or lack thereof, but that won't happen soon.
Secondly, you may live in America but I don't, although it's interesting that you clearly assume that I do. I'm guessing from the tone of your answer that you're a Christian - how's that Christian tolerance and kindness coming along then? Not too great by the sound of it?
2007-03-06 13:10:55 · update #1
Nice question, but an easy one. It's clearly obvious that those people are jealous that you don't have people telling you how to live your life (i.e no sex before marriage, pray every day, etc etc).
As an ex-atheist myself I know exactly where you're coming from. We get pigeon-holed into the nearest religion there is. For example, I'm sure if you went to court, you would have to swear on the bible, even though it means nothing to you. That's why I became a Buddhist. I still believe there is no god and we are all responsible for our own actions, but at least I can belong in a category that I feel comfortable in.
I've always previously been an atheist, but, having been christened, I had to choose Christianity when filling in forms. Not any more...
As for the insults, notice how its religious grounding goes against the religion itself. Example - Christianity dictates "Love thy neighbour". If love is found on an acid tongue and in a warhead then both cruel words and war are good things. Sadly, most christians fail to realise that the imaginary 'hell' they throw 'sinners' to is right where they're headed.
Rest peacefully, my friend, and know that any hateful actions were not caused by you, therefore no punishment should be tolerated by you. If it is given, neither accept it nor retaliate.
2007-03-05 01:23:44 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It goes both ways, I get called a stupid sheep incapable of original thoughts just because I am a Christian. It would be nice if we could leave each other be regarding religion, but unfortunately there are always the extremists that just cant let others be.
2007-03-05 00:59:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
This is the result of p.c., selective free speech, people like us do not have a voice. Any idiot can say the most vile things and get away with it, provided said idiot belongs to either a religious group or an "ethnic minority"
You say your used to it, don't be, the web is the one place where we can expose these fascists.
Fight back!
2007-03-05 01:15:53 · answer #3 · answered by bhodi 333 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let me get this straight, You want to be able to put people in jail for not respecting your religion or lack of it? This is unbelievable! You will never find a Christian so intolorant or as narrow minded as you are. In case you haven't looked out the window lately, this is America the land of the free and that covers being free with what you say. Unfortunately, or in your case for you, fortunately, we must suffer fools to live among us. You are so sad.
2007-03-05 01:24:06 · answer #4 · answered by moonrose777 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The natural reaction caused by ignorance is insult. In all walks of life, on all subjects spoken and written, this is the one constant factor.
Those who degrade or belittle do so usually because they know nothing of the views, opinions and beliefs of those of whom they speak.
2007-03-05 01:09:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
unfortunatley you may think this is racist/homophobic but believe me i'm not, but from personal experiences if your black, asian,gay etc you can basically do and say whatever you like and if your white you can't because they play the racist/homophobic card which is completly unfair, the police also know this is the truth but shrug they're shoulders and deal with whatever
2007-03-05 02:05:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because unfortuantely we are living in a country where it is one rule for them and one rule for us. If i get insluted by a Muslim i insult them back, play fair!
2007-03-05 01:14:40 · answer #7 · answered by rose 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I too am atheist and my belief's do not allow my mind to accept "magic" but if one believes in god don't try to defend your own belief's, you will never win.
2007-03-05 01:13:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wouldn't it be nice if people just stop being little cry baby pansies every time somebody says something a little offensive. Who gives a crap what other people think.
2007-03-05 01:07:49 · answer #9 · answered by epaq27 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can you can't
2007-03-05 00:58:38 · answer #10 · answered by Smurf 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋