Are we allowed to criticize religious figures like we criticize politicians? Is it insulting to say Jesus is a mtyh? or that Mohammed was a bad person? Can one go as far as insulting religious figures
Should one express his beliefs openly, or rather keep them to himself? Opinions?
2007-04-07 20:55:30 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Can and Should are two different things.
Yes you have the freedom to do discuss what you listed, but depending on your audience that might not be a good idea.
The audience also has the freedom to tell you what they think of you, to tell you their opinions and to not listen to you. Depending on when and where you do it you can be charged with attempting to incite a riot (like in front of a church or mosque) otherwise you can do it.
Personally I may share some of your opinions, but I don't wear those opinions on my sleeve shouting them at everyone. I have stated them, in a respectable manner, on Yahoo Answers, but I am not foolish to go where those opinions are wanted and state them.
2007-04-07 21:04:51 · answer #1 · answered by Dan S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You most certainly can hold those beliefs you discussed in your question and yes they are Constitutionally protected...to a point. You cannot enter a Catholic church and start spatting off at the mouth because that would instill hatred in a group of people which would result in a riot, which yes you could be arrested for. You can speak freely and believe whatever you want unless you are infringing on another person's right as well to believe something different than yourself. You cannot prohibit other thoughts or ideas but stomping on someone else's in a confrontational manner is not protected. Hope this helps.
2007-04-11 23:06:45 · answer #2 · answered by Rhode Island Red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Danish cartoons of Mohammed is proofs positive that you can't mock Mohammed. How many Christians were killed by the outrage of the Muslim communities through the world.
The boycott of Danish goods and the number of nations publicly apologizing for any offense taken.
In my opinion mocking Mohammed would be down right foolish.
2007-04-08 04:39:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech does allow you to criticize anyone or anything. However some people can get very but-hurt and offended. There are some real fanatics out there, sometimes it's better to keep your opinions to yourself in mixed company--especially if you're at work or something. However, if there's really no danger of bad repercussions, or you don't give a fig about what present company thinks & how they'll react, or if you enjoy stiring-up-the-**** & seeing people blow a gasket---religion is the perfect topic to debate.
What? I can't say ****?
2007-04-08 04:23:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Freedom of speech allows you to mock whomever you choose. My question would be, why bother?
You have your own religious beliefs, whatever they are, and if they work for you, then your beliefs are correct--for you. I have my own beliefs which I have no problem expressing where someone asks me to do so. However, where no one asks, I generally keep them to myself. I don't attempt to convert anyone to my beliefs, and I certainly would not mock anyone's beliefs.
My family is pretty much the embodiment of religious tolerance--I am agnostic whose beliefs about God most closely mirror those of the Judaic faith, one of my daughters is a devout Catholic, one is a devout Mormon, and my son is an atheist. I respect the beliefs--on non-beliefs, as the case may be--of all of my children, as they are quite comfortable with their beliefs and do not mock anyone else's beliefs, nor do they attempt to convert anyone to theirs.
2007-04-08 13:54:45 · answer #5 · answered by legaleagle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God gave men and women free will to do and say whatever they wish. However, if you have a soul, and there comes a day of Judgement, mocking Jesus or other religious people is probably going to be low on the list of things that will ensure one's entry into Heaven or whatever reward good people get.
2007-04-08 07:46:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Freedom of speech allows you to say anything just short of threatening someone. However good sense would probably advise you not to say insulting things to people, just because (I am assuming) you are a good person.
2007-04-08 04:12:05 · answer #7 · answered by lokimadhouse 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do it.If it aggravates the hell out of people to the point of war and murder[like now] then go for it and Godspeed!
We need to decrease the human population anyways.
2007-04-08 06:08:53 · answer #8 · answered by ♠ Oscillate Wildly ♠ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can mock whoever you want, just like religious people have the right to practice their faith.
And saying the fact that religion is nothing but a bunch of fairy tales is not mocking, is a reality.
2007-04-08 04:03:50 · answer #9 · answered by Deep Thought 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Sadly, yes. You are free to mock whomever you choose. Does it make you look cool, smart, or lofty? Not at all.
2007-04-08 04:19:04 · answer #10 · answered by RayeKaye 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋