While perusing some of my Christian links, I read this on a blog for women:
Once again, Christianity’s been portrayed as laughable. Most Christians will get an earful of jokes, pokes, and even some outright insults in our lives. When this happens, should we laugh it off, express our hurt, or get angry?
There’s a big difference between jabs at Christians, and insults about God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Such statements are unacceptable: This is where we need to draw the line and diplomatically express our anger. It’s a matter of standing up for our God. We need to correct any lies or misconceptions about God’s character, and warn the offending friend that the most high God won’t tolerate those insults forever. Any actions we take—such as disconnecting from the friendship if the insults toward God continue—are done so that we’re not associated with the blasphemy.
Two commenters replied saying,
I think Christians that don’t have a thick skin are best served by developing one now because from what I experience, the insults are only growing against the Christian and of course people that don’t believe or respect the faith are going to be blasphemous. It is not and should not be excusable. I mean most people wouldn’t let anyone insult their mom or dad so why should they take insults to God and Jesus Christ (God made flesh).
Gods laughs at His enemies in the Psalms and holds them in derision. Let people laugh, it won’t be much longer. But meanwhile, I do think we need to take a very careful look at ourselves to make sure there is not something to the jobs we might receive.
[source]
Do you think there is a division between insulting or making fun of a Christian who believes in certain things or acts a certian way and making cracks at God or Jesus? Is one “sacred” while the other is not? The author seems to think different responses are called for if someone speaks negatively about God.
@Rationalists asked this on twitter: “why is it non-PC to ridicule such mindless irrationality in the 21st Century?”
Where do you draw the line between pointing out the ridiculous, irrational, amusing aspects of religion and being polite, keeping your opinions to yourself, and allowing for a difference in opinion? Should we be more kind, or does humor play a part in skeptical, rational thinking today? Can it make a positive difference, or will it just inspire more dislike for atheists?
Loading ...
