theoldwolf

I'm not in favor of blasphemy. I think atheists are ripping themselves off, and I think those who belittle people of faith because of their traditions are acting contrary to their better nature. But that's just my opinion, valid for me. And in this case, the Irish humanists have got it right - a law banning blasphemy is about as chuckleheaded a statute as ever I have heard in a society that endorses freedom of religion, which - by extension - implies freedom of no religion.

Even arguing for the existence of God, His plan doesn't seem to call for raining hellfire down on the Janjaweed who are busy slaughtering thousands in Sudan, for example... why the hqiz would He show up to back a few wild-eyed lawmakers who don't like the way people talk about Him?

Once again, religion oversteps its bounds. Let the Catholic clergy preach from the pulpit that blasphemy is out of order. Let those who go to listen, choose for themselves. Let the Church censure those of their flock who stray, if they feel so inclined. But for the love of Mogg's Grandmother, don't expect those who are not part of your congregation or your traditions to conduct their lives according to your whims.