at the very least, shouldn't we be allowed to make fun of you?

Question

undeniably, it is the goal of many, not all or most, but many atheists to convince believers of any faith that what they believe are nothing more than silly superstitions. consider religion just another topic on which to debate. and isn't it the goal in any form of debate to make the opponent seem unreliable, and in many cases ridiculous, while at the same time making yourself more credible, i.e. political debates? why should religion get a free pass? if anything, those who defend religion are getting off relitively light to only have to take a few insulting words. consider, all the religions that have fallen throughout history, not because of civil, or even hostile discussions but because of bloody wars. aren't people being just a little too sensitive when they complain about others making fun of their religion?

Answer 1

RAmen, brother. RAmen!

Answer 2

Yes, you can always make fun of people and their beliefs.
In the U.S., it's called Freedom Of Speech.

However, when one talks about debating a subject, there must be SOME common ground upon which the debate can be established. The problem here is that between Atheists and people who are religious, there is no common ground. Atheists lack any belief in even the most foundational belief that there is a Supreme Being.

Without a foundation for debate, the Atheists' words are merely a diatribe of criticisms and rantings. To be a Believer or any sort or ilk, one must weigh the evidence that is presented to them and than make a personal choice to believe. From the point of view of Believers, the Atheist just (A) has not yet been exposed to compelling evidence, or (B) shows an antagonistic attitude towards issues which they cannot perceive beyond the five human senses.

Answer 3

I think people typically shy away from making fun of religion because of the violence associated with it.

The Internet is great because we can tell radical Muslims that Muhammad(PBUH) was a pedophile or Jesus is a myth that is astrological in nature without any consequences.

But in the 'real' world, most of us wouldn't dare do the same thing for fear that we would get killed by the followers of these peaceful religions.

I went to a parochial University, and remember one service where a 2 local high school kids streaked across the pulpit as a joke. Understandably it was a very distasteful joke and well out of order, but unfortunately for the boys, they weren't fast enough, and were caught, and promptly beaten for their daring.

That taught me a good lesson about religion and its tolerance for jokes, at the time I was all for the beating, but thinking back it was very hypocritical and displayed the true nature of religion.

Answer 4

We live in an age of extreme sensitivity to insult. Very few people are able to see the humor in a joke upon themselves. People didn't used to take everything so deadly seriously.

I make fun of religion all the time myself, but I pick my audience carefully. I don't want to be assaulted (or "violated" on YA, either.)

Answer 5

I love it when they say "I don't really care" and then go into this long line of whines about how wrong it is to mock their religion, but totally ignore it when those of that religion do it to other people. "Oh, those aren't TRUE Christians"... what a crock!

Too sensitive? They're friggin whiners that need to grow up. If they didn't really care, they wouldn't post questions to point out how unfair it is when their little whiny-*** group is being mocked.

If it's wrong to mock others, then it's wrong for everyone. They need to quit with this whine to get special treatment bullshit. It's way beyond annoying now.


bmdt07 - Muslims die all the time for their belief. Does dying all of a sudden make it true? Damn can't any of you come up with a better argument than that? People die ALL the time for what they believe in!

Answer 6

"At the very least, shouldn't we be allowed to make fun of you?

Nobodies stopping you and you wouldn't be the first BTW. I see atheists who continually rail against Christians and make a sport of ridiculing Christianity and the Lord God practically all the time here.

But even when Christians are persecuted, even when the enemy attempts to deny our rights and negate our influence, the Lord says: “He that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain; . . . For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive . . . the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:13,15).

I think it's important to learn to form, temper, and direct that passion in a way more conducive to productive dialogue. I'm not claiming to have the key--I'm sure I come across as bratty, too, in many circumstances--but I have been very pleased over the past few years to note that as my tone became less acerbic, people's ears became more open to what I'd been wanting to communicate.

Answer 7

I would think as a compassionate individual, it would be argued that regardless of ones beliefs or lack thereof... no one likes to be ridiculed. Questioned? Certainly. Argued with? Most definately. But made fun of? No. Not even if you truly believe in the All powerful purple unicorn.

Answer 8

Making fun of others based on your own opinions of them, given that all things arise due to causes and conditions, simply weaves a web of really bad karma. Why? Because to cause others to suffer or be harmed is non-virtuous deeds and sets a "seed" in your own mind to reap a bad result later in this life or another rebirth.

Be altruistic, wise and compassionate. While you can make fun of ME all day and I don't mind, others may not be able to handle it.

_()_

Answer 9

*shrugs* I don't give a rat's behind if people make fun of me or my faith. While spirituality is a serious thing if you can't laugh at yourself you really need to do a serious reality check because you are taking yourself way too seriously. I fully acknowledge that sometimes (okay, most times) I look and sound ridiculous. Guess what though? I've long grown past the point where I care what others think.

So laugh at me all you want...makes no difference to me.

Answer 10

i thought the whole reason for a debate is to show others your side of things...

some people will not listen to anything you have to say if you're making fun of them. some will get downright hostile.

i believe that you have a right to your beliefs whatever they may be. so do i.

bright blessings to you.

Answer 11

I do make fun of silly things that the religious believe about the world. YEC especially. I try to show restraint at mocking the beliefs that they hold sacred though. It only antagonizes them and accomplishes nothing.