Mocking Jesus Should be Outlawed

According to a Christian preacher, mocking Jesus should be outlawed.

Here’s what he said:

In the Times Square area of New York City, there is a gigantic billboard. Here’s what’s on this billboard. It’s being sponsored by a big atheist group. There’s a picture of Santa Claus at the top of the billboard, and it says something like this: “Keep the Merry.” M-e-r-r-y. Then, if you look at the bottom part of the billboard that’s right underneath of “Keep the Merry,” there’s a picture of our Savior depicted on the cross, and it says “but do away with the fable.” [Note: It actually says "Dump the Myth"]

Now stop and think about that for a few moments. I’m just gonna say it. I’m not gonna beat around the bush… I think that is the stupidest sign I’ve ever heard of in my life! I think that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Well, preacher, haven’t you heard atheists today, and those not of the Christian faith today, don’t want us to mention Jesus and it offends ‘em?… Honey, let me tell you something. I’m gonna say this and not bat an eye! I’m offended by that garbage! I’m sick and tired of that garbage! And I believe it needs to be outlawed across the land to make fun of our savior! Say “amen” right there, glory to God! [Applause]… I’ve gotten so tired of seeing God’s people walk around and tremble and say, “Well, we don’t wanna mention the name of the Savior” or “We don’t wanna mention the name of the Lord because someone might be offended”…

… I will tell you something: God’s people had better be standing up and saying, “Enough is enough!” We wonder why our nation’s in the shape she’s in… You wanna know why we’re in the shape that we’re in? I’m gonna make some uncomfortable. It’s not because of a gun. We’re not in the shape that we’re in because of this or that or that group or this group. We’re in the shape that we’re in as a nation because we’ve expelled almighty God!

Whoa there, preacher. You have that little respect for free speech? You want to go back to the dark ages, where Inquisitors could burn people for blasphemy? Or perhaps you admire some of the Middle Eastern countries that still put atheists to death?

And if it’s okay to (in his mind) outlaw mocking his savior, how about we make it fair across the board and outlaw badmouthing atheists or people of other faith groups. That’s right. Every time a Christian says someone of no faith (or of a different faith) is going to hell; whenever someone says homosexuals are abominations, are comparable to people who practice bestiality or says they’re going to a place of burning torment, we throw them in jail. I mean, if we’re going to outlaw saying bad things about Jesus, we might as well make it fair all the way around.

Second of all, I’m sick and tired of this fear mongering bullshit. I’m tired of hearing that America is in bad shape because they deserted God. Come on people! If you think America is in bad shape, take a look around at the other countries on the planet, many of which are far more religious than America. Blaming shit on God just distracts from the very real problems that exist. It’s easy to blame a supernatural entity for the problems that American society as a whole has produced. Grow up and take some blasted responsibility for the state of your own country.

Third, Christians can talk about their Jesus all the time. Hell, take a gander at the news and you’ll see it in abundance. The freaking President mentioned God several times after the Sandy Hook tragedy, when he addressed the nation. Does that seriously look like America stifling religious talk?

The thing is, you can talk about Jesus all you want, but you can’t force other people to do the same. That means no mandatory school prayers. That means not putting in religious laws based strictly on religion. You can put up religious billboards all you want, just like the atheists did in this case. You can talk about God in your opulent churches. You can stand outside and talk about God. You can write about God. You can pray to God.

What you can’t do is force others to do the same.

These delusional pastors need to give their heads a shake. If nothing else, they’re driving people away from their religion with their crazy talk. I get that Christians might not be happy with the billboards. If I were a Christian, I probably wouldn’t like them much either. I also don’t like billboards insinuating that I’m going to hell unless I join their religion. BUT (and this is a big but) I support their ability to be able to put up those billboards if they want. That goes for Christian and non-Christian alike.

It’s called free speech. Neither religion nor atheism should have their free speech stifled. It’s called a marketplace of ideas. Live with it and enjoy the fact that you live in a country that allows you to speak your mind.

Many countries don’t.