Blasphemy

It is offensive but not criminal, a law was passed in2008 .

This is the natural conclusion of making church and state interconnected.

We do it on a smaller scale (church schools for example).

Personally I would support religious freedom so long as NO church had any interference in state or education. Those who want church schooling should top up with sunday school outside of main school hours.

Its not as serious as a death sentance for blasphemy, but are still on the spectrum of allowing church to interfere with state

I suppose what I’m saying is that religion shouldn’t have a special status other than being a protected characteristic under the EA

grandtante I find it hard to accept the need for a separate blasphemy law. How would you define what disrespecting the religious views actually encompassed? The example in Pakistan is truly horrendous and I don’t see how anyone could defend that as acceptable. Am I being disrespectful when I say that to Islam? I know legally I can say that in the UK but would be in fear of my life over there and of course would not even visit that country for a range of reasons anyway.

Mycatisahacker - I am on your page.

Really - you compare my use of the term 'Skyfairy' to intolerance in Pakistan? I am not at all intolerant, I use the word to encompass all deities from man made Religions, with no bias or agneda. I certainly would not treat anyone, regardless of their race, creed or colour any differently. I am a spiritual person, and I do believe there is something there, but I believe it should be personal to each individual and not forced on anyone, hence my dislike of organised religion of any kind. As shown on here - it causes nothing but arguments.

As a historian I would like to point out that a great many wars have been started to protect territory or commercial interests and have had no religious incentives at all.

Admittedly the last couple of decades has, like the 15th century, seen wars that are due to differing religious views, but even these wars are fattening the purse of whichever firms make, sell and transport weapons, so the commercial aspect is not lacking either.

I have mixed feelings here. I agree that blasphemy should never be a capital offence - neither should anything else.

I find it distressing that there are still so many countries that still have capital punishment. I had hope to see it abolished world-wide in my life-time, but as I shall soon be 67, the likelihood of that happening is dwindling somewhat.

In the multi-ethnic world we are told we are living in, I think it is very necessary indeed that there should be laws that make it a crime to offend someone else's religious views either by publishing offensive matter or by acting disrespectfully in other ways .

Personally, I hold that anyone has the right to hold religious beliefs and to express them decently in public - those that hold another religious belief or none should respect this. Those who do not, should be liable to a fine or perhaps even prison for repeated offences.

People of no faith or political views can be intolerent, thick and unpleasant

Blasphemy has just been removed from the Irish constitution. The people voted last week to get rid of it. The church is losing it's grip on the Irish.

I think you generally find people who have verystrong either religious or political views are intolerant thick and unpleasant.

Of course blasphemy laws are a nonsense. Let’s hope we don’t loose the right to offend and be offended.

It’s becoming increasingly so in this country and it is worrying.

So the Grenfell ‘bonfire’ row. Vile horrible sickening people agrees but police resources now being used to punish them while almost daily black teenagers are dying in knife attacks in London. We are loosing the plot on what really matters.

Why the need to try to mock those who have a faith? What is the point, you Shortlegs are an atheist , I have no wish to mock you

Why would being rude about a non existent entity be a crime?

Wars are caused by man who use religion

Gosh, if there's one thing that all these posts seem to emphasise it's the fact that more arguments/wars are caused by religion than any other factor!

I agree Annibach I seem to spend a lot more time reading criticisms of faith from those who don't believe. In our Western society I rarely hear comments the other way round.

Works both ways Coconut how often atheists tell Christians what they should do

Blasphemy .... It’s yet another medieval concept that has no place in today’s society. Some are religious, some are not, some feel the need to ram their opinions down others throats as a way of control and manipulation. This world needs to live and let live before we all destroy each other, so many hate filled extremists everywhere.

Imran Khan has only been PM four months , he is not a dictator he is PM

All she did was take a drink of water on a hot day but it seems that the women shared a cup and said that it meant that they couldn't now drink.
She spent 9 years in jail for drinking a cup of water.
Prime Ministers in Pakistan often end up either murdered or in jail so Imran Khan has to be careful how he deals with this but he hopefully will take a longer view and try to change the education.
If it proves to be true that Saudi Arabia has stopped funding madrassas that may help. Pakistan still has to deal with the Taliban many of whom went to Pakistan as a result of the 'big surge' by the US.
What has happened to her is horrifying and she must be terrified but Khan has an almost insurmountable job to civilise his country. Many people in Pakistan who would challenge this kind of behaviour have left the country instead. I don't think he should be judged on how he deals with this particular case because the police and army aren't particularly trustworthy and might not deal with the rioters in any other way.

In a country where it is the norm for those who can afford it, or who receive it as part of their work, to take out healthcare insurance, how can they complain about the state doing almost that same thing - collecting "insurance" in taxes from those who have, to help those who have nothing?

Because it removes the warm glow of righteousness?
I knew a (very rich) female US surgeon who was very quick to tell us of the one morning a week she gave to free surgery for the poor, but was dead against any version of the NHS - "Socialist medicine" - being instigated in the States. She has since given up general surgery for cosmetic operations, as it is more profitable. I don't know whether she does that pro bono too, probably not, it is unneccessary for "the poor".

Interesting Elegran. thank you.

They are right, we have free will, we can choose to be selfish, to be racist, to cross on the other side, to ignore the teachings of Christ, but I fail to see how anyone can be a Christian and ignore his teachings .

Perhaps a petition should be started to allow the poor woman to come to Britain where she could attend church in peace.

Or perhaps letters could be sent to Imran Khan asking him to intervene, but could this lead to him being in danger himself?

God help America.
I think I quoted on another thread words from the Statue of Liberty:
“Give me your tired, your poor
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Re Trump and religion - I have just read a book entitled "Why Christians can't be Democrats". To be honest, I skip-read it - it is the longest and most boringly repetitive sermon I have ever come across.

However, it did clarify just why Trump has such support among US Christians, who you would have thought would approve all the things he and his party are busy dismantling.

Apparently, the state providing assistance, food and healthcare for those who can't manage it for themselves is going against God's laws. That is because it is being paid for using money which has been taken by force in taxes, instead of being charity, donated freely and with love by those who follow scripture. Under God's rule there is free will, and people can reject being "good", but under man's rule they must do as the state commands. The author says that although the right is not perfect, it allows individuals to give if they wish to or not give if they don't, and be moral if they wish to or immoral if they don't, while the left usurps the power of God by forcing equality and morality on everyone.

God help America.