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Restrict others as you would have them restrict you
Q: Atheists are others are protesting a new law in Ireland, under which a person can be found guilty of blasphemy if "he or she publishes or utters matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion." The penalty is a fine of up to about $35,000. Should Ireland or any nation have a law against blasphemy?
Many Christians on the theologically-traditional end of the spectrum are likely to support this kind of thing, but I am convinced that doing so would be a mistake. There is already some momentum in the larger culture for inhibiting our own Christian right to say things that others might find offensive, because of their own version of the things that they hold "sacred." It doesn't take a lot of imagination, for example, to think of situations in the future where, say, an evangelical preacher might be forced to pay a fine for "hate speech" because of a sermon based on a biblical text dealing with same-sex relations. I know from experience that there is "a substantial number" of folks out there experience "outrage" about views that I hold dear. If I am going to ask them to keep from using the law to expedite their outrage, I would do well to live quietly with some outrage of my own!
By
Richard Mouw
|
January 4, 2010; 3:33 PM ET
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Posted by: laboo | January 5, 2010 1:47 PM
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Well, here's a law likely to please no one: Christian evangelicals want the right to use hate speech at *everyone else* while calling others 'blasphemers,' deny that what others hold sacred can even be called "sacred..." Not be told they have to treat others as they want to be treated!
Posted by: Paganplace | January 5, 2010 12:40 PM
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I totally agree with you. However, "Christians" in America have been agitating for years for laws that make abortion illegal. Some states have laws against same-sex relations. Until recent history, many states had laws against mixed race marriage.
America is already on the slippery slope; we have not been able to keep religion and government 100% separate.
Posted by: Whazzis | January 4, 2010 9:43 PM
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The comments to this entry are closed.
Yes, this sword is equally sharp on both edges. In fact, it will invariably wound those who try to wield it.
I am confident enough in my own beliefs not to take mortal offense when they are challenged, insulted or mocked. Even under such circumstances, I believe it's my responsibility to be tolerant of other beliefs that may conflict with mine. And if we could train ourselves to respect each other's choices, that would be the start of turning those two-edged swords into plowshares.