Abolition of the crime of blasphemy

[jake-the-peg]

Today a cross party group are seeking the abolition of the crime of blasphemy.

This crime only protects Christianity and signatories calling for it's abolition bizzarrely include Richard Dawkins and the ArchBishop of Canterbury

Yet it's getting a somewhat luke warm response from the Government.

Is there any good reason to keep a piece of archaic legislation like this that hasn't been sucessfully used for decades?

Does Jesus need the protection of the law?

[naomi24]

Theland, I asked you a few days ago what you thought Jesus would have said about Muslims, but you didn't answer me. What do you think he would have said?

[naomi24]

Sorry, Theland, but I'm answering your response to Waldo - and apologies to you too, Waldo. This question isn't asking whether the law should be extended to include other religions, it's asking whether the law should be abolished altogether.

[Theland]

I think Jesus would have had the same message for muslims, as for anybody else. Love God, love neighbour, and believe in Him, accepting his free gift of salvation.

[naomi24]

But you don't love your neighbour, do you, so how can you say you're a Christian?

[WaldoMcFroog]

'Do it my way or spend eternity in agony - it's your choice, entirely up to your' is not what most people would understand by 'free'.

[Theland]

Naomi - You are confusing my hatred for an evil ideology, with a hatred for individual muslims. That is not the case.

[naomi24]

In that case, my apologies - but make no mistake, Theland, old chap, I'll be keeping my eye on your posts in future, so watch it! One false move, and you've had it! :o)

[luna-tic]

If God gave us free will then that should include free speech or it only causes segregation when a law laid down by a particular belief system backed by the government then tells us that we cannot live life as we wish. Wasn't Jesus put on the cross for speaking his mind?

[jno]

Theland, exactly which epidemics were the Jews spared by not touching the chairs that menstruating women sat on? And do you observe this prohibition yourself or are you an apostate?

[Quinlad]

I am God. I created the universe and everything in it. I am everywhere. I am all-seeing and all-knowing. I am almighty. My power in infinite.

But... if you say bad things about me I'll get weally weally cwoss!

In fact, sod it. I'm making that one of my ten commandments. One of the most important rules with which to govern your lives. Don't diss me. That's really important to me.

Oh, and make sure you spend your Sundays reminding me how great I am and saying nice things to me.

Yours, God.

PS - Once again, please don't say nasty thing about me. I am all-powerful etc etc.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Do you eat black pudding or blood sausage, Theland?

[WaldoMcFroog]

Would you pick up a poisonous snake?

[Theland]

Black pudding? I used to love that, but I generally give fry ups a miss these days.
Your point being that I don't follow the rules of course, but then again, Jesus declared that it wasn't the food that made a man unclean, but what was in his heart.
I dare say the dietary laws had their use in that place at that time and contributed to the health of the Jews.
Pick up a poisonous snake? No, of course not, my faith isn't that strong, and anyway, what would be the point? Unless I worked in the Zoo of course.

[Theland]

Naomi - With you watching me closely, I shall be on my guard.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Of course the health laws generally had a point to them; they're practical guidance. They're also superceded by modern farming and cooking techniques and medicine.

The point is that you too are equally as apostate as the Muslims to whom you draw attention.

[Theland]

No, I follow the teaching of Jesus Christ to the best of my ability, and, yes, often fail, but try again and beg His forgiveness for failing.

[naomi24]

Theland, very wise, my dear, very wise. :o)

[naomi24]

Oops, our posts crossed, Theland. I meant you're wise to be on your guard.

[WaldoMcFroog]

So from now on you will be willing to pick up poisonous snakes?

[Theland]

Always on my guard. When word gets around that there's a fundie about, I feel like a tethered goat waiting for the carnivores to arrive.