Blasphemy Day International was created in 2009 to coincide with the anniversary of the publication of satirical cartoons of the prophet Muhammad by a Denmark newspaper in 2005, and the furor those cartoons later sparked within the international Islamic community. Seriously. 137 people were killed in protests around the world. The original cartoonists had bounties placed upon their heads.
Even within the United States, six states (Massachusetts, Wyoming, Michigan, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania) still have anti-blasphemy laws on the books. While blasphemy is punishable by death in most Middle Eastern countries, many Western nations still have anti-blasphemy laws. 21 other European nations have "religious insult" laws in place.
Let me just say, I am 100% for blasphemy. If someone can tell my kid that the Easter Bunny doesn't exist, then I should be able to say that neither does your imaginary friend that controls the weather. You know, there's a term for someone that has conversations with somebody that doesn't exist. I believe it's called schizophrenic.
And in 2011, when people blame everything on god, from their stance on gay marriage, to their decision on running for President, they're not Christian. They're mental. They should not be applauded. They should be put in a straight jacket and locked away.
OK. Stepping down from my soapbox, now. Sorry. Here is a photo to celebrate the day.
I also wanted to include a video of one of my favorite songs. As I left the church, this song became more meaningful to me growing up. It's blasphemous as all hell (no pun intended), but as someone who later in life started to identify themselves as an atheist, it really spoke volumes as to the way I felt about god.
Even within the United States, six states (Massachusetts, Wyoming, Michigan, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania) still have anti-blasphemy laws on the books. While blasphemy is punishable by death in most Middle Eastern countries, many Western nations still have anti-blasphemy laws. 21 other European nations have "religious insult" laws in place.
Let me just say, I am 100% for blasphemy. If someone can tell my kid that the Easter Bunny doesn't exist, then I should be able to say that neither does your imaginary friend that controls the weather. You know, there's a term for someone that has conversations with somebody that doesn't exist. I believe it's called schizophrenic.
And in 2011, when people blame everything on god, from their stance on gay marriage, to their decision on running for President, they're not Christian. They're mental. They should not be applauded. They should be put in a straight jacket and locked away.
OK. Stepping down from my soapbox, now. Sorry. Here is a photo to celebrate the day.
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| Best. Photo. EVER. |
I also wanted to include a video of one of my favorite songs. As I left the church, this song became more meaningful to me growing up. It's blasphemous as all hell (no pun intended), but as someone who later in life started to identify themselves as an atheist, it really spoke volumes as to the way I felt about god.
Twenty-some-odd years after hearing it for the first time, and I still get goosebumps.
So, that's my take on blasphemy. Really? Did you expect anything less? Was is Thomas Jefferson that said, "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism"? If that's the case, then consider me a religious patriot.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to consult my daughter's sock monkey on some important, life changing decisions that need to be made in upcoming days.
1 comments:
Ha! I LOVE that XTC video. It changed my life too. And I am PROUD to play it for my 3 year old daughter. PROUD!
That picture made me laugh so much! Hee!
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