When we signed up for this sub-forum, we agreed to a set of rules, one of them being the rule about blasphemy.
The powers-that-be already know that this is a very vague rule, so they provided us with a helpful example.
I had to pause for a minute after reading this rule and example, and I had to think for a while if the privilege of joining this part of the forum was worth agreeing to such a specific rule. And it seems I am not alone in this.
Now where do I see the problem? I agree that every sincere conversation should be held in a respectful way. This does not only include figures of religious importance, but also the participants of the conversation.
But what now is a sign of respect and of disrespect?
"God is a fairy tale" can be seen as a sign of disrespect, because it compares and reduces the subject to something that is considered to be trivial, childish, a matter of shallow entertainment. It makes clear that the subject isn't something to be taken serious.
It can be safely assumed that not only those who hear this phrase, but also those who made it see it in the same way.
"God is a mythical being" is different. While it can be used in a similar way as "fairy tale", it is also a serious subject. Mythology is an important part of human developement. The study of mythology and myths as literature, history and social studies is serious business.
So is it disrespectful?
In the rule I refered to earlier, there is a third part:
A much-used book right next to me has the title "Sagen des klassischen Altertums" ("Myths and legends of classical antiquity", 1838-40 by Gustav Schwab). All the old greek stories are in there. The creation of the world. The gods. The heroes. The greek mythology.
Zeus is in there. A mythical figure. Prometheus, also a mythical figure. Andromeda, the wife of Perseus, the mother of Perses, from whom the Persian kings are descended. Which is, of course, a myth.
It is disrespectful to call Zeus, Prometheus or Andromeda mythical figures? Well, one might say that no one really believes in Zeus anymore, and thus there is no one to disrespect. So let's take another example.
Muhammed, the prophet of Allah, the founder of Islam, is a figure of respect amongst his followers. It is customary to add a blessing after his name: peace be upon him.
Is it disrepectful not to add (PBUH) each time one talks about Muhammed? Blasphemy? When you deny that the God of Muhammed is the God of Abraham and his son Ismael... respectless? Blasphemy?
I don't think such a behaviour would be seen as against the rules on this forum or the blasphemy rule enforced in these regards. Respect does not mean acceptance of concepts that you do not agree with, or adherence to rules that you disagree with, or the silencing of people who - respectfully - express their position towards these rules or positions.
But much to often the accusation of "blasphemy" is used in this way: silencing those who disagree.
Do people believe that Zeus is a mythical figure? Yes, most do. But we mustn't say it out loud, because Greek-Pagans could be insulted.
That isn't "informed debate".
Of course it is well within the powers of the people who run this forum to make such a rule and sit as judge over any perceived violations.
But they should be aware that such a rule isn't based on respect, but on force.
So what do you think? Does Christianity need such a rule? Do Christians need to be protected from anything that someone might construct as an insult?
And, regarding the "similar respect is expected towards the faith and sacred texts of other religions" addendum... does that mean we atheists can ask for enforcement of this rule each time someone makes a derogatory remark about atheists, atheism or Richard Dawkins?
The powers-that-be already know that this is a very vague rule, so they provided us with a helpful example.
I had to pause for a minute after reading this rule and example, and I had to think for a while if the privilege of joining this part of the forum was worth agreeing to such a specific rule. And it seems I am not alone in this.
Now where do I see the problem? I agree that every sincere conversation should be held in a respectful way. This does not only include figures of religious importance, but also the participants of the conversation.
But what now is a sign of respect and of disrespect?
"God is a fairy tale" can be seen as a sign of disrespect, because it compares and reduces the subject to something that is considered to be trivial, childish, a matter of shallow entertainment. It makes clear that the subject isn't something to be taken serious.
It can be safely assumed that not only those who hear this phrase, but also those who made it see it in the same way.
"God is a mythical being" is different. While it can be used in a similar way as "fairy tale", it is also a serious subject. Mythology is an important part of human developement. The study of mythology and myths as literature, history and social studies is serious business.
So is it disrespectful?
In the rule I refered to earlier, there is a third part:
Again, a little vague. Is similar equal to "the same" here? Let's try and see.
A much-used book right next to me has the title "Sagen des klassischen Altertums" ("Myths and legends of classical antiquity", 1838-40 by Gustav Schwab). All the old greek stories are in there. The creation of the world. The gods. The heroes. The greek mythology.
Zeus is in there. A mythical figure. Prometheus, also a mythical figure. Andromeda, the wife of Perseus, the mother of Perses, from whom the Persian kings are descended. Which is, of course, a myth.
It is disrespectful to call Zeus, Prometheus or Andromeda mythical figures? Well, one might say that no one really believes in Zeus anymore, and thus there is no one to disrespect. So let's take another example.
Muhammed, the prophet of Allah, the founder of Islam, is a figure of respect amongst his followers. It is customary to add a blessing after his name: peace be upon him.
Is it disrepectful not to add (PBUH) each time one talks about Muhammed? Blasphemy? When you deny that the God of Muhammed is the God of Abraham and his son Ismael... respectless? Blasphemy?
I don't think such a behaviour would be seen as against the rules on this forum or the blasphemy rule enforced in these regards. Respect does not mean acceptance of concepts that you do not agree with, or adherence to rules that you disagree with, or the silencing of people who - respectfully - express their position towards these rules or positions.
But much to often the accusation of "blasphemy" is used in this way: silencing those who disagree.
Do people believe that Zeus is a mythical figure? Yes, most do. But we mustn't say it out loud, because Greek-Pagans could be insulted.
That isn't "informed debate".
Of course it is well within the powers of the people who run this forum to make such a rule and sit as judge over any perceived violations.
But they should be aware that such a rule isn't based on respect, but on force.
So what do you think? Does Christianity need such a rule? Do Christians need to be protected from anything that someone might construct as an insult?
And, regarding the "similar respect is expected towards the faith and sacred texts of other religions" addendum... does that mean we atheists can ask for enforcement of this rule each time someone makes a derogatory remark about atheists, atheism or Richard Dawkins?
