Zarbi - Blasphemy and victims

Re: Blasphemy and victims

jeff beresford — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:48:02 GMT

strictly speaking, blasphemy is any utterance, attitude, behaviour that offends or calls into the question anything at all that another regards as sacrosanct/sacred - which, to be truly pedantic, means any religious utterance whatever that contradicts the beliefs of another person.

All religious expressions are a blapshemy to all other religions precisely because they deny the truth of the other's. So, can't it be argued that the catholics commit the crime of blasphemy for promoting their belief above all the others and vice versa?

It seems impossible to practice or proclaim any belief whatever without being open to the charge of blasphemy. Perhaps, rather than being called a crime, it could (only could) be called self-defense?

Perhaps it would be a useful distraction-ploy (a cunning plan) to get all the churches to sue each other for blasphemy, and while they're busy doing that, we can all get on with tidying up the messes and damages they've inflicted on the rest of us.

Re: Blasphemy and victims

Steve — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:37:13 GMT

You are right. I'm arguing about the "no victim" bit.

Re: Blasphemy and victims

Elephant — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:27:15 GMT

The "crime" of blasphemy would still be a problem if it was designated by the people who say they are offended, rather than their so-called representatives. Either way, It is still a matter of "I don't like what you say, therefore I am going to call on the resources of the state to shut you up." That is a sentiment that should never find expression in a free society.